Christopher Jones joined the team at Solstice at Bakersfield in March 2017 as the executive director. Christopher has worked in the senior living industry for 19 years. His experience has been in premier upscale, assisted living, memory care and CCRC retirement communities throughout California.

Prior to working in the senior industry, Christopher worked in restaurants for eight years as general manager and controller. Christopher has a bachelor’s degree in dietetics and food administration from California State University, Long Beach.

Christopher and his husband enjoy traveling with their teenage children, they are Disney fanatics, they love theater and support the arts in Bakersfield and Los Angeles, and they enjoy entertaining at their home. Christopher is passionate about what he does every day while enriching the lives of the seniors and associates he serves.

Jane Patel joined the Solstice Senior Living at Bakersfield team in July 2021. Originally from Canada, her family moved to Ohio when she was 2 years old.

Jane graduated with a degree in biochemistry from Ohio State University. With a family history in the hospitality industry, Jane began working at hotels that her family owned and operated. In each role, Jane learned how to be resourceful and tech-savvy and elevate customer service standards.

Jane was drawn to senior living by her love of family and history. As a third-generation hospitality professional, Jane brings a fresh perspective to Solstice and is eager to help everyone find the best senior living options possible.

When she isn’t working, Jane loves working out and spending time with family.

Adalina Vergara has worked in the senior living industry in Bakersfield for several years. Before joining Solstice at Bakersfield in September 2021, Adalina worked in assisted living and memory care communities as skilled nursing activity coordinator, memory care activity coordinator and activities assistant.  

Adalina says that she enjoys working in senior living because she can build a family atmosphere that can impact a resident’s life for years to come. Adalina utilizes her positive attitude, dedication and sense of humor to fill the community with the Vibrant^® lifestyle our residents deserve. In her free time, Adalina enjoys spending quality time with her son, husband and mom. She also loves to vacation, go to the movies and eat good food.   

Veronica Calderon joined the team at Solstice Senior Living at Bakersfield in November of 2018 as the director of Sales and Marketing, and in January of 2021, she transitioned into the role of Business Office director. She has worked with seniors since her start as a dishwasher in an independent living community setting in Roseville, California, in 2011. Veronica loved working with seniors from the moment that she walked in the doors and has ever since. She has been a kitchen prep team member, a housekeeper and live-in manager.

Veronica also worked at an assisted living community as its business office manager, sales assistant, health care director and then memory care coordinator before leaving to start a family. Veronica is a great believer in providing high-quality services while delivering on what is offered. Her focus now is on training, accuracy in the Business Office and team support for all departments. She still always finds time to spend with residents and boogie on the dance floor.

As a member of the Solstice team by day and a wife and mother by night, Veronica has found her calling in helping families and changing lives. Her passion is in senior living, and her goal is to help provide seniors and their loved ones with the best options that meet their individual needs, all the while providing excellent customer service.

With over 15 years of experience in senior living culinary services, Pablo Soria Castaneda has honed his expertise from his early days as a prep cook. Over the past seven years, he has excelled in managing kitchen staff and ensuring high standards of food service. Pablo joined Solstice Senior Living at Bakersfield as a Culinary Services Director in March 2024. Pablo finds great fulfillment in creating enriching dining experiences for seniors, valuing the close-knit, home-like atmosphere that senior living offers.

When he’s not at work, he enjoys traveling with his wife and son and hitting the golf course. His passion for food and meaningful connections with residents drive his approach to making every meal special.