Our Expert Team
Our insurance experts are client relation oriented, meaning they strive to provide you with the best coverage that suits your specific needs and lifestyle. You can rest assured that with Yates & Associates, you have a team that is dedicated to your protection at all times. As a family owned business, we believe in putting family first and as our client, you become family.
Rodney & Sherri Yates
(Owners)
Rodney and Sherri Yates have been involved with Yates & Associates since 1997. Mr. Yates opened the first grocery store in Boerne, TX called Poor Boy Incorporated and later began his career in insurance in 1976. Sherri Yates graduated from Shriner University in Shriner, TX with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Mrs. Yates spent her professional career working at Kerrville Accounting Firm, Davis Stewart until 1991 when she opened her own insurance agency. She has been operating the agency ever since.
Email Sherri and Rodney: sherricyates@yahoo.com
Rodda Yates-Schara
(CEO)
CEO
With over 25 years of experience, Rodda is licensed in almost all 50 states and owns and operates Yates & Associates in Boerne, TX. She is member of Insurance Agency Owners Alliance, Independent agents of Texas, Asian American Hotel Owners Association, Texas Wildlife Association, Texas Deer Association and San Antonio Jr Livestock Association just to name a few. What separate this agency from the rest is she specializes in commercial insurance and her husband, Rivers Schara, specializes in personal lines insurance. They have 6 children together and are thrilled to working together.
Email Rodda: rodda@yatesinsurance.com
Click to Set Up An Appointment with Rodda: https://calendly.com/rodda
Rivers Schara
(Co-Owner/Producer)
Rivers Schara, a graduate of Sul Ross State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree launched his insurance career in 1999 as a third-generation State Farm Agent alongside with his father, David Schara. In 2002, he opened his first office as a captive agent with State Farm than in 2022 he became independent agent partnering with his wife Rodda Yates- Schara. Rivers Schara Insurance is a division of Yates & Associates Insurance, a family-owned agency with over 50 years of experience. Rivers lives his life by a quote from Mark Twain, “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life”; Rivers expresses he has been blessed professionally and personally. Rivers and Rodda have six children and are actively involved in the agriculture industry. Spare time is often spent traveling to Livestock Show and Rodeos with their children. If you ever see him do not hesitate to tell Old Man Rivers hello.
Email Rivers: rivers@yatesinsurance.com
Set up a meeting with Rivers:calendly.com/riversschara
Amber Meyer
(Office Manager &
Livestock Mortality Specialist)
Amber is a native of the Texas Hill Country who brings over 12 years of Management experience to Yates & Associates. Although she is new to the insurance industry, her determination and drive to achieve makes her an asset for our team. Amber’s spare time is often spent volunteering with local nonprofit organizations within the Agriculture Industry. She and her husband, Scott, reside in Harper, Texas where they have raised their three children Trace, Cooper and Hallie.
Email Amber: amber@yatesinsurance.com
Click to Set Up An Appointment with Amber: https://calendly.com/accountspay
Rodalyn Dunham
(Marketing)
Rodalyn is a dedicated student on her journey to excellence. As the daughter of Rodda Schara, she is currently pursuing her degree in Business Marketing and Management at Angelo State University. With a strong commitment to academic growth and a passion for business, she aspires to leverage her education and skills to make a significant impact in the world of marketing and management. Stay tuned for her future accomplishments and contributions in the field.
Email: rodalyndunham@icloud.com
Frannie Hernandez
(Personal Lines Account Manager)
Frannie Hernandez joined Yates & Associates Insurance in March 2018, bringing over a decade of experience as a licensed agent in Property & Casualty, Life, Accident, Health, and HMO since 2008. Specializing in Personal Lines Insurance, she works closely with Rivers Schara Insurance, a division of Yates & Associates, where she focuses primarily on managing renewals. Outside of work, Frannie enjoys spending quality time with her family.
Email: Frannie@yatesinsurance.com
Leann Cox-Robinson
(Executive Producer)
Leann has been in the insurance business since 1984. She is originally from Amarillo, Texas and relocated to South Texas in 2000. She and her husband reside in Gonzalez, Tx and have two children, Tilden and Logan, as well as a grandson. She has been a longtime friend of Rodda and Rodney since 2002 and looks forward to working with Yates to continue her insurance career. Leann specializes in the Hospitality and Retail industry.
Email Leann: leann@yatesinsurance.com
Darnelle Minnick
Darnelle, a retired Air Force veteran, made the move to Texas and entered the insurance industry in 2017 as a Personal Lines Manager, focusing on Home and Auto Insurance. He joined Yates and Associates in the summer of 2024 to expand his career and continue his commitment to community service. Known for his outgoing personality and warm smile, Darnelle adds a positive energy to the office. Outside of work, he enjoys diving into books and catching up on sports.
Lacey Katzer
(Commercial Account Manager)
Lacey, a local Boerne-ite began her career in the Insurance industry in 2009 as a Case Manager specializing in Life Insurance. She obtained her Certificate of Designation for Total Customer Service for Commercial Lines shortly after became licensed General Lines Property and Casualty Agent for Texas. She first joined Yates & Associates in 2019 leaving in 2022 to broaden her insurance career. Spring of 2024, she returned back taking on the role as our Commercial Account Manager, her precise nature makes her a real asset in dealing with our clients. She has one son, Brayden, which is attending Texas State University. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends
Email: Lacey@yatesinsurance.com
Rochelle Victoriano
(Commerical Insurance Specialist)
Rochelle is a seasoned insurance professional with over 7 years of experience delivering tailored insurance solutions in Massachusetts, California, and Texas. Specializing in property coverages, liability coverages, and contract bonds, she is dedicated to understanding each client’s unique needs to provide effective coverage. Outside of work, Rochelle draws inspiration from her two children and is passionate about community engagement, actively participating in fundraising initiatives for orphanages to make a positive impact beyond insurance.
Email: Rochelle@yatesinsurance.com
Prince Victoriano
(Commercial Service Representative)
Prince Victoriano comes to Yates & Associates with over one year’s experience working as a Customer Service Associate and over 3 years as an Assistant Underwriter. He will be assisting us in Customer Support as the specialty is helping clients. In my spare time, he enjoys his time with his family and playing online games.
Email: Service@yatesinsurance.com
Antonette Bagtas
(Commerical Service Representative)
Antonette joined Yates & Associates Insurance in the Spring of 2023. She began as our Commercial Customer Service Representative with over three years of insurance experience. Her meticulous nature and attention to detail makes her superb with client’s insurance needs. In my spare time, Antonette enjoys traveling, music and spending time with her family.
Email: support@yatesinsurance.com
Richard Horner
Richard is an insurance professional with over 20 years of experience, starting as a risk manager for an ocean-going tanker company. His work spans the US insurance market and collaborations with Lloyd’s of London, helping companies safeguard billions in assets worldwide. He prides himself on navigating the complexities of today’s business environment with his clients. Outside of work, Richard enjoys fishing, camping, and sports with his children. Originally from New Orleans, he relocated after Hurricane Katrina but remains deeply committed to protecting assets both professionally and personally.
Abby Zarate
I’m a Boerne native and the middle child of 2 sisters. I’ve graduated with an associate of business and continuing for my accounting education at Texas A&M San Antonio. Growing up in the service industry has helped shape me into a dedicated, hard-working individual that loves learning and experiencing new things. I have been working in the insurance industry for about a year and a half and look forward to growing with the team and in the insurance industry.
Aemar Apostol
(Personal Service Specialist)
Aemar connected with Yates & Associates and RS Insurance in 2023 in our Personal Lines Department. He has over 6 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, and for the past 4 years an Insurance Servicing Specialist. His approach combines servicing and sales expertise to establish authentic connections and provide peace of mind through competitive insurance coverage tailored to individual needs. He has a unique talent for turning the complex insurance landscape into engaging narratives. Each policy has its own story, and he’s there to share it with passion and sincerity.
Email: aemar@yatesinsurance.com
Luis Zambrano
(Commerical Service Representative)
Luis joins our team as our Commercial Service Representative. He is responsible for overseeing the processing of claims, audits, and inspections for our clients. He ensures that the claims are handled efficiently and accurately and that the customers are satisfied with the outcome. In his spare time, you will find him relaxing outdoors.
Email: Luis@yatesinsurance.com
Aarti Kumar
Born in Lubbock, TX, and now residing in Los Angeles, CA, Aarti comes to Yates & Associates with over 30 years of family involvement in the hotel and motel industry, Aarti has developed a deep understanding of the crucial role that effective insurance coverage plays in ensuring business success and security. Growing up surrounded by the dynamics of the hospitality industry, she has seen firsthand the challenges and complexities faced by business owners.
As a single mother of two—one navigating the complexities of college and the other thriving in high school—Aarti skillfully balances her personal responsibilities with her professional goals. Driven by a passion to support fellow business owners, she transitioned into a career in commercial insurance. Although relatively new to the field, Aarti draws on her extensive industry background and commitment to providing tailored insurance solutions. Her unique perspective and dedication make her a valuable advocate for those looking to protect and grow their businesses.
Haley Voss
Haley Voss is an account manager for Yates & Associates Insurance. During her first 2 years at another accredited agency in San Antonio she gained knowledge and expertise that helps her be successful in all her account manager roles at Yates & Associates. As an account manager Haley has gained her general lines license in three states Texas, Florida, and Louisiana, as well as a growing passion for the commercial insurance industry. When she is not working, she is enjoying time with family, friends, and attending various concerts and events in and around San Antonio/Boerne.
Nana Oritz
Ednalyn, often called “Nana.” I am dedicated to providing exceptional service with a personal touch. Inspired by my strong single mother, Edna, I embrace resilience and determination in my work. With 5 years of customer service experience, I specialize in managing accounts and addressing billing concerns, always focusing on tailored solutions for each client. I am committed to ensuring that every client receives the attention they deserve. Outside of work, I enjoy planning my next adventure and embracing new challenges. I look forward to providing you with outstanding service and support.
Amber Brooks
With 19 years of experience in the medical field and customer service, Amber has recently made the exciting leap into the insurance industry and is loving every moment of it. This extensive background brings a unique perspective on client care and attention to detail. A true animal lover, she shares her home with a mini zoo, showcasing her passion for all creatures big and small. When not at work, you can find her spending quality time with family, soaking up the sun at the beach, exploring new crafts, or hunting for treasures while thrift shopping. Dedicated to providing exceptional service, she is committed to helping clients navigate their insurance needs with the same compassion and commitment she’s always demonstrated.