Logo Explanation
The CERTUS logo was created with great care and thought directed toward those we serve. We believe our communities will become your loved one’s home – a place where they feel loved, empowered, and where they’ll create wonderful memories.
Thus, the yellow home. Throughout life we each strive for a healthy balance in all that we do. The Yin and Yang image represents the complementary forces that interact to create that healthy balance.
Core Values
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We lead with integrity.
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We engage with compassion.
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We foster creativity.
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We serve with pleasure.
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We inspire learning.
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We treat everyone with respect.
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We strive to understand one another.
Our dynamic team provides balance to each resident’s life providing the most beneficial amount of opportunities for socialization, physical wellness, intellectual stimulation and nutritional support.
And lastly, the beautiful blue sky which represents our philosophy that every day is a new day to create opportunities for success where every moment matters.
Get to know the team behind CERTUS
CERTUS was founded in 1999 by Glen Pawlowski. Over the next 10 years, through a combination of new construction and acquisition, CERTUS grew to 10 independent and assisted living communities.
Located in Florida, Texas and Oklahoma, the CERTUS portfolio included over 1500 apartments. CERTUSs success has been rooted in a philosophy of maintaining a flat organizational structure, hiring great associates, and creating a culture of accountability and transparency.
Going forward, CERTUS Senior Living is committed to stand alone memory care communities. We believe that memory care is very specialized, and we have a great blueprint for our purposely architected buildings.
We have 7 sites under various stages of acquisition, and will commence construction of all these communities by 2018.
Glen Pawlowski – Founder/CEO
Mr. Pawlowski received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Administration from Iowa State University in 1979. Mr. Pawlowski has held sales, marketing, operation management and project development positions primarily in retirement housing and telecommunications industries for over 30 years.
Prior to founding CERTUS, Mr. Pawlowski was Regional Director of Operations for Merrill Gardens, a national retirement housing company.
He was responsible for management of their retirement communities in the southeast United States. He has been responsible for all aspects of senior housing, including market analysis, site acquisition, project planning and development, marketing, and operations management.
Leaving Merrill Gardens, Mr. Pawlowski founded CERTUS Development and CERTUS Management in 1999 and ran it as President and CEO. He is directly experienced with over 3,500 units in 16 communities.
Sarah Miller – Vice President of Operations
Miss Miller is an accomplished healthcare industry executive with 15+ years of experience driving profitability and market share. Sarah served as both an Executive Director and Regional Director of Operations with experience in assisted living, memory care, life plan, and skilled nursing facilities.
Sarah creates cutting-edge customer support solutions in support of the organization’s mission and goals. Sarah earned her Degree in long term care administration at University of South Florida and holds a Nursing Home Administrator License.
Sarah is passionate about delivering quality care to residents and watching them thrive as she and her team positively impact their lives through life within the communities.
Joshua J. Freitas – Vice President of Program Development
Joshua is an award-winning memory care program developer, researcher, and author. As the Vice President of Program Development at CERTUS, Josh creates our unique programs and engagement initiatives.
Over the past decade, Josh has always taken a hands-on approach to serving those living with memory care loss whether working as a Program Manager, Corporate Director of Memory Care or as a national board member for various associations.
He holds five certifications related to dementia care and has studied at some of the world’s most renowned colleges and universities including Lesley University, Harvard University, and Berkley College of Music.
Joshua is pursuing a Doctoral degree in Clinical Gerontology and Aging Neuroscience. Joshua believes a dementia diagnosis should not be viewed as the end of life and to break the stigmas that impede progress and quality care we must all advocate for those with memory loss, and support their families and friends.
Tina Kendrick – Clinical Director of Community Relations
Tina Kendrick is an experienced healthcare professional and licensed nurse, currently serving as the Corporate Director of Clinical Relations at CERTUS. She holds a Practical Nursing degree from Americare School of Nursing and an Associate of Arts in Healthcare Administration from the University of Phoenix.
Since embarking on her healthcare journey as a Licensed Practical Nurse, Tina has assumed various executive roles, showcasing her notable leadership skills and unwavering dedication to superior care.
She holds numerous certifications from different states, indicative of her adaptability and comprehensive understanding of assisted living regulations and standards nationwide. These credentials highlight her expertise in navigating diverse healthcare systems and underscore her commitment to delivering high-quality care.
At the CERTUS Institute, Tina serves as a faculty member and is a certified dementia specialist through the National Institute for Dementia Education (NIDE). Her patient-centric approach and commitment to creating a nurturing environment for patients’ families and colleagues significantly contribute to the advancement of memory care. Tina Kendrick continues to inspire through her impressive career, reflecting her dedication to enhancing patient care and leading her team effectively.