Our Team

Hearth & Truss is an Oregon-based senior living operator established by Mauro Hernandez and Darcy Hood. We serve client partners in the Pacific Northwest with a shared interest in developing niche projects and revitalizing legacy communities. Leading early innovations in assisted living and memory care, our combined senior housing and healthcare experience spans over 50 years. With careers shaped by extensive operational practice, as well as applied research and policy work, we bring a unique blend of knowledge and expertise to each project. We are values-driven, hands-on operators committed to aligning our approach to the goals of each client and the culture of each community.

Hearth & Truss believes all older adults should receive person-centered, high-quality services in an engaging environment.

Mauro Hernandez – Co-Owner

Leading the organization’s business development, strategic partnerships, and financing efforts, Mauro began his career in 1990 opening a family-run 14-story, 350-bed assisted living project in South Florida that serves primarily Hispanic, lower- to middle-income residents. He has remained involved with the management of this project (operated by his family and now owned by a nonprofit organization) throughout his career. After moving to Oregon in 1994, Mauro held senior leadership roles with regional and national firms developing, acquiring, and operating dozens of assisted living and memory care units across 20 states, including projects located in rural markets throughout Oregon and Washington.

Most recently, Mauro co-owned and served as CEO for Concepts in Community Living. During his tenure, he led the organization through a period of sustainable growth and organizational development. He worked with several nonprofit boards including Elderserve in St. Helens, Oregon; United Methodist Center in Salem, Oregon; and The Mustard Seed Project in Key Center, Washington. He currently serves as a board member of the Oregon Health Care Association, an advisory member for the national Center for Excellence in Assisted Living, and a member of Oregon’s governor-appointed Quality Metrics Commission.

Darcy Hood – Co-Owner

Leading the firm’s operations, marketing, compliance and human resource functions, Darcy brings a strong customer service background to the primarily needs-driven senior healthcare industry, as well as a person-centered approach to her work. She has over two decades of expertise in nursing care, memory care, assisted living, and independent living. Her goal of offering exemplary service to all stakeholders led her to start a senior housing consulting business and from there, to Hearth & Truss. Whether working on a new construction project, a renovation and reposition, or overseeing a stable operation, Darcy is focused on achieving results through consistent, impeccable service.

Notable achievements include exceeding expectations on several new construction projects, deficiency-free state licensing surveys, and concurrently earning advanced, optional accreditations through The Joint Commission (formerly JCAHO) and the Commission of Accreditation for Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Darcy thrives when given variety and steps up when challenged.

Donna Reid – Operations Management

As Operations Director, Donna is primarily responsible for providing residences with technical assistance, support, and direction for achieving goals related to quality, employee relations, occupancy, financial performance, compliance, and community engagement. A Certified Nursing Assistant since 1989, Donna has served in multiple direct care, supervisory, and management roles in Oregon-based assisted living and residential care communities. Since 2007, she has held leadership positions overseeing both individual and multiple sites with specialized population needs, including memory care and more complex medical needs. She has experience with start-up and stable operations management, as well as turnaround management for projects facing operational and regulatory compliance challenges. She excels in cultivating individual strengths, motivation, and morale among team members. She brings a comprehensive understanding of clinical processes and systems, as well as deep experience strengthening community, resident, and family relations.

Chanda Koesel – Project Management & Administrative Support

Chanda provides the Hearth & Truss management team and community leaders with a wide range of supportive services to ensure timely response to requests and coordination of special projects. Chanda’s strong commitment to client satisfaction, marketing strategy, operational processes, and fiscal stewardship grew from her prior community foundation, travel industry and hospitality work. She has skill in event planning, research, coordination of people and logistics, and is deeply driven by impactful causes. With a shared commitment to the company’s core beliefs, she prioritizes relationship development and is eager to listen and help Hearth & Truss’ customers, team members and other key stakeholders.