Le Riggs comes to Silverado Senior Living – Sugar Land in June 2005 with over ten years experience in long-term care, five years of which were as an assisted living Administrator. She holds a Bachelors degree in Health Services Administration from the University of Central Florida in Orlando. No stranger to the long-term care arena, Le began as a receptionist for a nursing home and instantly found an interest in serving seniors. She earned certification as a certified nursing assistant. While she worked as a certified nursing assistant, she continued to build upon her knowledge in health care administration, and worked her way up through the ranks from Assistant Business Office Manager to Business Office Manager to Administrator.

Le loves animals and she loves the Silverado philosophy of incorporating animals into the therapeutic and “living” environment for which Silverado communities are known.

xx

Linda Lavinson has been employed with Silverado Senior Living since July 2005. She is a licensed master’s level social worker and an advanced clinical practitioner. She graduated from Ohio State University with her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, and from Virginia Commonwealth University with her Master’s degree in Social Work. Her work experience as a psychotherapist with Texana MHMR, Methodist Hospital, and Center for Psychiatric Medicine has given her a wealth of knowledge to help people with cognitive impairment and a wide range of psychiatric diagnoses.

Her knowledge and experience helps Silverado to assess residents and family systems, understand the interdependence of emotional and physical factors as they affect quality of life, facilitate therapy and support groups, and assist the various needs of our residents and their families.

Linda has a passion for working with the senior population and caring for their physical, emotional and psychosocial needs. Integrated with that care is her belief in Silverado’s philosophy of incorporating children and animals in resident care to enhance the quality of life of our residents.<

Ruth Ann Chase joined the Silverado team in November 2006. Having personal experience with a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s, she understands the effects of the disease process on not only the residents, but on the residents’ families as well. As our Family Ambassador, she guides people who inquire about Silverado through the decision making process, taking into account all the nuances, subtleties, and family dynamics that must be considered.

While successful in other marketing and sales positions, it was difficult for Ruth Ann to find true fulfillment. She enjoys working for Silverado because she knows she is making a difference in people’s lives. In addition, Silverado is making a huge impact in her life and the lives of her children. Her daughters, Jackie and Michelle, are often at Silverado on a mission to change a resident’s day from ordinary to extraordinary! Through their one-on-one interactions, they bring youthful joy and love to the lives of our residents. Lastly, Ruth Ann enjoys how Silverado incorporates pets into the everyday lives of our residents. She brings her two Chihuahuas, Tinkerbell and Viggo, to visit and give tours to our inquirers.

Originally from Chicago, Angel grew up on the South Side enjoying all of the different cultures and foods associated with the city. Angel's mother is Mexican and her father is Italian so she grew up in an environment that exposed her to very strong culinary roots. "I come from a long line of people in my family who enjoy cooking. I grew up in a kitchen helping out and sneaking tastes."

Angel attended the Art Institute of Houston and earned her degree in Culinary Arts. She followed her graduation with a job at Trevisio working under award winning, Chef Lance Fegen. Angel then moved on to become the Catering Executive Chef for Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital where she further developed her palate and creativity. "After two years, I felt I had accomplished my goals and I needed a new challenge." After some searching for the perfect fit, Angel found her home at Silverado.

"I enjoy seeing the faces of the people I'm feeding. I love to hear the reactions both positive and negative." Angel has been with Silverado a short time but plans to make many flavorful changes. "I have an incredible passion for food and for helping people, I'm just fortunate that I get to do both everyday! Silverado feels like home to me and it's a blessing to be able to wake up and love what you do!"

Zenia Galvez joined the Silverado team in June 2007. She is a native Texan with a passion for caring for older adults. Zenia lost both her grandparents twelve years ago, and since that time, she has found herself drawn to the senior population; but it is her strong sense of family values that originally attracted her to Silverado.

Her love of older adults, children and animals made Silverado a natural fit in her career and personal life. As the Activities Director, Zenia creates a fun and exciting atmosphere that enhances the quality of life of our residents. She investigates residents’ special interests and plans activities that help our residents feel accomplishment every day. Incorporating pets and children in our activities program adds that special touch to the lives of our residents, and Zenia’s high energy keeps them engaged throughout the day.