Classic Residence by Hyatt

James Cox - Executive Director

James Cox is responsible for the comfort, well-being and satisfaction of each resident at Classic Residence by Hyatt in Monterey.

As Executive Director, James oversees every aspect of the community, including the quality of services, amenities, programs and care provided to residents. James exemplifies Classic Residence by Hyatt’s mission, philosophy and core values of integrity, compassion and excellence and ensures that each employee upholds these tenets.

With his years of leadership in senior living, James has demonstrated his dedication to older adults.

Jaime Fernandez, CEC, CDM, CFPP - Executive Chef

As Executive Chef, Jaime Fernandez oversees every aspect of the culinary program for Classic Residence by Hyatt in Monterey, including menu creation and food preparation. Jaime’s menus feature healthy and taste-tempting selections based on resident preferences.

Jaime has developed and enhanced his culinary talents at Classic Residence by Hyatt for the last 21 years. He has received customized training provided by The Culinary Institute of America on nutrition, healthy cooking and baking techniques, flavor dynamics and food and wine pairing. He is a certified executive chef, certified dietary manager and certified food protection professional.

Dennise Garcia - Director of Human Resources

As Director of Human Resources, Dennise Garcia enhances both resident and employee satisfaction through expert oversight and management of the community’s human resources function. She recruits and develops top employees who have a passion for working with older adults.

George Hammond - Director of Accounting

George Hammond is responsible for the accuracy of operational accounting for Classic Residence by Hyatt in Monterey.

As Director of Accounting, George oversees all accounting functions and is responsive to resident requests and questions.

With 32 years of accounting experience, George exemplifies our core values of integrity, compassion and excellence.

Diane Johnson - Director of Housekeeping

Diane Johnson ensures that the highest possible degree of cleanliness and aesthetic value is achieved at Classic Residence by Hyatt in Monterey.

As Director of Housekeeping, Diane oversees the housekeeping function for each resident’s home as well as the community areas.

Diane’s extensive housekeeping management background in hotel and resort stettings contributes to the resident experience at Classic Residence by Hyatt.

Lynn Johnson, RN - Director of Assisted Living

Lynn Johnson, RN, is responsible for all aspects of the quality care and services provided to residents of assisted living at Classic Residence by Hyatt in Monterey.

As Director of Assisted Living, Lynn ensures that care and services are delivered in accordance with Classic Residence by Hyatt’s mission, core values, resident care philosophy and standards of care and practice.

A registered nurse, Lynn brings a broad base of health care experience to our residents and their families. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology.

Joe Opitz - Director of Dining Services

Joe Opitz is responsible for every aspect of the dining experience at Classic Residence by Hyatt in Monterey, from table reservations and settings to the personalized service each resident receives.

As Director of Dining Services, Joe oversees the resident dining experience in the community’s dining venues, including private dining functions that residents host for their families and friends.

Joe has more than 20 years of experience as a food and beverage professional and is ServSafe® certified.

Gina Puccinelli - Lifestyle Director

Gina Puccinelli creates and implements lifestyle-enriching programs that contribute to each resident’s whole-person wellness.

As Lifestyle Director, Gina oversees lifestyle programs designed for residents, such as social and community involvement, participatory and spectator events, creative and educational coursework, lecture series, travel clubs, book reviews, fitness classes and more.

Gina is a certified activity director, massage therapist and yoga instructor. She teaches the community’s “Gentle Yoga” class.

Thomas Stearns - Director of Engineering

Thomas Stearns is responsible for maintaining every aspect of the setting at Classic Residence by Hyatt in Monterey.

As Director of Engineering, Thomas manages maintenance operations in such a way that residents are proud to call the community home and to invite their family and friends to share their experience at Classic Residence by Hyatt.

Thomas began his Classic Residence by Hyatt career in 1989 and is dedicated to maintaining this richly designed environment at the highest standards.

Tammi Tharp - Sales Director

Tammi Tharp is responsible for sales at Classic Residence by Hyatt in Monterey, promoting the benefits of senior living to older adults and their family and friends.

As Sales Director, Tammi manages the sales team and represents Classic Residence by Hyatt to the larger community. She also serves as a resource to community organizations on the topics of senior living and assisted living.

Tammi's experience in senior living and at Classic Residence by Hyatt has made her a true sales leader.