Legacy & Vision
Many Communities, One Purpose
It began with a matchbook and a mission. In 2003, Patricia (Pat) Marie Yager, driven by her deep roots within Indigenous communities, launched Circle of Life and Soaring Eagles to deliver culturally sensitive home care to people on and off tribal reservations. She started humbly, writing her phone number on matchbooks as business cards and visiting reservations. Her efforts quickly expanded from Minnesota’s Leech Lake Reservation to serve communities across Arizona, New Mexico, the Dakotas, and Montana, all grounded in the belief that “honoring and serving our own people” builds dignity for both caregivers and clients.
Growing her care.
Pat saw the systemic health disparities impacting Native communities. Higher rates of chronic illness, suicide, and loss of life at young ages. She believed that culturally grounded, respectful care could change the story. She built relationships by meeting with tribal leaders, treating clients like elders in their own home, and hiring within the community. Like a tapestry, she wove Circle of Life into the fabric of Indigenous self-care.
Looking ahead.
As we honor Pat’s legacy, we’re committed to scaling thoughtfully and helping others.
- Expanding Our Reach: Bringing culturally respectful care to more communities, rural and urban, especially those historically underserved.
- Deepening Cultural Connection: Preserving the traditions and values that make each community unique by tailoring their care.
- Growing with Heart: Hiring caregivers with compassion first, just as Pat did.
- Advancing the Circle of Care: Strengthening families and communities who need it most.
Since Our Matchbook Beginning, We’ve Cared for Many Families
25 years
Of professional caregiving
2,000+
Individuals currently being served
32
Locations
Coming together as One Circle
At One Circle, we come together with a shared purpose — to honor those we serve through compassion, respect, and community. United through our family of brands — Circle of Life and Soaring Eagles — we carry forward an Indigenous legacy of care that has grown to embrace many cultures and traditions. Guided by the belief that care is stronger when it’s connected, we celebrate diversity and unity as we support individuals and families from all backgrounds. Together, we are One Circle.
Testimonials
Real Experiences.
Real Connections.
See what care and connection mean to the people at the heart of One Circle.
“Because of Circle of Life, I’m able to have my own home. I want to spend my whole life in my home and they are affording me that luxury.”
Virginia
Client
“Circle of Life brought cultural sustainability to the community.”
Beth
Native American Health Advocate
“I love that I get to wake up in my own bed, do art and beat work, have home cooked meals and be a part of my community. Circle of Life made that possible. “
Jerry F
Client
“The staff is very nice, always answer my questions, and always there to help”
Delfina
PCA
“We were able to get my sister to be my caregiver. She advocates for me and makes sure I am safe. If it wasn’t for Soaring Eagles, I would be in a nursing home, and I like being in my home. “
Lela D
Client
“I love that it’s someone who knows me. That I can laugh with.”
Lori
Client
Virginia
Client
"Because of Circle of Life, I’m able to have my own home. I want to spend my whole life in my home and they are affording me that luxury."
Beth
Native American Health Advocate
"Circle of Life brought cultural sustainability to the community. "
Jerry F
Client
"I love that I get to wake up in my own bed, do art and beat work, have home cooked meals and be a part of my community. Circle of Life made that possible. "
Delfina
PCA
"The staff is very nice, always answer my questions, and always there to help"
Lori
Client
“I love that it’s someone who knows me. That I can laugh with.”
Lela D
Client
"We were able to get my sister to be my caregiver. She advocates for me and makes sure I am safe. If it wasn't for Soaring Eagles, I would be in a nursing home, and I like being in my home. "
Leadership
Guided by Purpose.
Grounded in Care.
At One Circle, leadership is rooted in service, equity, and cultural respect. Our leaders bring together decades of experience across health care, operations, and community engagement—guided by a shared commitment to honoring every individual’s story. From our executive team to our regional and nursing directors, each leader plays a vital role in strengthening our mission to deliver care that connects, empowers, and uplifts the people and communities we serve.
Organizational Leadership
Katie Fleury (she/her)
Chief Executive Officer
Katie leads with a deep commitment to service, equity, and person-centered care. A former military officer with a career background in operational improvements and strategy, she is focused on guiding the organization through growth and change with clarity and alignment to our values. Katie finds meaning in helping older adults and individuals remain in their homes and communities, believing that health care should honor each person’s story, independence, and sense of belonging.
Sandy Uwimana (she/her)
Chief Operating Officer
Sandy leads operational strategy with a deep focus on equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive care—ensuring that services honor the traditions, languages, and lived experiences of every client. With a career spanning leadership roles in health care technology and client success, Sandy has consistently championed solutions that break down systemic barriers and improve access to quality care. She brings a global perspective shaped by her Rwandan heritage, a Harvard education in the history of science, and years of experience building partnerships that center dignity and trust. Sandy’s work reflects her belief that health care should not only heal the body, but also affirm identity, strengthen communities, and create lasting pathways to equity.
Beth Peterson
Human Resources
Beth has spent six years at One Circle, bringing healthcare experience and a bachelor’s degree from St. Cloud State. She is passionate about hiring caring individuals, creating great workplaces, supporting growth, and helping employees thrive within a positive culture. Beth feels the company focuses on providing excellent care for our clients and that each office operates like a family. In her downtime, she enjoys time with her family, cuddling with her dogs, and reading.
Katie Wagner
Revenue Director
With roots in the home care industry dating back to her high school years, Katie brings a lifelong passion for helping others and a deep understanding of the field. Her career began as a caregiver, and through dedication and leadership, she advanced into roles in administration, operations, and ultimately executive management. Katie is driven by a commitment to empowering others—helping individuals discover their strengths and achieve success in their own professional journeys. Outside of work, Katie enjoys an active family life with her husband, Jason, and their two children. Together, they love hiking, biking, rollerblading, having garage dance parties, and exploring trails on their Side by Side—never shying away from a little mud along the way.
Mariah Moskalik
Program Director
Mariah is a dedicated healthcare leader with nearly a decade of experience in home health and post-acute care. Guided by the belief that everyone deserves to thrive where they feel safest (their own home) she combines clinical expertise with strategic, data-informed leadership. Mariah has a proven record of improving client satisfaction, operational efficiency, and compliance and holds an MBA and a BS in Nursing. Passionate about advancing quality and access in home care, Mariah champions innovation and a people-first approach. Outside of work, she enjoys family time, reading, the outdoors, and exploring trails on ATVs and UTVs.
Regional Leadership
Shannon Block
Regional Director, Northern Minnesota & Montana
Shannon has worked in healthcare for over 20 years with over 4 years of leadership experience. Shannon has advocated for underserved and marginalized communities both in prior organizations and in her personal life. During her time in healthcare Shannon has worked as a CNA and a patient navigator, which has given her the opportunity to speak to hundreds of people and sit on panels to discuss disparities. Shannon strives to have individuals be met where they are in their life journey and being able to stay in their homes where there is comfort and security is a top priority for her. Outside of work, Shannon enjoys being able to spend time with her family, traveling, enjoying the great outdoors, and enjoy the company of her favorite four-legged companions.
Shelly Elkington
Regional Director, Southern Minnesota
Shelly brings over two decades of experience in healthcare leadership and agency management. Her rural roots, nursing background and business knowledge have given her the opportunity to serve her community with integrity and compassion. With a deep commitment to excellence and empathy in person-centered care, she combines clinical expertise with business leadership to ensure clients receive personalized, dignified care. Her vision continues to guide Circle of Life’s mission of supporting well-being at every stage of the care journey.
Heidi Gennaro
Regional Director, Twin Cities
Heidi leads with a balance of strategic vision and compassion. With more than 30 years of experience in healthcare leadership, she has built a proven record of driving operational excellence while keeping people—clients, caregivers, and communities—at the heart of every decision. Heidi is known for fostering strong, high-performing teams and cultivating a culture rooted in trust, accountability, and empathy. Her leadership has helped strengthen Circle of Life’s reputation for delivering dependable, client-centered care across its regional operations. Guided by the belief that true success begins with integrity and human connection, Heidi continues to champion excellence in both service and leadership throughout the home care industry.
Elizabeth Hough
Regional Director, Northern Minnesota
Elizabeth has been with Circle of Life for 14 years, serving as a director for the past six. She began her journey as an Office Assistant at the corporate office in 2011 and holds a BA in Public Policy. Deeply passionate about helping and strengthening her community, Elizabeth approaches her work with empathy shaped by her own family’s health experiences. She strives to ensure every client and caregiver feels valued and heard. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in nature, being with family, and exploring her love of history.
Peggy Ortega
Regional Director, Arizona
Peggy joined the team in 2024 as Regional Director of Operations for Arizona. She brings more than 35 years of leadership experience in the healthcare field, having served in a variety of roles throughout her career. Raised in a large Native American family, Peggy is a proud member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and is deeply committed to providing culturally sensitive, high-quality care to underserved communities. Her personal experiences of seeing her family receive home care have fueled her lifelong passion for helping others. Peggy is bilingual and dedicated to uplifting the diverse communities she serves.
Katherine Williams
Regional Director, Dakotas
Katherine joined our team in July 2018 with 26 years of nursing experience serving in various capacities of her career. After 7+ years working for the organization, she is now the Regional Director for North and South Dakota. A caregiver since childhood, Katherine’s early experiences shaped her passion for compassion driven care. She believes in empowering the people through connection, helping them identify needs, access support, and finding wellness in their own environments. At the heart of her work is a simple but powerful value: when people feel truly cared for, they find hope and healing. Aside from working with people, Katherine loves the harmony of nature, her animals and outdoor activities.
Tiffanie Zeno
Regional Director, New Mexico
Tiffanie serves as the Regional Director of Operations in New Mexico, drawing strength and perspective from her Diné (Navajo) heritage. She is a first generation graduate with over 17 years of experience in long term care. Guided by resilience, compassion, and determination, she found her calling in supporting individuals with disabilities and the elderly. Her sincere love for her grandparents has instilled a deep commitment to providing compassionate care. Outside of work, Tiffanie enjoys capturing moments through photography, chasing waterfalls, and coffee.
Program And Nursing Leadership
Jae England-Sullivan
245D Director
Jae oversees the disability program that provides home and community-based services, including 245D waivered services, and leads a team of designated coordinators who support individual needs directly. Along with over a decade working in the disability field, he also holds an AA in Sociology, is pursuing his BA, and is a trained person-centered coach. Passionate about removing systemic barriers, Jae focuses on helping people define what truly matters to them while challenging stigmas and biases in care. Shaped by his experiences with poverty and caregiving in his family, he brings empathy and understanding to his work. Outside of work, Jae enjoys concerts, nature, traveling, and spending time with family.
Jackie Jordan
Nursing Director
Jackie began her career in nursing in 2002. Coming from generations of nurses, she leads with integrity and compassion, ensuring every individual feels valued and supported. Jackie is deeply committed to honoring each person’s choices and promoting a high quality of life surrounded by loved ones. Her approach blends clinical excellence with cultural connection, drawing inspiration from community traditions, family, pets, and music. Through her leadership, Jackie strives to make a meaningful impact—one rooted in respect, empathy, and the belief that care is most powerful when it honors the whole person.
Bobbi Jo Tushaus
Nursing Director
Bobbi Jo serves as the Director of Nursing and brings over 15 years of hands-on experience as a Qualified Professional (QP) and 20 years in the nursing field to her leadership role. Having previously worked in the very position she now supervises, she understands firsthand the importance of independence, quality of life, and person-centered care for the individuals we serve. Her leadership is driven by empathy, consistency, dedication, and a deep commitment to compliance. Outside of work, she enjoys quality time with her husband and two daughters, traveling whenever she can, and making memories at their lake place.
Careers
Interested in Becoming a Caregiver?
Circle of Life and Soaring Eagles are always accepting applications for Caretakers/PCA, Registered Nurses, and Office Staff at any of our locations.
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