Meet Our Team
Executive Director
Marissa Drinkhouse-Quintana
Marissa has been in the senior living industry for 19 years. She found her love for seniors growing up in a Baptist church in Southern California, singing to nursing home residents as a child...
Marissa has been in the senior living industry for 19 years. She found her love for seniors growing up in a Baptist church in Southern California, singing to nursing home residents as a child. Her passion and career path was evident as she began her career in senior living as a teenager as a caregiver for Alzheimer’s and dementia residents.
Marissa went on to graduate from California Baptist University with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Administration. She is currently finishing her MBA in Health Administration, Gerontology. Marissa has specialized in new developments and quality care and compliance, having held several positions in senior living, including Programming, Marketing, Executive, and Operations Director.
As a licensed administrator, continuing education is a passion of Marissa’s as she holds various certifications including Certified Dementia Practitioner and Certified Alzheimer’s Support Group Facilitator. Marissa spends her spare time with her husband and middle school sweetheart, many nieces and nephews, and three furs babies Max, Mika and Juno. “I believe it’s my purpose in life to serve our seniors, providing quality care to your loved ones as if they were my own Nana and Pop.”
Marketing Director
Elizabeth Whittington
Elizabeth has been in senior living for 27 years. She has opened new buildings as Senior Executive Director of Memory Care and Assisted Living Centers with a proven record of success in developing and implementing...
Elizabeth has been in senior living for 27 years. She has opened new buildings as Senior Executive Director of Memory Care and Assisted Living Centers, with a proven record of success in developing and implementing marketing programs that increase census. Developed management systems and procedures that result in an outstanding level of resident family and staff satisfaction. Elizabeth is an expert in public speaking, educator on aging, Alzheimer’s/Dementia, and leadership.
Elizabeth is a Certified California State Vendor for initial and recertification for RCFE administrators and Consultant, Private, Assisting Business owners in senior industry. Member of the Alzheimer’s Association Speaker’s Bureau, Support group Facilitator, 17 years. Published author of several local magazine articles, and regular columnist relating to senior issues and Authored book on Alzheimer’s Disease, the future of care and the cure to be published in 2023.
Elizabeth spends her spare time with her daughter, son-in law, and grandson.
“I am dedicated to bringing my skill set to residents and families to ensure that proper care is valued and top priority.”
Flourish Life® Director
Patty Castro
Patty is the Flourish Life® director at Valley Vista. She has been working in assisted living for the last 10 years and finds it very rewarding to engage with seniors. She is grateful for all the knowledge she has gained over the last decade... Patty Castro is the Flourish Life® director at Valley Vista. Patty has been working in assisted living for the last 10 years and finds it very rewarding to engage with seniors. She is grateful for all the knowledge she has gained over the last decade. Patty’s goal is to see the residents not only participate in activities, but also socialize with the other members of the community. Most importantly, she wants to see them happy and enjoying themselves. In her free time, Patty loves spending time with her kids, family and friends.
Wellness Director
Maria Calderon
Maria has been in the senior living industry for 9 years. She started her career in the healthcare industry working as an office manager in a family practice medical office for over 10 years, from there she began her journey to become a nurse...
Maria has been in the senior living industry for 9 years. She started her career in the healthcare industry working as an office manager in a family practice medical office for over 10 years, from there she began her journey to become a nurse.
After receiving her nursing license, she worked in a senior living facility and found a passion for advocating for seniors, and ensuring that they receive the care and support they deserve. In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband and children.
“I believe it is my purpose in life to provide the best care possible for your mom and dad”
Business Office Director
Michelle Anderson
Michelle Anderson is the Business Office director at Valley Vista Senior Living. She has over 18 years of experience in both hospice care and assisted living, as well as experience in business administration and human resources management... Michelle Anderson is the Business Office director at Valley Vista Senior Living. She has over 18 years of experience in both hospice care and assisted living, as well as experience in business administration and human resources management. As soon as she started working in assisted living, she knew it was her calling. This feeling of fulfillment has brought comfort to her and a wonderful understanding of what to expect with family. Michelle is passionate about assisting others in need and paying it forward. Away from work, Michelle loves to spend time with her family, and enjoys camping and riding motorcycles with her husband.
Program Director
Esther Carr
Esther Carr is the Program director at Valley Vista Senior Living. She has almost two decades of experience in the senior living industry, including working in transition of care and ambulatory... Esther Carr is the Program director at Valley Vista Senior Living. She has almost two decades of experience in the senior living industry, including working in transition of care and ambulatory settings. Esther enjoys working in health care and geriatrics. She is passionate about our memory care residents, compassion, dignity and exceptional professionalism. Esther was born in Uganda, East Africa, and relocated to the United States in the summer of 2007.
Building Services Director
Gustavo Munguia
Gustavo Munguia, Valley Vista Senior Living’s Building Services director, has a 10-year career in senior living. With his experience in carpentry, painting and construction, Gus isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty and is very much a hands-on director... Gustavo Munguia, Valley Vista Senior Living’s Building Services director, has a 10-year career in senior living. With his experience in carpentry, painting and construction, Gus isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty and is very much a hands-on director. On any given day, you can find Gus lending a hand in housekeeping or maintenance, or even helping residents maintain our community garden. When he is not maintaining our beautiful community, you can find Gus spending time with his three adult sons and grandson.
Culinary Services Director
Bryan Saure
Chef Bryan Saure is the Culinary Services director at Valley Vista Senior Living. Prior to joining the Valley Vista team, Bryan served as executive chef at a variety of high-profile restaurants, including The Classic Cat, Tom Tom Bar... Chef Bryan Saure is the Culinary Services director at Valley Vista Senior Living. Prior to joining the Valley Vista team, Bryan served as executive chef at a variety of high-profile restaurants, including The Classic Cat, Tom Tom Bar and Restaurant, and Wolfgang Puck. During his 20-year culinary career, Bryan has also spent time working at restaurants inside hotels and airports, so he is accustomed to caring for large numbers of guests and providing them with the most luxurious experience possible. Bryan currently lives in Glendale with his wife and two children.
Resident Care Coordinator
Jarred Massey-Baker
Jarred has been working in the senior living industry for three years and counting. He has always been known for being a caring nurturing person....
Jarred has been working in the senior living industry for three years and counting. He has always been known for being a caring, nurturing person. He became his mother's caregiver at a young age until her passing. He always felt like he could do more, and that’s when he decided to get into senior living.
From his first experience working in a senior living community, he instantly became impassioned with providing care for his residents and knew that it was the career path he would be working toward. Jarred has worked his way from being a caregiver up to his current position as Resident Care Coordinator. Jarred enjoys going on hikes and listening to music. He has two sisters and two brothers, whom he loves very much.
“I am dedicated to bringing joy to residents' lives and spreading happiness.”
