Humboldt County (McKinleyville and Eureka) to Sonoma County (Cloverdale)

As one of the founders, I have been a part of the early conception of Timber Ridge. I started working day to day July of 1998. This job was a new career for me and what a career it has been. I have been part not only of the day to day operations but also the design and have loved every part of this job. I get up in the morning and make a difference in over 200 Seniors lives not counting their families, what better job could anyone have.

Larona and I co-founded Western Living Concepts back in 1998, Western Living Concepts was designed to take better care of our communities’ seniors with independence in mind. As president of The Danco Group of Companies, where our offer is to improve communities through affordable housing for individuals, families, & seniors, we just knew we had to do more for those seniors who needed more than just a home. Our facilities provide the comfort and care needed so our residents have the ability to engage in conversation and companionship while enjoying the simple pleasures of life.

I came up to Humboldt County to attend now Cal Poly Humboldt. I graduated with my degree in Child Development (or Liberal Studies) in 2014 and stayed in the area. I have been with the company since 2015, I originally started at the front desk and eventually worked my way up to be an executive assistant to Larona. Although I mostly work remotely now, spending time with my son Ollie has been extremely rewarding. We enjoy being outside by the water, trying new restaurants, and cozying up to a movie. I still come in from time to time to see the residents & fill in wherever needed.

I originally moved to Humboldt County in 2014 and attended Humboldt State University (now Cal Poly Humboldt) and graduated in 2019, where I received my BS in business administration with a focus in marketing. I wasn't quite ready to move back to Southern California, where I originally am from so I decided to stay local to the area. I originally started my career at Danco in March of 2020 as the Office Manager and grew to love the organization and the people that were a part of it. Over the years, I worked as a design assistant & a construction administrator, however, it wasn't until the end of 2021 when I took over as Director of Marketing for The Danco Group. Now, I work hand in hand with the Western Living team and have found this industry to be very rewarding. Visiting the facilities and getting to talk to the residents and hear their stories has been my favorite part!

I started as a caregiver at Timber Ridge McKinleyville in 2017 while attending what is now Cal Poly Humboldt studying business. Now I work remotely for The Danco Group of Companies in the treasury management department preforming payroll and billing for Danco and all Western Living locations. Starting as a caregiver allowed me to see the full picture when it came to resident and caregiver needs which has helped me tremendously to answer questions and be an offer of help to all. Although I work remotely, I love that I still feel connected to the community through zoom calls and in-person visits while still getting to spend time with my family outside of work.

I’m a lifelong Humboldt County resident, I graduated from Humboldt State University in 2005 and began working for The Danco Group of Companies in 2013 as Dan Johnson’s executive assistant. I immediately fell in love with the culture of the company and the people who work for it. I transitioned to Human Resources in the fall of 2020. In 2021, I had an opportunity to take an active role in Human resources for Timber Ridge and I could not pass it up. I love working hand in hand with the staff and leadership at Timber Ridge and look forward to growing with the company.

I have worked for WLC since 2013, I am currently the Executive Director for Timber Ridge McKileyville. I have my BS degree in Kinesiology from Humboldt State. The reason I love what I do is that I get to help our residents feel safe and cared for while encouraging independence at the same time. Learning all of the resident's stories and past always amazes me.

I was born and raised in Humboldt County, Humboldt is where I raised my two children. I originally started with Timber Ridge back in 2012 as a caregiver and now I currently am the front desk manager helping oversee day to day operations. I can honestly say I love what I do, however, I also love spending time at the beach, river, or whatever adventure my grandchildren and I decide to go on!

My family moved to Humboldt when I was a child, and after graduating from St. Bernard’s High School, I went to college in the bay area and began raising my family there. I returned to Humboldt County in 2002 and began working for Timber Ridge as wait staff and cook. I was impressed then with the time we had to spend with individual residents, making sure they had what they wanted and the "yes" policy which enabled me to serve residents well. Today, with the help of supervisors at each site, I manage both the McKinleyville and Eureka Kitchens, seeing to the needs of the residents and staff alike.

I moved to Humboldt County from Montana in 2001 with my husband and four children. We liked the coastal climate and wanted to be closer to family members. I started working for Timber Ridge in 2016 as Activities Director in Renaissance and Assisted Living. Previously, I worked for 10 years in the activities department for a skilled nursing home in Montana and loved it. Currently, I am the Activity Director at both our McKinleyville and Eureka locations. My team and I believe that activities are vital to our seniors’ emotional, social, cognitive, and spiritual well-being. They are essential to providing purpose and happiness in their daily lives. We strive to create fun, engaging and meaningful programs that enrich their lives. Our goal is to have FUN!!!

Business Development/Outreach for Timber Ridge in Eureka. It’s been an honor joining the Timber Ridge Family. Every day provides a new opportunity to better the lives of our seniors in countless ways, big and small. In my lengthy professional life, I have occupied many roles; as a legal assistant, editor, animated screenwriter and patient care coordinator. But spending my days advancing the well-being of Timber Ridge residents is more than just a career - it’s a calling. I have two grown sons, 11 siblings, one rescue cat, a bachelor’s degree in history from San Jose State and a novel-in-progress.

My journey with Western Living started back in 2013 when I first started as a caregiver at Timber Ridge Eureka, eventually I moved into the med-aide role and now I currently have the amazing opportunity to continue growing by becoming a resident care coordinator. I couldn't be happier! I am honored and excited to take on a new role within this organization, this job has really let me express the love & compassion our residents need which has been very rewarding in itself. Besides caring for our residents, I also care for my three beautiful children and two amazing dogs that we adore. In our free time we love camping, swimming, and traveling. I am grateful Timber Ridge allows me to prioritize those moments with my family while growing professionally in the organization.

I have just begun my journey with Vine Ridge Senior Living as the Executive Director. I have been in the Health Care Industry for over 25 years, starting out as a Certified Nursing Assistant. I earned my Specialized Associates Degree in Medical Assistant-Health Information Concentration. I have held various roles throughout my career before becoming the Executive Director. I take pride in support my community and making it feel warm, welcoming, and inviting. I am very much an animal lover; wolves are my favorite! I have two small dogs which I occasionally bring into the community for our residents to enjoy. I also enjoy listening to music, dancing, taking road trips, weekend getaways, playing with my animals, and spending time with my family, especially my grandchildren.

I have two decades experience providing care for seniors in assisted living, independent living, memory care and skilled nursing. I have always had a passion for cooking as long as I can remember. I am the youngest of 11 kids and I’ve lived in Sonoma County my entire life. After serving in a variety of roles in my first retirement community, I returned to the kitchen to learn how to cook. There I worked under my mentor, and I had the pleasure of working with him on and off over a span of 15 years. That is where I learned so much of what I know today. Through my culinary journey I was a Dining Services Supervisor for 7 years and managed over 30 employees, in two departments for upwards of 165 apartments, 200 residents. I’ve always had a passion for the art of cooking, the taste of food and enjoy the comfort it brings to individuals through social gatherings. Being in Sonoma County with all its fantastic produce and awareness of farm to table dining is a perfect fit for me. My connection with the people I cook for goes beyond putting a meal on the table. I have received a gold medal and best of show awards for cake decorating. I still strive to improve my techniques and talents daily. When I’m not at Vine Ridge I’m a pastry chef at an exclusive resort where guests come to experience fine dining at its highest quality. I learn something new every day and I bring that knowledge to Vine Ridge to share with our residents through creativity and the quality of the meals we prepare for them. My current mentor was employed by well-known Chef Thomas Keller at The French Laundry in Yountville and what I have I learned from him has been limitless. I have always had a special connection with seniors and will forever hold a spot in my heart for the elderly as I have had the pleasure of serving them for nearly 20 years.

I’ve worked at Vine Ridge since September of 2021 as the Activity Director. Prior to that time I received my Bachelors of Arts in U.S History from Pacific Union College followed by receiving my Masters of Liberal Studies in Museum Science from the University of Oklahoma. I love crafting as well as planning parties for friends and family in my free time. I also love road trips and travelling with my family to historic places. I was born in Sonoma County and raised in Cloverdale, so the fact that I get to give back to and work in my community is very rewarding.