Our Cottage Staff

Your Care. Our Purpose.

People who truly care—because they choose to.

At Our Cottage, our staff is the heart of our homes. From hands-on caregivers to nurses and leadership, every member of our team is here because they love what they do—and they treat each resident like family. We’re not a large, anonymous facility. We’re a close-knit community with people who
take the time to truly know your loved one, understand their story, and genuinely care for their well-being.

Consistent, Compassionate Care

High Staff-to-Resident Ratio

Small home settings mean more personal attention, familiar faces, and consistent care—every single day.

Hands-On, Relationship-Based Approach

Our team doesn’t just assist with tasks. We build relationships, notice the small things, and create moments of connection that make each day feel meaningful.

Around-the-Clock Support

Our trained care staff is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure residents receive attentive and immediate care when needed.

Specialized Training & Oversight

Certified Dementia Care Practitioners

Many of our team members are certified in dementia care, with ongoing training in safety, behavioral support, and person-centered care practices.

Licensed Nursing Oversight

Our Regional Wellness Director is a licensed nurse with certifications in Dementia and Wound Care, and more than six years of experience in skilled nursing.

Team-Based Medical Coordination

Our trained care staff is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure residents receive attentive and immediate care when needed.

Transparent Communication & Involvement

Family-Focused Approach

We believe families are part of the care team. We maintain open, proactive communication with family members and provide updates, check-ins, and support through every phase.

Involved Owners & Leaders

Our leadership team is not distant or hidden. Owners and administrators are actively involved, responsive, and present—bringing personal oversight to daily operations and resident care.

The Difference Is Who We Hire

We carefully select team members who are not only experienced but also kind, patient, and attentive. We look for people who see caregiving as a calling—and it shows.

Because at Our Cottage, care isn’t just about meeting needs. It’s about honoring people, preserving dignity, and making sure each resident feels respected, seen, and valued.

Meet Our Team

Our Story

Our Cottage is a family-owned and operated business that runs with the professionalism and systems of a large organization—but the heart of a home.

We come to the assisted living industry from a real estate background. For years, we’ve been landlords and

property developers, with a strong focus on building and maintaining homes that serve families well.

Along the way, we encountered many residential assisted living homes—and what we saw left a lasting impact.

Too many were outdated, poorly maintained, and lacking the warmth and dignity our seniors deserve.

We knew we could do better.

So we set out to become not just another operator—but an exemplary one.

We assembled a team of professionals with the medical, operational, and hospitality experience needed to create something better: small, beautiful homes where care feels personal, the atmosphere feels peaceful, and the environment supports dignity every step of the way.

Our Mission

At Our Cottage, everything begins with one simple belief:

your care is our purpose.

We exist to create homes where every resident feels safe, respected, and truly at home.

Our mission is to provide care that honors each

person’s story, supports their independence, and brings comfort and dignity to every day.

From warm meals to meaningful connection, from personalized support to peaceful surroundings—everything we do is focused on helping our residents live fully, confidently, and with joy.

Because this isn’t just care.

It’s your life—and we’re honored to be part of it.

Andy Burt

Founder & CEO

of Our Cottage

With over 40 years of experience building and leading businesses around the world, Andy brings vision, structure, and deep care to every aspect of Our Cottage.

After years in real estate, he saw firsthand the need for higher-quality residential care—and made it his mission to create homes where seniors feel safe, valued, and truly at home.

Andy leads with purpose, integrity, and a clear commitment to doing what’s right for every resident and every family.

Yulia Burt

Founder, Marketing Business Development

Yulia brings over 25 years of experience in business development and marketing across North America. As co-founder of Our Cottage, she leads the charge in finding the right homes, shaping the brand, and ensuring that every family feels seen, heard, and supported from the very first conversation.

Her passion lies in creating welcoming environments—not just within our homes, but in every touchpoint with the families we serve. Yulia is committed to helping each resident feel genuinely cared for, while making the process simple and reassuring for their loved ones.

Toni Burt

Founder, Resident Experience & Daily Care

As a founding member of Our Cottage, Toni plays a hands-on role in both the care and comfort of our residents. She works closely with our team to manage daily routines, support caregivers, and ensure each home feels calm, organized, and welcoming.

Toni is also the heart behind our enrichment programming—designing activities that bring joy, connection, and meaning to each day. From the first family meeting to everyday engagement, she helps make sure every resident feels seen, supported, and truly at home.

Luke Burt

Founder, Licensing & Compliance

As a founding member of Our Cottage, Luke plays a vital role in ensuring each of our homes meets and maintains all required licensing and safety standards.

With a background in engineering and a passion for detail, he stays up to date with Residential Assisted Living regulations and ensures our homes are always inspection-ready.

Luke’s thoughtful, behind-the-scenes work gives families peace of mind—knowing that every home is not only warm and welcoming, but also compliant, secure, and professionally managed.

Jason Elderfield

Founder, Financial Operations

Jason is one of the founding members of Our Cottage and brings more than 30 years of experience in finance and business management. He is responsible for overseeing the financial well-being of the organization, ensuring our resources are used wisely and sustainably.

With a steady and thoughtful approach, Jason helps us plan for long-term stability—so families can feel confident that their loved one’s home will continue to provide exceptional care for years to come.

Ryan Zeestraten

Advisor and

Operational Support

Ryan is a seasoned healthcare and real estate entrepreneur with a deep passion for serving others. Over the past decade, he has built and led multiple care-focused businesses, including hospice, primary care, and residential living homes.

After personally growing and operating several assisted living communities, Ryan brings invaluable insight and compassion to Our Cottage. He remains closely involved as a trusted advisor—ensuring our homes provide not only safety and support, but also warmth, dignity, and a true sense of home.

Karen Qualls

Advisor, Clinical &

Operational Support

Karen brings hands-on expertise in residential assisted living, with a strong focus on quality care and operational excellence. With a background that blends creativity and compliance, she supports Our Cottage with practical insights into daily care standards, staffing, and state regulations.

As an advisor, Karen helps ensure that our homes not only meet expectations—but exceed them—through thoughtful systems, compassionate support, and attention to every detail that matters to residents and their families.

Leslie Coates

Senior Living Advisor

Operational Support

Leslie brings over 20 years of experience in senior care sales, marketing, and community outreach. She has worked with leading assisted living providers across DFW, helping families navigate the transition to residential care with empathy and clarity.

At Our Cottage, she leads our referral partnerships, family tours, and marketing efforts, ensuring every family feels informed, supported, and confident in their decision.