Strategic Communications for Senior Living
About Us
The Ehlers Group, Inc. (TEG), established in 1995, provides strategic communications exclusively for the senior living industry. We partner with in-house marketing teams to provide experienced communications support—from media relations and resident storytelling to social media, newsletters, crisis communications and reputation management.
For more than 30 years, we’ve worked with independent living, assisted living and memory care organizations across the country. Because we understand senior living, our clients don’t have to spend time bringing us up to speed. We step in quickly, take ownership of communications projects and deliver polished work that’s ready to use.
Our work has earned recognition from the National Association of Home Builders’ Best of 55+ Housing Awards and the Mature Media Awards, but we’re most proud of the long-term relationships we’ve built by serving as a trusted communications resource for senior living organizations nationwide.
President & Founder
Janis Ehlers
Janis Ehlers founded The Ehlers Group following a successful career as the Vice President of Marketing & Communications for the pioneering homebuilding giant, Levitt & Sons. The corporation created Levitt Care, focused on the development and management of senior living and active adult communities, with Janis playing a pivotal role in the marketing efforts of these communities.
Janis excels in launching and repositioning senior living communities, as well as in creating marketing strategies for senior housing that speak to the customer. Her strength is spearheading innovative strategic marketing and communications efforts for the clients. With company services ranging from public relations, social media strategy and creative event planning to community marketing assessments, mystery shopping, focus group research, podcasting, direct mail, branding and positioning, Janis guides a team of talented people who share her love for older adults.
A high point in her career was writing the award-winning book, Marketing Senior Housing, which was first published by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the second edition by Author House. Her new book, Successful Senior Housing Marketing Events, is now available on Amazon.
Janis holds an MBA in real estate marketing from Nova Southeastern University and a BS in Journalism and Public Relations from the University of Florida.
Janis is also known for her award-winning photography. Wherever she travels or at home, she can be found exploring streets when the light is just right.
Certifications:
- Focus Group Moderator: The Riva Institute
- Facilitator: Myers-Briggs
- License: Florida Real Estate Sales, State of Florida
- Certification: Certified Active Adult Specialist in Housing (CAASH) – NAHB 50+ Housing Council
- Trainer: Completion of Train the Trainer – NAHB
Vice President-Account Manager & Social Media Strategist
Kerry Phillips
Kerry Phillips is Vice President of The Ehlers Group, where she has spent more than 20 years helping senior living organizations strengthen their brands through strategic communications, media relations, executive communications, resident storytelling, and digital engagement.
Working exclusively with the senior living industry, Kerry partners with marketing teams across the country to develop compelling content, secure media coverage, manage communications projects, and create meaningful stories that build trust with residents, families, prospects, and referral sources. She also oversees social media strategy and content for a variety of platforms. Kerry is a Meta Certified Community Manager, a credential recognizing expertise in community-building and online engagement.
In addition to leading client communications initiatives, Kerry manages award submissions on behalf of clients, helping communities earn national recognition through programs such as the National Association of Home Builders’ Best of 55+ Housing Awards, the Mature Media Awards, and the Senior Housing News Awards.
Kerry earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Florida A&M University and a Master of Education in Health & Wellness Education from the American College of Education. Outside of work, she is the author of two books on grief and has facilitated support groups for young widows and widowers.
Account Manager
Chris MacLellan
Christopher MacLellan is our podcast specialist and one of our hosts for clients’ podcasts as well as for Pod-Pourri, The Ehlers Group podcast series. In addition to creating podcast series, he assists with marketing and research projects.
The author of the book, “What’s The Deal with Caregiving?”, Chris has extensive personal and professional experience in senior living communities and senior care. As the director of sales and marketing for Tower Grove Manor, part of St. Andrews Resources for seniors in St. Louis, MO, Chris was responsible for the implementation of sales and marketing programs.
Chris is our “road warrior,” regularly presenting on senior care to community groups and trade associations across the country. He was featured in a 2015 Pulitzer Prize-nominated caregiving story, “In Sickness and in Health: A Couple’s Final Journey,” and earned a master’s degree in Leadership and Communication from Gonzaga University in 2016.
When he’s not working, Chris is an avid world traveler and frequent cruise explorer.
Social Media Planner
Sharon Doe
Sharon Doe has been with The Ehlers Group since 2014, providing social media management, blog/website support, and administrative services.
She earned two degrees in business administration from American Intercontinental University and holds a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling program at Capella University.
In her leisure time, Sharon enjoys spending quality time with her husband and children, reading, running and indulging in self-care.