CALA News & Views | Issue 54 | Impact

Celebrating Our Southern California Award Recipients Shining Stars: The Excellence in Service Awards is a celebration of the exceptional contributions made by those who serve within Assisted Living communities. These individuals stand out among their peers, exemplifying the values and qualities that distinguish someone dedicated to providing exceptional service to residents. This esteemed recognition highlights their commitment to creating a vibrant, engaged and joyful community for residents.

These Southern California Excellence in Service Award winners were honored at CALA Elevate : Fall Conference & Trade Show in Palm Springs in November:

OUTSTANDING CAREGIVER Holly Nguyen | Medication Technician, Glenbrook (Continuing Life LLC)

Holly’s resilience, devotion and attention to detail elevate her residents’ daily lives. She exemplifies dignity, fosters a warm, hospitality-focused environment and models professionalism that lifts teammates and reassures families. Her quiet kindness turns routine interactions into moments of belonging. Colleagues rely on her steadiness, empathy and detail-oriented follow-through daily.

OUTSTANDING TEAM MEMBER Betty Murrell | Driver, Atria Hillcrest (Atria Senior Living)

OUTSTANDING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Brandy McCauley | Executive Director, The Palms at Bonaventure (Integral Senior Living) Brandy leads through connection and inclusion – learning each person’s story, uniting teams and cultivating a stable, positive culture where residents feel they belong and team members are empowered to grow. Her consistency nurtures retention, resilience and a shared purpose. Her leadership inspires innovation, accountability and everyday acts of inclusion. OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY NURSE Jazzmyne Jefferies | Health Services Director, Ivy Park at Laguna Woods (Oakmont Management Group) Jazzmyne partners closely with families and strengthens team culture through recognition, education and practical problem-solving. Her guidance promotes confidence, continuity and measurable improvements in outcomes. She cultivates collaboration, clarity and confidence across multidisciplinary care teams. Betty is a steady, compassionate presence who pairs professionalism with genuine care. She builds trust through calm leadership, thoughtful communication and everyday acts that strengthen connection among residents, families and colleagues. Her reliability fosters confidence and a comforting sense of safety. She embodies dependable service that residents and coworkers consistently trust. OUTSTANDING DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR Jorge Escobar | Maintenance Director, The Village at Sherman Oaks (Senior Resource Group) Jorge combines technical mastery with a resident-first mindset. A hands-on mentor and collaborator, he sustains a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment while developing a reliable, service-oriented team. His steady presence builds trust and operational excellence across departments. Residents appreciate his integrity, responsiveness and tireless pride in craftsmanship.

CALA NEWS & VIEWS I ISSUE 54 | NOVEMBER 2025 20