Community Leadership

Advena Living on Tenth 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.

We have a special relationship with the Veterans Administration of Northeast Kansas, and we welcome questions and discussions about our care for those who have served.

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

Don Yunger, Administrator

administrator10th@AdvenaGroup.com

I have over 28 years of senior living experience in both skilled nursing and assisted living communities, and I have been a licensed administrator since 1996. Previously I was working as an interim administrator at one of our other communities, Advena Living of Cherryvale.

I have worked in many locations across the US, including Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Arizona and Nevada. Regardless of the location, I learned over the years that customer service is the biggest priority. It really doesn’t matter how new or old a community is– if the community is clean, takes great care of residents and provides great customer service it will be number one.

I grew up in San Antonio, Texas and love discussing TexMex recipes including fajitas, chili and homemade tamales, which are my favorites. Growing up in Texas, I have been a lifelong Cowboys fan. Since moving to the Kansas City market, though, I’m becoming a big fan of KU basketball and the Chiefs! I enjoy spending time with my two daughters and being out on the lake or river. I’m also interested in various endurance events and recently completed my first half IronMan triathlon

Tina Leeper, RN, BSN, Director of Nursing

don10th@advenagroup.com

When I was in middle school, our class volunteered as candy stripers at our local nursing home. This is when I knew healthcare was my calling. Over 30 years later, I still love serving others who need help and I enjoy being a mentor to new healthcare staff.

Marissa Gilliland, CMA/CNA, Director of Nursing Assistant (DONA)

dona10th@advenagroup.com

I got my CNA when I was 16, then my CMA when I was 21. I have been around long-term care facilities since I was 9 years old. My mom would bring me to work with her and do activities with residents at the nursing homes where she worked. I knew at a young age that working withthe elderly was my calling. To hear them say they are glad to see me, or just to get a smile when I walk by, is what I strive for every day. Working in medical records gives me knowledge and experience that I use daily.  

Nichole Cooper, Asst. Director of Nursing (ADON)

adon10th@advenagroup.com

More info coming soon…

Olena Fields,  Activities Director 

activities10th@advenagroup.com

After falling in love with working with the senior population, I have served as an activity director for the past three years in skilled nursing, memory care and assisted living. I’m very excited about my career journey with Advena on Tenth. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband, watching movies, photography, reading, and playing video games.

Carl Young, Maintenance Director

maintenance10th@advenagroup.com

I was born and raised here in Topeka and have worked in Senior Living for the last 20 years in and around the Topeka area. I joined the Advena Living team in September 2021 and have enjoyed helping to make a difference in the lives of the residents who live here. I like this community because every day is a new challenge. I enjoy my role because I feel like I get to help make a difference to our residents and families, as well my fellow staff members.

Alyssa Miller, Dietary Director

foodservices10th@advenagroup.com

I have 11 years of leadership experience. Previously, I  worked in the restaurant industry as a Certified Training Manager for the past 6 years. I left that and became the Dietary Manager at Advena Living on Tenth.

I decided to make the change because I wanted to make positive changes in my life as well as others around me. Food has always been a passion of mine, so I am excited to be stepping into a different position than I am used to.