Greg Veal, executive director, is a Southern California native and a graduate of San Diego State University. Before joining the Solstice at El Cajon team, Greg spent the past five years as general manager of The Chateau at Harveston in Temecula, and most of his career in the hospitality management industry.  

When Greg isn’t working, he enjoys spending time at the golf course and riding the waves at local beaches. 

Jennifer Booth is the director of Sales and Marketing for Solstice at El Cajon. Holding a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Curry College, she has spent the past 25 years in the hospitality industry holding several leadership roles. She has found her passion in helping seniors find a community they love. She strives to make everyone’s day the best it can be.

When Jennifer is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband of 25 years, Joe, their three boys and two rat terriers, all of whom keep her very busy.

Kathy Rodriguez joined Solstice Senior Living at El Cajon in May 2018. She has been working with seniors since she was 16 years old back in the mid-’70s, when she started out as a nurse’s aide. She also has a background in working as an activity director for 15 years and a social services designee in various skilled nursing facilities. In 2000, she decided to go back to school at Bryman College, where she studied business administration. Kathy has three grown daughters, four grandsons and six granddaughters. She also has one great-grandson and four great-granddaughters. She loves road trips, visiting the grandkids, playing with Legos and spending time with her two fur babies, (Yorkies) Snickers and Naima.

With over 30 years of experience in the field, Chef Joanne Barenco has had the pleasure of working in many wonderful locations, including San Diego, Monterrey, San Francisco and New Orleans. With her diverse culinary background, Chef Joanne brings variety and overflowing creativity to the lives of her residents through cuisine. “I have been here in El Cajon for the last nine years. I enjoy the challenge of cooking for my residents and the creativity that comes along with that – particularly baking. When I am not cooking, I devote my time to my lifelong passion for animals. I am active in rescue and volunteering programs.”

Emily Gutierrez joined Solstice Senior Living at El Cajon in October of 2013. In the last eight years, Emily has grown with the company, first as a server then a housekeeper. A heartwarming, standing ovation was given to Emily by the residents after it was announced that she would take the position of our Vibrant Life director. Emily completed two years of college in computer graphics, design and art. She has two adult children. Emily’s daughter also worked as a server in the community before pursuing her career in the medical field and is now a licensed vocational nurse. Emily is a grandmother of a handsome 2-year-old boy. She enjoys art and music. Emily believes you should share your smile with the world. It’s a symbol of friendship and peace.

Before joining the Solstice at El Cajon team, Jeremy Hoover served as Building Services manager at Waterford Terrace Retirement Community. He is an East County local and brings 22 years of construction experience to our team. Jeremy’s favorite parts of his job are working with his hands, figuring out how things work and fixing problems.

When he isn’t working, Jeremy plays in two local bands and loves spending time with his three cats Anakin Skywalker, Padme and Elsie, and his dog Stizzy.

Lupe Romero has been with Solstice at El Cajon for over 14 years. She began as a housekeeper and server until she earned the position of head housekeeper. Lupe worked her way out of housekeeping and into the role of lead concierge, where she takes care of the front desk duties for Solstice at El Cajon. She is a very dedicated employee and enjoys working with our directors to ensure the senior community feels right at home. Lupe has three hardworking adult children and four adorable grandchildren ranging from 1 to 8 years old. She enjoys spending time with her family and tries to keep up the tradition of Sunday cookouts in the yard. Lupe also enjoys making quilts for her loved ones.