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 facility 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 joined The Stratford at Beyer Park more than 14 years ago. She worked previously in the can manufacturing business over 22 years. Sue lives very close to the community, and that was one incentive to work here. Plus it is a totally different environment, and she loves it!

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.

Laquita Cadwell joined The Stratford at Beyer Park in 2014 as concierge and then was promoted to Vibrant Life director. “I have always had a passion for seniors. I think it’s important to provide them with fun and creativity,” Laquita says. “I enjoy playing games and doing outdoor activities or just sitting and listening to their life stories, which brings so much joy to my heart. They make it so easy to love your job and want to come to work every day. In my personal time, I love being with family and friends camping, boating, going to the beach, or just hanging out and having a good time.”

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.

Adriana Rivera started her career in health care six years ago as an in-home caregiver while going to school. She fell in love with her clients and the stories they would share along with being a friend and a helping hand. Adriana left in-home care to further her career working in the Case Management Department at Memorial Medical Center, where she was able to help patients with their discharge needs, and this change also led Adriana to join The Stratford at Beyer Park in 2016. Adriana’s favorite part about coming to work remains the same – she loves the stories and being a friend or a helping hand. She loves coming to work every day and helping out all of the seniors in the area however she can. When Adriana is not at work, she likes to spend time with her family and friends, read books, go hiking, and explore new places.

“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 facility. 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!”