Senior Living Advisors

We are passionate about helping your loved one find the most suited senior living community to call home. With thoughtfulness and empathy, we guide you through every step of the journey, ensuring support and care at every turn.
Co-Founders, Robert Tollenaar & Mahria Sooter
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Mahria's Story
"When you work with me, you’re not just bringing on an advisor—you’re partnering with someone who understands the weight of this journey from every angle. Someone who has been there, who listens deeply, and who knows how to bring joy, connection, and clarity to even the most challenging situations. It’s not just about finding a place; it’s about finding their place. And I’m here to make sure you do."
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My very first memory of walking into a senior living community was with my parents at five years old. The air smelled faintly of coffee, the room hummed with quiet conversation, and then—music. My parents, both opera singers, would fill the space with beautiful arias, and my brother, sister and I would sing familiar, beloved hymns and folk songs alongside them. It wasn’t just about the music; it was about the joy it brought. I watched the residents' faces light up, their hands clap along, their spirits lifted. That was my first lesson in the power of connection—how even small acts of care and creativity can make a profound impact.
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Fast forward to adulthood, and that lesson became the thread tying together my professional journey. For over 30 years, I honed my craft as a graphic designer, learning to listen deeply, understand what people truly wanted, and create something that not only met their needs but exceeded their expectations. Collaboration became my cornerstone—helping others articulate their vision and then bringing it to life in a way that felt right for them.
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But life wasn’t just about career milestones. At 35, my mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. From that moment, my world shifted. I became her caregiver, navigating her evolving needs while juggling my own life. Then, at 65, she was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. It was devastating, but it also led me to one of the most significant moments of my life: helping her transition to a memory care facility in Seattle. Finding the right place—close enough for family visits, where her grandchildren could still bring her joy—wasn’t just a task; it was a mission of love. And through that process, I realized just how overwhelming and emotional this journey can be for families.
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Meanwhile, I shifted career focus to include work as a reserve specialist, giving me another unique perspective. I conduct reserve studies for Association comprised of mostly 50+ communities, helping them manage financial obligations and long-term strategies. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about people—helping communities balance their financial realities with their emotional needs and goals. It’s about seeing the big picture and helping others feel secure in their decisions.
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All of these experiences—bringing music to senior living communities, crafting designs that communicate deeply, balancing finances and feelings for residential ownership communities, and caring for my own mother—have shaped who I am today. They’ve given me the empathy, expertise, and passion to guide families through one of the most critical decisions they’ll ever make: finding the right senior living solution for their loved ones.