At The Taos Retirement Village, We Pride Ourselves In Everything We Do
FIND OUT WHAT MAKES THE TRV STAFF UNIQUE
Brian Chew
I grew up in Massachusetts and fell in love with Northern New Mexico after a family vacation in the late 1990s. My wife and I moved here in 2003, semi-retiring, after a career at several international technology companies with wide ranging leadership roles in Finance, Business Operations, Global Services, Resource Management, Project Management, Business Information Services and Product Management.
My healthcare experience began in Taos, starting with the Taos Living Center as Compliance Officer, IT guy and HR Director. After a short stint here at Taos Retirement Village, I was at Holy Cross Medical Center where I held the position of Compliance Officer and VP of Human Resources & Information Technologies. Most recently, before returning to the Taos Retirement Village, I was the Administrator at two Skilled Nursing Homes in NM.
I’m thrilled to be back at the Taos Retirement Village, to be part of a charming community and working with a team of passionate and caring professionals.
Billie Odum
Growing up in a family of ten in New Orleans, Louisiana, I learned at an early age that teamwork is essential in all aspects of life. My siblings relied on each other more than usual as both of my parents worked (my father held 2 jobs) to make ends meet. We trusted and took care of each other whenever the need arose. We went through hard times, but it didn’t seem so at the time. Teamwork and love helped us enjoy life and appreciate what we had and each other. Love….It’s the beginning and the end of the important times in life.
Later on, taking care of my parents long distance and then in Louisiana, was a time in my life that I’ll never forget. It was a time of worry, frustration, helplessness and uncertainty. My son and brother did far more than expected, caring for and ensuring our parent’s welfare. It was teamwork and love that got us thru it. Since that time, I’ve known, without a doubt, that I wanted to work with the elderly and to find ways and means to improve their life. To help make their day, make living as worthwhile as ever. I now have a better understanding of empathy and connection than I had previously. As for my son, he now holds a Mgmt. position in an Assisted Living Community in Colorado.
I am thrilled to be back at Taos Retirement Village, soon to be known as the Premier Assisted Living Community of Taos! I am proud to work as Director of Resident Care with a dedicated team to back me up. Our professional staff diligently uses teamwork to ensure that every resident is cared for and nurtured in their home environment of Taos Retirement Village. I’m proud to work with a team that strives for excellence in a lifestyle that promotes health, independence and peace of mind for the resident and their family. Descriptive words that come to mind: Integrity, Compassion, Respect and Gratitude.
Julie Shedko
Julie was born in Reno, Nevada, grew up in Northern California and then moved back to Reno. While living in Northern California Julie was able to be around her Grandfather and Grandmother who taught her so much about growing food and raising animals, living off the land.
After high school, accounting became her career, up until 2010 when she returned to the land, using the seeds her Grandfather planted in her years ago.
After living in Colorado for 27 years and raising their boys, Julie and her husband decided to go back to farming and living off the land. Julie took courses in permaculture as she began to think about this next chapter in their journey. They came to Taos in 2010 to create an educational farm. They had bees, goats, chickens, and a passive solar greenhouse. They brought their neighborhood and the Taos community together along with bringing schools to the farm, oh what a joy! They left the farm in 2017 and Julie began a journey of healing.
Julie is excited to be a part of the TRV team and is looking forward to getting to know all the residents, while engaging in things that make them happy. One of her goals is to bring moments of wonder and joy!
Doris Martinez
Hello, my name is Doris Martinez and have been a chef for 22 years. I have a deep appreciation for different cuisines which developed at a very young age. I was exposed to a variety of foods that inspired my lifelong passion for cooking. During my young years I gained the knowledge, skills and confidence I needed to advance in my career as a chef.
I am a native Taosena and I am married to a wonderful man by the name of Jose Martinez. We have been married for 27 years, and have 4 children – all girls. We also share 3 grandchildren.
My motto has always been “cooking is easy and entertaining is so simple.” Just open the door to your house and your heart and allow people to come in and enjoy.
With this said, I am so honored to be a part of the Taos Retirement Village team and look forward to many more years serving as Head Chef. I am grateful every day to work with and for such special people.
Elana DeVargas Williams
Was born and raised here in Taos, New Mexico and is a Native Taosena. She comes from a big family, being the youngest of 9. Excited to build a family of her own, Elena met her husband Jimmy in Norfolk, Virginia where she was stationed. They have been together with for 30 years (married for 25), and have 4 children- 3 boys and 1 daughter and 5 grandchildren.
Elena has been a CNA for 21 years. She worked at the Taos Living Center for 10 years, Holy Cross Hospital for 5yrs, and this is her 3rd time coming back to Taos Retirement Village. She also worked at Smith’s Pharmacy for 3 years as a Pharmacy Technician.
Her hobbies include playing the piano, sports (football), and she and her husband love to travel. Always looking for ways to give back to her community, she worked for the town of Taos from 2000 to 2004 as the coordinator of The Boys & Girls Club for Northern New Mexico.
Supporting our troops is also a core value for Elena, so she continues to help the help the VA and The Not Forgotten Outreach with Veterans, as well as helping the Town of Taos by volunteering at many events that she can fit into her busy schedule.
Elena knows the Town of Taos and surrounding areas like no one else. When you need a transportation Guru, call Elena!
Carmella Carabajal
Was born and raised in Taos and has worked at Taos Retirement Village for 17 years. A naturally nurturing person, Carmella feels fortunate to have found great enjoyment in her job, and in the relationships she has developed with the residents.
Much of Carmella’s large extended family still lives in Taos, including her parents, brother, two sisters. , two children and some of her eight grandchildren whom she loves spending time with. With her joy for music, Carmella likes to whistle while she works. You’ll no doubt hear her in the gardens on our campus, along the walkways and in the casitas whistling a happy tune. Carmella is eager to help those who live on campus as she is extremely knowledgeable regarding the history and workings of our Village.
Roy Vigil
Was born in Fort Riley, Kansas. You could say he was an Army brat. He attended six elementary schools and three junior high schools before moving to Taos and graduating from Taos High. Upon graduation, Roy enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.
After four years in the Marine Corps Roy returned to Taos to continue his education. He earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in electronics from Northern New Mexico College then opened and operated Taos Mountain Appliance Store with two partners.
During the years of running his business, Roy enlisted in the New Mexico Army National Guard and raised two daughters who also live in Taos. After 27 years with the guard and a deployment to Iraq as a Chief Warrant Officer, Roy retired from his guard duties.
Roy has been devoted to the safety and comfort of the residents at TRV for more than 24 years. He knows the buildings and their operating systems better than anyone.
Noah Guynn
My name is Noah Guynn. I have 3 children and a beautiful wife. I love Taos and have lived here my entire life. I work hard and thrive in a hands on environment.
I really enjoy my life here in the mountains and my workplace. TRV has become like an extended family of mine and I love working in this community. Thank you for having me as your Director of Maintenance as of 2021.
I plan on being here for a long time and look forward to the future of TRV.