Our Vision
Insurance Specialists Group will be recognized for building partnerships with our valued clients, our dedicated staff, and the Insurance Companies we represent.
Our team focus embraces exceptional service, integrity, superior knowledge, and personalized attention to deliver individualized solutions that provide peace of mind and support when you most need it. Our dedication begins with building a foundation of mutual trust and respect by adding value to all our relationships, maintaining a high standard of excellence, and always striving for continuous improvement with the goal of creating long-term relationships that will last for generations to come.
Trust Our Family To Insure Yours…
Don & Brooks Mathern began the independent agency, Insurance Specialists, in 1989. Don’s commitment and experience in the insurance industry and his care for his clients, has made him a client favorite.
Don has been President of Idaho Health Underwriters and served in regional positions with the National Association and has been the recipient of top awards over the years of career. He traveled many times to the Capital Conference in Washington DC to discuss important legislation issues with Idaho State Senators for the people of Idaho. He is on the board of Sun Valley Hyperbaric to provide funds for injured Veterans to be able to have access to hyperbaric treatments and is involved in his church and has volunteered with Prison ministry for over 20 years.
Brooks has been the glue of our agency since the beginning and has brought much love and structure to our agency. She is involved in her church and does not miss a beat to have a good time and is now the owner of an electric bike to get out and explore.
Don and Brooks enjoy rafting the Payette River with friends and family almost every summer weekend followed by a BBQ wherever Don can find some meat to put a flame to. Most of all they love going to sporting events especially if it includes watching their grandchildren play.
Our Team
Michelle Sandoz
Independent Agent / Owner
Michelle has been a licensed agent since 1998 after her parents recruited her to return to the states after living in Southeast Asia for three years.
Her focus on personal service and putting members’ needs first to find quality affordable health insurance solutions is what sets her apart.
Applying her wellness background and knowing everyone has their own health goals and care needs ensures the individualized consulting everyone deserves.
She has extensive knowledge in the industry and makes sure to learn something new every day to better serve her clients.
She is a Member of the National Association of Health Underwriters and an Eagle Leading Producer Roundtable Member since 2009. She is licensed in many states to ensure she can help her clients in all areas.
Michelle is on the Development Committee for the Senior Connection in Hailey and involved in her community through her kid’s sports programs and other organizations.
She lives in Hailey with her husband and two children ages 14 and 16, and loves exploring the mountains with backpacking, camping, mountain biking and skiing with her family.
Emily Schow
Agency Manager
Emily has been with Insurance Specialists Group for over 5 years. She is the glue for the agency to run smoothly and ensures that each client has peace of mind with the care and assistance she gives them. Emily brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our team and thinks outside the box to get fast solutions for our clients. She has a desire to truly help others. She has lived in the Wood River Valley for 10 years and loves the beauty it offers. She loves exploring the outdoors, especially hiking, biking and taking road trips! She lives in Hailey, Idaho with her significant other, Chaz.
Yira Massey
Client and Admin Support
Yira is a great support to the team, handling client questions and problem-solving with grace and ease. She helps with enrollments and tax credit applications, among other duties, and enjoys talking to and helping clients. Yira speaks Spanish and assists with translation to our Spanish speaking clients. Yira and her husband Jason, lived in Austin, TX and wanted to live closer to the mountains. They fell in love with Idaho and decided to take the plunge and follow their dreams and move to the Valley. She lives in Ketchum and loves studying holistic nutrition, baking, taking road trips, biking, running, hiking and going camping with their cat.
Brandi Popke
Client and Admin Support
Brandi is our newest team member, and we are so excited to have her! She already brings healthy structure and a big smile to our office. She has the hit the ground running assisting clients and the team with important processes to make the agency run smoothly to ensure quality service to all our clients. Brandi moved to Hailey almost three years ago and she loves to camp and explore the country with her family. She lives in Hailey with her husband and two children, ages 12 and 16 who she follows around as the sports Mama Tennis and Baseball enthusiast.