Ralph B. Unterbrink

Position: Administrator

Time with Carmel Hills: Since June 2010

As Administrator of Carmel Hills Care Center, Mr. Ralph B. Unterbrink is responsible for the oversight of all facility operations, including the management of all department managers, contracted services and executive personnel. Mr. Unterbrink represents the facility in all dealings with various State and Federal regulatory bodies and is responsible for assuring that the facility remains in absolute compliance to all mandated policies and procedures. He also serves as the intermediary between all staff and the facility’s corporate governing body.

Mr. Unterbrink is a licensed administrator having graduated with a B.S. degree from the California State Polytechnic College in 1970. That year he began his career working for Beverly Enterprises in the Los Angeles area. Soon he was offered a position in Carmel, California, running a skilled nursing facility then known as Beverly Manor. He knew the owner of the facility Dr. Robert Bowersox. He ran Beverly Manor for 12 years before being promoted to a position as regional administrator of seven skilled nursing facilities and implementing necessary corrective actions. In another company, Meritcare, he was the Vice President of California.

After 31 successful years in the healthcare business, Ralph retired in 2003. After just one year, he decided retirement didn’t suit him and returned to running skilled nursing facilities. He was thrilled to have the opportunity to return home to Carmel Hills Care Center in June of 2010 and reacquaint himself with Dr. Bowersox’s sons, Robert J. Bowersox and Kim C. Bowersox. He now has over 40 years of experience caring for residents and feels fortunate to be able to serve in that capacity here on our beautiful Central Coast.

Suzanne Langen, MS, LNC, RN

Position: Director of Nursing Services

Time with Carmel Hills: Since November 2010

The purpose of the director of Nursing Services is to plan, organize, develop and direct the overall operations of the Nursing Services Department in accordance with correct federal, state and local standards, guidelines and regulations that govern the facility to insure that the highest degree of quality care is maintained at all times.

Suzanne began her nursing career with a diploma in nursing from Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in Buffalo, New York, obtained a Bachelor of Nursing degree from the University of Buffalo and lastly her Master of Science degree from the University of Hawaii. Also, she is a legal nursing consultant.

Her years in nursing have included clinical experience in critical care psychiatry, rehabilitation and medical surgical care. In addition to her clinical experience, she has been a clinical instructor in critical care and post surgical recovery for diploma nursing students, clinical instructor for bachelorette students in medical surgical care and director of staff development.

Time off is spent with family, reading mysteries and watching professional football.

Carmel Hills offers the challenge, responsibility and opportunity to demonstrate qualities of compassion, dependability and understanding of the needs of geriatric residents.

Connie Jo DeLeon, LVN

Position: Director of Staff Development

Time with Carmel Hills: Since April 2005

As Director of Staff Development, Connie Jo is responsible for providing continuing education to all staff members, with a strong emphasis on California Title XXII Regulatory Requirements and OBRA Regulations. Other responsibilities include organization and upkeep of staff health and work data and chairing all staff in-service education meetings as required by the State and Federal regulatory agencies.

Prior to joining Carmel Hills, Ms. DeLeon was working as a private long-term care consultant with a complete client list of 52 skilled nursing facilities throughout California. She is a Licensed Vocational Nurse with the California Board, holds a Director of Staff Development Certificate and IV Certification. In 2007 Ms. DeLeon was awarded the CHCC Accountability Award.

Connie Jo enjoys music, reading poetry, romance novels and biographies, sewing and craft making.

Initially as a consultant, she had the opportunity to work with the Bowersox family. Impressed with their facility, philosophy and goals they were striving towards, she wanted to be part of the team. All in the name of making Carmel Hills Care Center a better place for residents to live and staff to work.

Woo Hong

Position: MDS Coordinator

Time with Carmel Hills: Since August 1999

Woo was born in Korea and moved to the United States in 1990. While in Korea, she attended Shamyook University where she received her Bachelor of Nursing degree in 1987. In 1997, she earned her RN in California and realized her dream of being a nurse in the U.S. Woo has been married 21 years and has two teenage children.

Woo began working at Carmel Hills in 1999 when it was under different ownership and a different name. She was kept on as a charge nurse under the Bowersox family ownership and has truly developed her nursing potential. In 2010, she was promoted to MDS Nurse. In this role, she ensures the compliance, accuracy and reliability of resident charting done by the nursing staff. She collects this data for use in determining patients' treatment, compliance with treatment norms and privacy standards and also in supplying information to third parties, such as the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and private insurance companies.

Being a nurse is rewarding to Woo by knowing she’s helping those who are having a difficult time, both residents and families. She believes that Carmel Hills, being a family owned company, really promotes a family atmosphere to the staff for the residents to experience. She began her career as a nurse in the United States at Carmel Hills and appreciates the opportunity provided to her and loyalty shown by the Bowersox family.

Wilfredo Abu

Position: Business Office Manager

Time with Carmel Hills: Since October 2007

As Business Office Manager at Carmel Hills Care Center, Mr. Abu has the primary responsibility of gathering all information necessary for billing in a timely manner including: oversight of the recording and retrieval of all patient encounter records, timely and accurate coding, timely charge entry and AR management, knowledge of the electronic claims submission/remittance activities inclusive of clean and/or failed claims, re-bills. Mr. Abu also coordinates all communications with Medicare Fiscal Intermediaries, Medi-Cal and HMO’s; and represent the facility to these organizations. Mr. Abu also maintains a financial file for every resident and supervises the Payroll Manager (accounts payable and labor expenses).

Mr. Abu has a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of the East in Manila, Philippines and an M.B.A. from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Mr. Abu’s past professions have included auditor, accountant, educator, sales manager and caregiver; drawing from a career spanning the Healthcare and Financial Services industries. Mr. Abu is a licensed C.P.A. in the Philippines. In 2008, Mr. Abu was awarded the CHCC Accountability Award.

Passions/Hobbies:

Cooking, dancing, windsurfing and traveling.

Why do you work at CHCC?

"I drive over 120 miles to and from work every day, but it doesn’t matter to me because I love our great staff and Residents. They are truly the only family I have here in the States. Any person that comes to visit CHCC will see why Carmel Hills Care Center is known as the best skilled nursing facility on the Peninsula."

Tammy Martin

Position: Director of Rehabilitation

Time with Carmel Hills: Since August 2010

Tammy is an occupational therapist whose skills and 20+ years of experience have advanced into rehabilitation management. While living on the East Coast, she assisted the opening of several out-patient rehabilitation centers and has experience in sports medicine, in-patient and out-patient therapy and business management. She is currently working on her Masters degree from San Jose State University.

She is the proud mother of four beautiful children; ages 5, twin 11 year olds and a 17 year old. When not playing with her kids, she enjoys running, reading and anything that involves being outdoors.

Tammy emphasizes the importance of working in a facility which believes as she does; in a holistic approach to treatment, care and clinical excellence. She comments daily at the privilege of working with such gifted and caring professionals.

Geoffrey Lyons

Position: Social Services Director

Time with Carmel Hills: Since April 2011

As Director of Social Services at Carmel Hills Care Center it is Mr. Lyons’ primary responsibility to coordinate and chair all care and discharge planning meetings for residents, their family members and facility representatives from various disciplines (Dietary, Nursing, Therapy). Geoffrey is readily available to assist residents and their loved ones with long-term strategizing and clarity regarding a patient’s future medical needs. Other critical elements of his job are to mediate challenging family social dynamics, monitor theft and loss prevention, organize the scheduling of podiatry, dental and vision services and participate in MDS reports, Psychotropic Review Meetings and the Falls Committee.

Geoffrey’s volunteer and community service includes disaster services work and teaching for the American Red Cross. He is an associate of The Eden Alternative, which is an international organization founded by Dr. Bill Thomas, whose mission is to create innovative programs and positive change for the long term care needs of our elders.

Geoffrey accepted his current position at Carmel Hills due to it being a small company whose owners are committed to providing the highest quality care in the area. He appreciates the company’s efforts at developing programs and services beyond just what is “required” by the regulations; creating programs and services that are innovative, future oriented and at the forefront of the industry.

Jennie Sandoval-Cook

Position: Director of Activities

Time with Carmel Hills: Since May 2008

As Director of Activities for Carmel Hills Care Center, Ms. Sandoval-Cook is responsible for developing stimulating activities that challenge each resident’s sensory input, independence and physical and mental capabilities. This also includes completing initial, daily and ongoing assessments for all residents and documenting patient-staff interactions and participation in activities.

Ms. Sandoval-Cook has over 34 years of diverse experience working in public relations. Prior to joining CHCC, Ms. Sandoval-Cook held positions as a HR Department Manger, a Branch Office Manager and was owner of a Therapeutic Rehab Hand Center. She is a certified Activity Director in both the Skilled Nursing and Residential Care settings. Ms. Sandoval-Cook's volunteer experience includes helping to organize blood drives for the Central California Blood Center and registering new voters for the Republican Party.

Passions/Hobbies:

Reading (books, magazines, newspapers, wrappers, back of Cracker boxes); Watching a good football game; cooking for my family; spending any amount of time with my mom and daughter.

Why do you work at CHCC?

"What I have found since my first day at CHCC, and continue to have, is a great big smile! Somewhere along the road of life I lost it, didn’t realize that I hadn’t had one in a long time in a work environment until I decided to take a job 149 miles north of Fresno. Here I found it. You must love what you do, be happy knowing you are going to work to do it and share that with all you see by smiling and saying hello. A smile can always be contagious!"

Hector Salcido

Position: Medical Records Director

Time with Carmel Hills: Since April 2007

Hector began at Carmel Hills Care Center as a certified nursing assistant and was promoted to medical records assistant. From his hands on experience, he learned many lessons in work ethic. Seeing the facility from different capacities has enabled him to bring the best service to the residents and families. Recently, Hector was promoted to Medical Records Director and has been an integral part of transitioning to our electronic medical records system.

Raised in the Monterey Bay Area, when not at work, he enjoys spending time with his dog Pugsley. As free time permits, he likes to read as well. Hector is also a frequent visitor to Garland Ranch Regional Park, taking in the beautiful scenery and fresh air. A fan of art and culture, he appreciate all the Peninsula has to offer and in his career at Carmel Hills, has found a place that suits him well. The residents are his passion and helping any way possible is his goal.

Hector enjoys working at Carmel Hills because of the residents. He takes time to meet and know each resident on a personal level. Having learned many things from them and appreciating how each and every person has experienced so much in their life rewards Hector internally. He believes the staff at Carmel Hills is wonderful and full of caring individuals—which he believes is the back bone of the nursing community. Every department strives to make this facility a one of a kind experience to the residents. Carmel Hills has a beautiful location, a superior staff and continues to make improvements to provide a wonderful place to be in both long and short term situations.

Susan Sutherland

Position: Director of Dietary

Time with Carmel Hills: Since March 2003

As Director of Dietary for Carmel Hills Care Center, Ms. Sutherland is responsible for organizing and implementing patient-specific diets for every resident at the facility. She supervises all the cooks, dietary aides and dishwashers and has complete oversight of food purchasing, food preparation, cooking and meal service to the residents. With the consultation of a Registered Dietician, Ms. Sutherland assures that every meal is prepared nutritious, tasty and according to the resident’s ordered diet.

Ms. Sutherland is a Certified Dietary Supervisor by the University of North Dakota. Under her leadership the Dietary Department received a Gold Seal from the Monterey County Health Department. She finds strength in accomplishing what she sets out to do at the beginning of each day.

Passions/Hobbies:

Spending time with my grandchildren at home; playing bingo.

Why do you work at CHCC?

"I work for Carmel Hills because I enjoy that the two brothers, Bob and Kim Bowersox, emphasize being a family-orientated business. I have come to know many staff members here very well."

Dan Branch

Position: Director of Environmental Services

Time with Carmel Hills: Since June 2010

As Director of Engineering at Carmel Hills Care Center, Mr. Branch is responsible for general upkeep and maintenance of the building and grounds, the supervision of all housekeeping, laundry and maintenance staff and assuring that the building remains in total compliance with all city, county, state and federal codes. Mr. Branch also handles the receipt of all incoming orders including patient care supplies, cleaning supplies and specialty equipment. Dan efficiently monitors and tracks all emergency systems including fire and disaster safety preparedness at the facility.

Dan has owned and managed properties for 20+ years having worked on, fixed, built, maintained and replaced just about every piece of equipment that heats, cools, cleans, washes and dries. He knows that in order for a facility to function properly, staff must have the tools needed to get the job done. Whether those tools are clean linens, full oxygen tanks, or beds in good working order, Mr. Branch sees that not only is everything set up correctly, but on a day-to-day basis everything continues to run smoothly.

Above all else, Dan is a resident advocate. He believes our purpose, as employees at Carmel Hills Care Center, is to provide the highest level of care for our residents. Many companies and individuals in the health care services field take short cuts that, while within guidelines, are not the way the care should be provided. Dan knows the Bowersox family will not take those shortcuts and demands that while providing the hightest level of care, our resident’s deserve a comfortable, clean and properly functioning facility.

Jarrod Christensen

Position: Director of Admissions

Time with Carmel Hills: Since November 2008

Jarrod came to Carmel Hills as a CNA with a goal of providing world class care to our residents. He quickly demonstrated his knowledge of care requirements but also had the intangible skill of being able to connect with our residents and their families on a personal level. He quickly rose to Director of Admissions and is the first point of contact for our residents and families. He discusses Carmel Hills’ role in the recovery process, how Medicare, Medi-Cal and health insurance works with regards to skilled nursing, and what expectations should be while staying with us.

Growing up in Cheyenne, Wyoming, he later attended Chadron State College in northwest Nebraska and obtained his Bachelors of Arts in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing. While at Chadron, he was a four-year letter winner playing college football. One of his greatest honors was being chosen team captain by his team mates.

He met his wife, Jessica, here on the peninsula and married in 2009. Together, they enjoy travel, competing in triathlons, hiking, biking and anything else outdoors. Football being his greatest passion, Jarrod is an assistant coach for a local high school football team.

When he began his career in health care, he had visited and interviewed with a few local facilities. Carmel Hills was the only one that passed the 15 second test; that is, within the first 15 second of being in the door, what did you see, hear and smell? The resident’s were clean and no one was left unaccompanied that needed assistance. Being a family owned business, and not a huge corporation that puts profits ahead of care, sold him. Carmel Hills has four core values that he shares when it comes to care: Respect for those around you, Dignity provided to our residents, Compassion given to residents and their families, Accountability for your actions.

Carole Dorsey, RN

Position: Assistant Director of Nursing

Time with Carmel Hills: Since September 2009

Carmel Hills has been the start of Carole’s nursing career. She began working as a charge nurse on the floor administering direct patient care for a almost two years. During that time, her growth in clinical care, knowledge of skilled nursing and her ability to connect with her residents made her one of Carmel Hills’ finest nurses. Everyday presents a new set of challenges that she welcomes with open arms.

In June, 2011, Carole became our Assistant Director of Nursing Services. As the ADON, she supports the Director of Nursing with management of all clinical staff and ultimate oversight of all patient care. While she strives for consistency, she realizes nursing is a field in which you have to be extremely flexible, noting that resident needs and care always trumps meetings or paperwork. As difficult as some days can be, she can go home every night knowing someone’s quality of life was improved because of her actions. There is nothing more rewarding than that.

Carole was born and raised in Pacific Grove. A little known fact: Dr. Bowersox, once owner of Carmel Hills Care Center and whose sons, Bob and Kim now own the facility, delivered Carole at Community Hospital. Carole is married with two grown children and three grandchildren. She is an avid sports fan and loves a good book when time allows. For years she was a book-keeper, but as time went on she realized she wanted to be more involved helping others and making a difference. She graduated from Maurine Church Coburn School of Nursing in 2009, and has no question that she found her calling in life.

Carole believes that her life has come full circle, having Dr. Bowersox deliver her into this world to now working for the family company. Initially, she chose Carmel Hills for selfish reasons; her mother is a resident here. There’s no better place to work than where she gets to see her mom everyday and ensure she has the best care available. When she’s asked, “if you had to put your mom in a facility, which one would you choose?”, Carole can answer that question sincerely. Carmel Hills, of course.