Classic Residence by Hyatt

Steve Brudnick - Executive Director

Steve Brudnick is responsible for the comfort, well-being and satisfaction of each resident at Classic Residence by Hyatt in Palo Alto.

As Executive Director, Steve oversees every aspect of the community, including the quality of services, amenities, programs and care provided to residents. Steve 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 experience in senior living and his background in gerontology, Steve has demonstrated his dedication to older adults.

Jason Bliss - Associate Executive Director

Jason Bliss assists the Executive Director in ensuring the highest quality experience for each resident we serve.

As Associate Executive Director, Jason helps the Executive Director to manage the personalized delivery of high-quality services, amenities, programs and care. Jason exemplifies Classic Residence by Hyatt’s mission, philosophy and core values of integrity, compassion and excellence and ensures that each employee upholds these tenets.

Jason has worked with older adults for most of his career. He is a licensed nursing home administrator in California and a member of the National Kidney Foundation.

Douglas Basinger - Care Center Administrator

Douglas Basinger ensures that each resident of the Classic Residence by Hyatt care center receives appropriate care and services and enjoys a variety of enriching programs and activities.

As Care Center Administrator, Douglas oversees every aspect of the Classic Residence by Hyatt care center, from the quality of the resident experience and care to communications with family members. He is a member of the multidisciplinary Classic Residence by Hyatt care team, which works with each resident and his or her family and physician to develop a personalized plan of services and care.

Douglas has worked with older adults for most of his career. He is a California-licensed nursing home administrator.

Maryellen Conner - Sales Director

Maryellen Conner is responsible for sales at Classic Residence by Hyatt in Palo Alto, promoting the benefits of senior living to older adults and their family and friends.

As Sales Director, Maryellen 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 continuing care.

A licensed Realtor®, Maryellen is an exceptional sales leader.

Dean La Russa, CEC, CDM, CFPP - Executive Chef

As Executive Chef, Dean La Russa oversees every aspect of the culinary program for Classic Residence by Hyatt in Palo Alto, including menu creation, food preparation and the management of therapeutic diets. Dean's menus feature healthy and taste-tempting selections based on resident preferences.

Dean's culinary expertise has been developed and enhanced during his career in hospitality, during which his holiday brunches were voted best and recognized in the Palo Alto Daily News. He is a certified executive chef, certified dietary manager and certified food protection professional.

Dennis Lopiccolo - Director of Engineering

Dennis Lopiccolo is responsible for maintaining every aspect of the setting at Classic Residence by Hyatt in Palo Alto.

As Director of Engineering, Dennis 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.

With his background at Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Dennis is dedicated to maintaining this richly designed environment at the highest standards.

Ross Miller - Director of Housekeeping

Ross Miller ensures that the highest possible degree of cleanliness and aesthetic value is achieved at Classic Residence by Hyatt in Palo Alto.

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

Ross's extensive background in housekeeping management contributes to the resident experience at Classic Residence by Hyatt. He holds a master’s degree in health services administration from St. Mary’s College.

Shari Okumura - Director of Human Resources

As Director of Human Resources, Shari Okumura 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.

Shari's human resources background in the hospitality industry enhances the resident and employee experience at Classic Residence by Hyatt in Palo Alto.

Susan Spiller - Lifestyle Director

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

As Lifestyle Director, Susan 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.

Susan has an extensive background in senior living and earned her master’s degree in clinical gerontology from Notre Dame de Namur University.

Manuel Villarreal, CPA - Director of Accounting

Manuel Villarreal, CPA, is responsible for the accuracy of operational accounting for Classic Residence by Hyatt in Palo Alto.

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

With his experience in accounting and finance, Manuel exemplifies our core values of integrity, compassion and excellence. He is a certified public accountant.