Founder’s Story: Fulfilling A Dream
Hi, my name is Anita Varelas. From the very early days of my career, I realized that most referral businesses do a less than thorough service of placing seniors in their new homes. Founding my own woman-owned and operated business, Neighborly Senior Placement, was my dream come true. With my depth of senior living knowledge, industry experience, and vast network of senior living community colleagues, I am in a unique position to help seniors and their families to find right community.
I was lucky to have grown up around not only my grandparents, but also my great grandparents. My parents led by example in honoring the seniors who lived around us. My professional journey began with a part-time job for an assisted living community. As a young waitress, I also volunteered my time to learn everything that I could from the sales team. This led to increasingly responsible roles in all areas of operations and sales. Eventually, I was promoted to Sales Director. Since then, I’ve worked as Regional Sales Director for senior living companies in California, Oklahoma, and Texas. Along the way, I received my Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) license and my certification in Gerontology and dementia care.
Meet The Neighborly Senior Placement Team
We’re a statewide team of senior care experts with real roots in the communities we serve.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Ashley Clark
Senior Living Consultant
Ashley joins our team with over 12 years of specialized experience working with senior communities. Her career in senior living originated from personal experience while assisting her dad with his dementia diagnosis. The path was full of roadblocks and the experience taught her how to assist other families through this process with empathy and respect.
Serving San Francisco
Johnell Davidson
Senior Living Consultant
Johnell developed a profound respect and appreciation for older adults from an early age. She began her career in senior care in 2017 as a caregiver, providing in-home support. Her dedication led to a promotion to Home Care Manager. In addition to her professional work, she has been an active volunteer with Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly since 2016, currently serving as the Board President.
Serving SF, Sonoma, Napa, & Marin
Tanvi Gangakhedkar
Senior Living Consultant
Tanvi has provided emergency care to seniors as an EMT, transporting them to and from hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities from the Bay Area to Sacramento. Her firsthand experience with various care environments and assessing medical services while providing attention to residents gives her valuable insight into navigating the nuances of senior living.
Serving Alameda, San Francisco, & San Mateo Counties
Kayevon Serna
Senior Living Consultant
Kaye has over a decade of experience in senior living, contributing her expertise in Independent Living, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, Memory Care, and Adult Day Centers. Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration with a focus on leadership and innovation, she is dedicated to helping clients navigate the complexities of finding the best living options.
Serving Contra Costa, Napa, & Tri-Valley Counties
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Sydney Majd
Senior Living Consultant & Realtor
Sydney has been a realtor in the greater Los Angeles area for many years, helping numerous families successfully sell their homes and transition to new chapters in life. She also has a deep personal connection to senior care. After successfully helping both of her grandmothers find communities she developed a passion for assisting in navigating this important decision. DRE #02134459
Serving Ventura County
Kim Shea
Senior Living Consultant
Kim has been working with older adults since 2003 when she was a caregiver for a best friend. She later became an activities coordinator for a skilled nursing home, and a retirement planning coach while also managing a mental health practice for older adults for 10 years. Kim is very active in her local senior services circles and in local community organizations even facilitating discussion groups with seniors in various communities to spark possible friendships.