About SEI & Our Team
Our Future
For fifty years we operated as Santiam Escrow, Inc. In June 2026, Jen Haessler became co-owner and president, Gabe Javage became co-owner and CEO, and the company became SEI, LLC. The office and the people who answer the phone didn’t change. What changed is the name on the door and who is carrying the work forward.
Your agreement is unaffected
Existing agreements continue exactly as written. No action needed on your part.
Your contacts are the same
The person who has handled your agreement still handles your agreement. Same staff, same certifications, same standards.
Payments continue as usual
Send them the way you always have, to the same address. We will tell you directly and in writing if that ever changes.
How We Work
For over 50 years, the same family-led team has administered agreements from our Stayton, Oregon office — small-town service, protected by modern digital security.
Reach out and tell us about your agreement — a real person answers, every time.
We build a custom plan around your specific situation, because no two agreements are alike.
We hold, track, and disburse funds exactly as agreed, for as long as it takes.
You and everyone involved stay informed and protected, year after year.
Our Record Speaks for Itself
Clear communication throughout the life of your account.
- Annual statements, sent automatically — no need to request one
- Late payment notices sent to both parties when enrolled in Late Payment Monitoring
- Insurance-related correspondence coordinated as part of applicable servicing
- Payoff figures prepared promptly upon request
Proof, not promises:
Clear communication is part of how we service an account. Our team keeps information moving, responds to requests, and communicates with both parties so you know what's happening with your account.
We stay ahead of the details.
- Account terms and calculations reviewed before setup is finalized
- Reminder notices sent in advance when applicable
- Late Payment Monitoring available to identify missed payments early
- Account activity reviewed and addressed as part of ongoing servicing
Proof, not promises:
Good servicing starts before the first payment is due. We carefully review the details during setup and maintain established processes throughout the life of the account, helping identify issues early rather than waiting for them to become bigger problems.
Accuracy is built into our process.
- Account terms and calculations verified during setup
- Payoffs, reserves, and reconveyances handled by experienced specialists
- Assignments and assumptions carefully documented and tracked
- Decades of collection escrow experience behind our processes
Proof, not promises:
Our team brings decades of hands-on experience to the details where accuracy matters most — transaction documents and instructions, account terms and calculations, tax reserves, payoff statements, assignments and assumptions, and reconveyances.
Experience you can count on.
- Real people answer our phones
- Experienced staff who understand collection escrow
- Long-term team members with deep institutional knowledge
- Consistent, neutral communication with both parties
Proof, not promises:
Specialized expertise, backed by industry credentials.
- Professional training specific to escrow and collection servicing
- Certified Collection Escrow Officers on our team
- Senior-level escrow certifications and experience
- A history of leadership within Oregon’s professional escrow community
Proof, not promises:
Our team’s experience is backed by recognized industry training and credentials, including Collection Escrow Officer and Senior Escrow Officer certifications. Our staff has also held leadership roles within Oregon’s professional escrow community, bringing both hands-on experience and industry knowledge to the work we do every day.
"The team at Santiam Escrow keeps everything organized and on schedule. Their attention to detail and accurate recordkeeping make managing our contract simple and stress-free."
- Cynthia K.
A Short Timeline
1975 — Santiam Escrow, Inc. opens at 216 E. Virgina in Stayton
1992 — Santiam Escrow goes digital, launching its computerized collections system and transitioning account servicing from paper records to electronic processing.
2024 — Santiam Escrow expands, purchasing the neighboring Holm Building and moving into its new home.
June 2026 — Santiam Escrow begins its next chapter. Jennifer Haessler, daughter of longtime owners Jim and Judi Templin, and Gabe Javage take over as co-owners, with Jennifer serving as President and Gabe as CEO — continuing Santiam’s legacy while positioning the company for the future.
2026 — Santiam Escrow becomes SEI. Short for Santiam Escrow, Inc., SEI is a modernized identity for the same company our clients have trusted for more than 50 years — carrying its history and experience into the future.
Our Values
Stewardship
We are holding something that belongs to someone else. That trust shapes every decision we make about it.
Neutrality
We serve the agreement, not the party who called first. Both sides get the same numbers and the same respect.
Accuracy
Small errors don't stay small — they grow over the life of an agreement. We'd rather take an extra day than send something incorrect.
Safekeeping
Every original document is kept secure, and information is only released to the buyer and seller with written authorization. We take that responsibility seriously.
Human Connection
You'll talk to a person who knows your file. That's not a policy we adopted — it's simply how we've always worked.
Protecting Relationships
We're not just moving money — we're protecting the relationship behind it. Getting a payment right is one less thing for people to argue about.
Get to know the Team
James Templin
FOUNDER
Jim Templin founded Santiam Escrow more than 50 years ago and spent his career building the company around a simple philosophy: take care of people, honor their instructions, and earn their trust. Under his leadership, Santiam Escrow grew into a respected collection escrow company serving generations of clients and developing longstanding relationships with title companies, attorneys, real estate professionals, lenders, buyers, and sellers throughout Oregon.
Over five decades, Jim developed extensive knowledge of collection escrow and the often complex real estate transactions the company administers. Just as importantly, he established a culture centered on personal service, dependability, integrity, and a willingness to work through situations that don't always fit neatly into a standard process. Many of SEI's longest-standing client and industry relationships can be traced back to the trust Jim built personally over the years.
Today, Jim remains an important part of the SEI family, with a greater focus on the customer relationships that have always been at the heart of the business. His daughter, President and Co-Owner Jennifer Haessler, and CEO and Co-Owner Gabe Javage are carrying that legacy forward — combining the principles Jim established with new technology, processes, and services designed to serve SEI's clients
Jennifer Haessler
President & Co-Owner
Jennifer Haessler is President and Co-Owner of SEI, LLC, bringing more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in business operations, professional services, organizational transformation, and strategy. As the daughter of Santiam Escrow founder Jim Templin, Jennifer also brings a personal connection to the company's history and a deep commitment to preserving the values and relationships on which the business was built.
Before joining SEI, Jennifer held executive leadership roles with global technology and professional services organizations, most recently serving as Vice President of Consulting Services — Global Strategy & Business Operations at Epicor. Throughout her career, she has led large, geographically dispersed teams and been responsible for business operations, financial performance, organizational strategy, process improvement, and large-scale transformation initiatives.
At SEI, Jennifer leads operations and administration and is focused on modernizing the company's processes, technology, and client experience while maintaining the personal service and attention that have distinguished Santiam Escrow for decades. Alongside CEO and Co-Owner Gabe Javage, she is helping build the next generation of the business by combining SEI's longstanding escrow expertise with stronger systems, greater accessibility, and new ways to serve clients and industry partners.
Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, traveling with her family, and staying active.
Gabe Javage
CEO & Co-Owner
Gabe Javage is CEO and Co-Owner of SEI, LLC. With more than 20 years of leadership experience in banking, lending, sales, and business development, Gabe is focused on driving the company's growth through strategic partnerships, client relationships, marketing initiatives, and business development while preserving the personalized service, stability, and integrity that have defined the company for decades.
Prior to joining SEI, Gabe spent 17 years with KeyBank, most recently serving as Senior Relationship Manager and Vice President, where he advised business clients on banking, lending, growth strategies, and risk management. Before KeyBank, Gabe served as Branch Sales Manager for HSBC Finance, leading teams and helping clients navigate complex lending and financial transactions. Alongside co-owner and President Jennifer Haessler, Gabe is helping shape SEI's next chapter by expanding market presence, strengthening referral partnerships, increasing brand awareness, and supporting the company's continued growth while maintaining its longstanding commitment to exceptional client service and stewardship. Outside of work, Gabe enjoys skiing, fishing, camping, and attending Oregon State University athletic events. Most importantly, he enjoys spending time with his wife, son, daughter, and granddaughter, Bryn.
Sandy Birkholz
Senior Servicing Specialist
Sandy has been a cornerstone of Santiam Escrow since June 1977, bringing nearly five decades of collection escrow experience to SEI. After beginning her career with the Oregon DMV, Sandy joined Santiam Escrow and built her expertise through formal training with the Oregon Escrow Council — and, as she puts it, the “school of hard knocks."
She is a Certified Senior Collection Escrow Officer with extensive knowledge of complex account servicing, tax reserves, payoff statements, assignments and assumptions, reconveyances, and real estate and escrow documentation. Her depth of experience and ability to navigate complicated transactions have made Sandy a trusted resource for clients, industry partners, and generations of Santiam Escrow team members.
Nikki Voltin
Manager, Servicing Operations
Nikki Voltin is Manager, Servicing Operations at SEI and brings nearly 26 years of experience with Santiam Escrow. A Certified Collection Escrow Officer (CCEO) through the Oregon Escrow Council, Nikki has spent her career developing extensive hands-on knowledge of collection escrow servicing and is a key resource for both clients and the SEI team.
Nikki's primary area of expertise is establishing new collection escrow accounts. She specializes in reviewing transaction documents and instructions, verifying account terms and calculations, and setting up accounts accurately from the beginning. As Manager, Servicing Operations, Nikki also oversees SEI's payment processing operations, helping ensure payments are processed accurately and account activity is properly maintained. Her experience also includes complex payment structures and wrap transactions, payoffs, assignments, account modifications, payment adjustments, amortization calculations, and daily balancing and closeout procedures.
Before joining Santiam Escrow, Nikki worked in accounts payable for a window manufacturing company, giving her an early foundation in financial processing and accuracy.
Known for her attention to detail, practical knowledge, and problem-solving skills, Nikki takes pride in setting accounts up thoroughly and ensuring they are serviced accurately and efficiently throughout their lifecycle.
Bobbie Artus
Marketing and Account Services Specialist
Known to many as “Escrow Bobbie,” Bobbie Artus brings 37 years of experience in title, escrow, real estate, and related industries to SEI. A graduate of Oregon State University, Bobbie is a Certified Senior Escrow Officer (CSEO), Oregon Notary, and longtime member of the Oregon Escrow Council, where she served five years as President.
Bobbie began her title and escrow career in 1989. She went on to complete 23 years with one organization through a series of acquisitions and name changes. Her broad professional background also includes mortgage credit reporting and working as a legal assistant to a real estate attorney.
At SEI, Bobbie draws on decades of experience with real estate documents, title and escrow matters, reconveyances, payoffs, vesting, trusts, estates, and other complex transactions. She is also a valuable resource to the SEI team, sharing her industry knowledge and helping ensure the practices and procedures behind our work remain strong.
Outside of work, Bobbie is a devoted Oregon State Beaver fan who enjoys live music, camping, crafting, continuing education, and Rottweilers.
Kristin Stahl
Account Support & Payment Processing Specialist
Kristin Stahl joined SEI in 2026 as an Account Support & Payment Processing Specialist, bringing a strong background in financial transactions, detailed documentation, and customer service. At SEI, Kristin supports daily payment processing and account servicing, helping ensure transactions are handled accurately and efficiently.
Prior to joining SEI, Kristin worked as a Deal Administrator, where she reviewed and processed complex vehicle transactions, coordinated with banks and finance teams, managed funding and payoff documentation, and helped ensure transactions met state and federal requirements. Her previous experience also includes working as a Vault Teller with a national bank, where she handled customer and business transactions, cash management, and account services.
Kristin's attention to detail, organizational skills, and experience working with financial transactions provide a strong foundation for her work at SEI as she continues to build her expertise in collection escrow servicing.
Outside of work, Kristin enjoys spending time with family and friends, getting outdoors to camp, and going to concerts. She and her husband also share a love of softball and enjoy playing together.
Venus Wattenbarger
Operations Support Specialist
Venus Wattenbarger is an Operations Support Specialist at SEI, supporting many of the day-to-day processes that help keep client accounts and communications moving smoothly. Her responsibilities include assisting clients by phone, processing Verifications of Mortgage, coordinating insurance-related correspondence, preparing late notices, and providing additional administrative and account support throughout the office. With experience in payment processing, Venus also provides backup support when needed.
Before joining SEI, Venus built an extensive background in customer service, financial transactions, and office administration, including more than 15 years supporting a busy accounting office with payments, financial and tax records, reporting, and deadline management.
Venus brings a strong customer-service mindset, attention to detail, and a willingness to step in wherever she is needed. Her broad administrative background and familiarity with SEI's account servicing processes make her a versatile member of the operations team.
Earla Kasinger
Account Support Specialist
Earla Kasinger brings more than 30 years of title and collection escrow experience to SEI, including 13 years with Santiam Escrow. Her career in the title industry began in recording before she moved into escrow, progressing from Escrow Assistant to Escrow Officer. Earla worked in offices throughout the Willamette Valley as well as Juneau, Alaska, giving her broad experience with both title and escrow transactions.
Throughout her career, Earla has reviewed and recorded real estate documents, prepared closing statements, balanced transactions with lenders, assisted with loan documentation, and worked directly with clients. One of her favorite responsibilities as an Escrow Officer was presenting and explaining loan documents to clients — a reflection of the personal service she continues to bring to her work today. At SEI, Earla supports account servicing, file updates, client communications, reminder notices, and wherever else her experience is needed.
Having grown up in a military family, Earla attended 11 schools before graduating from high school, an experience that helped shape her adaptability and ability to connect with people. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and finding new adventures with family and friends, spending time with her three children and five grandchildren, line dancing, baking, and crafts.
Verna Brawley
Receptionist
Verna Brawley has been a familiar and welcoming presence at Santiam Escrow since June 2018. As SEI's receptionist, Verna is often the first person clients speak with or see when they contact the office, and she takes pride in making sure they receive friendly, helpful, and professional service.
Verna's broader professional background spans more than 20 years in customer service, administration, human resources, accounting, and office management, including leadership roles in HR and customer service.
Verna originally joined Santiam Escrow to assist with scanning and organizing open and closed account files. Within a few months, she began helping at the front desk and answering phones, eventually making client service and reception her primary role.
Family remains an important part of Verna's life outside of work, including being a grandmother close to home.
Working Here
We're a close-knit team that works well together. We know each other's strengths, and those strengths balance us as a whole. We're always open to introductions. We hire carefully, and we treat our team well — we want people to stay because they want to, not because they have to.If you're detail-obsessed, good on the phone, and interested in work that takes years to master, we'd like to hear from you.
Email Us