About Us

Founded on Experience. Built on Trust.

Joanie Mathis & Whitney Jester

Co-Founders, Heart of Texas HALO

With a combined 20+ years of experience across senior healthcare and care transitions, Joanie Mathis and Whitney Jester bring a rare depth of knowledge to senior care navigation - blending clinical insight, operational understanding and compassionate guidance.

Together they have supported thousands of families through complex and emotional care decisions, ensuring each step is met with clarity, confidence and trusted direction.

Their work is grounded in a shared belief: families deserve more than information - they deserve a guide.

Joanie Mathis brings over 30 years of experience in hospitality and guest services, paired with more than 8 years in senior healthcare, including roles as a skilled nursing liaison and in senior living housing sales and operations.

Her unique background allows her to bridge two essential worlds:

the high-touch service of hospitality and the complexity of healthcare systems.

She also has deep expertise in business office management, giving her strong knowledge of financial processes, insurance structures and Medicaid navigation - critical components in senior care decision-making.

Personally, Joanie has walked the journey as a primary caregiver for her mother living with Lewy Body Dementia, giving her firsthand understanding of the emotional weight families carry during these transitions.

Over her career, she has assisted thousands of families - removing barriers, solving complex challenges and ensuring each individual is connected to the right level of care with dignity and clarity.

Whitney Jester is a healthcare professional with over 13 years of experience across skilled nursing, home health and hospice care. Her background as a clinical liaison across multiple levels of care has given her a comprehensive understanding of patient needs throughout the full continuum of senior services.

She is known for her ability to navigate complex care situations with clarity, efficiency and compassion - ensuring families and providers can make informed decisions quickly and confidently.

Whitney's expertise spans care coordination, transitions of care and relationship-building across healthcare systems. She has worked closely with providers, patients and families to assure appropriate placement, smooth transitions and improved care outcomes.

Throughout her career, she has developed strong partnerships within the Central Texas healthcare community and is recognized for her ability to bridge communication between clinical teams, facilities and families during critical decision points. She brings a calm, solutions-focused approach to high-stress situations, helping ensure no detail is overlooked during care transitions.