Dwayne Clark
Founder, CEO & Chairman
The Áegis Living difference
The Áegis Difference
Hospitality-grade. Innovation-driven. Deeply personal. This is senior living designed for the people who call Áegis Living home.
The black box
Every community keeps a box of ideas to make tomorrow better
From the very beginning, our founder and CEO, Dwayne Clark, believed senior living could—and should—be better. As a young professional, he filled a “black box” with ideas for how to bring joy, dignity, and innovation to older adults. That same spirit fuels Áegis Living today. Every community prominently displays its own black box, empowering staff to dream up new ways to surprise and delight residents. This culture of innovation and heart sets Áegis Living apart, creating communities where extraordinary care and meaningful moments are built into every day.
What families feel on a tour
Adults 65+ are roughly 17% of the U.S. population and growing (ACL, 2023). Our joy is making this chapter feel like home — restaurant-style dining, on-site salons, pet-friendly, amenities that raise the bar, and care that grows gracefully right alongside each resident.
Explore leadership, awards, and why families choose us for the full story.
Who is Áegis Living built for?
- 25+Years of senior living expertise
- 37Communities across WA, CA, and NV
- 6Care options under one roof
Leadership Team
Meet the full team →
Dirk Burghartz
President
Adam Clark
President of Áegis Development LLC
Troy Nelson
Chief Operating Officer
Ashleigh Pedersen
VP of Enterprise Culinary Services
Julie Ambachew
Vice President of Clinical Operations, Continuous Improvement, and Regulatory
Kristine Schrudder
Vice President of Sales
Derek Doke
Chief Financial Officer
Derek Mullens
Chief People Officer
Steve Geissler
General Counsel
Advisory Board
Dr. Raj Dasgupta MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM
Head Physician
Judy Meleliat
President Emeritus
Awards
Awards
At Áegis Living, our goal is to redefine senior living as we care for the personalized needs of each resident. We are proud of—and immensely grateful for—our many achievements and awards along the way.
Care programs designed by senior living experts
Life's Neighborhood®
Warm, secure memory-care neighborhoods with dementia-trained teams and Cognitive Compass programming.
Restore in-house rehabilitation
Licensed physical, occupational, and speech therapists bring personalized therapy right to your apartment.
Inspirens AUGi
Privacy-first AI that helps keep residents safe and confident in every community.
Restaurant-style dining
Chef-led kitchens with all-day service and hydration stations.
Become Part of the Team
We help our team members carve a career path to success through a variety of programs and initiatives. We proudly promote from within and have clear career growth maps that our team members can follow.
See how care levels and programs fit together
Compare six care options, explore lifestyle and technology, or start with our decision guide.
Experience the difference on a tour
Ask about the black box, meet the nurse, and stay for a meal.
Prefer to talk? 1-866-923-2712FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How is Áegis Living different from skilled nursing?
Skilled nursing centers offer 24-hour clinical care for residents with complex medical needs. Áegis Living is assisted living and memory care - private apartments, hospitality dining, and 24/7 caregivers with onsite nurses in a warm, residential setting that celebrates independence, connection, and everyday joy.
What does memory care at Áegis Living cost?
Pricing for Life's Neighborhood® memory care varies by community and by each resident's level of care, since staffing ratios and specialized programming differ from one location to the next. Our team reviews the specifics with every family so you have a clear, personalized picture of what's included.
How are your caregivers trained for dementia?
Every Life's Neighborhood® team member completes dementia-specific training, and Áegis Living has been recognized on the Fortune Best Workplaces in Aging Services list. Training emphasizes person-centered care: connect rather than correct, honor each resident's feelings, and gently shape the surroundings to help every person feel calm, capable, and at home.
Can my parent stay if their care needs increase?
In most cases, yes. Care grows right alongside your loved one within the same community - from Light Assisted Living through Assisted Living, Transitional Care, and Life's Neighborhood® Memory Care. We also coordinate Hospice & End-of-Life Care in a resident's own apartment, surrounded by comfort, dignity, and family.
How long has Áegis Living been operating?
Áegis Living was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, operating 37 communities across Washington, California, and Nevada. We've earned U.S. News & World Report Best Senior Living recognition.
Do you offer short-term stays?
Yes. Respite Stays and Day Stays give family caregivers a break - hours, days, or a few weeks - while your loved one enjoys a furnished apartment, 24/7 care, and full access to dining and a full calendar of daily activities.
From the blog
All articles →Keep reading
Senior Population Growth Drives Development
America’s aging population is transforming all aspects of healthcare, including senior housing. You’ve likely noticed new senior housing popping up in your neighborhood, maybe even new Áegis Living communities! That’s because senior living operators are preparing for what’s…
What Makes Áegis Living Different?
CEO and founder, Dwayne Clark, created Áegis Living with the determination of creating an alternative to the sad “old folks’ home.”
Our employees are the heart of senior care
Innovation, empowerment, and compassion for our staff is the DNA of our company culture.
10 Things to Know When Touring Assisted Living
A 10-point checklist for touring assisted living communities, including what to ask, what to observe, and the red flags worth walking away from.