Valle Verde Team Feature: Edward Velasco

Edward Velasco, manager of the Valle Verde memory care community has been here for more than a year and with ABHOW for 5 years. He worked at an ABHOW community in Oakland for four years and then came to Valle Verde when a position was advertised.

“I am celebrating my 5th anniversary as an ABHOW employee. I love it here and really like my job," he said. "I like the residents, every single one of them, everyone who works here, all the amazing team members, the scenery and being close to home. I like the food, environment–everything, everything!”

As memory care manager, Edward keeps very busy.

“I work closely with team members Yvette Duarte and Susie Ponce. I hire people. I help with making care plans for residents, listen and help solve residents and families concerns, help with purchasing supplies, and organize events with activities of daily living such as outings to the Amigos Grill or Cody’s Cafe. I especially enjoy inviting and accompanying residents to activities of guest presentations to hear piano music programs in the afternoon on scheduled days," he said.

Edward even sings and dances with residents. He seems to be always available to residents and team members to help in any way he can.

Edward described other activities as memory care manager.

“I do outreach to the Santa Barbara community. An example is to help youth organizations to come in to help implement inter-generational programs," he said. "Also, I am an ambassador for ABHOW. I come up with ideas for team members to enjoy themselves by having parties to show appreciation for their efforts and work.”

Edward concluded, “I moved here from Oakland to be closer to my home-based origins. I was born and raised in good old Santa Maria. I travel to work on workdays from Santa Maria to Santa Barbara because I’m passionate about my job and residents–and I love it! I recently got married to my soul mate, best friend and role model, Bridget. As for hobbies I enjoy hiking, running, and playing the guitar. I collect vinyl records for long play and play music from the 60s and 70s. I enjoy everything I do.”

A special thank you to Dorothy Steck, author of this team member feature.