Mitch Leichter
Administrator/Partner
Our Executive Director, Mitch Leichter is an esteemed and experienced Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) Administrator, who originally obtained his license in 2000. In addition to Alexander Gardens, Mitch is also the Administrator/Partner of our sister community, Villa Alamar, specialized in Memory Care.
Alexander Gardens has flourished under Mitch’s leadership. With a deeply rooted philosophy in providing care with dignity and respect, our residents find in him their most fervent ally. He continues to invest in their quality of care and in enriching their environment and activities. He strongly supports our staff with personnel resources and investments in their own education, encouraging them to grow professionally and enabling them to become the best care team in Santa Barbara.
It is thanks to his character and commitment to excellence that our care team is consistent and reliable, with staff members who have been here for so long that we are now also employing their adult children!
Mitch started his career in senior care as a Recreation Therapist in 1996, specialized in aromatherapy and holistic treatments. He is the recipient of the California Assisted Living Association (CALA) Award for his Sensory Integration Program for dementia patients, program which he brings to Alexander Gardens to the delight of our residents.
In his spare time Mitch enjoys beach time with friends and family. He is a firm believer in the benefits of meditation, which he practices daily. Mitch is also always looking forward to adding a new item to his extensive collection of awesome Hawaiian shirts.
Dalia Gutierrez
Associate Executive Director
Dalia initially joined the Alexander Garden team as a Medication Technician in 2011, after completing the CNA/HHA program at Santa Barbara City College. Her extreme dedication to residents and their families did not go unnoticed, and Dalia continued to grow in her responsibilities becoming our Assisted Living Coordinator. After completing her RCFE Administrator’s training, she was promoted to her current position where her attention to every detail in the operation of the home is greatly appreciated.
She considers caring for our residents and their families to be a great honor. She often reminds our staff of how much she adores the residents and loves to see them smile. She inspires us all!
When not at work, Dalia enjoys spending quality time outdoors with her 2 children and dancing to Latin rhythms (she is an expert on Cumbia).
Lala Ruiz
Community Services Director
Lala is passionate about senior care and has dedicated her time and talents to our daily activity programs since 2017. Her artistic touch is felt everywhere throughout the community, from her colorful flyers to the fun arts and crafts activities she creates.
This summer she is steping into the role of community services director, which will allow her to extend her extensive experience in caring for seniors to the welcoming of new families into our community and to assisting new residents in getting all that they need to feel welcomed, comfortable, and nurtured in their new home.
Languages is Lala’s other passion. She holds an AA in Italian and in American Sign Language from Ventura College, and shares her love of languages with the residents. She will continue her education in Italian Language in the Spring.
In her free time she loves to walk along the beach, learn new languages and spend time with her family and friends.
Yesenia Leon, LVN
Resident Services Director
Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Yesenia joined our team in 2017, first as a caregiver, then a medication technician at our sister community, Villa Alamar. In 2020 she assumed the position of Resident Services Director, while still attending nursing school. In 2022 she completed her LVN program, and took over the resident care services responsibilities for both communities.
With careful attention to detail and genuine dedication to the health of our residents, Yesenia is trusted by her colleagues and adored by our residents. She is an expert in detecting changes in symptoms and communicating those changes to our residents’ doctors, who deeply rely on her for accurate information.
“I love when I catch a glimpse of our residents”, says Yesenia, “especially during those special moments when they really look at you and say Thank you! – you know it is really sincere and it makes my heart melt… they remind me every day of how much I love my job!”
The high quality of her work indeed reflects her passion and dedication!
Mirah Grace Ray
Senior Life Enrichment Director
Born and raised in Vallejo, California, Mirah began performing as a violinist at age 9 and teaching violin at the age of 11. The young, talented musician partnered with several local orchestras, youth symphonies, and semiprofessional to professional groups in the Bay Area. Mirah is an alumnus of Westmont College, where she earned her B.A. in Music Performance.
“I’ve always felt a deep connection to the older generations,” says Mirah, “and it was through music that I was able to bring that connection to life as I started working in activities for seniors, begining in 2016.” Her lovely, cheerful disposition, and her enthusiasm for senior care endears her almost immediately to all those who meet her.
Mirah is beyond thrilled to join our family as the new Senior Life Enrichment Director for both Alexander Gardens Assisted Living and Villa Alamar, where she combines her musical talent with her passion for senior care. Mirah seeks to prioritize community engagement by recognizing each person’s individual gifts.
Mirah is also a violin and cello teacher. When she is not working on events and activity programs, she is working on her own music projects or on her students’ music journeys. When she has extra time, she loves to read, continue learning, be in nature, exercise, practice music, and spend time with family and friends.
Jackie Barron
Assisted Living Coordinator
Jackie’s commitment to the residents, families, and staff is felt throughout the Alexander Gardens assisted living community. She began her work here as a Medication Technician in 2016 and after demonstrating hard work and dedication, she was promoted to Assisted Living Coordinator. Her passion for her work creates a connection to the residents and families. Meeting the needs of the residents, giving them peace and contentment brings joy to her day.
Jackie is a Medical Assistant who is expanding her education in the nursing field.
When not at work she loves spending time with her family and exploring new opportunities and events.