Senior Living Team | Monticello West

Home > About Us > Meet the Team

Our Long-Tenured, Compassionate Senior Living Team

The caring Monticello West staff members make our senior living community in University Park a place you’ll truly call home. Their dedication and commitment to residents is evident in everything they do, and many of them have been with us for over five years. From our Executive Director to our memory care team, our incredibly attentive staff is here to ensure you’re comfortable, engaged, and living your best life. We are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those who call Monticello West home.

Meet our caring senior living staff:

Ken Wahnschaffe, Executive Director

Executive Director

Ken has more than 25 years’ experience in the senior living industry. He earned his B.A. in social work and soon learned that helping seniors was his calling. He is committed to leading his team with a focus on customer service and teamwork.

Sandra Branch, Wellness Director

Wellness Director

Sandra has been the Wellness Director at Monticello West since 2011. She has had a career in nursing for over 30 years. When she is not caring for our residents, she is caring for her grandchildren and her black Labrador, Loki. Watch Sandra’s video bio.

Lisa Guld, Director of Memory Care

Director of Memory Care

Lisa is a graduate of UTD and has over 10 years of experience in senior living. Volunteerism lead to a career change she found even more fulfilling than teaching. Her joy is in creating an effective, robust program resulting in the growing and strengthening of minds, hearts and bodies of the individuals she serves. Watch Lisa’s video bio.

Eldridge Jackson, Director of Fine Dining

Director of Fine Dining

Since 2017, Eldridge has led our dining services team as the Director of Fine Dining. Eldridge understands the important link between resident happiness and dining, bringing two decades worth of experience in food services. When he is not serving up delicious meals for our residents, he spends his time fishing and cooking for family and friends. Check out Elridge’s video.

Nan Mulvaney, Director of Community Relations

Director of Community Relations

Nan brings 30 years of experience to our community. Her path into senior living was inspired by caring for two aunts who had dementia, and she truly enjoys forming relationships with residents and families as they navigate through this chapter in their lives. Check out Nan’s video bio.

Michael Basha, Community Liaison

Community Liaison

Michael ensures the needs of our current and future residents are always met. He earned his master’s degree in History from the University of Texas at Arlington, and uses his passion for learning in every interaction he has with residents and family members. Learn more about Michael and watch his video bio.

Tim Oliveros, Plant Operations Manager

Plant Operations Manager

Tim serves as the Plant Operations Manager at Monticello West. Previously, he was the Lead Maintenance Manager at an apartment complex in Plano. He was born and raised on the Hawaiian island of Oahu; thus, he makes a point to travel to Hawaii every year. Check out Tim’s video bio.

Kathy Dowden, Director of Human Resources

Director of Human Resources

Kathy is the Director of Human Resources and has been with Monticello West since 2011. One of her greatest joys is her weekly trivia sessions with our residents. Learn more about Kathy and check out her video bio.

Ginger Cash, Office Manager

Office Manager

Ginger is our Business Office Manager at Monticello West. She began her career at the community in 2000 and worked her way up to her current position in 2006. Learn more about Ginger and watch her video.

“Mom loves her apartment. It’s nicely painted and carpeted, and the size is perfect for her. She has a living room area with a full-size couch and chairs, so she can entertain guests. I visit a couple of times a week, and my husband swings by on other days. My son stops by every few weeks, too. Mom has her own space that looks and feels like home. Every time I’m there, she just seems contented. ”

-Cindy, Daughter of Resident

“The minute I entered the community I liked what I saw, but it didn’t stop there. I’ve visited other communities where the furniture was lovely in the main areas and when you proceeded down the hallways, it was a different scenario. But as we continued to look around at Monticello West, I thought: This is pleasant! ”

-Mary, Resident

“The staff is caring and genuine. From the beginning, we didn’t feel like we were being processed, date-stamped and handed off to the next person. The community must have an exceptional hiring process, because I have yet to find someone there who isn’t qualified, doesn’t respect me or that I don’t enjoy. The caregivers are polite, and perhaps most important, I trust them.”

-Susan, Daughter of Resident

-Cindy, Daughter of Resident

-Mary, Resident

-Susan, Daughter of Resident

It’s Never Been Easier to Take the First Step

Whether you’re seeking an active, independent lifestyle in a spacious apartment, need a little help with daily activities, a place to recover successfully following an illness or injury, or a loved one requires personalized memory care, you’ll find the senior living services you need here in the Park Cities. Best of all, your loved ones will get the help they need in surroundings that feel like home.

Let's Get Started!