Quentin Burnett, a Texas native, began serving seniors at 16 years old as a nursing assistant in a psychiatric nursing home. He worked his way up the ladder to admissions coordinator, then moved from Texas to Iowa to pursue a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University. He proceeded to earn a Master of Business degree in health care administration, a Master of Public Health degree and a Master of Gerontology degree, all from Des Moines University. 

Quentin brings a variety of leadership experiences in senior living, including nursing home administrator, executive director of independent and assisted living communities in Minnesota, and regional director of Operations for senior living communities across the United States. He recently chose to make the San Diego area his permanent home and is excited to join the Solstice at El Cajon team. 

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.

Emily Gutierrez joined Solstice Senior Living at El Cajon in 2013. Over the years, she has grown with the company, starting as a server and then moving into a housekeeping role. Emily’s dedication and warmth were recognized by the residents, who gave her a heartwarming standing ovation when it was announced that she would be taking on the position of Vibrant Life® Director. Emily has a background in computer graphics, design, and art, having completed two years of college in these fields.

She is the proud mother of two adult children. Her daughter also worked as a server in the community before pursuing a career in the medical field and is now a Registered Nurse. Emily is also a grandmother to a handsome 7-year-old boy. She enjoys art and music and firmly believes in sharing her smile with the world, as it’s a symbol of friendship and peace.

Marco Rueles grew up in National City, San Diego County’s second-oldest city. When he was only 18 years old, he walked into a restaurant close to school to apply for a server position. The chef interviewed Marco on the spot and steered him toward a job as a cook. That chef insisted he could train Marco, and he ignited a passion to pursue a career in culinary arts. Marco’s path eventually led him into senior living, where he has continued to grow and develop multiple dining programs. Marco has made it a personal goal to remove the stigma that surrounds food in senior living.  

When Marco isn’t working, he loves to cook with his family. They either cook favorite dishes or take turns exploring new foods. Marco loves being a chef! He says, “Cooking is a universal language, and it’s an opportunity to show someone you care.” Marco’s grandmother is his inspiration and role model. She instilled a passion for showing compassion for others through food. 

Kathy Rodriguez joined Solstice Senior Living at El Cajon in 2018. Her journey working with seniors began when she was just 16 years old in the mid-’70s as a nurse’s aide. With a rich background that includes experience as an Activity Director, Kathy decided to further her education in 2000 by attending Bryman College, where she studied business administration.

Kathy is the proud mother of three grown daughters and has a large, loving family that includes 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She enjoys road trips, visiting her great-grandkids, and spending quality time with her fur babies, Mia and Milo.

Branden Cousins was born in sunny San Diego but moved to Cleveland at a young age. He moved back to San Diego and graduated from Steele Canyon High School. He found his way into the world of maintenance due to his love of using his hands and having to figure out what makes something work. He has a beautiful wife named Shawnda and two adorable kids, a girl named Kaiya and a son named Oliver. Branden loves working with seniors because it reminds him of helping his grandmom outside in the yard and with things around the house. 

In his free time, he loves watching the Raiders and doing everything outdoors with his family – going to the beach, surfing, hiking, parks and just quiet picnics with the kids. 

If Branden weren’t a maintenance director, he would be a fisherman enjoying the peace and serenity of the sea. 

Lupe Romero has been with Solstice at El Cajon for over 18 years. She started as a housekeeper and server before earning the position of Head Housekeeper. Lupe then transitioned from housekeeping to her current role as Lead Concierge, where she expertly manages the front desk duties for Solstice at El Cajon. She is a dedicated employee who enjoys working closely with our directors to ensure the senior community feels right at home.

Lupe has three hardworking adult children and four adorable grandchildren, ranging from 6 to 13 years old. She enjoys spending time with her family and continues the tradition of Sunday cookouts in the yard. Lupe also finds joy in making quilts for her loved ones.