Team Members
The Acacia Creek professional team is composed of industry-leading visionaries who are committed to creating a community that integrates active living; exceptional amenities and services; and compassionate, relevant care. The combined experience of our retirment team includes more than four decades of retirement community administration experience.team
Retirement Counselors
Denise Batorski
Move-in Coordinator, Marketing Office Manager
With more than 30 years of experience in the customer service industry, Denise Batorski is skilled at making residents feel at home in Acacia Creek’s lively, family-oriented community. She enjoys introducing residents to the many activities offered on campus, including Acacia Creek’s square dancing class—in which she and her husband regularly participate.
Jackie Montes de Oca
Marketing Associate
Jackie Montes de Oca brings 10 years of expertise as a concierge at Acacia Creek to the marketing team. She is attuned to the needs of residents and has an eye for details. Her warm, easy manner with people puts them at ease. As a compassionate listener, she adeptly understands the needs of people who are making the move into communal living. Her inclusive, family-focused nature makes her a natural at bringing people together and helping them feel comfortable.
Brian Raimundo
Marketing Associate
With over 22 years of sales experience and 15 years in the healthcare industry, Brian Raimundo is a proven leader and expert in business development, marketing and account management. He has successfully grown and managed referral business for skilled nursing, hospice, home care, and durable medical equipment across the Bay Area, generating significant revenue and increasing patient census.
Management
Chuck Major, M.P.A., R.C.F.E.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Chuck Major has worked in the senior living and hospitality industries for more than 30 years. His extensive knowledge and hands-on experience inform the development of innovative, industry-leading programs at Acacia Creek, and provides seamless operations and fiscal management. Before joining Acacia Creek, he served as vice president of operations at American Baptist Homes of the West, where he provided oversight for senior communities across the Western United States as well as direction and assistance in the creation of memory care communities. Prior to this position, he was engaged by Regent Assisted Living as operations vice president, where he oversaw 17 communities and supported the opening of new assisted living and memory care communities.
Carolee Rodrigo
Lifestyles Manager
With more than 20 years of experience working with seniors as a certified therapeutic recreational therapist, Carolee Rodrigo is dedicated in collaborating with residents in continuing to build a culture of healthy longevity at Acacia Creek. She is devoted to empowering residents to bring their life to Acacia Creek and to pursue their passions. She holds a bachelor’s degree in recreation with an emphasis in therapeutic recreation and a minor in psychology. Prior to working at Acacia Creek, she worked at the Masonic Homes of California in Union City as a recreation therapist in their skilled nursing and residential care community. Her own recreation and leisure pursuits are equally important in her life, like enjoying learning new things, spending time at the ocean, and staying physically fit.
Penny Vittoria
Successful Aging Coach
As Acacia Creek’s successful aging coach, Penny Vittoria uses her 30-plus years of experience in senior living and working with residents and team members to create an environment that promotes wellness, growth, and empowerment through the philosophy of healthy longevity. She supports resident engagement in whatever brings meaning and purpose to their lives. She holds a bachelor’s degree in women’s studies with a focus on anthropology, and has extensive experience in life coaching and adult education—particularly in cognitive development techniques and physical fitness.
Vilarmina Paje Forsythe, LVN
Resident Services Manager
Committed to helping residents live healthy and independent lives, Vilarmina Forsythe’s nursing degree is complemented by her bachelor’s degrees in health services and recreation therapy. She has worked in a variety of residential care communities for the elderly in the San Francisco Bay Area, including an internship at the Anne Rosenberg Institute on Aging. She specializes in dementia and Alzheimer’s care. Prior to Acacia Creek, she worked at the Masonic Homes of California in Union City as a nursing supervisor.
Fernando Gaeta
Executive Chef
With more than 12 years of experience in the culinary industry, Fernando Gaeta is skilled at creating and executing diverse and creative menus that inspire the palates of Acacia Creek residents. His technical expertise and commitment to using fresh, seasonal ingredients ensure that each meal is a high-quality, delicious experience. A master of French and international cooking techniques, he has trained at the Culinary Institute of America, the California School of Culinary Arts, and other notable institutions. His previous experience includes stints at Vi at Palo Alto and the Crowne Plaza Hotel. View his resume to learn more.
Mathys Marselis
Director of Environmental Services
As the lead for a multi-talented and skilled environmental engineering team, Mathys Marselis applies his extensive experience and practical knowledge of hospitality management to effect an attractive and safe environment for Acacia Creek residents and team members. He has a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management and a minor in business, as well as a strong background in sales management, planning, and implementation. He has more than 13 years of experience in the hospitality industry, where his leadership and attention to detail now ensure that Acacia Creek residents and team members enjoy a clean, organized, and refreshing community.
Madelane Ramos
Dining Room Manager
A seasoned hospitality industry professional, Madelane Ramos ensures an excellent dining room experience for Acacia Creek residents and visitors by working closely with chefs and management to provide creative menus and high-quality cuisine. She has a bachelor’s degree in hospitality with a minor in business administration, in addition to more than 25 years of experience in catering and events management. Prior to Acacia Creek, she was the dining room and catering manager for Vi at Palo Alto.
