🌟 Resident Spotlight: Jan W. – A Life of Purpose, Passion, and Play
At The Oaks of Pasadena, we believe every resident brings a unique story that enriches our community. This month, we’re proud to shine our Resident Spotlight on Jan Wickersham, a woman whose life journey is as inspiring as it is multifaceted.
Jan joined The Oaks on February 1, 2023, and quickly became a beloved member of our community. Now approaching her third year here, Jan continues to share her warmth, creativity, and vibrant energy with everyone around her.
A Journey Rooted in Resilience
Born in Portland, Oregon, Jan moved to Pasadena in 1961, beginning a lifelong connection to the city she now calls home. Her path later took her to Spokane and Chicago, but Pasadena’s charm drew her back in the 1970s.
While living in Chicago, Jan faced a turning point. With three children attending school just across the street and winters growing increasingly harsh, she made a bold decision: she applied for a teaching position. That leap of faith launched a 20-year teaching career that she cherished deeply. After returning to Pasadena, Jan continued her passion for education at Polytechnic School, where she taught 4th and 5th grade.
Embracing New Adventures
After retiring from teaching, Jan didn’t slow down. She joined her husband in a new venture—working at a travel agency. Though it was a change of pace, Jan embraced the challenge and grew to love the work, reflecting fondly on those years of exploration and connection.
A Spark of Creativity at The Oaks
Since moving into The Oaks, Jan has become a creative force in our community. She’s organized memorable events, including a fashion show featuring Louisa’s sweaters and a wedding-themed extravaganza that brought smiles to residents and staff alike. Her attention to detail and genuine desire to bring joy to others make every event special.
Jan also serves on our welcoming committee, helping new residents feel at home from the moment they arrive. Her kindness and enthusiasm set the tone for the warm, inclusive atmosphere we strive to maintain.
A Champion at the Bridge Table
When she’s not planning events, you’ll likely find Jan at the bridge table. But she’s not just playing for fun—Jan is a competitive Duplicate Bridge player, a passion she’s nurtured since childhood under the guidance of her father. She’s a proud member of the Pasadena/San Gabriel bridge unit, where she once served as president. Her bridge journey has even led to a match against Bill Gates—and yes, she held her own!
Family, Faith, and Gratitude
Jan’s positive outlook is deeply rooted in her faith and her love for family. She’s the proud mother of three children, grandmother to five, and great-grandmother to six. Her gratitude for life at The Oaks and the friendships she’s formed here are evident in every conversation.
Though her path hasn’t always been smooth, Jan’s ability to reflect on her experiences with grace and humor speaks volumes about her strength and warmth. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and community.
Thank You, Jan
We’re honored to have Jan as part of The Oaks of Pasadena. Her energy, kindness, and creativity make our community a brighter, more joyful place for everyone.
🌟Employee Spotlight: Alex Llamoca – Leading with Flavor and Heart
At The Oaks of Pasadena, we’re proud to highlight the incredible team members who make our community thrive. This month, we’re shining our Employee Spotlight on Alex Llamoca, our talented Head Cook and Dietary Supervisor, who has been an essential part of our team since 2011.
Alex’s journey is a testament to hard work, growth, and passion. He began as a Line Cook, quickly rose to Chef, and now leads our culinary team with excellence and care. His leadership ensures that every meal served is not only nutritious but also full of flavor and heart.
Born in Peru, Alex was inspired by the rich culinary traditions of his homeland. His professional path took shape in New York, where he spent eight years mastering his craft in the fast-paced food scene. These formative years taught him the importance of precision, creativity, and hospitality—qualities he brings to our kitchen every day.
After relocating to Pasadena, Alex brought with him a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to making every meal special. His pastries, in particular, have become legendary among residents and staff—from perfectly baked breads to delicate desserts, his creations are a true highlight of our dining experience.
Outside of work, Alex is a devoted father to his son, Aaron. He values family time, enjoys walking his dog, and loves experimenting with new recipes to expand his culinary repertoire.
We’re incredibly grateful for Alex’s dedication, talent, and the warmth he brings to our community. His leadership and passion make The Oaks of Pasadena a better place every single day.
🌟Resident Spotlight: Connie S.
Connie has been a resident of The Oaks for nine years. She says those years have brought her a lot of joy, as she loves her apartment and really enjoys living in our community. Ask Connie if she is a pet person and she is likely to respond: “I am more of a stuffed pet person!” Her impressive collection includes bunnies, bears, and hippos. It has taken her many years to complete this collection and she treasures it. Connie is also an avid writer and always writes a little before going to bed.
Although Connie has family roots in Pasadena, where her great-grandparents had a chicken farm, she was born in Pennsylvania. She has fond memories of visiting her great-grandparents in Pasadena as a child. Connie went to college at The University of Riverside where she got her teaching credentials. She taught elementary school before going back to school to get her counseling credentials. As a counselor, Connie focused on helping teens deal with drug and alcohol abuse. She led group counseling sessions and remains passionate about helping young people overcome substance abuse.
Connie’s optimism and kindness have not faltered over the years. Her advice for the younger generation is to never give up on themselves and to pursue their dreams. She encourages people not to be afraid to ask for help and to always be calm, kind, and caring. Connie embodies these traits, and her calm and kind presence is evident to all of us here at The Oaks!
🌟Employee Spotlight: Adrian “Chino” E.
Adrian joined The Oaks in 1996, at age 29. He began his journey as a part-time dishwasher. Later, he transitioned to chef, which is where he’s truly thrived! Adrian pours his heart into crafting a variety of meals for our residents and employees. When asked what he loves most about being a chef at The Oaks, Adrian shares, “I love that I get to make so many different kinds of food and see the residents and staff enjoy what I make.” Outside of work, Adrian’s family is incredibly important to him, and he makes it a priority to spend time with his loved ones whenever he can. For Adrian, the most fulfilling part of working at The Oaks is the opportunity to engage with the residents. “I love walking around the dining room, checking in with the residents, and making sure they’re enjoying their meals,” he says. “It makes me feel good to know they’re happy and that I’m a part of their experience here.”
We are incredibly fortunate to have Adrian, a hardworking and compassionate individual, as part of our team. His dedication to providing excellent service and creating memorable experiences for our residents truly makes him one of The Oaks’ greatest assets. Thank you, Adrian, for everything you do — you are truly appreciated!
🌟Employee Spotlight: Maria L.
Meet Maria, a beloved member of The Oaks family who has dedicated an incredible 32 years to our community. Joining us in her 30s, Maria has worn many hats over the years. She began her journey here at The Oaks as a housekeeper, worked briefly in the cafeteria at Las Encinas, then returned to The Oaks in her current role as our amazing laundress!
Maria finds much fulfillment in her work, driven by her desire to help residents with their needs. She deeply appreciates the gratitude she receives from residents, which makes her job all the more rewarding. Maria has always enjoyed helping with the laundry and honed her skills while working at a hotel before joining The Oaks. Maria’s mother told her that as a child, she always wanted to help with the laundry!
Among her many treasured memories here at The Oaks, one stands out: our annual employee Christmas party, where she won the raffle for a TV two years in a row! This memorable experience is a testament to the joy she shares with her co-workers.
Outside of work, Maria loves spending quality time with her three daughters. Recently, the family went on a trip to Japan, exploring the beautiful country and visiting her grandsons in the Air Force. Traveling with her family is one of Maria’s favorite things to do, and she says these adventures create lasting memories they cherish together.
At The Oaks, Maria does a little bit of everything, demonstrating the spirit of our community. Her dedication, warmth, and hard work makes her a true staple of the Oaks family. We can’t thank Maria enough for her years of service and the love she brings to our residents and team!
🌟Resident Spotlight: Anne H.
Anne was born in Tucson, Arizona and is the oldest of five siblings, with two brothers and two sisters. At the age of six, her grandmother introduced her to the piano, nurturing a family tradition of musical passion, as her grandfather also loved playing and composing music. She took piano lessons for 10 years and loved it, but had to stop because of other time commitments. Proud of her piano skills and accomplishments, Anne is now considering returning to the piano!
Anne’s favorite memories include many 4ths of July at her grandparents’ house. Their two-story home, located near a university stadium, had a balcony that provided an incredible view of the fireworks display. Her grandfather would hand out Life Savers, a rare treat in their house. Anne fondly recalls these nights spent enjoying a sweet treat, watching the fireworks show, and spending quality time with her family.
After high school, Anne took a year off to work and earn enough money to attend the University of Arizona. After college, she became a teacher for grades 1-4. She married and moved from Arizona to Sunnyvale, California, a place she still treasures. She had two children and continued teaching while her husband worked as an electrical engineer. She lived in Sunnyvale for around 50 years before moving to The Oaks.
At The Oaks, Anne is head of the Safety Committee and strives to improve fellow residents’ knowledge of safety protocols. Anne participates in exercise classes and particularly enjoys the Chair Tai Chi class. She likes to use the shuttle service to make trips around town, such as to the post office. She also enjoys international vacations and has taken numerous cruises. Notable trips include cruises to South America and Antarctica, Alaska, and a Viking cruise in Russia. Anne has traveled to France to visit family and for reunions. Each trip has left a lasting impact on her, fueling her love for learning and discovery.
Anne’s advice to younger generations is to get as much education as you possibly can, never stop learning, and choose your significant other carefully. Thank you, Anne, for being a caring and vital part of our community—a traveler, a learner, a teacher, a mother, a wife, and a friend to many!
🌟Employee Spotlight: Eddie M.
Eddie embarked on his journey towards financial independence at the age of 15, joining The Oaks in 2012. He started as a dishwasher, helped with transportation, and was a server in our dining room. Currently, Eddie works as Business Office Coordinator, seamlessly blending his expertise in financial matters with his genuine care for our residents.
Throughout his journey at The Oaks, Eddie has exemplified a commitment to listening to the experiences and stories of our residents, embodying patience and compassion in meeting their needs. One of his favorite activities is dressing up for our annual Halloween party and enjoying all of the costumes that the residents put together!
Beyond his professional endeavors, Eddie is a devoted pet parent to three dachshunds. While working full-time, Eddie was a full-time student. He graduated from Pasadena High School and then CSUN with a Bachelors in Business Administration.
Eddie finds sincere fulfillment in knowing that our residents are treated with the same love and respect as his own family, earning heartfelt appreciation from both residents and their families alike. His continuous pursuit of ensuring that every resident lives their best life here reflects the true essence of our community!
🌟Resident Spotlight: Joyce R.
Joyce has been a resident at The Oaks of Pasadena since 2020. Born in New York, her family moved to Sweden and she first learned to speak Swedish. She came to L.A. to be a Goldwyn Girl, but after appearing in one film, The Spirit of West Point, decided Hollywood was not the life for her. Joyce founded Diet 4 Health and spent 30 years counseling individuals in the La Canada area. One of her proudest achievements is being mother to three daughters, and grandmother to three grandsons and a granddaughter. At 50, Joyce did some soul searching and decided to become more involved with her community. “I joined everything,” including the Tournament of Roses, the Chamber of Commerce and the Verdugo Mental Health Foundation. As a member of The Oaks Welcoming Committee, Joyce makes a special effort to introduce herself to prospective residents, letting them know that moving to The Oaks “was one of the best decisions of my life.” Thank you, Joyce!
🌟Employee Spotlight: Chris C.
Chris was hired in August 2023 and is a dedicated and compassionate Shift Lead in our dining room. He has a genuine passion for ensuring the well-being and happiness of our residents, helping to deliver exceptional service. Chris finds joy engaging and getting to know his staff and residents on a personal level, whether it’s through listening to their stories, participating in social activities, or simply making them smile. His enthusiasm for connecting with people enriches the overall community experience at The Oaks. One of his favorite memories is when residents asked him to dance an Irish jig at a recent event! When he’s not working at The Oaks, Chris enjoys spending quality time with his family…congratulations to Chris on the arrival of his first child in June 2024!