Tracy Toomer, MBA, CSA, CDP

Sometimes leadership comes easy; it can be fun and glamorous. Sometimes leadership requires stepping into roles that others don’t want to do because it’s neither fun nor glamorous. But leaders who do the hard things are led by an intrinsic passion, and they earn every ounce of respect they acquire. Tracy Toomer is that kind of leader.

Formerly a vice president for the largest Planet Fitness franchise in charge of 168 gyms in 14 states; once a director at Starbucks with 110 locations in Northeast Texas and Oklahoma, her leadership skills were honed and obvious. But in 2020 she was laid off. Tracy lives in a multigenerational home with her parents and four-legged brother Bruno. She knew from a very young age that she would eventually help support her parents. The layoff added a level of stress and complexity to the situation that she was not prepared for.

“I would not have had the career or luxuries I enjoy without the support of my parents,” said Tracy, “and now it was my time to support them. When I got laid off, we had a conversation about if we would stay in Allen. It was with a resounding yes! They said, ‘We choose Allen, Texas.’”

Tracy worked with a franchise consultant to pursue a dream of entrepreneurship. They presented CarePatrol, a business founded in 1993 with a mission to give seniors and their families a safe, stress-free way to choose quality senior living options.

“When I researched CarePatrol, something inside of me felt like I was being called into my purpose,” said Tracy. “CarePatrol supports seniors who are facing a challenging and stressful time in their lives when they must consider assisted living or memory care. Landing in this role is now my ministry in every sense of the word.”

She began acquiring the education and certifications she would need to work as an expert in the field of elderly care. Aligning with organizations that help seniors and their families, she serves on the board for Alzheimer’s Association, Dallas Northeast Chapter, and an educator for the Alzheimer’s Association. You can find her volunteering at the Wellness Center for Older Adults in Plano, conducting a workshop called “mental aerobics.”

“With our consulting services,” she explained, “we assess their social, medical, and financial needs to recommend the best housing option with care available so they can truly age in place.”

Last May, Tracy’s mom was diagnosed with mixed dementia. Tracy felt shaken, confused, hurt and downright angry. She knows that had she not been in this business, her 80-year-old mom would not have had the courage to ask to be tested.

“I am truly walking in my purpose,” she said. “I love what I do, and I get to meet amazing seniors and help them through a difficult time. Some days I’m a therapist, some days I’m a daughter, and some days I’m the ‘sistafriend’ that people never thought they had. And I walk away knowing I made a difference.”