In 1998, Joe Nachtrab, along with many remaining team members, set out to challenge the status quo of how those wandering with dementia were cared for. Dedicating Sierra Vista to Alzheimer’s and dementia the team created memory care before the term "memory care" existed. With their 20 years of leadership, Joe's son, Luke, and the tenured team have created stability for Vista Living Care homes and carried on the tradition of innovative, compassionate, honest, and intentional care for this special population.
Vista, meaning “view”, has deep history. We are a family that loves and appreciates our surroundings. We never overlook a beautiful view, sunrise, sunset, mountain scape or night sky. Like music, a view can be mood altering. In our homes we strive to create a comfortable environment with enjoyable views both inside and out. From a care perspective, we strive to provide a new “view” to the families we encounter. We serve a population in need—whether they are living with or without dementia—not only the elders but their families. We hope to show them the joys life can and will continue to bring while under our care.
We believe in now. Our autonomy, stability, and solidarity are the core of our splendid reputation and financial success, and these values continue to empower us. We balance our pride in the work that we do with humility and a desire for ongoing devotion to our elders, their families, our own families, each other, and the greater community. Right livelihood is expressed through the ongoing cultivation of these core relationships.
We are receptive to change, new ideas, and challenges; we mature from our disappointments. With faith, we welcome each day for the opportunity it brings. We honor this faith in our recognition of the arts and the diverse cultures and lifestyles in our communities. We concede that we are judged by the way we treat others and pride ourselves in the quality of life we give our elders. This conduct binds us to all care partners devoted to understanding and untangling the web of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia for each elder.
We honor diverse cultures and each resident’s spirituality.
Vista Living Care represents the high standard of care provided at our three uniquely beautiful homes in Santa Fe and Las Cruces. Each with their own culture and autonomy, The Arbors, Sierra Vista and Vista Hermosa adhere to these standards.
Our logo, the Triad, also has deep meaning. It represents a home, a family, a solid foundation rich in history that binds us together at all times. The Triad is a symbol of three behaviors that guide us through our days allowing us to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
We Laugh! We Cook! We Dance! Finally, the Triad represents the Vista family. The Vista Family is formed in our homes by our incredible staff, the elders and their families, and the Nachtrab family. Vista could not be what it is today without the respect and energy generated by our Family.
Flexible
Dusk until dawn, throughout the night, we strive to provide support and grace when patience and humility is needed. We are human oriented and look beyond the accomplished tasks to the souls that need to be nurtured and understood. As a team that puts our business second, we regularly break the barriers of traditional caregiving and really adapt to the needs of our family.
Authentic
We are real! Genuinely kind, brave, caring and patient in our words and actions. We are called to serve others not because we have to but because we choose to. Putting our elders at the heart of everything we do, our homes reflect the hardworking, trustworthy hands that support our elders each day. Authenticity cannot be faked—rather it is felt in your heart.
Mentoring
We support each other with mentorship. We are committed to mentoring from generation to generation. We set personal and professional goals for mutual success. We motivate each other through the good and the bad. Leading by example, we role model and educate. But most importantly, we mentor by engaging with one another as family.
In love
In love with life. Being open to love. Being open to elders, their families and one another. Welcoming new ideas, ways of doing things and new beginnings while accepting the need to be committed to caring for others. We are in love with what we do. Embracing the magic in life, sharing meals, nurturing, creativity in all forms, beauty, kindness and laughter.
Listening
We listen with empathy and genuine interest to fully know you, our family. We listen with patience because trust is gained overtime. We sincerely value input to understand and respect where we are together in this journey.
Yes
A holistic affirmation to validate and create harmony in the lives of those affected by dementia and we, the Vista family. We are selfless in our responsibility.
YES, our possibilities are endless.
Luke Nachtrab
Owner
Luke is a father of 3 children (Joey, Kate, and Molly) and they currently live in Sylvania, Ohio, where Vista Living home office is based. He started his career shortly after completing his undergraduate degree at The Ohio State University. As first employee of Northaven, the Nachtrab Family Business Management Company, Luke created an infrastructure to manage approximately 75 residential properties in the Toledo, Ohio area. After he assumed operations of Vista Living, the family assisted living facilities in 2004 (www.vistaliving.com), his passion and love for the elderly, particularly those walking with forgetfulness, and their families began to flourish. He was named president of Vista Living Communities in 2011 where he uses his extensive background to maintain the highest standards of care for those with Alzheimer’s. Moving his young family to Santa Fe for four months in 2014, he began to set the company up for growth. His passion for this business and making a positive impact on those with dementia as well as their families is evident in his approach and philosophies. Using values taught by his parents, he brings integrity and compassion to business. With this as a guide, he puts VLC as a business second, always trying to do what is right despite potential impact, positive or negative, on the profitability of the business.
Luke has a wide and diverse business background, being intimately involved in executive leadership with global internet businesses, restaurants, real estate, and logistics. He has been on numerous organizational boards in the Toledo area, and currently serves as Treasurer of St. John’s Jesuit High School Board and Finance Committee. Engaging with the industry, he is also active on Argentum panels to promote their mission to expand senior living. Continually improving, Luke has completed many non-degree courses in the last 15 years, and in 2011 completed his MBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. He is an instrument-rated pilot and loves skiing, golfing, soccer, squash, fishing, culture, traveling, watching The Buckeye’s, and being Dad! He looks forward to raising his children to someday be involved with the business.
Ruth Dennis
Director of Education
Ruth is the heart of Sierra Vista. She has provided emotional support and education for a myriad of families, professionals, colleges, and universities eager to learn about all forms of dementia, specifically Alzheimer's, and about those facing memory challenges. She ensures that our elders' lives are rich and our homes are filled with art, music, dance, books, laughter and wholesome food. To name a few, Ms. Dennis, during her tenure with Vista Living Communities, has shared her expertise with the New Mexico Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, the New Mexico Conference on Aging, and the Dementia Arts Conference, and has served as a panelist for the Self-Care Revolution via Santa Fe Soul, and the Christus St. Vincent palliative care conferences. She is also a founding member of the “Community at Residence” through the Museums of New Mexico, Site Santa Fe, and the Santa Fe Opera. Ruth has spoken at numerous radio shows, including NPR’s Fresh Air, and juried traveling national art exhibitions. Ms. Dennis’s work history has also included work with National Endowment for the Arts--funded grants for the Bemis Foundation and the MexiArts Grant.
Ruth implements creativity and healing programs for gifted and at-risk children, recovery programs, and transitional homes that serve homeless and mentally ill adults, and elders facing dementia. In 2016, Ruth’s biography was selected from countless applications from around the world to present at the Eden Alternative International Conference, which was held in Little Rock, Arkansas, and presented at the National Conference of American Art Therapists in 2017. Ruth fuses her life as a painter, cook, gardener, and most of all, sister and primary caregiver to her brother, Morgan, who has Down syndrome. Morgan is her hero and will always be her greatest teacher.
Charlene Nicholas
Controller
Charlene, a Virginia native who moved to Sylvania, Ohio, over 10 years ago to begin her career with Northaven Development Group, is responsible for leading and directing the Corporate Accounting Office on all accounting functions. With her tenure, she has worked and progressed in all aspects of the various businesses and has played an instrumental role in the project development of our processes and procedures. Her accounting strengths and ambition led her to advance into the controller position in 2017.
Charlene loves to help others and is an excellent problem solver. She is always able to figure out the most efficient way to get a project completed and uses the latest technology to advance our processes. Her positive attitude and personality create a welcoming environment for all our employees and customers.
Charlene is married to her very supportive husband Curtiss and is the mom of two beautiful girls, Aubrey and Morgan. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Corporate Accounting with the goal to obtain her CMA certification from Arizona State University. When not at work, she enjoys traveling and having dance parties in her living room with her family.
Katie Hunter
PHR, HR Manager
Born and raised in Sylvania, OH, Katie was Luke’s first employee! Beginning as a bookkeeper early in her career she assisted in residential real estate, the development of a robust Little Caesars Franchise in Minneapolis, MN and Vista Living. Always searching for growth and experience, Katie moved from Ohio to Las Cruces, NM where she served as the Assistant Director at The Arbors from 2008-2010. It was during this stint that she fell in love with Human Resources. Moving home for a few years to be with family in 2010 but remaining with the family business Katie ventured to Minneapolis in 2013. Working on the ground as the Human Resource Manager Katie spent time recruiting, hiring, and training for the Little Caesars and Jersey Mike’s Franchise. With the tremendous experience she gained in both office and operations she left to be the Human Resource Generalist with Education Minnesota. Working there for 5 years she gained even more experience in Human Resources. Moving back to Ohio in 2021 she rejoined the Family! Vista is excited to have her back as the Human Resources Manager. Her extensive experience in operations and administration make her the perfect fit!
Kait Gustafson Lochner
Director of FAMILY Engagement
Kait's journey to Vista Living Care is driven by a profound love for New Mexico and its vibrant communities. After over a decade of calling New Mexico home, Kait finds immense joy in contributing to its growth and prosperity through her work. Her passion for serving older adults and those in memory care centers has deep roots, beginning with her volunteer work since the age of 10. Inspired by her own grandfather's experience with Alzheimer's, Kait's personal connection fuels her unwavering dedication to this meaningful work. As the Director of FAMILY Engagement and in-house marketing & media specialist at Vista Living Care, she brings a blend of personal passion and professional expertise.
Her work is shaped by a deep commitment to community collaboration and support. As the mother of a young son and being surrounded locally by three generations of family, Kait's perspective has deepened even further, emphasizing the importance of family bonds. At Vista Living Care, she sees residents not just as individuals but as cherished members of her extended family. With this heartfelt approach, Kait works to ensure that every resident and their loved ones feel embraced and valued. In her role within the Vista Living Care FAMILY, Kait is skilled at crafting engaging narratives, fostering genuine connections, organizational management, and empowering individuals to thrive. She embraces the spirit of care and compassion that defines the Vista Living Care community.
Joey Nachtrab
Video Creator & Editor
Joey is Luke’s son. He lives in Sylvania, Ohio where he was born and attends St. Joseph Parish School. He has fond memories of Las Cruces where he visited White Sands, Red River and Taos where he skied and went sledding and Santa Fe where he has enjoyed great food, hiking, skiing and graduated Kindergarten. He loves spending time with the elders in the homes and FaceTime when possible. Now he creates the videos for the website and other social media platforms as Vista’s Video Creator. Outside of work Joey loves school, soccer, mountain biking, basketball, skiing, climbing, hiking, and being a big brother to his two sisters, Kate and Molly.
© Copyright 2024 by Vista Living Care. All Rights Reserved.
Site Design by Mango Moon Media