Our Team
Our entire staff consist of certified professionals with years of experience, dedicated to the well being of your loved ones. With the highest of standards quality and trust, our team is recognized as some of the best caretakers in the valley.
We Pride Ourselves in Honesty & Dependability Guaranteed
Marielena Medina
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF INDEPENDENT LIVING
Marielena is the Executive Director at Desert Winds Independent Living, where her primary focus is to ensure that all residents feel respected and valued. With a passion for enhancing the quality of life for seniors, Marielena is committed to providing an environment that promotes joy, comfort, and well-being. Her goal is to nurture a community where residents experience a true sense of home and belonging. Under her leadership, Desert Winds is dedicated to maintaining a loving, supportive atmosphere that encourages meaningful connections between residents and staff, making it a welcoming place for everyone who enters.
Kara Cole
SALES DIRECTOR OF INDEPENDENT LIVING
Meet Kara, a seasoned professional with a decade of expertise in Marketing and Sales, offering a warm and compassionate touch to her endeavors. Kara possesses a unique insight into the thoughtful process of finding the ideal community for a cherished family member. Beyond her professional pursuits, Kara emerges as the heartwarming hostess in her family circle. Her genuine love for bringing people together creates moments of pure joy and connection. Kara’s warmth extends beyond the familial sphere, as she is dedicated to contributing positively to the well-being and happiness of seniors and their families.
Janine Ondigo
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY SUPPORT
Jae is the Director of Assisted Living and Memory Support at Desert Winds. As a nurse, she has a deep passion for working with seniors, especially in assisted living and dementia care, and has loved listening to their stories and creating an environment where residents feel safe, respected, and loved. She believes that when a team feels appreciated and enjoys coming to work, it directly enhances the care provided to residents. Outside of work, Jae cherishes time with her family, including her husband of 25 years, their three wonderful children, and a beautiful granddaughter. She also enjoys photography, playing the piano, and spending time at the beach. With her family’s support, she has been able to follow her heart into senior living, where she continues to make a meaningful impact.
Sarah Johnson
SALES DIRECTOR OF ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY SUPPORT
Sarah has dedicated the past 16 years to serving seniors and their families. She leads with her heart and finds true joy in connecting with prospective resident and their loved ones, helping them feel confident and supported throughout their journey. Outside of work, she is a proud mom of two sons, including one who serves in the United States Marine Corps. She enjoys spending time with family and her basset hound, Ollie. Her commitment to service, both personally and professionally, is reflected in the genuine care she brings to every interaction.
Contact Desert Winds Here!
Contact us here, or call 623-323-9845 for more information on our Retirement Community in Arizona.
View Our Other Arizona Communities!
All of our communities offer an abundance of activities, flexible amenity packages, and a variety floor plans to choose from. Let us help you find an SLS retirement community you will be proud to call home!
ALL OF OUR COMMUNITIES ARE PET FRIENDLY!
INDEPENDENT LIVING: 623-323-9845 | ASSISTED LIVING: 623-323-9775