Faculty

Christy Van Der Westhuizen

Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Jaybird Senior Living

Christy Van Der Westhuizen is a seasoned Senior Vice President of Sales at Jaybird Senior Living with over 19 years of leadership experience. She has made significant contributions in the hospitality industry, including Disneyland, Disney Channel, and Holland America Line, prior to her distinguished career in senior living. Christy is recognized as a prominent figure in the industry, serving as a speaker, podcaster, presenter, and former chair of the ASHA Sales & Marketing Committee.

2026 Sessions

SMASH Shelf Help: Breakfast & Book Discussion

Co-Presenter

Tuesday, October 06 7:30–8:30 AM
Room Andalucia
Faculty

Brooke Saxon-Spencer

Chief Experience Officer
Claiborne Senior Living

Brooke Saxon-Spencer grew up immersed in the senior living industry, beginning her career as a Marketing Director at her family’s community in the Chicago suburbs. Her dedication and expertise quickly propelled her to the role of Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, where she transformed the community into Illinois’s leading post-acute rehabilitation center.

After her family sold the business in 2015, Brooke remained deeply committed to senior living, focusing her talents on brand management, strategic marketing, and enhancing the customer experience. As a key member of the executive team at Claiborne Senior Living, she drives marketing strategy, team member training and development, resident engagement, human resources, and innovative initiatives that set the company apart.

A proud alumna of Wheaton College, Brooke resides in Chicagoland with her husband, Caleb. Together, they share three children and five cats. In her free time, Brooke enjoys reading, knitting, and indulging in plain M&Ms.

Faculty

Christy Van Der Westhuizen

Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Jaybird Senior Living

Christy Van Der Westhuizen is a seasoned Senior Vice President of Sales at Jaybird Senior Living with over 19 years of leadership experience. She has made significant contributions in the hospitality industry, including Disneyland, Disney Channel, and Holland America Line, prior to her distinguished career in senior living. Christy is recognized as a prominent figure in the industry, serving as a speaker, podcaster, presenter, and former chair of the ASHA Sales & Marketing Committee.

SMASH Shelf Help: Breakfast & Book Discussion

Co-Presenter

Wednesday, October 07 7:00–7:45 AM
Room Andalucia
Faculty

Brooke Saxon-Spencer

Chief Experience Officer
Claiborne Senior Living

Brooke Saxon-Spencer grew up immersed in the senior living industry, beginning her career as a Marketing Director at her family’s community in the Chicago suburbs. Her dedication and expertise quickly propelled her to the role of Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, where she transformed the community into Illinois’s leading post-acute rehabilitation center.

After her family sold the business in 2015, Brooke remained deeply committed to senior living, focusing her talents on brand management, strategic marketing, and enhancing the customer experience. As a key member of the executive team at Claiborne Senior Living, she drives marketing strategy, team member training and development, resident engagement, human resources, and innovative initiatives that set the company apart.

A proud alumna of Wheaton College, Brooke resides in Chicagoland with her husband, Caleb. Together, they share three children and five cats. In her free time, Brooke enjoys reading, knitting, and indulging in plain M&Ms.

Faculty

Christy Van Der Westhuizen

Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Jaybird Senior Living

Christy Van Der Westhuizen is a seasoned Senior Vice President of Sales at Jaybird Senior Living with over 19 years of leadership experience. She has made significant contributions in the hospitality industry, including Disneyland, Disney Channel, and Holland America Line, prior to her distinguished career in senior living. Christy is recognized as a prominent figure in the industry, serving as a speaker, podcaster, presenter, and former chair of the ASHA Sales & Marketing Committee.

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