There’s never a dull moment at The Cottages, and lately, it’s been especially exciting! From well-deserved promotions to prestigious awards and industry recognition, our team has had so much to celebrate. These milestones not only reflect the hard work and heart our people put in every day, but they also highlight the incredible culture we’ve built together. We’re thrilled to share some of the recent highlights with you, read on to see what’s been happening!
Mark Maxfield receives the Distinguished Service Award from IHCA/ICAL
For over two decades, Mark Maxfield has been a powerful force in the senior living field, an advocate, a visionary, and a leader who has never lost sight of the people at the heart of it all. As CEO and Owner of The Cottages, Mark has dedicated his life to improving care for seniors while supporting the incredible individuals who work in long-term care. His journey began in 2001 when he joined forces with his father, Garold Maxfield, to launch The Cottages, a community-based assisted living and memory care organization that has since grown to multiple locations across Idaho.
Under Mark’s leadership, The Cottages has become a trusted name in senior care, valued for its personal approach, compassionate teams, and commitment to doing what’s right. But Mark’s influence doesn’t stop at the walls of his communities. He served on the board of the Idaho Health Care Association (IHCA), the Community Care Advisory Council, and after years of service on the Executive Committee, he now chairs the Board of the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), the nation’s leading voice for assisted living providers.
This year, Mark’s extraordinary contributions were recognized in a deeply meaningful way. At the 2025 Idaho Health Care Association Summer Convention, he was presented with the Distinguished Service Award by IHCA/ICAL, a prestigious honor reserved for those who have made a lasting and profound impact on the long-term care industry. The award was presented by Robert Vande Merwe, Executive Director of IHCA/ICAL, and Mark Parkinson, former President and CEO of AHCA/NCAL, two leaders who deeply understand the scope of Mark’s influence.
Mark was joined by his wife, Mindy Maxfield, his parents Garold and LaNetta Maxfield, and a proud, cheering team from The Cottages. In accepting the award, Mark shared:
“To say I was surprised when Robert Vande Merwe and Mark Parkinson presented me with the Distinguished Service Award at the Idaho Health Care Association Convention would be a huge understatement. For more than 20 years, I’ve simply shown up each day with a commitment to give my best to my teammates, our residents, and this industry I care so deeply about. Any success I’ve had is a direct reflection of the incredible people I’ve had the privilege to work alongside. This industry is more than just a profession, it’s a calling.”
Both Robert and Mark Parkinson praised Mark’s leadership, unwavering advocacy, and national contributions, particularly his work as Chair of NCAL, where he has been instrumental in advancing resident-centered policies and shaping thoughtful, balanced regulation across the country.
We are beyond proud to celebrate this milestone with Mark. His heart, his service, and his tireless commitment continue to uplift the entire long-term care community. Congratulations, Mark, on this well-deserved honor. You inspire us all!
Nicole Ellis Promoted to Chief Operating Officer of The Cottages
Nicole Ellis has been promoted to Chief Operations Officer (COO) of The Cottages Assisted Living & Memory Care! Nicole’s journey over the past 14+ years has been nothing short of inspiring. She began her career with The Cottages as a caregiver, and through her hard work, dedication, and exceptional leadership, steadily rose through the ranks, serving as Executive Director, then Operations Manager, and now stepping confidently into the role of COO. Every step of the way, Nicole has led with heart, vision, and a deep commitment to the residents and teams she serves.
Her impact has been recognized not only within The Cottages but across the industry. Nicole was named Administrator of the Year and received the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige Bronze Award from the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), both powerful testaments to her leadership and pursuit of excellence. She is a participant in NCAL’s Future Leaders Training Program and also lends her time and expertise as Treasurer on the board of the Idaho Center for Assisted Living (ICAL).
Nicole’s promotion is more than a recognition of her past, it’s a reflection of the exciting future ahead. Her strategic insight, passion for resident-centered care, and unwavering support for her team make her a natural fit to help lead The Cottages into its next chapter.
We’re incredibly proud of all that Nicole has accomplished and grateful for the example she sets every day. Congratulations, Nicole, we can’t wait to see all that you’ll do in this new role!
Kristin Baisden Promoted to Regional Director
Kristin Baisden has been promoted to Regional Director of The Cottages Assisted Living & Memory Care. Kristin’s journey has been marked by exceptional dedication, growth, and heart. As Executive Director of The Cottages of Boise, she has consistently gone above and beyond, leading her team with compassion, building meaningful relationships with residents and their families, and supporting fellow communities with professionalism and grace. Her ability to lead with both strength and empathy has made her a standout leader and a trusted presence within The Cottages family.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Kristin will now serve as Regional Director over The Cottages at Alpine and The Cottages of Boise locations. In this new role, she will continue to bring her steady leadership and heartfelt commitment to even more of our communities, helping guide and support our teams to deliver the high standard of care The Cottages is known for.
Kristin, thank you for all you’ve done and all you continue to do. Your leadership is a true asset to our organization, and we are so proud to have you take this next step. Congratulations on your well-earned promotion. We can’t wait to see all that you accomplish in this exciting new chapter!
Kenzie Cortez Promoted to Regional Director
Kenzie Cortez has been promoted to Regional Director of The Cottages Assisted Living & Memory Care. Kenzie has been a steady and inspiring presence at The Cottages of Weiser, where she has served as Executive Director with compassion, strength, and a deep commitment to excellence in senior care. Her journey in the industry began long before her leadership role, starting as a caregiver and working in several capacities before earning her administrator’s license. This hands-on experience has shaped her into the empathetic and effective leader she is today.
Kenzie’s ability to connect deeply with residents, families, and staff is unmatched. She leads with heart, consistently uplifts her team, and extends her support to neighboring communities with professionalism and grace. Her dedication to creating a positive and nurturing environment has not only made a lasting impact in Weiser but also earned her the trust to take on greater responsibilities.
In her new role as Regional Director over our Weiser and Payette locations, Kenzie will continue to bring her passion, wisdom, and leadership to even more of our communities. We are confident she will thrive in this new chapter and continue to make a meaningful difference every single day.
Kenzie, congratulations on this well-earned promotion. We’re grateful for all you’ve done and excited for all that lies ahead. The future is brighter with you leading the way!
Becky Knapp Promoted to Payroll & Benefits Manager
Becky Knapp has been promoted to Payroll & Benefits Manager of The Cottages Assisted Living & Memory Care. Becky has been a dedicated and valued member of The Cottages team for over eight years, and her journey is a true reflection of growth, perseverance, and excellence. She began her career as a Caregiver, where her compassion and work ethic quickly stood out. From there, she took on the role of Executive Director, leading with heart and integrity, before transitioning into the accounting department, where she continued to excel with her sharp attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Becky’s ability to adapt, grow, and succeed in each role she’s taken on is nothing short of inspiring. Her dedication to her work and her deep understanding of both the people and processes that make The Cottages thrive have made a lasting impact, and now, she steps confidently into her newest role as Payroll & Benefits Manager.
Becky, we are incredibly proud of you and grateful for everything you’ve brought to The Cottages. Your journey is a testament to the power of hard work and heart. Congratulations on this well-earned promotion. We know you’ll continue to make a difference every step of the way!
The Future is Bright at The Cottages
Congratulations once again to everyone at The Cottages who has been recognized through recent awards and promotions! These accomplishments are a reflection of the incredible talent, heart, and dedication that define our team. From leadership roles to national recognition, each milestone is a testament to the strength of our culture and the people who make The Cottages such a special place. We couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve achieved together, and we’re even more excited for what’s to come. Here’s to many more successes, inspiring stories, and moments worth celebrating in the future!
Let Us Help You Today!
We welcome the opportunity to speak with you about the care that our residents receive at our Idaho locations. We are experts in assisted living, memory care, respite, adult day care, and have been serving seniors for over 20 years. Our small home-like senior living homes and specially-trained team members offer an atmosphere that promotes the well-being of your loved one.
If you have any questions, would like to tour one of the Idaho assisted living or memory care homes, or speak with one of our licensed administrators, please fill out the form below. Please mention which location(s) you’re interested in.
