Bios

Wendy Sturrock Matalon - Executive Director
Joining White Sands in 1987 as Assistant Administrator, Wendy Matalon has served as Executive Director since 1990. A native of California, she earned her Bachelor’s of Arts degree from LaVerne College and her Master’s of Science from California State University-Long Beach. During her long tenure, she has served White Sands as the Kiwanis Club president and as a member of the board of directors of Gillespie School. She has also been named Kiwanian of the Year. Wendy and her architect husband, Mike, are the proud parents of twin boys, and she considers every White Sands resident to be a member of her extended family. Her mother-in-law now resides at the community.

Rochelle Balaban-RN - NHA, Administrator
A member of the White Sands staff since 1997, Rochelle took on Administrator responsibilities beginning in January 2008. She oversees risk management, quality control and health services for the facility. Rochelle received her Nursing Home Administrator’s license in 2007 and has also served as Director of Nursing at White Sands. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Rochelle is licensed by the Board of Registered Nursing and is certified as a Residential-Elderly Administrator and Director of Staff Development.   

Henri Chazaud - Director of Hospitality Services
Represents Morrison Senior Dining. Since 2003, Henri has been responsible for dining services, housekeeping, maintenance, security, landscaping, renovations, utilities, laundry and off-site catering for The White Sands of La Jolla. As an employee of Morrison Senior Dining since 2001, Henri brings a host of experience to his position. He is a graduate of the world-famous Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York and served as Executive Chef in various locations for Sodexho from 1998 to 2001. 

Other Department Heads include:

Top Row (Left to Right):

  • Department Heads Pari Ghalebi, RN, Director of Nursing
  • Ruth Morris, Director of Administrative Services
  • Ginny Viens, Director of Human Resources
  • Rochelle Balaban, RN, Administrator

Bottom Row (Left to Right):

  • Beverly Esposito, Director of Social Services
  • Barbara Arbuthnot, Director of Resident Activities
  • Henri Chazaud, Director of Hospitality Services
  • Trish Robinson, Director of Fitness
  • Patricia Dale, Director of Marketing

Opposite Side of Table:

  • Wendy Matalon, Executive Director

From left to right: Hollie Sliwa, Patricia Dale, Janet Gentile, Pat Pickett, & Emily Tonge

The Marketing Team

Patricia Dale - Director of Marketing:
Served White Sands as the Director for Resident Services for six years before stepping into the role as Director of Marketing in 2005. Her primary goal is to guide you on the incredible journey of finding just the right community for you.  "I feel especially rewarded when a couple or an individual arrive at my desk all excited about their next move." She says.  "Just starting your search?  I like that, too.  Working with people who are making their own decisions about their future is a wonderful job to have."
Emily Tonge - Marketing Assistant:
Joined the Marketing Team about 6 months ago and brings a freshness and joyfulness to her position.  She loves to answer even your most challenging questions - even if she has to dig a little to do so. 
Hollie Sliwa - Community Relations Coordinator:
Also a fairly new addition to the Marketing Team and she brought a breadth and depth of experience from her previous jobs within a senior arena to help us spread the word about our remarkable services at White Sands.  You'll probably talk with Hollie when you consider our Health Center or our Assisted Living opportunities.  She also goes into the community from time to time to share the word and answer questions about moving to a Continuing Care Retirement Community.  She, too, brings smiles and a sense of wonderment to all of us.
Pat Pickett - Move-In Coordinator:
Here to facilitate every aspect of your move into White Sands to make your transition as seamless as possible. Whether it is coordinating with your movers or planning out the space in your new home, she is here to help. Pat also works closely with our construction and housekeeping teams to make sure your new home meets all of your needs. From start to finish, she will be there to offer advice, make suggestions and even unpack boxes, if needed. Pat looks forward to welcoming you to your new home!
Janet Gentile - Assistant Move Coordinator:
Bio coming soon.