A native of Phoenix, Michael has served the non-profit world as a fundraiser for over 30 years, including lengthy terms throughout the United States at the United Jewish Appeal, the Jewish Federation of New York City, the City of Hope, American Friends of the Hebrew University and the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Selected to oversee Heritage Pointe in November of 2006, Michael’s mandates include strategic planning for the future of the organization, assuring excellence in the care of the facility and each resident, and raising the necessary funds to provide for resident scholarships, capital improvements and expansion.

Bernadette brings with her over 35 years of experience in senior care. As a registered nurse at Cornell Medical Center, she became a geriatric nurse specialist and pioneered health care programs for seniors, including the first Hospice Home Health service. Bernadette combines her nursing and business background to serve seniors at our assisted living facilities. She interfaces with Community Care Licensing and the Department of Social Services and is an associate of the Generations Management Group, interacting with an average of 178 residents, 100 employees, the Board of Directors, family members, and health care agencies.

Raised in Niagara Falls, New York, Pamela worked in Intelligence with the U.S. Air Force for four years. After serving, she earned her Series 7 Brokers License and worked in bond financing. Pamela joined Heritage Pointe in July 1990 as the Development Assistant. She became the Development Coordinator and was responsible for arranging all fundraising events; including the Gala, Luncheon & Boutique, Golf Tournament and 5K Walk. In 2002, Pamela was promoted to Director of Development, overseeing all annual fundraising and working closely with the Board of Directors.

With a 14-year background as a paralegal in Washington, D.C. for two law firms, Sara moved to California in 1984 and joined an investment banking firm. In September of 1989, Sara was Heritage Pointe’s first employee. Beginning as Executive Assistant to the Executive Director and Supervisor of Front Desk Personnel, Sara then became Heritage Pointe’s Director of Maintenance, Housekeeping and Laundry. In 2002 she moved to her current position as Director of Marketing. Sara is licensed by the State as an Administrator for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly.

Esther entered her career in nursing after many years as the office manager for a major manufacturing company. Her concern and respect for seniors led her to a second career as a nurse. Esther’s nursing degree as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and administrative ability gave her the opportunity to become the Healthcare Manager of a residential assisted living facility in Southern Orange County. Esther recently joined the staff of Heritage Pointe as the Director of Healthcare Services. As the director, her major concern is for the health, well-being and safety of the residents at Heritage Pointe. Esther and her capable staff of nurses, caregivers and med techs are responsible for the daily care of the Heritage Pointe community.

Sherry graduated from California State University, Fullerton in 1985 with a BA degree in Psychology. She began her career in the automotive industry as a Customer Relations Manager. Last year, Sherry joined Heritage Pointe as the Director of Human Resources. She enthusiastically welcomes each new employee to Heritage Pointe and motivates others to give their very best each day. Sherry is excited to be in an environment which best mirrors her own personal values – “people first.”

Gary began his career in long-term care in a hospital setting where he worked for twenty-five years as Chief Engineer/Director of Support Services. He has previously been employed with Medical Center of Garden Grove, Memorial Care of Fountain Valley, College Hospitals of Costa Mesa and Cerritos and Newport Bay Hospitals.

Gary came to Heritage Pointe in 1999 with his extensive background in engineering. For the past eight years, Gary has been employed as the Director of Building Services overseeing maintenance, housekeeping and laundry services for the entire facility. Along with his expertise in engineering, Gary brings a background of caring for those who need the human touch. Gary hopes to continue his career in this field until his retirement to Arkansas sometime in the distant future.

Loretta is the co-founder of Heritage Pointe. She has served in numerous capacities of leadership in this endeavor. As founding vice president of the Heritage Pointe Board of Directors, she developed seven Heritage Pointe support Chapters which are functioning to add awareness of Heritage Pointe in the community, raise funds and build friendships.

Loretta has held the staff position of Volunteer Coordinator for 17 years. Her volunteers range in age from 12 years to 92 years. The countless ways in which the volunteers serve the residents helps to make Heritage Pointe the warm and loving home it is.

Valerie has been in the food industry for well over 20 years, having worked for Carrows Restaurants as a General Manager, most recently in Laguna Hills. Heritage Pointe was a logical next step as Valerie is very familiar with seniors since Leisure World was her main source of customers. She oversees her staff of twenty to assure that H-P residents are well nourished and comfortable while dining. Her motto is to exceed expectations and make the residents dining experience a most enjoyable one.

Myra has been employed at Heritage Pointe for four years as the Director of Activities. Her career background has varied from being a “stay at home” mom, to owning her own travel agency, to managing 65 employees at a credit reporting company, to working in the business department at Hoag Hospital. She was also very active in her local chapter of the City of Hope and chaired for 10 years their annual “Garden of Hope” luncheon for about 650 guests. Now Myra strives to keep all Heritage Pointe residents active, involved and inspired.

Born in New Jersey into a restaurant family, Rob has been involved in restaurants his entire life. He graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York in 1979. Rob has shown his culinary prowess at many up-scale restaurants in Orange County, including Le Biarritz, Crown Point, Scotts Seafood, and 555 East in Long Beach. Rob lives in Mission Viejo with his wife and daughter.

Cantor Susan Deutsch was raised in England in an Orthodox Jewish family. While studying psychology in London, she interned at a psychiatric hospital to qualify as a psychiatric social worker. She entered the Cantorate in 1996 by studying with Hazzan Nathan Lam at the Steven S. Wise Temple and studyed music at the collegiate level. She earned her credential in sacred music with acceptance into the Cantors Assembly (Conservative) in 2003, followed by her commission as Hazzan-Minister. She has served on the Cantors Assembly Western Region board for 3 years and now serves as a member of the Executive Council of the Cantors Assembly nationally. Before joining Heritage Pointe in 1999, Cantor Deutsch served as the Assistant Cantor of Congregation Eilat, Cantor Soloist at Congregation B’nai Israel, and the sole Jewish clergy of the Villa Valencia retirement community. She has furthered her love of Jewish education through teaching in these Jewish communities as well as at the Bureau of Jewish Education and, of course, at Heritage Pointe. Cantor Deutsch takes great pride in the nationally renowned senior Bat Mitzvah program that she instituted at Heritage Pointe in 2001. In addition to weekly and holiday religious services and programs, Cantor Deutsch concerns herself with the spiritual growth, well-being, comfort, and care for the Heritage Pointe residents.