Our Staff
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Jack has been actively involved in all aspects of the retirement housing industry for more than twenty years. In that time, he has helped develop and operate twenty-two senior housing communities, congregate, assisted living and dementia care, throughout California and Arizona. He has put together three management companies and has established an operational and management philosophy that has served to guide all of these communities to their eventual success.
Jack suggests that "The trick to managing communities such as The Villages is to have excellent systems and policies in place so that your staff can function from their hearts rather than their heads. A visitor should be able to feel that difference upon entering any of our communities. Although our buildings are beautiful and well maintained, it's our people who make the difference. It is that gentle, respectful dance that goes on between our residents and our staff that sets The Villages apart. What an incredible gift we have been given to be able make such a difference in people's lives."
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Martin is a native of Switzerland who moved to the United States in 1986. He has been living on the beautiful Central Coast since 2000 and has worked at the Villages since 2002. With 17 years of experience in the retirement and senior housing field, as well as the acute care hospital industry, Martin has found a life enriching career. Martin earned a B.A. degree in Business Administration from the University of La Verne. Leaving behind wonderful grandparents in Europe was not easy, but working and getting to know many residents at The Villages on a personal level has provided him with many "step grandparents" to fill the void.
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After moving to California in 1997 from her native Canada, Tara and her husband have enjoyed raising their two children on the beautiful Central Coast. Tara comes to the Villages with a complimentary set of professional skills and integrity to her role as Director of Community Relations. Her experience working in marketing, media and healthcare, coupled with the values influenced by her close relationship with her grandparents—respect, and genuine compassion, create the perfect combination of skills, interests, and values that make her great with residents and their families. By developing a unique perspective on her work, she can relate easily and comfortably to people of all ages and is honored to be part of The Villages family.
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A native of San Luis Obispo, Jeri was raised two blocks away from The Villages, and as a child, actually played on the field that existed before the buildings were constructed. She earned an A. A. degree in Liberal Arts from Cuesta College and graduated with honors from Cal Poly with a B. A. in English. Raised in a family surrounded by elders, Jeri has always felt comfortable with seniors and enjoys being of service and interacting with all the wonderful residents. Jeri is recognized as the longest-employed staff person at The Villages.
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Debi began volunteering in the activity departments of convalescent homes in her early 20's. She grew to love this population. After having her family move from Southern California to Central California, she went back to school to get her A.A. in Recreation and Leisure so that she could become a full-time Recreation Director for retirement communities. In 1999, she started working in the activities department at The Villages. Several years ago, she gained the position of Recreational Director. She says that being the Recreation Director here at The Villages has brought joy and fulfillment into her life.
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Margarita has been in the senior housing industry for more than thirty years. She began her career with seniors by volunteering to call bingo in a Santa Maria nursing home, but she has found her passion working with our seniors and helping them clarify their needs and desires. She also uses all her experience to see that residents are supported in every way to maintain their independent lifestyles.
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Cheryl has two loves; seniors and food. This is evident in her successful career as a professional in the kitchens of senior communities for more than thirty years.
Cheryl comes to The Village with a long history of cooking education, RCFE licensure, and all the right things that make her a perfect "fit" for our kitchen, seniors, and The Village team. It is the "team" environment that makes her job, her bliss.
In her position as Director of Dining Service, she creates the menus, oversees kitchen procedures, supervises the staff, and collaborates with the Activity Directors to plan special events.Her favorite cooking venture, at the moment, is Exhibition Cooking which also delights our hungry residents and their families.
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Born and raised in Morro Bay, Dennis has recently become a part of The Villages family. His 30 years of carpentry expertise enhance his efforts as he oversees all maintenance, building, and upkeepings of the grounds.
Dennis is also an avid sailor, and with his 50 foot sailboat he ventures as far as the Caribbean for excursions.
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Born and raised in upstate New York, Maria passionately embraces serving and advocating for seniors in the assisted living industry for over three decades. Maria enjoys a noteworthy reputation for exceptional customer service, building and motivating strong teams, as well as operating pro-actively on compliance issues working closely with Licensing, Ombudsman, Fire and Health Departments.
The moment one steps through the front doors of Garden Creek they are warmly greeted by a tangible synergy of hope and joy vibrantly manifested through an exceptional troupe who champion elite quality care through respect, integrity, compassion and grace. Garden Creek truly takes their commitment of excellence to a level enjoyed by few yet felt by all.
"It is my true honor and profound joy to serve our highly esteemed senior generation. I am their devoted advocate before I am anything else. I will always give my best to ensure they have everything they need to floursih and enjoy their life. My great desire is not only to protect their dignity, but the sparkle in their beautiful eyes."
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Being a native of San Luis Obispo, and having worked in our beautiful San Luis Obispo community for more than forty years, Pam has found her position at Garden Creek to be extremely rewarding and satisfying. As Director of Resident Services, it is her privilege to oversee the health needs and well being of all our residents. We are dedicated to creating a safe, comfortable home for each individual filled with love, laughter and inexorable respect. We are grateful for every opportunity to polish the pillars of dignity which sustain the true essence and quality of our resident's life.
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As Life Enrichment Coordinator for Garden Creek, Joan Jordan provides and promotes choice options and engaging opportunities for our residents by creating an environment abounding with their favorite interests and past-times. Joan is responsible for designing and facilitating Garden Creek's comprehensive Life Enrichment program as well as managing all aspects of our Volunteer Program.
Joan is new to the Central Coast and simply loves the area. She spends down time enjoying the great outdoors: hiking, gardening and horseback riding to name a few! Joan has a diverse background incorporating finance, teaching and working in assisted living and skilled nursing settings. Joan is passionate about giving back to the community and enjoys her roles as a docent for The Natural History Museum, a teacher for the Literacy Council and a volunteer throughout San Luis Obispo. Joan is an invaluable part of our exceptional operation!
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Cory is the Executive Chef for our fine community. He brings years of experience to this invaluable position and is passionate about exceptional cuisine, fine taste, and an appealing presentation. Most of our residents have spent their lives in the kitchen laboring over food. Cory takes great delight learning from their vast experience and knowledge as he continues to enhance and expand his culinary boundaries. The Executive Chef and the Life Enrichment Coordinator often work very closely together to plan wonderful events and opportunities to fill your days with optimal joy!
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Brett has been the Maintenance Director and Safety Commissioner for Garden Creek since 2002. His passion for precision, attention to detail and safety are evident throughout our beautiful and well kept community. He has many years of experience working in adult residences and he highly enjoys the senior population. Helping others gives him pleasure and he takes great care in “doing it right the first time.” To Brett, changing a light bulb is as important as completing an engineering project. His quality workmanship endures the test of time.
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Originally from Reno, Nevada, Vivian moved to the Central Coast in 1990 with husband Mike and two daughters. She now has four grandchildren and spends as much time with them as possible. She enjoys the outdoors with activities such as gardening, walking, hiking and bike riding. Her passion is nutrition and fitness.
"With a background in finance, nursing, and administration, being Administrative Assistant at Garden Creek is the perfect fit for me. The residents are such a joy and all the staff are an equal joy to work with. It is my privilege to work at such a wonderful place that provides quality of living for our beloved residents."
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Cheryl's first job as a teenager was in a skilled nursing facility as a caregiver. Thus, she developed such an adoration and respect for the aged population that she has never worked in any other field.
With more than 20 years of hands-on and managerial experience, she has seen an incredible amount of positive change in how the industry works with those afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias.
Cheryl's leadership, to a large part, is the reason that Sydney Creek enjoys it's region-wide reputation for excellence in memory care.
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Born, raised and educated in Long Beach, California, Jenny moved to San Luis Obispo County in 2005 with her husband, in order to be closer to her parents.
She has a background in health care, marketing and public relations, which she uses to educate and assist families through the often-difficult placement process. She encourages families to use her as a resource when looking at options for the care of their loved ones.
Jenny has an extreme passion for the senior population, especially those with Alzheimer's Disease or a related dementia, due to her personal experiences. She finds herself extremely fortunate to be a part of the Sydney Creek family.
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Beginning her story in 2003 as a dining room supervisor at the Palms and The Oaks, Jamie has spent several years as part of The Village's family. Having graduated with a degree in Recreation and Special Events, she brings a special outlook and input to her position. Now serving as the Personnel Coordinator and Director of Activities at Sydney Creek, her enthusiastic energy, wealth of experience, and innovative ideas help enhance the environment and wellbeing of the community.
Jamie's ambition has led her to own and operate her own event planning business, CJN Events Planning, as well as sit as the Vice President for Orphan Response Incorporated, a local non-profit; and fill in as the Events Coordinator for Mountainbrook Community Church.
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Personally connected with Alzheimer's Disease, Nate spent several years helping care for his grandfather. This quickly led to his volunteer work at Sydney Creek in 2000. Working as a caregiver, and now the Director of Maintenance, Nate brings not only skill and experience but also compassion to the Sydney Creek community.
In his spare time, Nate enjoys working on classic cars and hot rods. You will always know when he is around by his Harley Davidson in the parking lot.
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Sal's culinary interest began in 1993. Through the years, he has aquired a wealth of skills and experience as he worked for various Central Coast culinary institutions. In 2004, he found himself working at Sydney Creek, using his years of experience to organize meals with excellent presentation. He finds pride in providing for the residents that they not only need, but can enjoy. He looks forward to the never ending quest to try various flavors and influences to design new meals which meet our resident's needs and satisfactions.
