December 1, 2025

Welcome to People and Properties, the Cohen-Esrey newsletter where we celebrate the successes of our team members and keep you informed about what is happening in the Cohen-Esrey world. If you have something you would like to share or an achievement that you would like to celebrate, please send it to Lee Harris at lharris@cohenesrey.com. If you are on a property, please print and distribute this newsletter to each member of your property team. You can also find People and Properties on KnowledgeNet. Click here to view previous editions.

At Home in North Texas

Where in the world is Childress, TX? This small town of 5,700 people is situated in North Texas at the junction of Highways 287, 83, and 62 approximately 117 miles southeast of Amarillo, and 108 miles northwest of Wichita Falls. The 51-unit Childress Manor Apartments are managed by Cohen-Esrey Communities (CEC) for a third-party client and were constructed in 1970. The property offers one-bedroom apartments that are from 750 square feet and rent from $812 per month. Two-bedroom units are a generous 1,000 square feet and rent from $917 per month. Large three-bedroom apartments are 1,250 square feet and rent from $946 per month. This pet-friendly community has a courtyard with playground and picnic area, is just 10 minutes from Fair Park, and is conveniently located just off Highway 287. This affordable community offers Section 8 rental assistance to qualified residents.

Childress, Texas is a small city located in the southeastern corner of the Texas Panhandle. Established in 1887 and incorporated in 1890, it serves as the county seat of Childress County. The town is historically significant, founded when the arrival of the railroad spurred growth and development in the region. The city and county were named after George Campbell Childress, a native of Nashville, TN, who was the principal author of the Texas Declaration of Independence. In the area around Childress, Texas (in Childress County, Texas), key agricultural products include cotton, winter wheat, and hay/forage. According to the most recent county-profile data, crops account for about 68% of farm product sales there. Known as the “Gateway to the Panhandle,” it blends small-town charm with access to regional economic activity.

Tisha Meacham (2024), is the Property Manager. Alisha Brooks (2017), is the Regional Manager. Patricia Livingston (2025), is the Property Accountant, and Kylie Brunette (2025), is the Accounting Assistant.

We welcome the following new team members to Cohen-Esrey and the Nexus 5 Group.

Ngina Ali – The Landing at 818, Sun Prairie, WI – Property Manager
Shanna Petty – Greenwood Estates, Peoria, IL – Assistant Property Manager
Daniel Baskin – Greenwood Estates, Peoria, IL – Maintenance Technician
Cathy Lambert – Pecan Ridge, Texarkana, TX – Property Manager
Isaiah Opperman – Marshalltown Senior Residences, Marshalltown, IA – Maintenance Technician
Erik Nelson – Holiday Apartments, Grand Island, NE – Maintenance Technician
Dawn Wojciechowski – Western Heights, Sioux Falls, SD – HUD Service Coordinator
Shea Clanton – Corporate – Operations Support Manager
Samanatha Zahnter – Northwoods, Kansas City, MO – Assistant Property Manager
Anita Terry – Big Chair Lofts, Thomasville, NC – Assistant Property Manager
Jamat Hassan – Sinclair Flats, Mankato, MN – Leasing Agent

Meet the Carlyle Team

Meet the Carlyle team. (L to R) Azucena Rodriguez (2025), Property Manager; Guadalupe Camacho-Santiago (2024), Leasing Agent; Kimberly Espinoza (2024), Leasing Agent; Tim Cline (2023), Groundskeeper; Esteban Diaz (2025), kneeling – Maintenance Technician; Alejandro Estrada (2024), Maintenance Supervisor; and Juan Hernandez (2025), Maintenance Technician.

The Carlyle is a 436-unit market-rate community located in Shawnee, KS, and managed by Cohen-Esrey Communities (CEC) for a Cohen-Esrey Apartment Investors (CEAI) partnership.

Transformational Construction

Construction continues at Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG) future communities.

Lots of sheetrock is being hung at the Lofts at Creekview in San Antonio, TX.

Installing clubhouse lights at Heritage at Cottonwood Creek in San Marcos, TX.

Third floor framing is progressing at Overlook 157 in Asheville, NC.

A Healthy Tip

By Dee Krause (2022), Recruiting Manager

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice: Six Quick Fall Health Tips

As the air gets crisper and the days are shorter, it’s the perfect time to refresh your routine, not just your wardrobe. Keep your body and mind feeling their best this fall with these simple health tips.

1. Spice Up Your Immune System

Boost your meals, and your health, with fall classics such as turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger.

2. Eat With the Season

Enjoy pumpkin, squash, apples, and sweet potatoes which are rich in vitamins A & C and great for your immune support.

3. Seek Out Sunshine

Grab your flannels and jackets and step outside. Even brief outdoor breaks can improve mood and energy through natural vitamin D.

4. Stay Hydrated

Cooler weather can mask thirst. Besides keeping your Stanley filled, try sipping herbal teas or warm lemon water throughout the day.

5. Cozy Up Your Sleep

Shorter days are your cue to reset sleep patterns and protect your mental clarity. Trade your screens for a book or candlelight wind-down.

6. Practice Gratitude

It doesn’t have to be the 4th Thursday in November to reflect on wins, lessons, and goals. A simple gratitude habit boosts resilience and perspective, especially when your favorite football team has a tough game.

Here’s to a productive, balanced, and pumpkin-spice-powered season ahead!

Core Value of the Month

Historic Buildings of Cohen-Esrey

Cohen-Esrey has a long history of developing and/or managing some really cool historic buildings. In this series, we’ll feature one such building in each issue.

St. Thomas Historic Residences

Located at 210 South Range Avenue in Colby, KS, the former St. Thomas Hospital was built in 1941 through funding from the Works Progress Administration (WPA)—one of only two new hospitals in Kansas so funded. Designed by architect Joseph Radotinsky in a Georgian Revival style, the three-story brick building reused salvaged brick from the town’s former high school, and featured a hipped red clay tile roof and classical detailing.

In 1948 a four-story south wing was added (by architectural firm Overend & Boucher) to house a polio ward, emergency facilities, and a two-story chapel. Its listing on the Kansas Historical Society National Register of Historic Places (January 2, 2013) underscores its significance in architecture and rural health care. St. Thomas served as Colby’s primary hospital for many years before a newer facility replaced it in the 1970s.

After years of vacancy, in 2014, the Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG) adapted the building for use as 30 affordable apartments, investing $7.5 million toward preserving much of its historic character. The property is now known as the St. Thomas Historic Residences.

Quick Connects: Live Help When You Need It

By Kipp Keffel (2024), Director of Training and Customer Fulfillment

Getting stuck happens. Maybe you are wrestling with a tricky resident situation, a work order that keeps getting reopened, a confusing report in RealPage, or you just want to talk through next steps in your career. This is exactly why we created Quick Connects.

Quick Connects are weekly, open Zoom sessions hosted by each Knowledge Vertical (KV) team. They are optional, informal, and designed for real-time help, with no agenda, no slides, just you and a subject-matter expert ready to support you.

What is a Quick Connect?

A Quick Connect is a 60-minute virtual drop-in time where anyone at the property can:

Ask questions about day-to-day work.
Get guidance on tricky or unusual situations.
Clarify processes, policies, or systems.
Hear what others are asking and learn from real scenarios.
Build relationships with our KV teams and other properties.

You can join for just a few minutes to get one question answered, or stay the whole time and listen in. Participation is flexible, come as you are, with whatever you are working on.

Why should I join?

Because it makes your work easier. Quick Connects are:

Fast – No need to wait for an email reply or track down the right person. Hop in, ask, and get an answer live.
Practical – Bring real situations from your property. You will get guidance you can use that same day.
Collaborative – Hear what other communities are experiencing and how they are solving problems.
Supportive – You are not alone. Our KV teams are here to help you succeed, not just enforce rules.

If you have ever thought, “I wish I could just ask someone really quick…” this is that opportunity.

How to Get the Most Out of a Quick Connect

You do not have to prepare anything fancy, but here are a few tips:

Bring something specific:
- An example email.
- A report you are confused about.
- A resident scenario.
- A screenshot or brief description of what you are seeing.
Ask “why,” not just “how:”
- “How should I respond?”
- “Why do we handle that this way?”
- “What’s the best practice in this situation?”

Quick Connects Are for You

Quick Connects are not another meeting on your calendar, they are a resource. They exist to make your work smoother, your decisions more confident, and your day a little less stressful. Next time you hit a situation that makes you pause, think: “Is there a Quick Connect I could hop into for this?” Chances are, the answer is yes, and there is a KV team ready to help!

KV Teams and General Topics

Tuesday

Accounting – For questions about invoices, ledgers, payables, reporting, and anything numbers-related.
Maintenance and Safety – For work orders, preventative maintenance, safety concerns, inspections, and vendor coordination.
Career Development – For career path questions, development conversations, and how to grow within Cohen-Esrey.

Wednesday

Customer Fulfillment – For handling upset residents, communication best practices, documenting issues, and follow-up strategies.
Affordable Leasing – For questions about affordable housing leasing processes, eligibility, compliance-related leasing challenges, and applicant communication.
Market Rate Leasing – For market-rate leasing strategies, pricing, specials, renewals, and revenue-focused conversations.
Human Resources – For HR-related questions, policies, leaves, and navigating people-related situations.

Thursday

Leadership – For Property Managers, Assistant Managers, and leaders wanting to talk through leadership challenges, property performance, and decision-making.
Marketing – For questions about advertising, social media, outreach, lead generation, and brand consistency.
Technology – For hardware issues, passwords, tech workflows, and “why won’t this thing work?” moments.

Lights, Action, Camera!

Many of us regularly use Microsoft Teams and Zoom for a wide range of meetings, Quick Connects, F16 training, etc. Because video conferencing is imbedded into our daily lives, it makes sense to talk about some basic etiquette that should be observed.

Camera – Make sure your camera is on during your videoconferencing session. It’s frustrating to be on a Zoom or Teams call with multiple participants and only one or two have their cameras turned on. It certainly makes sense to keep your camera off if you are driving in a vehicle. Position your camera at eye level and look toward the lens when speaking.
Mute – If you are in a videoconference with multiple participants, mute your microphone unless you are speaking. Often there can be a lot of distracting background noise when many mics are open.
Eating – Avoid eating while on camera, even if your videoconference is with internal team members only.
Attire – Dress for your day – and if you are on camera, you should look like a professional.
Multitasking – Stay focused – others can tell when you’re not present.
Test – Check your camera, microphone, speakers/headset, and internet connection. Make sure any software updates aren’t pending.

CEDG Awarded Tax Credits

Congratulations to Jack Brenton (2018), Development Director, and the Cohen-Esrey Development Group team for winning a tax credit award for 711 New Hampshire in downtown Lawrence, KS. The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) made the award of federal and state affordable housing tax credits enabling CEDG to construct a six-story building containing 94 units for seniors. The unit mix includes six studio units of 493 square feet; 73 one-bedroom units of 800 square feet; and 15 two-bedroom units of 1,057 square feet. Residents will enjoy a large community room, and space is provided for a bodega to be leased to a third party. The site is a former city-owned parking lot and construction will start later in 2026 on the $30 million development.

Kudos to Jack for winning his first tax credit award! CEDG has been a prolific developer of affordable housing across the state of Kansas. Previously, the company has developed 21 affordable properties totaling 746 units in 14 different towns and cities.

Welcome Shea!

Cassie Colston (2004), Regional Vice-President, is pleased to announce that Shea Clanton has joined the Affordable Division of Cohen-Esrey Communities (CEC) as a new Operations Support Manager. She will be supporting several affordable properties in multiple states.

Shea brings a decade of experience in property management, beginning her career in 2015. She has served in multiple roles across both housing authority and property management operations, including Tenant Selection Coordinator, Assistant Property Manager, and ultimately Property Manager. Throughout her career, Shea has worked extensively with HCV, HUD, LIHTC, and HOME affordable housing programs. She also has extensive hands-on experience working in Kansas and Missouri, partnering closely with the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) and the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) on annual inspections, reporting, and ongoing compliance needs.

She is experienced with EIV systems and the detailed requirements that accompany affordable program oversight. One of her strongest professional passions is taking on distressed assets, stabilizing operations, and improving overall performance – work she considers among her greatest accomplishments.

On a personal note, Shea is a proud mother of three young adults and a grandmother to a two-year-old granddaughter, Jordyn, who is the light of her life. She enjoys reading, 80’s soft rock, and spending quality time with her family. She’s also a big football fan – both college and NFL, and a huge Kansas City Chiefs supporter.

Welcome to Cohen-Esrey, Shea!

HR Corner

By Jennifer Miller (2025), Director of Human Resources

The Holidays are Here!

The holiday season is often described as a time of joy, connection, and celebration—but for many, it also brings stress, exhaustion, and emotional overwhelm. Between packed schedules, financial pressure, family dynamics, and disrupted routines, it's easy to feel ungrounded. At Cohen-Esrey, your well-being matters, and we want to ensure you have the resources you need to navigate this busy time with confidence and support.

Lincoln Financial Employee Assistance Program

All Cohen-Esrey team members—regardless of healthcare plan have access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Employee Connect services through Lincoln Financial. This program provides support such as counseling, personal well-being resources, and tools to help you effectively navigate family, emotional, legal, and financial challenges.

Lincoln Financial Group also provides assistance with traveling, funeral prep, will prep, identity theft, shopping & entertainment discounts, and beneficiary support. Visit the Benefit HUB for more information, check out www.guidanceresources.com to download the GuidanceNow mobile app, or call 888-628-4824. To login, your username is: LFGSupport and your password is LFGSupport1.

United Healthcare Employee Assistance Program

If you're enrolled in the United Healthcare (UHC) Plan, you have access to a wide range of Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services. UHC’s EAP provides:

Confidential counseling
Financial guidance
Legal assistance
Support tools for managing stress, relationships, and work-life balance.

Surest Talkspace Go Program

If you’re a Surest plan member, you have access to their Talkspace app, a clinically supported program that utilizes the most effective therapeutic approaches for anxiety, depression, burnout, and parenting. Complete a quick 25-question assessment to receive a personalized plan for self-guided and interactive courses and counseling programs. Ready to get started?

Download the Talkspace Go app from the Apple App store or Google Play store.
Sign up and create an account.
Enter your organization code: Surest.

For more details on the Talkspace Go program for Surest members, click here.

Calm App – Free for UHC Members

Another excellent stress-management resource available to all UHC members is the Calm App. This tool offers guided meditations, relaxing sleep stories, calming music, and practical mindfulness exercises. Whether you need a moment of peace during a hectic day or help winding down at night, Calm can support your mental health throughout the season.

Meditation is an easy, effective way to stay grounded during the holidays. Whether you’re new or returning to the practice, a few minutes a day can make the season calmer and more meaningful.

Reduces Stress
Holiday pressures can raise cortisol and create tension. Meditation activates the body’s relaxation response, slowing the heart rate and quieting the mind.
Supports Emotional Balance
With emotions running high, meditation helps you notice feelings without being overwhelmed. Regular practice boosts mood and resilience.
Enhances Presence
Mindfulness keeps you from rushing through the season. Being more present strengthens your connections and enriches shared moments.
Improves Sleep
Meditation techniques like breathwork or body scans settle the mind, helping you fall asleep more easily and wake up restored.
Builds Healthy Boundaries
Greater self-awareness helps you recognize your limits, say no when needed, and manage expectations with more ease.
Cultivates Gratitude
Mindfulness shifts attention to what’s meaningful now. Brief gratitude practices can increase joy and contentment.
Easy to Do Anywhere
Meditation requires no equipment or long-time commitment—you can practice at home, in the car, or during any quiet moment.

Final Thoughts

Meditation offers a simple antidote to holiday stress. By fostering calm, clarity, and compassion, even small moments of mindfulness can transform the season from overwhelming to fulfilling.

Cities of Cohen-Esrey

Mankato, MN: “The Key City”

Mankato, MN, is a vibrant regional center located along the scenic bend of the Minnesota River, known for its blend of natural beauty, cultural activity, and steady economic growth. As one of southern Minnesota’s most prominent cities, Mankato serves as a hub for education, healthcare, commerce, and outdoor recreation. Its landscape is defined by rolling river bluffs, lush valleys, and extensive parklands, giving residents and visitors a strong connection to the outdoors.

A key fixture of the city is Minnesota State University, Mankato, a major public institution that shapes the community’s energy and diversity. The university brings tens of thousands of students, faculty, and staff to the area and supports a wide range of academic programs, research initiatives, and NCAA Division I and II athletics. Its presence contributes significantly to Mankato’s economy, arts scene, and innovation ecosystem.

Downtown Mankato has undergone considerable revitalization in recent years, evolving into a lively district filled with local restaurants, breweries, boutiques, and entertainment venues. The City Center hosts festivals, concerts, and community events throughout the year, making it a focal point for both residents and visitors. The nearby Civic Center frequently draws large conferences, sporting events, and performances.

Mankato is also well known for its outdoor opportunities. The city maintains an extensive trail system for biking, running, and walking, including connections to the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail. Minneopa State Park—just a short drive away—features a waterfall, hiking trails, and a bison range, providing a glimpse into Minnesota’s natural heritage.

Historically, Mankato has deep roots in Dakota culture and early European settlement, and the city continues to recognize and interpret its complex past through markers, memorials, and educational programs.

Overall, Mankato offers a balanced mix of small-city charm, educational excellence, and recreational richness, making it a dynamic place to live, learn, and explore.

Cohen-Esrey manages two affordable apartment communities in Mankato totaling 112 units, that were developed by the Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG).

An Empowerment Story

By Phillip Smith (2022), Maintenance Technician – Brighton Creek

Phillip Smith (2022), is a Maintenance Technician at Brighton Creek in Kansas City, MO. Here is what he has to say about his Empowerment:

I started my journey at Brighton Creek in May 2022 not long after Cohen-Esrey acquired the property with no multifamily experience though I did bring three years of experience from the commercial side of the business. I believe I have built a strong reputation at Cohen-Esrey as a hardworking and dependable Maintenance Technician. I strive to maintain a positive attitude, good sense of humor, and a willingness to take on new challenges. I think I bring steady reliability and a welcoming presence to both residents and our Brighton Creek team.

Cohen-Esrey has Empowered Me to Thrive by giving me all the tools, training, and resources with continuing education to achieve the next level.

Throughout my time at Cohen-Esrey, I have been able to develop a wide range of maintenance skills; from everyday repairs, troubleshooting to preventive care that keeps the property running smoothly and efficiently. I try to make sure that my team member value my strong work ethic, and hope that our residents appreciate my friendly, respectful approach to helping others.

On a personal note, I am a devoted father, brother, husband, uncle, and confidant. I am married to a salon owner, where I also lend my maintenance skills to support her small business.

We are raising a beautiful, blended family of six children, ranging from ages two to 18 years old, with another little one on the way! Family is everything to me and is my driving force.

Note from Laureen Woods (2022), Property Manager – “Phillip brings that same Commitment, Integrity, and heart into his work every day, making him a valuable co-worker and trusted team member at Brighton Creek.

Fun Photo!

Here’s a photo from the 2008 archives in our old Cloverleaf Corporate Headquarters. Kurt Parrett (2008), Property Accounting Manager, was new to Cohen-Esrey when this photo was taken. How is it that this guy never ages?!

NPS Leaderboards

The three NPS Leaderboards have been updated as of November 28, 2025. In the 50-Units or Less category, Rankin Mills (Boonville, MO) jumped into first place with an NPS of +82.35. In the Properties 51 to 120-Units category, Pam Apartments (Pampa, TX) remained in the lead with an NPS of +97.73. And in the Properties of More than 120-Units category, The Boulevard (Springfield, IL), is firmly entrenched as the leader with an NPS of +81.82. There are 22 properties on Leaderboards – two more than last month. Our overall NPS has skyrocketed to +37!