2010 Fall Excellence in Service Winners

Outstanding Caregiver – Patti Gonzalez

Patti Gonzalez has been a caregiver and so much more at Huntington Terrace for over 14 years. To Patti, being a caregiver is not just a job. The residents are an extension of her family and every day Patti reminds them that she is honored to be a part of their lives. Patti's Executive Director summed it up best when she said, "I have never seen a caregiver that has the power to make such an impression on residents, family members, other associates and myself. I am honored to work with a person that carries a constant smile, has a sparkle in her eye that gets brighter every day, and teaches me something new every day."

Patti Gonzalez - Fall 2010 Outstanding Caregiver

Outstanding Team Member – Ricardo Olvera

Ricardo Olvera has been the Maintenance Director at Whittier Place for the past 2 years, but his tenure there spans 9 years. He began as a waiter, then became a caregiver extraordinaire, performing the seemingly impossible with residents and making it appear effortless. Ricardo seems to instinctively know how to best connect with residents and to this day he uses this gift in his role as Maintenance Director, where he continues to take time to assist residents as needed. No matter how busy he might be with maintenance projects, Ricardo always puts residents first and that's what makes him stand out in the hearts and minds of residents and staff alike.

Ricardo Olvera - 2010 Fall Outstanding Team Member Winner

Outstanding Executive Director – Jim Duran

Jim Duran has served as the Executive Director at Cypress Place for five years after serving as Food Services Director for one year prior to that. As Executive Director, he and his stellar management team have taken their community to new levels, even achieving 100% occupancy during these challenging economic times, and hosting a variety of fundraisers for local nonprofits. Jim is also a husband, father of six children, and pastor at River Community Church. He founded the Ventura Executive Directors' Advisory Council to encourage cohesiveness and unity among those serving seniors. It's no surprise that he's described as "the type of leader that every company is hungry for".

Jim Duran - 2010 Fall Outstanding Executive Director Winner