I’ve been in the industry for 14 years, I love to learn new things. This is my second time with Sunrise. They were my first introduction into the industry and I love the culture that they have developed and decided to come back because there is no culture quite like theirs. I have taken the culture with me everywhere but realized that Sunrise is the best in Assisted Living and Memory Care. I’m very happy to be back and I believe in what they do for our seniors.
Hobbies are spending time with family, traveling, seeing movies, comedy shows, reading  and finding new places to eat and trying new foods. My favorite place to visit is Venice Beach in Santa Monica.
 

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Taira Leon

Director of Sales

"I am an native of San Diego, and I have worked in senior living for 7 years.  Prior to that I was a phlebotomist and medical assistant. My favorite part of my job is being a resource to families and walking them through the transition of moving to assisted living or memory care. 

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family."

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Christian Van Cleave

Activities and Volunteer Coordinator

“Before joining the La Jolla family as the Activities and Volunteer Coordinator in 2016, I was the Activity Director for another senior living community for 11 years. Prior to my involvement in activities, I worked in development and membership for a large arts organization.

I enjoy being able to provide our residents with activities that bring joy and excitement to their days. I like to say that I have the 'fun' job. Being able to interact with the residents on a daily basis gives me the opportunity to really get to know them and build great relationships.

When I am not working, I enjoy reading and playing computer games.”

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Natalia Del Toro

Reminiscence Coordinator

"I have more than a decade of experience in senior care. I started at Sunrise of La Jolla in 2011 as a care manager, worked myself up through multiple positions, and eventually found my passion in memory care as a Reminiscence Coordinator.

I deeply believe in what Sunrise stands for and what they have to offer the elderly with dementia and Alzheimer’s. I enjoy making a difference in our residents’ lives here at Sunrise. I am a mother of three, two beautiful girls, Jasmine and Talia, and my son, James. In my spare time, I enjoy going to my son’s swimming lessons and participating in them. I also love spending time with my friends and family." 

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Jonathan De La Pena

Dining Services Coordinator

"I started working for Sunrise of Huntington Beach in December of 2016 as a cook, but I soon became the Dining Services Coordinator in October 2017 here at Sunrise of La Jolla.

It’s a blessing to be a part of a company who provides outstanding care for their residents and staff. I am very happy and grateful for the opportunity that has been given to me along with being able to share my passion for cooking.

My favorite chef is Gordon Ramsay. When I’m not working, I am cooking at home and making new recipes of my own. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and I like to play basketball among other outdoor activities." 

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Patrick Walsh

Maintenance Coordinator

"I am a family man and have been married to my wife Vasti for more than a decade. I have five children ranging in ages, from ten years old to eight weeks.  My family and God are the most important things in my life. I am a Navy veteran where I was a jet mechanic and learned many mechanical skills. Most of my life, I have repaired or made things—from as early as ten years old.

As maintenance coordinator, I get to use my gifts to help others. I find great joy in serving others, so as a maintenance coordinator I get the best of both worlds: I get to fix things, which I love to do, and I get to serve others. I am truly blessed."