Sierra Vista |
About Sierra Vista
Established in 1999 and remodeled in 2006, is a unique 24-bed, fully licensed, assisted living residence that specializes in caring for people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia in Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico. We are intentional in what we do. We were 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, NM Plaza. 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.
Sierra Vista is the first home in our great state to lead the way in New Mexico, by being awarded a place on the International Eden Alternative Registry. By meeting the criteria for this prestigious honor society, we are committed to creating an intimate place where elders and all care partners strive for the principles and practices toward culture change in long term 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 Association and Health Advisory Council, City of Santa Fe Senior Services Division. Sierra Vista also serves as the Memory Walk Santa Fe headquarters. |
Our staff to elder ratio is above the minimum standard of care, and we pride ourselves in an extremely high staff retention rate. |
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 and is 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 to call home, where Elders 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 every day 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, non-clinical 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 style, southwestern details, large portal, beamed
ceilings, gorgeous art, green house for residents to enjoy, plant etc.
Sierra Vista is the only specialty home in New Mexico with a therapeutic creative space where while families visit, they can paint, collage, print, stamp, water color, mold clay, or simply enjoy each other’s company. |
Our exhibition kitchen with stainless steel appliances was carefully designed by our Director of Operations, Velma Arellano, “our elders can see, hear, smell, taste and touch their meals as their being prepared, vs. carted from a kitchen several hallways away”. |
Sierra Vista Staff
Carol Valdez’, Executive Director, energy rapidly earned her a top spot at Sierra Vista. Ms. Valdez performed her practicum at Sierra Vista in 2012 toward an Associate’s Degree Human Services. Her passion for Alzheimer’s victims led her back to Sierra Vista in 2013 where she worked as Administrative Assistant, then Director of Activities. By May of 2014 Ms. Valdez had earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. All while being a full time Mom, employee and student. Being brought up by a single mother Carol, learned the value of ard 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 & AKAL Security, in capacities such as, cultural sensitivity, budgets, negotiating contracts, legal assistant and investigated EEOC complaints.
Carol is bilingual and bicultural. She believes there is good in all situations of life even in the tragedy of someone living with Dementia. Carol is mentored by Director of Operations, Velma Arellano, who established the well-respected, high standard of care that has earned Sierra Vista a proven track record, numerous awards and the reputation as a premier facility.
Prior to earning her position as Executive Director, Ms. Valdez worked with Tribal Relations & AKAL Security, in capacities such as, cultural sensitivity, budgets, negotiating contracts, legal assistant and investigated EEOC complaints.
Carol is bilingual and bicultural. She believes there is good in all situations of life even in the tragedy of someone living with Dementia. Carol is mentored by Director of Operations, Velma Arellano, who established the well-respected, high standard of care that has earned Sierra Vista a proven track record, numerous awards and the reputation as a premier facility.
Gary Sparks, Environmental Supervisor, was born in Yankton, SD 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 and his family moved to Socorro where he graduated from high school 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, part of Gary’s many responsibilities were 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 three 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, part of Gary’s many responsibilities were 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 three 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.
Yolanda Arrey, MSW, Director of Social Services, 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 Army ajudigent General. Yolanda worked in the corporate sector for 35 years before realizing her dream of attending higher education in which to work with; and advocate for elders. She received an Associates of Art’s 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 and earned her Master’s Degree in only one year. She graduated in May 2016 with a Masters in Social Work Degree from New Mexico Highlands University. 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 struck with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Yolanda is patient and kind, and demonstrates incredible support to our families through her studies, research and genuine ways. She loves one of many of Sierra Vista’s motto’s which 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 the less fortunate, known as 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, 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.
Sierra Vista was her practicum assignment for two semesters. She was given the opportunity to work with Elders who have been struck with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Yolanda is patient and kind, and demonstrates incredible support to our families through her studies, research and genuine ways. She loves one of many of Sierra Vista’s motto’s which 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 the less fortunate, known as 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, 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.
Kristin Nuttle, RN, Director of Nursing, has been in Nursing services for over 30 years she has worked in acute care, long-term care, case management, admissions coordinator, Hospice, physicians’ offices, Drug and alcohol rehabilitation and dementia facilities. All of this experience has allowed her to truly become a knowledgeable advocate.
Kris has a very high regard for her patients. She focuses on compassionate holistic care. Kris has worked in several different parts of the country working with a variety of ages, ethnicities and backgrounds. She takes pride in being in tune with her patients’ needs and individual care.
For personal enjoyment Kris finds time to hike, Garden and enjoys birding. These hobbies lend a spiritual relief to her busy life.
Kris attended college in Columbia Missouri at Columbia College her nursing degree in Lake county, Illinois and she still enjoys taking classes to further her education and knowledge in the different realms of changing medicine.
She has two grown daughters and two darling cats all that are very supportive of her occupation.
Kris has a very high regard for her patients. She focuses on compassionate holistic care. Kris has worked in several different parts of the country working with a variety of ages, ethnicities and backgrounds. She takes pride in being in tune with her patients’ needs and individual care.
For personal enjoyment Kris finds time to hike, Garden and enjoys birding. These hobbies lend a spiritual relief to her busy life.
Kris attended college in Columbia Missouri at Columbia College her nursing degree in Lake county, Illinois and she still enjoys taking classes to further her education and knowledge in the different realms of changing medicine.
She has two grown daughters and two darling cats all that are very supportive of her occupation.
