Meet the Team
Nicole Rodriguez
Executive Director
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!
Sue Keith
Business Office Director
Anna Jones
Culinary Service Director
Laquita Cadwell
Vibrant Life Director
Cassandra Corral
Resident Care Director
Stephanie Okolo
Director of Sales and Marketing
Stephanie Okolo began her career in senior living in 2019 and quickly realized how much she enjoys working with seniors. Helping seniors find a home that allows them to still maintain their independence, while also having access to the daily help that they may need, is something Stephanie looks forward to each day. She enjoys getting to know the residents and learning what makes them happy. Outside of work, Stephanie loves to explore new places and spend time with her family.
Kaitlan Sullivan
Generations Program Director
“My passion for helping people began when I started helping my quadriplegic grandfather at Memorial Medical Center in the Pediatric Department,” says Kaitlan Sullivan. “After high school, I interned at the same hospital in the Oncology Department, and loved it. I grew up wanting to go to nursing school, and actually entered California State University–Stanislaus as a nursing major. I discovered during my studies that, instead of nursing, I loved learning about how society has an effect on human beings. That love led me to receive my associate degree in social and behavioral sciences, then a year later, my bachelor’s degree in sociology. During school, I started working full time as a caregiver and a medical technician in an assisted living community. That job exposed me to many residents who were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia, which is where I realized those are the people I love working with. That led me to getting my position at The Stratford as its Generations program director. My job allows me to work with residents every day, and I have learned so much since. It’s amazing being able to look forward to coming to work every day!”
Bill Cates
Building Services Director
Bill Cates joined The Stratford in 2019 with over 20 years of experience in the senior living industry and an administrator certificate from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). He is passionate about his job and enjoys repairing or fixing things requested by residents, because seeing them smile makes his day.
Outside of work, Bill enjoys being an LA Dodgers and Dallas Cowboys fan, his family, and his dog, Boots.