Esplanade Gardens
About Us
At Esplanade Gardens, you can experience all the comforts of home without the hassle of cooking and cleaning. Our resident care team is on-site 24/7 for any needs that arise. Nestled in the heart of Converse, TX, Esplanade Gardens is designed to make connecting with like-minded neighbors and friends effortless. We connect with our residents, and their families, providing peace of mind that quality, consistent care is available at all levels. You will immediately appreciate our focused design in our shared living areas with a layout designed for easy access to community activities and senior care amenities. You will love the natural light and charm of our established community.
Our heart sets us apart. Managed by SilverCrest Properties, Esplanade Gardens provides exceptional quality for our senior community with spectacular living space designs, personalized care options, and many facility amenities. A product of the J.A. Wedum Foundation, Esplanade Gardens furthers the foundation’s not-for-profit mission of providing quality housing for seniors. Offering both Assisted Living and Memory Care neighborhoods, our team assists our residents by helping them to remain as independent as possible while lending a helping hand when needed. Our active seniors love the convenience of local shopping, dining, and activities in the northeast San Antonio area.
We’re not your typical senior living community. With all-day dining, chef-prepared meals are available anytime in our restaurant. Esplanade Gardens has everything you need to enjoy life to its fullest, at any age. We offer residences for the independent senior planning for the future in addition to those who need assisted living and memory care, within a range of floorplans. Contact our office today to learn more about our vibrant senior community.
Esplanade Gardens is proud to be affiliated with the J.A. Wedum Foundation. As a not-for-profit organization, the J.A. Wedum Foundation is dedicated to supporting charitable causes, including providing quality senior housing for seniors. With properties in both Minnesota and Texas, the Foundation is able to execute their mission: “To develop and utilize their resources to help individuals, young and old, change and improve their lives.”
The Foundation supports various organizations in the spirit of stewardship and generosity exemplified by John A. Wedum. This is carried forward to present-day by the family of John A. Wedum. Charitable giving includes sponsoring housing and caring for the aged and infirm, among other avenues. This spirit of giving and stewardship is reflected in the care and housing provided to our residents and through our SilverAdvantage values. You may see a smiling Wedum family face visiting with residents, spending time with staff members, or trimming the trees the next time you visit Esplanade Gardens.
Management Team
Donny Veal
Executive Director
Donny Veal
Executive Director
A little about your job…
I am the person who has overall oversite of the entire community. I monitor resident satisfaction, employee relations, Texas licensing requirements, resident care, and care and maintenance of the building and equipment. I am assisted in these duties by a dedicated and experienced team of senior living professionals.
What sparked your desire to work in a senior living community?
After the passing of both of my parents, who, along with my wife and brother, had taken care of in their senior years, I discovered that I had a passion for working in the care of seniors.
Did you go through any special training or education that helps with your current role?
Yes, I have received training in assisted living facility management, and I am a Certified Assisted Living Manager. And I have over 20 years experience in independent living, assisted living, and memory care management.
What is the best part of your workday?
Walking through our dining room during any meals, and stopping to visit with residents about anything on their minds. And they usually have a lot on their minds!
What is your favorite resident memory or story?
I have a Masters degree in Texas history. So often I have given special informative presentations about certain aspects of our state’s history. Our residents are always interested in historical events and places, especially the Alamo, since we live in the San Antonio area.
What makes your community stand out from your competition.
Our community sits on beautiful acreage in Converse, Texas. When you walk inside our community, you immediately feel a sense of home. Our team and our residents combine to create a sense of welcoming, and this sense occurs every time you come here!
More About Donny…
My wife Linda and I have been married 26 years. We have four children, and six grandchildren. I attended Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, and a Masters Degrees in Texas History and Government. I was born in Ranger, Texas and have lived in San Antonio for 11 years. My hobbies are collecting books and music, grilling on my Big Green Egg, and watching sports. Most of the books in my library are non-fiction on Texas and Louisiana history. And in music, I enjoy blues, 50’s and 60’s rhythm and blues, 50’s and 60’s rock and roll, and old country music. Baseball is my favorite sport to watch, because I played baseball as child and young man.
I only have one life motto, and it has served my well most of my life: “You have to make things happen, or things will happen to you.”
Favorite Movie?
American Graffiti
Favorite Book?
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Favorite Sports Team(s)?
Baseball: St. Louis Cardinals, Football: New Orleans Saints, Basketball: San Antonio Spurs, College Football: University of Texas Longhorns
Favorite bands?
1. The Beatles 2. ZZ Top 3. Creedence Clearwater Revival 4. Allman Brothers
Top travel destination on your list?
New Orleans, Louisiana
Do you have any pets?
No, not at this time.
If you could have a superpower – which one would you choose and why?
Super speed, like Superman and The Flash.
Tell us one thing about yourself that would surprise your residents?
Although I am a native Texan, I went to high school in southern California, in the Los Angeles area.
Taylor Lindley
Director of Marketing
Taylor Lindley
Director of Marketing
What sparked your desire to work in a senior living community?
I have always enjoyed helping others and healthcare. I happened to fall into a marketing position after graduating from Texas A&M after applying to multiple healthcare related jobs and I never looked back!
Did you go through any special training or education that helps with your current role?
MBA in Healthcare Management in May 2021, Hubspot Marketing and Social Media certifications, Google Analytics certifications, USF diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace certificate
I worked as a rehabilitation technician during college in both an acute care hospital and inpatient rehabilitation hospital. This experience provided a background for senior living by allowing me to educate families on types of senior living and care communities and helps me to communicate with our care team about future resident care needs.
What is the best part of your workday?
My residents of course! I love walking into work and being greeted with smiles and helps from both residents and our team members.
What makes your community stand out from your competition.
Our heart sets us apart. Many assisted living communities offer the same amenities and services, but when you have a well-tenured team who enjoys coming to work, spending time with their residents, and supporting each other, it is something special.
More About Taylor…
Favorite Movie?
Bridesmaids
Favorite Book?
Everybody Always by Bob Goff
Favorite bands?
Koe Wetzel, John Mayer, Turnpike Troubadors, Parker McCollum, Sam Riggs, any early 2000’s pop!
Top travel destination on your list?
I will go back to the Cayman Islands any chance I get! St. Lucia is on my travel bucket list.
Do you have any pets?
I have one adorable cat named Rusty. He has his own taco truck!
If you could have a superpower – which one would you choose and why?
Teleport- so I could be at the beach in seconds after work.
Tell us one thing about yourself that would surprise your residents?
I play guitar
Alfonso Balderas
Director of Maintenance
Alfonso Balderas
Director of Maintenance
A little about your job…
Mr. Fix-it! I keep the building clean, fix A/C units, do laundry, and paint.
What sparked your desire to work in a senior living community?
Just to be part of the city of Converse and help senior citizens.
Did you go through any special training or education that helps with your current role?
Just the past-experience of other jobs.
What is the best part of your workday?
The feeling of helping others and being a part of their lives.
What is your favorite resident memory or story?
When each resident shares their stories from the past and present. They share a part their own history.
What makes your community stand out from your competition.
We are all a part of the big picture in their life (the families and residents).
More About Alfonso…
I was born here in San Antonio, Texas. My brother and sister are the first generation of U.S. citizens in the U.S.A. My parents are from Monterrey, Mexico. Early in our teens, we would spend the summers in Monterrey at our grandmother’s house with aunts and uncles. What I got to see and share with my family was being a part of their lives as they grew up and got married. It was the simple things in life that gave me the sense to enjoy love, peace, and hate that life throws at you; how one sees things in life and makes of it. It’s the road one picks and makes it their goal in life and how to go about it. Life back then was much slower – you get to know the people around you and help whenever one could. They become a part of you and vice versa. At the end of life or in between, it’s the simple things one shares that become part of us being human to each other. These are the things one will always remember and share.
Favorite Movie?
Casa Blanca
Favorite Book?
All of them. Each book gives us something that we need.
Favorite Sports Team(s)?
Dallas Cowboys, and the Spurs.
Favorite Bands?
Chicago. Earth, Wind, and Fire. The Eagles.
Top travel destination on your list?
Everywhere as long as my loved ones are with me.
Do you have any pets?
No, I had three dogs.
If you could have a superpower – which would you choose and why?
It would be the power to heal amnesia. We all need to know and remember who we are.
Tell us one thing about yourself that would surprise your residents?
That I come from a very large family. My mother is the oldest of nineteen kids.
Alma Hubbard
Resident Care Director
Alma Hubbard
Resident Care Director
A little about your job…
To provide quality customer service
What sparked your desire to work in a senior living community?
Patient care
Did you go through any special training or education that helps with your current role?
Yes, LVN school and other trainings such as IV certification and trech and vent training. I volunteered at nursing homes in the past.
What is the best part of your workday?
Greeting the residents!
What is your favorite resident memory or story?
I had a Memory Care resident who broke me from a bad habit of walking around with a toothpick in my mouth.
What makes your community stand out from your competition.
The environment feels like home.
More About Alma…
I am from San Antonio, Texas. I have 6 children and I am also a foster parent. I’ve worked with geriatric for 20 years and 3 years as a nurse. I enjoy doing do-it-yourself (or DIY) projects and spending time with my family and friends. I plan to continue my education. My goal is to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
Favorite Movie?
The Goonies
Favorite Book?
How Rich People Think
Favorite Sports Team(s)?
Spurs
Top travel destination on your list?
Portland, Oregon
Do you have any pets?
Yes, 4 dogs.
If you could have a superpower – which one would you choose and why?
Teleportation, so I could travel.
Tell us one thing about yourself that would surprise your residents?
I have 7 children and in the process of adopting one.
Mary Ann Capps
Director of Programming
Mary Ann Capps
Director of Programming
A little about your job…
I do all the activity programming for assisted living. I drive the bus for residents’ doctor’s appointments. I am also a CNA, and I work in the dining room when needed. I supervise the memory care activity assistant.
What sparked your desire to work in a senior living community?
I worked in the home health industry for many years and wanted to work in a community. I fell in love with the residents that live here.
How do you decide which activities and programs to offer?
After doing resident activity profiles, I see what the majority of the residents were interested in. I try to do activities based on the season we are in.
What are your residents top 3 favorite activities?
Bingo, card games, and entertainment/parties.
What were your two best attended, most fun events over the past two years?
A party with the fiesta dancers, and the family Christmas party.
What is your favorite activity to participate in with residents?
Wii Bowling
Are there programs the residents lead themselves?
Yes, card games and dominoes.
What sets your programming apart from the competition?
I provide a wide range of activities. I have 5 to 6 activities daily, Monday – Friday. The residents comment on how many different activities there are to do, and you can’t get bored. One of our residents, after moving in, said she felt like she moved into Disney World because there’s so much to do and that she was not leaving.
More About Mary Ann…
I am a native to San Antonio. I grew up on the south side of San Antonio. I have played sports all the way through my school years. Five years after high school, I married my husband. We have been married for 32 years and have two children, a son and a daughter. My son is married, and my daughter has a husband-to-be and will be getting married soon. My husband and I have two dogs, Samson (a boy) and Skyler (a girl). I have had many working hats; in high school I managed a restaurant, then after graduation I was a secretary at the lab for cement plant. I was an Athletic Director for the junior high and high school, coaching several sports. I also ran the basketball camps. I then became a Certified Nurse Aide and received my activity certificate for where I currently work (Esplanade Gardens). When my kids were younger, they played basketball and soccer starting at age 4 and on until high school. My husband helped coach the basketball team with me and the basketball camps. I have traveled a lot throughout the world. I also love to camp and go on vacations. Most of all, we are a Christian family and love the Lord.
Favorite Movie?
Any movie that makes me laugh!
Favorite Book?
Sports books
Favorite Sports Team(s)?
Spurs, and the Houston University Cougars
Top 2 favorite bands?
Alabama, and George Strait
Top travel destination on your list?
Alaska and Iceland
If you could have a superpower – which one would you choose and why?
I would love to have the powers Superwoman has so I can dunk a basketball. That has been a dream of mine.
Tell us one thing about yourself that would surprise your residents?
I was an all-around athlete. I played basketball, volleyball, and track and field. I ran hurdles, even as short as I am!
Do you have a favorite resident memory or story?
One of my favorites is that I taught Mrs. Hale, who was 104 years old, how to play Wii bowling. She turned out to be really good and became our top bowler in a tournament we had. When she bowled, she expected to bowl a score higher than 200 points. When she would bowl a 180 or 190, she would still be so happy. I would tell her she did great, and she would always say, “you think so?”
Richard Rogers
Dining Director
Richard Rogers
Dining Director
A little about your job…
I make dishes and cook for the residents, and teach my staff how to handle kitchen duties.
How many people are on your team?
17 members
What special training or education helped best prepare you for this career?
I worked at my mother’s restaurant. I’ve been in the kitchen my whole life.
What are the meals your residents request the most?
The chef salad, soup, buffets, and stuffed chicken with spinach and cheese.
What is the most memorable meal you have cooked at your community?
The roasted pig at the Luau Party, and Christmas meal.
What is your specialty or favorite dish to make?
Shrimp paesanos
What makes the dining experience at your community stand out from the competition?
They get to have all day dining, our salad bar, and they have a choice on what they want to eat.
More About Richard…
I grew up in Chicago and I got to experience the amazing food there. My family ran a restaurant, so I got first-hand experience at a young age. Growing up with all of this made me fall in love with cooking. I have a beautiful family with my wife of 36 years. We have two kids, Amber and Eric. I moved to San Antonio in 1982 and finished high school here. I got to work with amazing chefs, and even worked on a banquet for President Bush. This is the first time I’ve worked in an elderly home.
What are you top “go to” meals when you are cooking at home?
Pan seared scallops with veggies and pasta.
Cats or Dogs?
Dogs
Favorite Movie?
The Notebook
Favorite Book?
Cook books!
Favorite Sports Team(s)?
All Chicago teams
Favorite bands?
Marvin Gaye, and Pat Benatar
If you could go on a culinary trip anywhere in the world – which country/city would you go to and why?
The Philippines to see how they cook and their style.
If you could have a superpower – which one would you choose and why?
To fly, so I can travel the world and see it from a different point of view.
Tell us one thing about yourself that would surprise your residents?
I love to work on old cars.
Do you have a favorite resident memory or story to share?
Mr. and Mrs. Molleston were a joy to be around when they danced to the music together at the table.
Sylvia Garcia
Administrative Services Manager
Sylvia Garcia
Administrative Services Manager
A little about your job…
Administrative work, such as payroll, billing, and banking.
What sparked your desire to work in a senior living community?
I was looking for office work. I drove in to inquire and loved the community.
Did you go through any special training or education that helps with your current role?
I worked 30 years at a telephone company and learned customer service skills.
What is the best part of your workday?
When a tedious task is accomplished.
What is your favorite resident memory or story?
I had the honor of chaperoning two of our resident veterans on the Alamo Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.
What makes your community stand out from your competition?
Heart! The staff loves and protects the residents.
More About Sylvia…
I am from Odessa, Texas, which is all the way in west Texas. It’s known for its oil fields and pump jacks. I have two sisters, and I’m the middle child (more mischievous). I moved to San Antonio due to a telephone company transfer. I love to cook, but not bake. My two mottos are “stay out of personal mess,” and “if you’re going to do something, do it right.” I collect goofy things such as Pez dispensers (I have about 400-500) and fruit stickers (I’ve collected those since 1988).
Favorite Movie?
The Guernsy Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Favorite Book?
Cook books
Favorite Sports Team(s)?
Houston Astros, and New Orleans Saints
Favorite Bands?
The Eagles
Top travel destination on your list?
Europe
Do you have any pets?
Too many! I have birds (Koko, Miko, and Buddie), a cat (Buster Marie), a bearded dragon (Goobie), and a turtle (Yurtle Turtle)
If you could have a superpower – which one would you choose and why?
Bi-locate, so I can go to Italy and still be here to work.
Tell us one thing about yourself that would surprise your residents?
I am culinary trained, and a step-great-grandma.
Bryana Lopez
Receptionist
Bryana Lopez
Receptionist
A little about your job…
I answer the telephones/emails, assist guests that come in with great customer service, bookkeeping, schedule bus rides, and much more.
What sparked your desire to work in a senior living community?
I love to help people and even when I don’t help our elderly physically, I love knowing that I can help them in other ways and make them smile.
Did you go through any special training or education that helps with your current role?
No.
What is the best part of your workday?
Making the residents’ day by helping them when needed and listening to their stories.
What makes your community stand out from your competition?
We have diversity within our building, and tons of compassion for our residents.
More About Bryana…
Favorite Movie?
Crazy Rich Asians
Favorite Book?
Looking for Alaska by John Green
Favorite Bands?
Halsey, Red Hot Chili Peppers, *NSYNC
Top travel destination on your list?
Bora Bora, or Singapore!
Do you have any pets?
Yes, a Chihuahua
If you could have a superpower – which one would you choose and why?
Teleport, so I could travel to any state/country I’d want.
Tell us one thing about yourself that would surprise your residents?
The first time I ever went outside of Texas was only 3 years ago (2018).
Teresa B. Santellano
Program Coordinator
Teresa B. Santellano
Program Coordinator
What sparked your desire to work in a senior living community?
It is a satisfying and rewarding working with seniors. I have learned many things about their accomplishments, legacies, and blessings, and I am more appreciative of my life’s journey for having a different perception of growing older with more wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of life.
Did you go through any special training or education that helps with your current role?
I have a year of training and education in senior activities, along with several years of experience as Program Coordinator.
What is the best part of your workday?
When I make the residents happy and feel like I have made someone’s day.
What makes your community stand out from your competition?
“We promote working values that manifest respect for the persons and appreciation of human dignity both in the level of staff and the residents.”
More About Teresa…
Favorite Movie?
The Notebook and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
Favorite Book?
DYI books and magazines
Favorite Bands?
The Doors and Beatles
Top travel destination on your list?
Europe and Mediterranean
Do you have any pets?
Yes, 2 dogs and 2 cats.
If you could have a superpower – which one would you choose and why?
A healing power, so I can heal every sick person of any kind of disease.
Tell us one thing about yourself that would surprise your residents?
When I first moved to this country (US) back in 1987, I did not know anything about the language and culture. Talk about a culture shock.
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