Sierra Vista |
About Sierra Vista
Established in 1999 and remodeled in 2006, Sierra Vista is a unique 24-bed, fully licensed assisted-living residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico, that specializes in caring for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. We are intentional in what we do. Our home was created solely for this special population. We are rich in culture, traditional in values, and nontraditional in our approach to Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory care. We are situated on a rustic campus, just minutes from the historic Santa Fe Plaza. Sierra Vista is cutting edge, cozy with southwest motifs, and designed to meet the needs of elders, giving them a sense of freedom, with the comfort of home.
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Our staff-to-elder ratio is above the minimum standard of care, and we pride ourselves in an extremely high staff-retention rate. |
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Awarded a place on the International Eden Alternative Registry by meeting the criteria of this prestigious honor society, Sierra Vista is the first home in New Mexico to lead the way in memory care. Through our involvement with Eden Alternative, we are committed to creating an intimate place for elders where all care partners strive to implement the principles and practices toward culture change in long-term care elder care. We are proud to be part of an ever-widening family of organizations who are transforming the world with this movement.
Sierra Vista is a member of the New Mexico Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association; New Mexico Association for Continuity of Care; New Mexico Health Care Association, Assisted Living Facilities; and Health Advisory Council, City of Santa Fe Senior Services Division. Sierra Vista also serves as the Memory Walk Santa Fe headquarters. |
Thoughts from our team
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Our lovely home offers a synergistic and Zen-like escape from the relentless loss of memory.
Elders here participate in an organic, loving home that honors diverse cultural traditions, and thrive with their individual simple pleasures. This is not a medical model but rather a perfect alternative to mechanized corporate care. Our staff-to-elder ratio is above the minimum standard of care, and we pride ourselves in an extremely high staff-retention rate.
Sierra Vista is truly a place for elders to call home, where they can find the perfect balance of freedom and security through a full range of individualized services. Our home was founded on the belief that providing personal care in a loving, residential setting will offer greater independence, choices, individuality and self-esteem to our elders. Here, companionship, peace of mind, and comfort are constants in everyday life.
Our lovely home is delightful and spacious with absolutely gorgeous stone fireplaces.
Located in historical Santa Fe, where picturesque mountain views complement the rustic, rural setting of our ranch-style home, Sierra Vista has the perfect setting for our innovative, nonclinical approach to elder care.
Our warm hacienda encloses a lawn and garden courtyard on a rustic campus of 2.83 acres. It contains Santa Fe styles, southwestern details, a large portal, beamed ceilings, gorgeous art, a green house for residents to enjoy, beautiful plants, and other attractive items.
Sierra Vista is the only specialty home in New Mexico with a therapeutic creative space where, together with their families, they can paint, collage, print, stamp, watercolor, mold clay, or simply enjoy each other’s company. |
Our exhibition kitchen with stainless steel appliances was carefully designed with our elders in mind. "Our elders can see, hear, smell, taste, and touch their meals as their being prepared, versus having their meals carted from a kitchen several hallways away," |
Sierra Vista Staff
Executive Director Carol Valdez's positive energy and effectiveness rapidly earned her a top spot at Sierra Vista and in 2020 she was named Administrator of the Year by the New Mexico Healthcare Association for her leadership and tremendous love for the elderly. Ms. Valdez performed her practicum at Sierra Vista in 2012 toward an associate’s degree human services. Her passion for those living with Alzheimer’s led her back to Sierra Vista in 2013, where she worked as administrative assistant, then director of activities. By May 2014, Ms. Valdez had earned a bachelor’s degree in social work, all while being a full-time mom, employee, and student. Brought up by a single mother, Carol learned the value of hard work, respect for elders, and stretching resources to make the most out of every situation.
Prior to earning her position as executive director, Ms. Valdez worked with Tribal Relations and AKAL Security in areas such as cultural sensitivity, budgets, contract negotiations, legal assistance, and investigations EEOC complaints. Carol is bilingual and bicultural. She believes there is good in all situations of life and displays this in her work caring for those with dementia. As her team puts it—Carol is our Wonder Woman. There is nothing she can’t and won’t do to help her team and elders.
Prior to earning her position as executive director, Ms. Valdez worked with Tribal Relations and AKAL Security in areas such as cultural sensitivity, budgets, contract negotiations, legal assistance, and investigations EEOC complaints. Carol is bilingual and bicultural. She believes there is good in all situations of life and displays this in her work caring for those with dementia. As her team puts it—Carol is our Wonder Woman. There is nothing she can’t and won’t do to help her team and elders.
Yolanda Arrey, MSW, Director of Social Services, Yolanda has an unbelievable ability to brighten the room. She is a gentle person with an infectious smile and giggle that resonates trust, love and compassion. In 2020 Yolanda was recognized for her love and passion as New Mexico Health Care Association’s Social Service Director of the year.
She was born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the "City of Holy Faith". She is very proud of her rich Hispanic culture and traditions. She raised four beautiful children that are successful in their careers, one recently promoted to an Army adjutant general position. Yolanda worked in the corporate sector for 35 years before realizing her dream of attending higher education and working with and advocating for elders. She received an Associate of Arts degree in human services from the Santa Fe Community College in 2013, then enrolled at New Mexico Highlands University and received a bachelor’s degree in 2015. Ms. Arrey was accepted to an advanced standing/honors program at New Mexico Highlands University and earned her degree in only one year, graduating in May 2016 with a master's in social work. Yolanda is currently preparing for her New Mexico license (LMSW).
Sierra Vista was her practicum assignment for two semesters. She was given the opportunity to work with elders who have been striken with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Yolanda is patient and kind and demonstrates extraordinary support to our families through her genuine caring and the practical application of her studies and research. Her favorite Sierra Vista motto is “a place to call home, where elders can find the perfect balance of freedom and security through a full range of individualized services”.
Ms. Arrey is a member of Santa Fe Fiesta Council Inc. and the American Business Women’s Association. Yolanda gives more of herself by volunteering at St. Elizabeth Homeless Shelter and the Shrine of our Lady of Guadalupe lunch program. She further assists Hermano’s Cruzados, a fraternal order, with the coordination of their annual Thanksgiving meal for shut-ins. This past year Yolanda volunteered at the International Folk Art Market, where she assisted a vendor from Bangladesh whose inventory consisted of beautiful bedspreads and silk scarves and shawls dyed with natural colors, indigo being the most popular. The International Folk Art Market contributes to the developing countries that participate.
She was born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the "City of Holy Faith". She is very proud of her rich Hispanic culture and traditions. She raised four beautiful children that are successful in their careers, one recently promoted to an Army adjutant general position. Yolanda worked in the corporate sector for 35 years before realizing her dream of attending higher education and working with and advocating for elders. She received an Associate of Arts degree in human services from the Santa Fe Community College in 2013, then enrolled at New Mexico Highlands University and received a bachelor’s degree in 2015. Ms. Arrey was accepted to an advanced standing/honors program at New Mexico Highlands University and earned her degree in only one year, graduating in May 2016 with a master's in social work. Yolanda is currently preparing for her New Mexico license (LMSW).
Sierra Vista was her practicum assignment for two semesters. She was given the opportunity to work with elders who have been striken with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Yolanda is patient and kind and demonstrates extraordinary support to our families through her genuine caring and the practical application of her studies and research. Her favorite Sierra Vista motto is “a place to call home, where elders can find the perfect balance of freedom and security through a full range of individualized services”.
Ms. Arrey is a member of Santa Fe Fiesta Council Inc. and the American Business Women’s Association. Yolanda gives more of herself by volunteering at St. Elizabeth Homeless Shelter and the Shrine of our Lady of Guadalupe lunch program. She further assists Hermano’s Cruzados, a fraternal order, with the coordination of their annual Thanksgiving meal for shut-ins. This past year Yolanda volunteered at the International Folk Art Market, where she assisted a vendor from Bangladesh whose inventory consisted of beautiful bedspreads and silk scarves and shawls dyed with natural colors, indigo being the most popular. The International Folk Art Market contributes to the developing countries that participate.
Gary Sparks, Environmental Supervisor, was born in Yankton, South Dakota, and spent the first years of his life in the Hartington, Nebraska, area. After moving with his family to Socorro, New Mexico, he often spent his summers back on the farm in Nebraska with his grandparents. There he learned the value of hard work and to respect the gift of wisdom that the members of the small farming community could pass on to him. Gary graduated from high school in Socorro and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in police science from New Mexico State University.
Prior to becoming a proud member of Team Sierra Vista, Gary enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a law enforcement officer, first as an officer with the Los Alamos Police Department and then as a New Mexico State Police officer. While with the New Mexico State Police, some of Gary’s many roles and responsibilities included patrolman, criminal agent, managing the evidence vault, and supervising the narcotics division for District 1. Prior to his retirement, Gary supervised the criminal division for District 1.
Since Gary’s arrival six years ago at Sierra Vista, he has participated in numerous trainings, enriching his knowledge on the safety and operations of Sierra Vista as well as leading the staff training for fire safety and evacuation procedures. Gary is committed to ensuring the safety of the elders, staff, and visitors at Sierra Vista.
Prior to becoming a proud member of Team Sierra Vista, Gary enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a law enforcement officer, first as an officer with the Los Alamos Police Department and then as a New Mexico State Police officer. While with the New Mexico State Police, some of Gary’s many roles and responsibilities included patrolman, criminal agent, managing the evidence vault, and supervising the narcotics division for District 1. Prior to his retirement, Gary supervised the criminal division for District 1.
Since Gary’s arrival six years ago at Sierra Vista, he has participated in numerous trainings, enriching his knowledge on the safety and operations of Sierra Vista as well as leading the staff training for fire safety and evacuation procedures. Gary is committed to ensuring the safety of the elders, staff, and visitors at Sierra Vista.
Carolina de Leon Morales, Receptionist & Activities Director, Born and partly raised in Guadalajara, Jalisco moved at the age of ten to Santa Fe, NM. She graduated from High School in 2015 and continued her education at Santa Fe Community College where she earned her Certification as a Nurse Assistant (CNA), she also earned a certification in Phlebotomy.
Carolina is Currently working towards her Associates in Sciences to become a Medical Assistant. More recently she became a Certified Eden Associate in hopes of utilizing the Eden philosophy in her activities with the elders. Carolina joined the Sierra Vista team in June 2016 as a caregiver and because of her hard work and dedication she quickly moved up to become the Nurse Assistant and later moving further on up as Sierra’s current Receptionist and Activities Director. Carolina is an amazing part of the team and in 2020 was recognized by the New Mexico Healthcare Association as a finalists in their Best of the Best Awards program for her role in Resident Support. Outside of work Carolina enjoys a variety of outdoor activities. She is very active in her church and has an amazing voice which she utilizes in the church choir. Carolina does a lot of outreach in the Santa Fe community with the homeless population, and youth groups.
Carolina is Currently working towards her Associates in Sciences to become a Medical Assistant. More recently she became a Certified Eden Associate in hopes of utilizing the Eden philosophy in her activities with the elders. Carolina joined the Sierra Vista team in June 2016 as a caregiver and because of her hard work and dedication she quickly moved up to become the Nurse Assistant and later moving further on up as Sierra’s current Receptionist and Activities Director. Carolina is an amazing part of the team and in 2020 was recognized by the New Mexico Healthcare Association as a finalists in their Best of the Best Awards program for her role in Resident Support. Outside of work Carolina enjoys a variety of outdoor activities. She is very active in her church and has an amazing voice which she utilizes in the church choir. Carolina does a lot of outreach in the Santa Fe community with the homeless population, and youth groups.
Jennifer Salvidrez, Medical Assistant, is a native of Santa Fe and is a single mother of two beautiful children. In 2013 her grandmother was having knee replacement and Jennifer relocated to Albuquerque to assist with her grandmother’s physical therapy, during this time she fell in love with helping others; she applied for a caregiver position with a facility that cares for people with mental disabilities, there she enjoyed working with them on their activities of daily living, but she felt she needed to do more. After a few years of debating and raising her children she decided to pursue her passion in the medical field she attended Brookline College in Albuquerque and in 2018 graduated with a Medical Assistant Certificate. She immediately went to work for a Pain Rehab Facility Doctor and enjoyed working with people and felt apart of their medical journey. She felt she could really make a difference there.
In 2019 she relocated back to Santa Fe to be closer to her family. She started her journey here at Sierra Vista in January 2019. She began as the receptionist and fell in love with the Elders; they sparked that need in her heart that this is the home she needed to be in to make a difference in our community. In March of 2019 She was promoted to Activities Director, she did a lot of activities with elders from sensory to physical, even as she loved doing activities with the elders she wanted to be in the nurses station helping our elders. She was moved to Medical Assistant and has enjoyed working along side the nurses learning new ways to give better help to our elders. She has been Eden Certified and enjoys taking classes on how to better serve or approach our elders.
In 2019 she relocated back to Santa Fe to be closer to her family. She started her journey here at Sierra Vista in January 2019. She began as the receptionist and fell in love with the Elders; they sparked that need in her heart that this is the home she needed to be in to make a difference in our community. In March of 2019 She was promoted to Activities Director, she did a lot of activities with elders from sensory to physical, even as she loved doing activities with the elders she wanted to be in the nurses station helping our elders. She was moved to Medical Assistant and has enjoyed working along side the nurses learning new ways to give better help to our elders. She has been Eden Certified and enjoys taking classes on how to better serve or approach our elders.
Lizabeth Rivera, RN
Lizabeth was born in Santa fe, NM and raised in Ribera, NM. As she grew up she always had a strong passion to be a nurse. Her career in health care began more than 20 years ago. She worked her way up from a nursing assistant to a Licensed Practical Nurse and now to a Registered Nurse. As a nurse she has had the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives and advocate for them. She has worked in Longterm Care, behavioral health, correctional nursing, hospice, ENT (allergy) and dementia facilities. She notes that a day as a nurse is never the same, throughout the past 20 years, she has learned many skills, and looks forward to learning many more.
Lizabeth was born in Santa fe, NM and raised in Ribera, NM. As she grew up she always had a strong passion to be a nurse. Her career in health care began more than 20 years ago. She worked her way up from a nursing assistant to a Licensed Practical Nurse and now to a Registered Nurse. As a nurse she has had the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives and advocate for them. She has worked in Longterm Care, behavioral health, correctional nursing, hospice, ENT (allergy) and dementia facilities. She notes that a day as a nurse is never the same, throughout the past 20 years, she has learned many skills, and looks forward to learning many more.
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