A friendly and Caring Staff Awaits You!

The Commons staff are trained to provide excellent service. They are carefully screened and undergo a thorough training process to prepare them for their role as part of The Commons team. Staff share a passion for seniors and commitment to quality and professionalism.

Meet the Team...

Cathy Story

As Director of the Commons, Cathy feels it is a privilege to spend her career with an organization known for its innovation, integrity and responsiveness to the community. She enjoys spending time with residents, and hearing their life stories while simultaneously working to ensure the highest quality of care is provided. Cathy's stewardship of resources and her ability to recognize and appreciate the staff she is leading are characteristics that make her a great leader.

Dottie Lundy

Dottie Lundy is the smiling face in charge of Sales at The Commons. She has been employed by Hilltop since 1991, originally at Hilltop Rehab Hospital, then The Atrium, The Fountains, and now The Commons. She shares that her proudest accomplishment at Hilltop is the fact she has rented many apartments at the above communities and became friends with hundreds of wonderful individuals. She is also, proud of having a street named after her, "Dottie Lane," by Hilltop's Cottages.

Dottie was born in Grand Junction, Colorado at the old St. Mary's Hospital on Colorado Avenue. She has been married since 1955 to Jack, has three sons, three granddaughters, three grandsons, and one great-grandson.

Libby Kennard

Libby has been at the Commons from it’s inception in 2002. As Clinical Director, she plans the care, and coordinates admissions and discharges for our assisted living services. Because of her dedication to our residents, she’s always challenging us to advance our personal care services. She uses her compassion, experience and fairness to assess the needs of residents. Some of her favorite pleasures at work are hosting tea parties and teaching therapeutic exercise. Libby brings 18 years of experience in human services working with seniors, youth, families, and people with severe mental illness. She was raised and educated in the Great Lakes area. Delving into her interest in holistic health and natural foods, she took a two year hiatus to open a restaurant in New Mexico. It was there that she met her husband, Chad, and moved to Colorado eight years ago. Ask her about her family and she’ll tell you about her dogs. At home, she can often be found curled up with a book, knitting project or in the kitchen cooking.

Cassidy Garton

Cassidy Garton recently joined the Senior Living Communities team as Activities Director for Hilltop’s Senior Living Communities, The Commons, The Fountains, and The Cottages. Her role is to help residents find ways to stimulate their mind, body, and spirit. Cassidy has a passion for working with seniors and a heart to help improve their quality of life. She is always available and happy to help our residents in any way possible. Cassidy’s smile and vibrant approach to life are sure to bring a smile to your face.

Cassidy, originally from Indiana, graduated from Purdue University with degrees in Neurobiology & Physiology as well as a minor in Spanish. Cassidy has a diverse work history including being Hilltop’s Marketing Coordinator for the past 3 years. She has three little sisters and enjoys doing anything active and outside, especially trail running. Cassidy is an upfront and outgoing person, so please never be afraid to say hi, make a suggestion about activities, or stop in and tell her a joke.

Steve Solko

As Activities Coordinator, Steve engages residents at The Commons in meaningful activities. From interaction as simple as a friendly conversation while sitting and enjoying a Popsicle to games, sing-along’s, movies and outings. He finds fun in being the catalyst for the residents as they derive the benefits from the social aspect of being together with friends.

Steve’s been married since 1993 to Lisa, who he met on a blind date. They have a 15 year old son Austin and a 12 year old son Max. Steve enjoys baking, playing all types of music (drums), anything to do with motorcycles and operates a business with his wife, who does face and body painting, while he does balloon twisting.

Steve's quote to live by: “There is no path to happiness - happiness is the path.”

Judy Lockwood

Judy has been with The Commons for 3 years. She started out in the front office as the receptionist and is now Administrative Assistant to the Clinical Director and the Director of The Commons. She wears many hats and enjoys the variety. Judy moved from Denver, Colorado after working 15 years in municipal government at The City of Lakewood. She has been married for 45 years, and has a son. Judy shares her families love of fishing, camping, riding ATV and has been active with the Partners in Parenting organization for several years.

Irene Garcia

Irene Garcia is The Commons' nurse. She has worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse for 38 years. Irene spent the majority of her nursing career in Albuquerque, New Mexico and prior to working at The Commons worked for a home health agency.

Irene and her husband Waldo have been married for 46 years and moved to Grand Junction to be closer to their son Michael and daughter in law Katie. Irene enjoys spending time with her two grandchildren Marissa and Garrett, cooking for her family, and building Southwestern furniture with her husband.

Meghan Nedvecki

Meghan has been with The Commons for over 5 years. She started out as a temporary cook & dishwasher and is currently the Kitchen Manager. She has an Associates Degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelors in Business Administration from Mesa State College. Meghan says the best part of her job is the people she works with and making The Commons residents happy with nutritious and delicious food!

Meghan has lived on Colorado's Western Slope her whole life and currently enjoys living outside De Beque with her husband, horses, dogs, and kitties. She loves cooking and working in the kitchen because of its creative and fun atmosphere.

Betty Simonton

Betty has been working at the Commons since 2004. She has 23 years of senior experience, covering all aspects of care and administration. As Care Staff Manager at The Commons, Betty is in charge of supervising the Resident Assistants. She guides with a firm directness instilling confidence in staff and family members. Betty was born and raised in Colorado. Graduated from Fort Lewis College with a degree in Business Administration. She has two wonderful sons, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In her free time she loves to machine embroider, read and spend time with her family.

Sara Suazo

Sara came to The Commons in 2006 with a 4 year background in Retail Management and 18 years in Early Childhood Education and Development. In addition to her daily duties as Housekeeping Supervisor, she coordinates the refurbishing of apartment and cottages. She takes pride in the appearance of The Commons and enjoys the friendships she shares with both residents and staff. Sara is a native of Grand Junction loves the extraordinary beauty and diversity the Grand Valley has to offer. She has a daughter Amanda, son Brian and 7 grandchildren. In 2000 Sara and her children extended their family by opening their hearts and home to foster children, Sara also volunteers as a tutor at The Riverside Educational Center.

Lisa Swarthout

Lisa Swarthout, Business Manager for The Commons brings 12 of years of financial experience to the organization. She began her career in finance at a Crested Butte bank where she became Vice-President of Operations. Lisa is responsible for the financials, oversight of building maintenance, and supervision of staff in the areas of customer service, transportation, accounts receivable, and housekeeping.

Originally from San Francisco, CA, Lisa fell in love with the beauty and people of Western Colorado. Some of Lisa's favorite pastimes include spending time with her boyfriend, long walks with her two dogs, travel, photography, gardening and a good book. Lisa is always ready to hear a good story and brings her enthusiasm and smile wherever she goes.

Bonnie McFarland

Bonnie brings 25 years of restaurant and managerial experience to The Commons. She began working at The Commons 3 years ago. Bonnie is a graduate of Colorado Christian University with two Bachelors Degrees in Organization Management and Computer Information Systems. With her attentive staff of 25 servers, Bonnie’s goal is to provide the best dining experience possible at The Commons. Bonnie was raised in Grand Junction and continues to love living on the Western Slope with her husband Brett and her three children. She is an avid NASCAR fan and loves riding the Harley. In her quiet time she enjoys writing her collection of true stories.

Rebecca Felix

Rebecca Felix is the Wellness Coordinator for The Commons, The Fountains and the Cottages. She is excited to help our residents maintain a wonderful quality of life by implementing fun, effective exercise classes and meaningful educational opportunities geared toward active living, fall prevention, and chronic disease management.

Rebecca looks forward to sharing her 14 years of experience in the fields of exercise, nutrition and senior wellness with the residents and the community. Rebecca holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Colorado and AFAA Certifications in Personal Fitness Training and Group Exercise Instruction. She is also a master instructor for a leading national senior exercise program, called SilverSneakers. You may see Rebecca every Tuesday on KREX at noon offering a variety of fit tips in their weekly Get Fit segment.

Rebecca is the mother of two boys, ages 10 and 15, and she enjoys spending time with them. She also loves exercising, hiking, performing on stage, singing, watching movies, and baking cookies every Sunday.

Jennifer Gagliardi

Jennifer Gagliardi is a Human Resource Program Liaison for Hilltop and works with employees at the Commons, the Fountains, Home Care, Senior DayBreak, and the Work Force Center. Jennifer joined Hilltop in July 2008 and has been working with the employees at the Commons since January 2010.

Jennifer enjoys working with the staff and supervisors at the Commons and is willing to help in any way she can. Jennifer enjoys playing volleyball, crafting, and spending time with her husband Michael.