Our Executive Director

Our executive director, Linda Berens, is a long-time Colorado resident with nearly a decade’s experience in senior living.  She began her career in senior living in 1991 working in skilled nursing communities in Longmont and the surrounding area. She earned her assisted living administrator license in 2003 and since has worked as an administrator in the senior living industry, specializing in independent and assisted living as well as memory care.

Having worked in memory care in the past, Berens said she is excited to work in a community specifically designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related illnesses.

“Memory care is really where my heart is. I love AltaVita’s philosophy, and how it is different from other communities. It’s not cookie-cutter and that’s wonderful. I’m always excited to get to know the residents, staff and families, and to really make a difference in their lives every day.”

Bonnie Clark – Wellness Director

Bonnie Clark has been a nurse for almost 20 years, working her entire career in geriatric care. She loves working with the elderly population and feels they have so much to share with us. They were a hard-working generation and deserve our love and respect.

In college, she was the recipient of a Governor’s ColoradoScholars Scholarship and First Generation Scholarship; and  served as Treasurer of her nursing class.

She received the following awards: Centennial Regional LPN Nightingale award for Excellence in Human Caring,  Annual Nightingale Award while at Applewood Living Center for outstanding resident care (chosen by her peers), Staff Services Support Award while at Applewood Living Center for her  efforts to support fellow staff members, Employee of the Month, twice chosen by her peers, Employee of the Month three times chosen by residents under my care.

Her community involvement includes  volunteering with Longmont Police Department, MS Walk, Alzheimer’s Walk, organized blood drives at Applewood Living Center with Bonfils, made baskets and flower arrangements that were donated to Applewood Living Center Resident Council to benefit resident funds.

Gemma Wilson – Life Enrichment Director

Gemma Wilson, who has a Master’s degree in Gerontology and more than 10 years experience working with Alzheimer’s patients, will support Executive Director Linda Berens and oversee the day-to- day activities of residents.  She also stays in consistant communication with the families of our residents via a monthly newsletter.  April Newsletter 2013

Gemma, who is also a professional musician with experience in music therapy, prepares highly individualized activity plans suited to the interests and abilities of each resident.  Take a look at our monthly calendar.  April General 2013

Gemma was the executive director of an Alzheimer’s adult daycare program in Austin, Texas, where she also served on a legislative committee to regulate assisted living facilities in that state.

Tanya Pickett – Business Office Manager

Tanya’s position as the Business Office Manager is to take care of the financial side.  I have been in healthcare for over 20 years, and love interacting with the families and residents.  I have a giving attitude, and healthcare is the best way for me to combine that with what I love to do.

Anita McBee – Dining Services Director

Anita was born in Olney, Texas in May of 1974. She moved to Colorado in October of 1990 with her family.  She has been married for 15 years and has 3 children.

She graduated school in Denver, Colorado.  Anita began her career in healthcare at a skilled nursing facility in Longmont in April of 1996. The company built an assisted living community and she transferred over in January of 1999, where she worked up until July of 2010.  She has spent time working in a skilled nursing facility in Boulder, Colorado and an independent/assisted community in Longmont over the last few years.  She has a passion for creativity and has always loved to cook since she was very young.  Since she has been in healthcareover the last 16 years she has found her niche.  Anita has always loved working with the senior population and has found it to be very rewarding.  She plans to be on the same career path for many more years to come.

Sandra Bateman – Community Liaison

Sandra is AltaVita Memory Care Centre’s Community Liaison. Her previous experience includes five professional years in continuum care communities in Western Nebraska and 2 ½ years in personal care. Additionally, Sandra’s 25 years of understanding, building and maintaining business relationships as an Account Executive and Manager in Telecommunications, and related industries, affords her the opportunity to use these valuable skills in the world of Senior Living Communities.

Sandra attended Midland Lutheran College (Fremont, NE) and the University of Nebraska where she studied Psychology, Real Estate, and Business. She enjoys meeting with families, getting to know and understand each of our client’s personal needs, and sharing the benefits AltaVita Memory Care Centre has to offer.

Thomas Martinez – Maintenance Director

Thomas Martinez comes to our community with a strong background in the maintenance field.

Thomas was born in Pueblo, Colorado. He has been in the health care field for more than 20 years. In his career he has worked in Alzheimer units, skilled nursing facilities, and retirement communities.

He enjoys working with people and assisting  and helping them no matter what the physical or mental situation they may be in.

With a positive attitude he strives to put a smile on everyone’s face.