Community Leadership

Advena Living of Bonner Springs celebrates the importance of ethics, compassion and commitment in the healthcare profession as we honor our nurses, volunteers and staff, who demonstrate such passion and dedication to our community members every day.

Our staff works side-by-side with families and physicians to ensure our community members are in the most appropriate care setting, customized for their needs and preferences. Our licensed professionals are available to answer questions and address any concerns you or your family may have.

Please feel free to contact our key staff members about our services:

Katie Wilcox, Administrator

administratorBS@advenagroup.com

I grew up in a very small town in Kansas. During high school, I got a job as a dietary aide at the local nursing home and quickly became a Certified Nurse Assistant. I enjoyed everything about this job and knew then I was supposed to work with seniors. Through the years, I have been mentored by some of the best in field and have worked in a variety of different roles and settings. My passion is to provide excellent care and a meaningful life for every community member. Each resident is special and deserves to be treated and cared for in that way. As a servant-leader, I strive to create a supportive and positive team environment that allows everyone the opportunity to grow and learn.

Kim Steakle, Director of Marketing and Admissions

marketingBS@advenagroup.com

I have worked with seniors for 30 years and love being a support and advocate to residents and their families. After moving to Kansas City, I was ready to go into nursing, but I ended up working in activities before that could happen. I loved it so much, I changed direction and working in activities and then marketing. I wanted to learn everything I could about dementia– from taking care of those individuals, to helping families deal with it. This prepared my family and I for the journey with my dad’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

His diagnosis led me to fundraising and volunteering for the Alzheimer’s Association. Additionally, I’ve supported other local organizations like Harvesters and multiple pet charities. I’m currently a member of the Kiwanis club and Bonner Beautiful—two groups that help me better serve my community.

I love gardening, crafting, music, rescuing pets, camping and canoeing. Plus, I’m an avid collector and seller of all things vintage.

Ashlee Siard, Business Office Manager

socialservicesBS@advenagroup.com

My desire to help people is why I joined the team at Advena Living of Bonner Springs as the Social Services Director. When I was 16, my father became ill with cancer and I was his primary caregiver until he passed away. Out of that came a need to see that others receive the best care possible.

In 2001, I became a CNA at Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison and started my journey in healthcare with the Benedictine Sisters. I have experience working in long-term care and acute care, to working in the ICU, maternity unit and the ER. My love for people has been what has fueled me to stay the course. My goal for each person that we have the honor of caring for, is that they receive individualized care focused on the whole person. We have a responsibility to make sure their physical, spiritual, mental and psychosocial needs are being met.

I am a Kansas native, born and raised on a little farm just 45 minutes north of Bonner Springs. I am a mother to four amazing children. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and attending church.

Cortney Gonzales, Activities Director

activitiesBS@advenagroup.com

I was born and raised in California and came out to Kansas to finish up my four-year degree at Ottawa University. I got my bachelor’s degree in Sociology and worked as a social worker out of college for just over a year. I also have worked in a childcare center as an assistant director before coming to Advena Living of Bonner Springs.

My passion is to help others and have fun while doing it. A typical day may have a variety of activities for the residents. It can start with current events and coffee, or some morning music and exercise, to bowling, bingo, or trivia in the evenings. I enjoy finding activities that help residents feel engaged and connected to the community and one another. I try to cater to their strengths and keep their minds and bodies active.

We also like to plan events in and out of the community, like the luau in July for a residents and their families, and the Tiblow Days parade in Bonner Springs.

Myka Golden, Director of Nursing Assistant (DONA)

donaBS@advenagroup.com

I was born and raised in Kansas City. I knew from a young age my passion was to help others. I started at Advena Living of Bonner Springs in 2015 after becoming a CNA. In May of 2022 I became CMA and in July of 2022 I was given the opportunity to move into the role as the DONA (Director of Nursing Assistant). My passion is to ensure quality care for the residents in our community. I love being able to build a relationship with them and their families!

Cathy Mills, ADON/MDS Coordinator

adonBS@advenagroup.com

I am a proud mother of 4 children and soon to be 7 grandchildren. I have been a nurse since 1991. I have been employed at Advena Living of Bonner Springs for 11 years. I wear many hats as a staffing coordinator, educator, MDS Coordinator, and Assistant Director of Nursing. My passion lies in providing care to residents and their families above all of my roles. Being able to provide bedside nursing care to residents and seeing them smile is what nursing is all about.

Lisa Richardson, Therapy Director

lisa.richardson@bonnerspringsliving.org

I became interested in occupational therapy when a family member of mine had an injury and I was able to attend some of his therapy sessions. It was fascinating to see the improvements he was experiencing both physically and mentally as he made progress in his therapy. Because of this, I decided that occupational therapy was the career that I wanted to pursue. The fact that I get to play a small part in a person reaching their goals and being able to return to the level of independence that makes them feel their best is one of the greatest aspects of working in occupational therapy. Throughout my career, I have worked in several different settings, but the skilled nursing setting seems to be where I belong. The stories and experiences that the residents in our facility have to share are invaluable. It is truly a blessing to be involved in their lives.