Story Cottage memory care was inspired by a personal search for better memory care options. With locations in residential neighborhoods, each cottage offers a homelike, connected environment that helps residents feel comfortable and engaged.
How did Story Cottage memory care begin?
Kristin Cherry: So where did this idea come from?
Diane Kohan: Our president and owner, David Morgan, actually researched memory care across the country after his grandparents were struggling with memory care needs. He discovered this small-cottage concept and found it to be a wonderful hopeful, personal solution—much better than a large facility where someone is just one of many.
How has Story Cottage grown over time?
Kristin Cherry: And how has it evolved or grown?
Diane Kohan: Our first cottage opened in 2019, and our fourth cottage opened in 2024. We are currently working on our fifth cottage, which allows us to bring these services to more families and residents.
Where are Story Cottage memory care locations?
Kristin Cherry: I’m sure this kind of care is needed in the community. Where are all the locations?
Diane Kohan: Our first cottage is at Washington Boulevard and 86th Street in Indianapolis—Story Cottage by Williams Creek. The second is in Carmel at Carey Grove, which is at 136th Street and Carey Road (Smokey Row and Carey Road). The third cottage is also in Carmel, in West Carmel by West Clay off Main Street. Our fourth cottage is in Meridian Hills at 71st and Spring Mill Boulevard.
What makes the Story Cottage setting special?
Kristin Cherry: These are very residential communities, correct?
Diane Kohan: Absolutely. Each cottage has neighbors on either side, creating a setting very similar to where our residents have lived in the past. What’s wonderful about these cottages is that residents can sit by the ample windows and enjoy natural lighting while watching neighbors come and go, dogs playing, and squirrels climbing trees. It’s a very normal, homelike setting that helps residents feel comfortable and connected to their community.
Kristin Cherry: Sounds very nice. Thank you, Diane, for explaining Story Cottage.
“Each cottage has neighbors on either side, creating a setting very similar to where our residents have lived in the past.”
— Diane Kohan, RN, Executive Director
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired the creation of Story Cottage memory care?
The founder was inspired by his grandparents' struggles and researched better memory care options, leading to the small-cottage concept.
How many Story Cottage memory care locations are there?
There are currently four locations, with a fifth in development, all in residential neighborhoods in Indianapolis and Carmel.
What makes the Story Cottage environment unique?
Each cottage is set in a residential area, offering a homelike atmosphere with natural light and community connections.
Kristin Cherry
About the Author
Kristin has over 30 years of experience in Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care, with advanced degrees in Gerontology, Family Services, and Counseling. She has held leadership roles including Executive Director, Regional Sales Manager, Divisional Sales Manager, and VP of Sales and Marketing for several large companies. Kristin is also a recognized speaker on senior care topics, presenting throughout the Midwest on Alzheimer’s Disease, Assisted Living vs. Nursing Homes, and Memory Care Programs.
She has received multiple awards, including the BGSU Gerontology Program Partnership Award and the Resident Director Best Practices Award, and has been recognized locally for her leadership in team development. Kristin is also President of the Indiana Kappa Delta Alumnae Association and actively consults with alumnae navigating senior care options for their loved ones.
Outside of work, Kristin and her husband, Dave, who have been married 33 years are dedicated Great Dane Rescue fosters, having fostered and placed nine dogs into loving homes. Kristin has a daughter, who just got married and works at Purdue. Follow her on LinkedIn.
