Meet The Team

Executive Director

Karen Bender

Karen joined MorningStar in 2022, bringing nearly three decades of senior living experience, 24 of those years spent as an Executive Director, along with a background in real estate and small business ownership. Inspired by the love she received from her own grandparents, Karen has devoted her career to caring for others’ loved ones with the same compassion and respect. Drawn to MorningStar’s faith-based mission and genuine culture of philanthropy, she continues to be energized by the resilience of seniors and their enduring lessons in love, family, and forgiveness.

Director of Community Relations

Lisa Hahto

Lisa brings a unique blend of hospitality sales and senior living experience to her role, shaped by seven years as a property manager in Virginia and six years in Washington’s hospitality industry before spending four years as Director of Community Relations at Solista Everett. Inspired by her Great Grandma Geraldine—a strong, spirited woman who led by example—Lisa approaches senior living with deep empathy, honoring each resident’s story with patience, flexibility, and heart. At MorningStar, she’s proud to represent a mission-driven community that prioritizes service, compassion, and meaningful connection over profit alone.

Life Enrichment Director

Jayme Patton

Jayme joined MorningStar in February 2023, bringing a diverse background that includes a decade in IT, nearly nine years in consumer relations with Chateau Ste Michelle Winery, and four years of heartfelt service in senior living. With a degree in Speech Communication and a deep personal connection to her “Gram,” Jayme is passionate about creating engaging, joyful moments for residents, believing that after a lifetime of hard work, every senior deserves a retirement filled with purpose, fun, and dignity. Inspired daily by their stories and strength, she’s proud to be part of a team grounded in core values and united by a mission to serve with love.

Executive Chef

Ernesse Attelus

Ernesse discovered a passion for cooking at just 14 years old, later refining his craft through formal culinary training and six years in Florida’s luxury hotel restaurants. Now with over a decade in the food and beverage industry, he brings his heart to the kitchen at MorningStar of Kirkland—crafting soul-warming meals that nourish, delight, and honor the lives of those he serves. For Ernesse, every dish is an act of servant leadership, and the joy he feels in seeing residents smile is matched only by the deep fulfillment of being part of a faith-driven mission that truly puts people first.