Meet some of the members of our team here at Sunrise on Connecticut Avenue in Washington, DC. 

Melissa Stewart

Executive Director

“I recently joined the Sunrise family again after working for Sunrise 19 years ago. I have served in various roles at different communities.

The best part about working at Sunrise is seeing our residents thrive in the right environment. I consider it the greatest honor to be here to support our residents and families as they navigate these uncharted waters with their loved ones.  I have always felt this is the greatest honor as well as the joining of families from their family to the Sunrise family. 

In my spare time, I love to spend time with my husband, Tristan and two daughters, Emma, Isabella and dog, Gabby.  I also enjoy reading, travelling anywhere warm and being on the water.”

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Robert Ojowi

Associate Executive Director

"I have been with Sunrise for more than 17 years and at the Connecticut Avenue community for 3 years. I started off as Lead Care Manager and worked through the ladder to the current position of Associate Executive Director. The best part of my job is seeing new residents and families gain trust in the team as they begin to feel like “Sunrise on Connecticut Avenue” is home. 

I value the opportunities that Sunrise provides all its team members and been lucky with taking full advantage of the career ladder. I am a recipient of the Sunrise Executive Director in Training (EDIT) and graduated from the program in 2017 and was then promoted to AED. In 2015, I was nominated and won the Lifespan Network Hero Awards. 

In my spare time, i enjoy using my Private Pilot’s license to fly small Cessna planes and I also take pride in DIY projects around the house."

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Kathleen Wagner

Director of Sales

“I started working for Sunrise in 2006, and I’ve served at three different Sunrise communities throughout my career.  I have been at Sunrise on Connecticut Avenue for the past three years. Prior to Sunrise, I sold residential real estate for the DC-area Sotheby’s affiliate for 12 years.  I have 20+ years of experience guiding people and families through the sales process.

I love helping families sort through their options for senior living. My expertise is providing counsel and educating people on how Sunrise can meet their needs and exceed their expectations.

The biggest perk at Sunrise is the residents. I have over 100 grandparents to hang out with and learn from every day.

When I’m not at Sunrise, I enjoy gardening, home decorating, shopping and spending time with my daughters.”

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Natasha Grenion

Assisted Living Coordinator

“I have been at Sunrise on Connecticut Avenue since 2010. I began as a care manager in assisted living and was soon after promoted to lead care manager before transitioning to the role of assisted living coordinator.

Sunrise on Conn Ave is my home away from home. I love spending time with residents and helping bring joy to their days.

I am married with three children and enjoy spending time with family and shopping outside of work.”

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Ruth Daniels

Reminiscence Coordinator

“As of September 13th, I will have worked for Sunrise for exactly 10 years! 

I feel a sense of accomplishment when my team and I successfully manage and assist a resident with challenging dementia-related behaviors. At Sunrise, we believe in treating residents with dignity.

When I’m not working, I enjoy traveling, charting with my family and friends, gardening and listening to music.”

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Juan Madrid

Dining Services Coordinator

Juan Madrid is no stranger to The Avenue!  

Juan began his career with Sunrise as a Cook and after demonstrating his culinary prowess he was soon promoted to Lead Cook.  Juan is now our Dining Service Coordinator and is beloved by our residents.

A native of La Union, El Salvador, Juan’s passion for cooking can be attributed to his mother.  Quinoa was grown in the family garden, harvested, and cooked by his mother.  She taught Juan the fineries of cooking quinoa and many other El Salvadorian dishes.

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Alyssa Caroselli

Activities and Volunteer Coordinator

“I have worked for Sunrise for 12 years. I love to hear all the life histories; everyone has amazing stories and advice.

I treasure the relationships I have developed with the residents and team members. I consider them family after 10 years. 

As an artist, I like to spend my spare time in my art studio with my 6-year old daughter. I also love to visit The National Gallery of Art and The Phillips Collection.”

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