About Us
Our Team


Kavita Joshi





Susan Anderson
DOR





Kavita Joshi
Susan Anderson
DOR
Franklin Hughes
Administrator
Serving you since: August 15, 2023
Franklin Hughes serves as the administrator at the esteemed Valencia Gardens Health Care Center, a skilled nursing facility nestled in the heart of Riverside, California. Born and raised in California, Franklin has always been deeply connected to his home state and is passionate about delivering top-notch care to its residents. His journey into healthcare administration began during his college years, where he gained valuable experience as a respite care giver. He holds his Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration and a minor in Gerontology. This period ignited his profound love for people and his unwavering commitment to ensuring they feel valued and nurtured during their times of need. Upon his return to Orange County and eager to apply the skills he learned at school, he pursued rigorous training, achieving exceptional scores in state and federal licensing exams to become a licensed skilled nursing administrator with the hopes of finding a facility that would become his home away from home. In his role as administrator at Valencia Gardens, Franklin takes on the critical task of overseeing all aspects of the facility's operations. This includes staff management, budgeting, regulatory compliance, marketing, and, most importantly, ensuring that the highest standard of 5-star care is provided to residents. His leadership is defined by his dedication to fostering a collaborative and compassionate environment that prioritizes resident well-being and clinical care. Franklin's approach to healthcare administration revolves around patient-centered care. He firmly believes that every individual deserves to be treated with respect, empathy, and dignity and strives to create a nurturing environment where residents and staff are both cherished and valued. This philosophy is the cornerstone of his work. Outside of his professional commitments, Franklin enjoys spending quality time with his beloved wife, their delightful baby girl, and their extended family. They are a family of beach enthusiasts who relish the magic of Disneyland and embrace the adventures that California offers. He is dedicated to serving you and your loved ones at Valencia Gardens, always ready to address your needs and provide support for the well-being of residents, families, and staff.
Contact: fhughes@valenciagardenshealth.com (714)-904-8437
Kavita embarked on a healthcare journey in 2007 while working as an administrative assistant for a renowned hotel chain. During a family dinner, a bold question from their brother-in-law changed the course of their career “is this what you are doing with the rest of your life?” She had always aspired to become a physician but, prompted by her brother-in-law's suggestion, discovered a newfound passion for nursing. With unwavering determination, Kavita and her husband, newlyweds at the time, relocated from Indio to Fresno to pursue a nursing education. In 2011, she proudly graduated from California State University Fresno with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. This educational foundation armed her with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide top-tier care to residents. Kavita's professional journey in Skilled Nursing began at Community Care and Rehabilitation Center, where she spent four years refining her nursing skills as an RN supervisor. During this time, she cultivated meaningful relationships with residents, colleagues, and healthcare providers. In 2015, a new chapter unfolded as she joined the Valencia Gardens Healthcare Center family. This experience has been profoundly rewarding, solidifying her commitment to ensuring residents receive exceptional care during their stay. Outside of her healthcare role, Kavita finds unexpected joy in an unusual hobby—cleaning. She says there is something deeply satisfying about creating a clean and organized environment. As the Director of Nursing Services, Kavita remains dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of care for residents. Her team tirelessly strives to ensure each individual receives personalized attention and support for their well-being. At Valencia Gardens, residents and their families can trust that they are in capable and caring hands with Kavita as DON. The facility's 5 Star Medicare rating and Zero Deficiency state recertification survey stand as proof of Kavita’s unwavering commitment to excellence.
Contact: kjoshi@valenciagardenshealth.com
Mahesh brings a deep passion for healthcare administration to his role. With a lifelong commitment to the field, Mahesh is excited to contribute his knowledge and experiences to this exceptional community. In 2018, Mahesh earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Healthcare Administration, which served as the launching pad for his career in the healthcare industry. He began his professional journey in the field of loss prevention, where he honed his skills in risk management, safety, and compliance. While his career initially took a different path, it has provided Mahesh with a unique perspective and a valuable set of tools that complement his current role in healthcare administration. The synergy between Mahesh's educational background and his position as Assistant Administrator is evident. Healthcare Administration involves efficiently managing and coordinating various aspects of a healthcare facility to ensure the highest standard of care for residents. His education equips him with foundational knowledge of healthcare systems, regulations, and best practices, while his experiences in loss prevention have sharpened his ability to identify and mitigate potential risks. This blend of skills will be invaluable as he works toward the success of Valencia Gardens Health Care Center.
In his role as Assistant Administrator, Mahesh is dedicated to mastering the intricacies of skilled nursing facility management. This hands-on experience allows him to apply the principles he learned in his degree program to real-world situations. He collaborates closely with the dedicated team at Valencia Gardens to ensure that residents receive the exceptional care they deserve. His goal is to create an environment where residents thrive physically, emotionally, and socially. Mahesh's profound commitment extends to the well-being and contentment of Valencia Gardens' residents and their families. He aspires to nurture a sense of community, compassion, and excellence in care within the Valencia Gardens family. By amalgamating his educational background with the practical skills and insights acquired during his training as an Administrator, Mahesh is confident that the facility will attain new levels of success in delivering exceptional care. He is always available to address any questions about the facility, services, or their dedication to delivering the best possible care.
Contact: mbhambi@valenciagardenshealth.com
Christina began her journey as a social worker in 2011 when an administrator recognized her potential and entrusted her with the role of social services. Grateful for the opportunity, Christina immersed herself in the social aspect of her career, and it has since become her passion. In her current role as Director of Social Services, Christina takes the lead in ensuring her department effectively manages resident care and discharge planning. She is responsible for developing, evaluating, and directing social services programs, all in accordance with federal, state, and local standards, as well as our established policies and procedures. Her mission is to meet and maintain the emotionally and socially related medical needs of each resident on an individual basis. Christina finds immense joy in being a social worker, where she can make a positive impact on others and help them feel better. She's a dedicated team player, always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. During her free time, Christina enjoys quality moments with her three beloved grandchildren, who bring life and laughter to her world. She strongly believes in the importance of family, providing unwavering support and being there for her loved ones.
Contact: cabarcha@valenciagardenshealth.com
(951) 897-3789
Caroline Zamora
Medical Records Director
Serving you since: March 14, 2016
Caroline boasts a wealth of experience in skilled nursing facilities (SNF), dating back to 2000. Her role as Medical Records Director encompasses a broad range of responsibilities, all geared towards ensuring the seamless management of patients' records, such as: perform high-volume scanning of patients' records, review and audit patients' records for timeliness, completeness, and accuracy, utilize a classification system to assign clinical codes for patients' diagnoses, procedures, and medical skilled services, maintain and retrieve records for insurance reimbursement and data analysis, print and fax patients' reports to referring doctors as needed, expertly file medical records, maintaining impeccable organization, swiftly pull charts, records, and other essential medical information whenever required, and manage the processing of expired patients' records. Caroline's philosophy as a Medical Records Director extends beyond mere record-keeping. She actively tracks industry trends to develop and implement cutting-edge data analysis techniques. Her overarching goal is to provide essential resources not only to healthcare professionals but also to our patients and their loved ones. In her free time, Caroline finds solace in the great outdoors and has a deep love for nature. She's also a devoted animal lover.
Contact: czamora@valenciagardenshealth.com
Marcella's journey in the healthcare field began with her education at Chaffey College in Upland, California. Her invaluable contributions to our team stem from her exceptional leadership skills and her commitment to promoting the success of the company. With an impressive 30 years of experience in skilled nursing facilities (SNF), Marcella is a seasoned professional. Her core responsibilities as the Activity Director include: providing an ongoing program of activities designed to align with the comprehensive assessment, maintaining records that track attendance and residents' responses to programs, overseeing group activities that foster engagement and well-being, posting a monthly calendar of events to keep everyone informed, and staying updated on local, state, and federal requirements and guidelines related to recreational programming. Marcella's philosophy of care centers around the belief that it takes a diverse team of individuals with strong skills and unwavering dedication to make a positive impact and improve the lives of our patients. Marcella's dedication to her role goes beyond her job title, and she is committed to enhancing the quality of life for those under her care.
Contact: (951) 683-7111
Susan Anderson, MSPT, DOR
Director of Rehab Services
Serving you since: June 1, 2017
Susan is a highly qualified professional with a strong educational background and extensive experience in the field of rehabilitation. She graduated with a Bachelor's in Science degree and went on to earn a Master's in Physical Therapy from Andrews University. With a remarkable career spanning over 30 years, Susan has specialized in the care of the geriatric population, cherishing the life experiences and unique challenges they bring to the rehabilitation process. In her role as the Director of Rehabilitation, Susan holds the following key responsibilities: oversight of physical, occupational, and speech therapy services at Valencia Gardens, ensuring that quality and compassionate treatment services remain the central focus of our rehabilitation efforts, and collaborating closely with our interdisciplinary team to guide our residents and their families toward the best possible outcomes. Susan's philosophy of care revolves around the core values of quality and compassion. She is dedicated to providing the highest level of care while working in harmony with our interdisciplinary team to help residents achieve their optimal well-being. On a personal note, Susan has a passion for gardening. If you happen to visit Valencia Gardens, you might come across one of her raised garden beds filled with herbs and vegetables. You might even find her enjoying a moment of serenity while monarch butterflies gracefully flutter around our garden area, laying eggs on our milkweed plants. You could have the chance to observe caterpillars as they spin their chrysalis and undergo the remarkable transformation into beautiful monarch butterflies.
Contact: (951) 683-7111
Brenda Gomez Salcedo
Receptionist/Payroll/AP
Serving you since: April 13, 2023
Brenda's journey into the healthcare realm took root in 2021 when she joined a non-profit placement and marketing firm. There, she worked closely with a small team, actively participating in various aspects of patient care. This experience not only honed her professional communication skills but also pushed her beyond her comfort zone, fostering a sense of initiative. Equipped with the skills and confidence earned during her time at the firm, Brenda is now well-prepared to provide exceptional customer service to our patients and their families at Valencia Gardens. Within the Valencia Gardens team, Brenda wears multiple hats. As a receptionist, her daily objectives include ensuring that families are greeted with a clean and welcoming environment. Her attentive demeanor anticipates the needs of patients and their families, creating a space where they can come together comfortably. As the sole guardian of payroll and accounts payable, Brenda plays a vital role in the smooth operation of our facility. She assists in the onboarding process for new hires, maintains open lines of communication with employees regarding their pay and benefits, and ensures the timely payment of our building's accounts payable. Brenda firmly believes that every member of the team contributes to the overall experience of our patients and their families at Valencia Gardens. Her commitment shines through as she cultivates a warm and inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of home. Observing families enjoying meals together or sharing moments in front of the TV brings her immense joy. Her mentality is rooted in helping those who may not be able to help themselves, whether it's holding the door open or assisting patients back to their rooms. One of Brenda's favorite aspects of her work at Valencia Gardens is the opportunity to bring happiness to patients. She takes them on strolls, delivers coffee, and dedicates time to learn about their lives beyond the facility's walls. Brenda was born in Georgia, and in 2023 she had the chance to reconnect with her family and visit her place of birth. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, taking leisurely walks, and even indulges in self-care by doing her own nails. Brenda's multifaceted skills and warm-hearted approach make her an invaluable member of the Valencia Gardens Healthcare Center team.
Contact: bgomez@valenciagardenshealth.com
Brian Jaramillo
Maintenance Assistant
Serving you since: June 13th, 2022
Brian, a Maintenance Assistant with a genuine passion for understanding how things work, has been a vital part of our team since 2022. His innate curiosity drives him to explore the intricacies of machinery and systems. He derives immense satisfaction from dismantling objects, examining their inner workings, and skillfully putting them back together. As a Maintenance Assistant, Brian plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless operation and upkeep of the facility. His duties encompass a wide range of responsibilities, from addressing minor repairs and maintenance tasks, including plumbing, electrical, painting, and HVAC issues, to maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of shared spaces like lobbies, hallways, and restrooms. Groundskeeping is equally significant, where Brian diligently tends to the exterior of the building, including landscaping, sidewalks, and parking lots. Moreover, he extends his assistance to residents by promptly and professionally addressing their maintenance requests. Brian's journey with Valencia Gardens began when he embarked on his Eagle Scout project for Boy Scouts of America, an endeavor that introduced him to the facility's needs and the importance of supporting residents. His project involved creating planters, a valuable resource for mitigating the effects of dementia. This experience ignited a lasting commitment to helping those who require a bit more care and attention. Outside of his role as a Maintenance Assistant, Brian's heart belongs to the world of soccer. Whether he's chasing a soccer ball on the field or passionately cheering for his favorite team, Real Madrid, the beautiful game holds a special place in his life. Brian Jaramillo's blend of technical expertise and commitment to residents.
Vanessa Peach, LVN
Case Manager
Serving you since: August 23, 2019
Vanessa Peach is a dedicated Case Manager LVN with a strong background in healthcare. Her journey began when she graduated from the LVN program at North West College in 2015. Her commitment to patient-centered care and her ability to understand each patient's and family member's perspective make her an invaluable member of the Valencia Gardens team. In her role, Vanessa is a true team player, working collaboratively to help patients achieve their goals of getting stronger and healthier. She maintains open lines of communication with insurance providers, ensuring they are well-informed about each patient's progress. Vanessa takes the time to discuss goals and create a unique plan of care with patients and their families. Additionally, she provides essential resources and assistance with discharge planning to ensure a safe transition back home. As part of the dedicated Valencia Gardens team, Vanessa and her colleagues prioritize compassion, safety, and high-quality patient-centered care, even in times of crisis. She takes pride in reassuring both families and patients during their stay at Valencia Gardens, providing a clear understanding of the services available at this skilled nursing facility. Outside of her work, Vanessa enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. She is an outdoor enthusiast and loves embarking on adventures, such as snowboarding, with her three children. Vanessa Peach is committed to ensuring that each patient receives the best possible care and support during their stay at Valencia Gardens. Her dedication to patient well-being and her compassionate approach makes her a valuable asset to the team.
Contact: vpeach@valenciagardenshealth.com
Margarita Heredia, CNA, RNA
Scheduler and Central Supply Coordinator
Serving you since: September 4 2018
Margarita Heredia is a dedicated member of our team, known for her versatility and unwavering commitment to ensuring the smooth functioning of our healthcare center. Her journey into healthcare is a unique one, as she originally graduated with a business degree from a college in Mexico. In her multifaceted role, Margarita takes on a range of responsibilities that are integral to the efficient operation of Valencia Gardens. Her key duties include scheduling the nursing assistant staff, overseeing purified PPD, and ensuring that we always have an ample supply of vital resources and equipment. Margarita's philosophy of care is rooted in the belief that every member of the staff should be treated with the utmost respect and appreciation. She understands that her role goes beyond logistical tasks; it's about modeling the kind of behavior she wishes to see in her colleagues and being a pillar of support for her patients. At the core of her personal nursing philosophy is the profound responsibility to provide care for those who may not be able to care for themselves. On a lighter note, Margarita brings a touch of glamour to her role. At the age of 16, she pursued a career as a beautician, and it became more than just a profession—it became her hobby.
Contact: (951) 202-1560