~ Our Team ~
Senior Living Asset Management was founded by Derick Deeter in 2014 to provide full service senior living operations consulting, property management, development services, and construction management. From concept through disposition our team takes pride in creating partnerships that are beneficial to all parties. No matter the service we provide, it is always about your needs as an owner and developing your brand. Our approach balances the needs of the residents, the business and the property.
Derick Deeter
Founder / Chief Executive Officer
Derick has dedicated over 35 years to the senior care industry, cultivating a wealth of experience that spans operations, ownership, and construction. His comprehensive understanding of the field, paired with his hands-on approach and strategic vision, inspired him to establish Senior Living Asset Management in 2014.
Throughout his career, Derick has demonstrated a profound commitment to enhancing senior living environments, combining his expertise in management and facility development to create high-quality, resident-focused communities. His educational foundation includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Gerontology from The University of South Florida, reflecting his deep-rooted passion for elder care.
In addition to his academic credentials, Derick holds a diverse range of professional qualifications, including being a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator and an Assisted Living CORE trained Administrator. His multifaceted skill set is further complemented by his certification as a Florida State Certified General Contractor, underscoring his capability to oversee complex projects from concept to completion.
Shane Gaukel
Chief Operating Officer
Shane Gaukel, RN brings over 25 years of experience in multi-state skilled nursing facility (SNF) operations, reimbursement, and rehabilitation services. Before joining Senior Living Asset Management, he served as COO of a post-acute outpatient rehab company serving Assisted and Independent Living facilities in Florida and Texas. Shane has held leadership roles across SNF operations, ancillary services, and acquisitions, including President and CEO of an Iowa-based rehab company. He was also appointed to the Iowa Governor’s Board of Nursing Home Administrators.
His background includes serving as VP of Post-Acute Services for a large LTAC and rehab company, where he built and led a division managing hospital-based SNF and rehab units. Shane is a licensed RN in Florida and is known for his innovative approach and commitment to high-quality care. He lives in Tampa Bay with his wife, Ashley, and their four children, and is active in their community’s youth sports.
Richard Hunter
Controller
Richard has worked in the accounting profession since 1999, when he launched his own firm. He holds dual bachelor's degrees in Business Management (Materials Management) and Accounting, providing a strong foundation for his diverse career.
Richard’s unique combination of entrepreneurial experience and work within accounting departments across various industries has equipped him with broad knowledge and deep insight into financial operations.
Casie Wittenmyer
General Manager
Casie brings over 20 years of experience in the accounting field. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Accounting, she advanced through a variety of roles that deepened her expertise across multi-industry financial operations.
Casie joined Senior Living Asset Management as Finance Director, where she led key financial initiatives and supported strategic decision-making. Her proven leadership and deep understanding of operations led to her promotion to General Manager.
Ashley Peters
Executive Vice President of Operations
Ashley is an experienced Vice President of Operations with a proven track record of driving operational excellence and achieving strategic business objectives. She is highly effective in building and leading high-performing teams, implementing process improvements, and delivering exceptional results. She is a licensed nursing home administrator with over 15 years of experience in the Long Term Care Industry. Some of her accomplishments are successful annual deficiency, free annual surveys, Joint Commission accreditations, and census development to increase overall evaluation of centers profitability, expense, and labor management to meet and exceed budget expectations. In her off time she enjoys cooking, baking, and spending time with her two children and family.
Gus Astorga
Vice President of Operations
Back in 2014, Gus Astorga's journey in senior living began in Fort Worth, Texas after having spent many years in hospitality. What drove Gus Astorga to this turn in life was the desire and passion to serve seniors and the people who daily devote their lives to caring for those who have done so much in life. Gus Astorga believes in giving back to seniors by investing time and effort in training and equipping people who are willing to give their best to provide seniors a great quality of life. Gus Astorga has had the opportunity to manage several senior living communities as an Executive Director and has held multiple facility operation roles that encompassed training and mentoring of new executives and support multiple communities across the state of Florida. Gus believes strongly in caring for employees because as you do, they take care of customers, residents and each other.