We, at Villa Alamar, are incredibly proud of
our team of experienced, dedicated caregivers.

Here we honor those who have excelled in their caregiving duties,
and thank them for all that they do to promote the safety and well-being of our residents.

 

STAR CAREGIVERS

 

Karina Murillo
Resident Care Coordinator

Karina’s kind-hearted demeanor has made her an invaluable member of our caregiving team, since her start at Villa Alamar in 2019.  When asked why she enjoys working with seniors, Karina responds: “interacting with each resident and learning about their life, adventures and prior hobbies is such an honor.”

Assisting our residents and families requires upmost respect, grace, and attention to detail. Karina understands this and believes that her unwavering patience and compassion allow her to excel at Villa Alamar. Karina enjoys the collaborative team environment that Villa Alamar nurtures and loves learning from the different skill sets each resident and staff member brings to our community.

Karina was born and raised in Santa Barbara. She grew up with two sisters and a brother with whom she is very close. On her days off, Karina enjoys spending time with family and playing with her two adorable nephews. Some of her other hobbies include singing in her church choir and reading good books.

 

Raquel Carrillo
Caregiver

Raquel is the epitome of a bright and happy soul. No matter the circumstance, you can count on her to have a smile on her face while radiating positivity. She has been a caregiver at Villa Alamar since 2015. Raquel Believes being a caregiver is the most selfless act one could make. She believes it takes great compassion and unwavering patience to excel at the job.

When asked what she loves about her job she exclaims, “Everything!” She continues by saying that the opportunity to bring a smile to a resident’s face brings her so much joy and fills her heart with love. Raquel believes the team work at Villa Alamar helps to create a calm and welcoming environment which is important for the residents. In her opinion, Villa Alamar exudes a home-like feeling that allows the residents to feel safe and secure.

Raquel is a mother of two sons aged 25 and 17, and a daughter who is 18. She proclaims that her children are her entire world. Raquel relishes in the opportunity to travel with her husband and children on her days off. She also enjoys going out to eat with her family, especially when it is Italian food!

 

 

Maria Gonzalez
Caregiver

If you visit Villa Alamar during the daytime, you will readily recognize Maria’s resounding smile. This beloved caregiver has been working at Villa Alamar since 1998! When asked why she likes this work, she tearfully expresses her love for the residents. Maria explains that there is nothing that compares to the joy of caring for the residents and seeing the happy faces of family members as they realize their loved ones are being thoughtfully cared for.

She believes that her job as a caregiver is a difficult one, but when she feels the gratitude of each family she knows she has found her purpose. Maria strongly believes there is nothing more rewarding than caring for the elderly.

When not at work, Maria loves going on walks and knitting beautiful dresses for her grandchildren. She loves her children and grandchildren most of all! She is the proud mom of 4 children, the most loving grandma to 18 grandchildren, and the most joyous great grandma to 4 little ones. Maria’s big goal for the future is to go back to school to improve and advance her English.

 

 

Celiflora Pablo
Caregiver

If you visit Villa Alamar mostly during the daytime you may not yet have met our Employee of the Month, who works primarily in the night shift. Celiflora is a caregiver who excels at her job for her patience and dedication to providing the best care for our residents. Celiflora likes working the night shift because it gives her the opportunity to be a team leader. She relishes the opportunity to make her own decisions, knowing that she is entrusted to make the right ones.

Celiflora has been working at Villa Alamar for 5 years now. She attributes her dedication in caregiving to her passion for helping those with dementia. Making sure that residents are safe and comfortable throughout the night brings great warmth to her heart.

Celiflora is a dedicated mother and grandmother of 4 children and 5 grandchildren. She is grateful for her job and the opportunity to provide for her family. During her free time, Celiflora likes to travel by train and explore new places. She also enjoys going out with friends to enjoy a cup of coffee and attending church retreats.

 

 

Yadira Orduna
Caregiver

Yadira has been a beloved caregiver at Villa Alamar since 2018. Her journey as a caregiver began when she was only 21 years of age! Her patience and dedication in caring for our residents makes her an undeniable asset to our community.

Yadira loves interacting with our residents and listening to their life stories. She believes there is something special in being able to delve into the rich life history of each resident in our community.

Yadira believes in being a team player and enjoys interacting with her co-workers. Her co-workers describe her as being a “joy to be around.” She is friendly, compassionate, and caring and her demeanor transcends in the level of care she provides for our residents. She believes the warm and welcoming environment at Villa Alamar has allowed her to build friendships that she holds dear.

When she is not at work, Yadira enjoys spending time with her husband, Santos. Her favorite pastimes include exploring new coffee shops, trying new coffees, and taking many walks around town, as she drinks coffee… 🙂

 

 

Reyna Ramirez
Medication Technician

Reyna may someone you probably don’t see often because she works primarily on the night shift. She is, however, one of the angels who watches over our residents while they sleep, making sure they receive their proper medication and they are safe and comfortable.

Reyna is passionate about helping those with dementia.  She has been working at Villa Alamar for two years and her favorite part of the job is doing what she can to make our residents feel like they are family. “I like to give love to the residents”, says Reyna, “and make them feel that they are important, that they do matter, and they are loved.”

We appreciate Reyna’s dedication and her willingness to take additional shifts in the spirit of collaboration and teamwork. Reyna’s integrity and commitment do stand out.

Reyna has been married to her husband Juan for 8 years and they have 3 children. The most important thing to Reyna is her family: “My family always comes first. Always.”

When Reyna is not working or with her family she enjoys tennis, which she has played since she was a little kid at a club called Roosevelt Club. She is proud of her competition history, having won many tournaments.

 

 

Elia Vega
Medication Technician

Elia has over 15 years of experience working as a caregiver, ten of them at Villa Alamar. She is passionate about her work and has a knack for detail. Her unique talent as a meticulous organizer paired with her compassion for those affected with memory loss make her a strong and reliable Medication Technician.

Elia is always willing to step up to the plate when she is needed. In instances when her colleagues need an extra hand, Elia is quick to assist, always raising the spirit of team work we are so proud to promote.

Her favorite part of the job is simply being with the residents. She loves to listen to their stories and appreciates each one’s rich life stories. She embraces them and strives to provide the quality care she’d want for herself, should she ever be in their position.

Elia has been married for 8 years and is a mother of an adorable cat named Nina. She hopes one day to bring a Labrador into the family. Elia’s hobbies include exercising, organizing, and her favorite: shopping. She also enjoys watching UFC and Nascar with her husband, Michael.

 

 

 

Yesenia Gonzalez,
Caregiver

Yesenia has been a beloved caregiver at Villa Alamar since 2000. Her 5 children practically grew up playing in our courtyard, visiting with our residents, and bringing joy to them. Her son Alex, now 29, assists our community with coordinating all construction and repair crews. Alex has the same sweet, caring way of addressing our residents for which Yesenia is known.

Yesenia is extremely dedicated to the well-being of our residents. She says she holds a special place in her heart for each one of them, and tries her best to fulfill their need for attention, love, and affection. She also says that she can relate to them and hopes that one day, when she is the one who needs care, she will receive the same careful, loving attention that she now dedicates to Villa Alamar residents.

When not at work, Yesenia enjoys spending time with her 6 grandchildren at the beach or at a local park. She also enjoys hiking in our mountain trails, end experiencing the local scenery.

An important member of our community, Yesenia well represents the spirit of caregiving with joy, dedication, and affection. We at Villa Alamar are extremely thankful for her many years of service to our residents.