It is an enviable benefit of a gratifying career, to be enriched by the people around you. As far as Nicole Rodriguez can remember, she has always been amazed and in love with the elderly. When she was about 6 years old, she would go with her mom to a skilled nursing community that she worked at in Ohio. Nicole’s job was to serve Nilla Wafers and juice to residents who were living there. Some had no family, and she was the only outside contact they had. Being little earned her points also. They loved to have Nicole change the channel on the living room TV, put throws on their laps, and just hang out and talk about the day. Nicole knew from then on that she would work for seniors.

The residents keep Nicole going; they have so much to teach her and so many wonderful stories, all she has to do is listen. Nicole’s career began as a certified nurse assistant in the Bay Area when she was 18; she then worked in the emergency room at Washington Hospital in Fremont for years. She found assisted living in 2001, and she worked for five years as an assisted living director and then an executive director. Nicole has been with The Stratford at Beyer Park since 2006. You could say she has worked with seniors her whole life. She enjoys every minute of it and wouldn’t change a thing. Making a difference is the best thing about her job. She knows it sounds cliché, but it’s true. When she can make one of her residents laugh or when she can support them when they are confused or down and out – WOW!

Chef Anna Jones was trained at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco and has over 10 years of experience, ranging from working as a private chef to restaurants and hotels. Anna’s passion for quality and perfection led her to find a different outlet with a more rewarding experience. The joy she feels meeting the residents’ satisfaction while still experiencing the opportunity to demonstrate her creative side has proved to be a winning combination since joining The Stratford in 2008. Some of Anna’s creativity can be seen in her custom soups and unique sauces, as well as The Stratford’s Signature Item, rosemary shortbread cookies.

Cassandra Corral has been an employee of The Stratford since 2006. The Stratford is Cassandra’s first job, where she started as a waiter in the dining room while going to school to receive her degree in medical assisting. Cassandra realized very soon that she loved being around her residents, and that is what has kept her going. She has worked herself up to her most recent promotion in 2018 as our resident care director. When Cassandra is not at work, she likes to vacation at Disneyland, spend time with her family and bake.