Our Team

Artisan Senior Placement

Mike Levenhagen

Founder +

Placement Navigator

I spent 35 years in education with the last 20 as a counselor. I received my Master’s Degree from Drake University and finished my career as an at-risk counselor. My wife, Michelle, and I have 3 daughters and 6 grandchildren.

Artisan Senior Placement comes from my experiences with both of my parents and assisted living. My mother battled Alzheimer's and my father needed skilled nursing. I understand the many tough choices in this process and hope to be a guiding force for families as they face a very tough decision.

Nicole Jordan

I am an active mother of 3 boys, born and raised in the Midwest. I have been working in the health insurance market for over 20 years, serving the needs of clients aging into Medicare. I also have a degree in teaching and have used that to serve my clients through Medicare workshops and online class offerings. I am a small business owner since 2018 where I guide individuals struggling with health and stress to lead happier, healthier lives through changes in diet, lifestyle, and natural health solutions.

I am excited to be working with Artisan Senior Placement as I am passionate about helping people transition to the next phase. I want to be an advocate for seniors to make sure they are getting the best possible fit for their wants and needs.

Diane Erickson

I am a retired teacher, having taught for 31 years. I graduated from Iowa in 1982, and earned my Master’s Degree from Viterbo University in 2006. I have been married to my husband, Fred, for 36 years. We have 2 married daughters, and 6 grandchildren!

I am working for Artisan Senior Placement because of my experience with my mother-in-law. It was so important for us to find her a wonderful place, and yet stressful for my husband. After many visits to assisted living facilities, we found the perfect place for her. In that process, I learned so much about all levels of care. My hope is that I can help families during a stressful time.

Joel Van Wyk

For the past 10 years I have worked in the agriculture industry managing research projects. I have degrees in both biology and mathematics from Morningside College. When my father-in-law, Mike, started this company I was thrilled to be involved as I have passion for helping people. My wife, Kelsey, is also a part of Artisan team and I look forward to having my family help yours.

Lisa Baker

I received my bachelors degree from Grandview University. I have 3 adult children and 1 grandchild, so far. I have been a child care provider for 26 years. Recently, I needed to reach out to Artisan Senior Placement to help with the placement of my mother. It was an extremely emotional time for me and I was grateful for the direction Artisan provided. I learned a lot through this process and I would like to help other families who are faced with the same difficult decisions and help them in their journey.

Kelsey Van Wyk

My primary job is a stay at home mom to my 3 year old son. I received a degree in communications from Morningside College in 2011. I worked at Wells Fargo for 3 years and then ran an in-home daycare for 3 years.

My involvement with Artisan comes through my father, Mike Levenhagen. I witnessed the struggle of finding quality care for my grandparents and can’t wait to help other families on their care journey.