For us, you are everything. How you feel, how you spend your day, what makes you laugh, what you need, what you love to eat—we embrace all of it, because we are a community. We support one another and make the most of every single day, together.

Meet Our Team

John Balota

Executive Director

John grew up in Benton, IL and graduated in 1972 while stationed in Crailsheim, Germany in the US Army. He attended ISU University and went to work for Caterpillar as a shipping and receiving dock manager for over 20 years. As Executive Director he has attended many certification programs to enhance his ability to lead his staff and provide a wonderful experience for our residents here at Brenden Gardens. He and his family have owned and operated family restaurants throughout Illinois. John married his wife in September of 1976 and they have 2 sons. "My 11 years working at Brenden Gardens long side of my wife has been a joy."

Christine Brimer

Business Office Manager

Christine grew up in Bushnell, Illinois where she graduated high school. Christine moved to Springfield when she met her husband. They have been married for 10 years. Christine started working at Brenden Gardens in 2005. She has been at Brenden Gardens for 11 years. Christine started as a dishwasher and has held other positions within our community such as Housekeeping Manager, Dining Room supervisor, Lifestyle360 Director, and now Business Office Manager. She absolutely loves being around our residents every day and hearing their stories of their lives.

Keith Myers

Food & Beverage Director

Keith Myers grew up in Riverton, IL and graduated from Riverton High School where he played football & baseball. Keith has 1 son, Wesley. He enjoys spending time with his son & family and going on road trips, camping on the current river, ball games in Chicago & St. Louis. Keith was a kitchen manager at Golden Corral and a kitchen manager at the different Mavericks locations in Springfield. He has enjoyed his position as the Executive Chef here at Brenden Gardens since 2012. Keith has recently been promoted to Food & Beverage Director. He enjoys talking with the residents and learning about their life adventures.

Brandy Ayers

Lifestyle360 Director

Brandy grew up in Riverton, IL, and graduated from Riverton High School, Class of 2001. Brandy had a few restaurant management jobs when she was younger. She then went into retail Management at Shoe Carnival for five years. She took some time off when she had her daughter Jaydyn. Brandy then re-entered the work force at Brendan Gardens to which she has been employed since 2011. While working there she had her second child, her son Brysyn. She enjoys working here and hearing all the residents life stories and helping them out.