SunnyBrook Assisted Living, Inc. was originally established in 1995 in Iowa by Betty Howell. Betty, who had been involved in geriatric care for 25 years, was inspired by the newly developing ideas of the assisted living movement. Her desire was to provide a home-like environment for each resident, maintaining the maximum level of independence, choice and dignity.

Betty partnered with James Elliott and Jim Belilove to build SunnyBrook into an Iowa health care company with assisted living, skilled nursing, independent living, home health, and rehabilitation services in communities throughout Iowa.

James and Jim, graduates of NYU Business School and Harvard Business School respectively, are both entrepreneurs with a depth and breadth of business experience including operations, sales, marketing, finance and management.

Sunnybrook has created a recognized brand name in Iowa known today for the highest quality of care, excellent staff, integrity of service, vibrant activities for residents, delicious food and beautiful physical environment.

SunnyBrook provides a full range of high quality services consistent with the individual needs and preferences of not only the residents, but their families and community as well.

Ownership Team

Betty Howell along with her husband David is the original founder of SunnyBrook. Starting as a two resident operation in her home, Betty set the standards, methods and philosophy of care that have become the guiding principles of SunnyBrook in all its operations. Betty is known throughout Iowa’s Senior Care community for her years of experience in senior care and her passionate dedication to the principles of dignity, choice and community involvement.

Jim Belilove, MBA from Harvard Business School, is founder and president of Creative Edge Master Shop, Inc., a manufacturing company in Iowa, since 1988. Jim has been instrumental in the operations of SunnyBrook and plays a role in management, finance, planning, and new construction of SunnyBrook properties.

James T. Elliott IV, MBA from NYU Stern School of Business, moved his family to Iowa to build SunnyBrook into what it is today. A Texas native who had an entrepreneurial career in New York City for 12 years prior to moving to Iowa, James has been instrumental in the growth and operations of SunnyBrook and plays a role in management, finance, strategic planning and new projects.