2009 Excellence in Service Winners

Outstanding Caregiver – Martha Garcia

Martha has been a caregiver at Palm Gardens in Wodland for the past sixteen years. She is described as being "truly respected and loved" by those entrusted to her care, as well as her co-workers. Martha is happy to teach new caregivers everything she knows if she senses they are serious about their work and "care from the heart." Every spring Martha makes sure each of her residents has a fresh rose in their rooms each day. She says it's good for them to wake up and see something beautiful so that they can be reminded fo the beauty in the world. Martha's supervisor told us, "I wish I had a dozen of her. Martha has clearly made a positive impact on countless residents, families, and staff members."

Martha Garcia - 2009 Spring Outstanding Caregiver Winner

Outstanding Team Member – Jeremy Kent

Jeremy Kent is the Kitchen Manager at Oakmont Gardens in Santa Rosa. From the time Jeremy began working at Oakmont Gardens nearly twelve years ago, it became apparent that he was going to be an outstanding contributor to the community and beyond. Jeremy makes an effort to attend the New Resident Orientation meetings, where he seeks to learn residents' food preferences and their favorite cookie, which he in turn delivers to them personally as a welcome gift. And Jeremy doesn't limit his resident interactions to just dining services. During his breaks, he's often found with residents participating in ceramics class and engaging in all sorts of conversations. Most remarkably, and perhaps most telling of Jeremy's day to day commitment is his willingness to commute 120 miles to work each day, where he's the first to arrvie in the kitchen to begin preparing creative dishes for all to enjoy.

Jeremy Kent - 2009 Spring Outstanding Team Member Winner

Outstanding Executive Director – Susan Edwards

Susan Edwards is the Executive Director at AlmaVia of San Rafael. Susan is well known and respected by those who work with and for her and in the industry at large. Her tenure in Assisted Living goes back to 1986. She is described by her management team as "a tireless leader, role model, and inspiration to all employees at AlmaVia." When Susan walks into a room, she sees what needs adjusting; a resident's walker may be just out of reach, a shoe is untied, the announcements in the elevator seem a little confusing. Whatever the situation, she fixes the problem on the spot or seeks out the right person to take care of the matter. During the holidays Susan makes sure the halls are decekd with live trees, fresh flowers and that special services, traditions, programs and meals are offered to residents of all faiths. Susan is actively involved in numerous community organizations and Alma Via of San Rafael often hosts meetings and gatherings, including Marin County's Section on Aging, The San Rafael Chamber of Commerce and a Roundtable Discussion of World War II with residents and local community members.

Susan Edwards - 2009 Spring Outstanding Executive Director Winner