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.
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. |
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 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 by our director of operations, Velma Arellano. "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," she said. |
Sierra Vista Staff
Executive Director Carol Valdez's positive energy and effectiveness 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 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 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 with a proven track record that has earned Sierra Vista numerous awards and the reputation as a premier facility.
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 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 with a proven track record that has earned Sierra Vista numerous awards and the reputation as a premier facility.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 coordination, hospice, physicians’ offices, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, and dementia facilities. All of these experiences have allowed her to truly become a knowledgeable advocate.
Kris has a very high regard for her patients and focuses on compassionate holistic care. She has worked in several different parts of the country 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 and garden and enjoys birding. These hobbies lend a spiritual relief to her busy life.
Kris attended Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri, and received her nursing degree in Lake County, Illinois. 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 very supportive of her occupation.
Kris has a very high regard for her patients and focuses on compassionate holistic care. She has worked in several different parts of the country 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 and garden and enjoys birding. These hobbies lend a spiritual relief to her busy life.
Kris attended Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri, and received her nursing degree in Lake County, Illinois. 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 very supportive of her occupation.
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