I’m a Program Coordinator at HCA, where I get to plan and instruct classes in the areas of music, art, and all things creative expression. I’m passionate about cultivating spaces where creativity thrives and love bringing a bit of fun and structure to every project. I’m always looking for ways to make things smoother—and a little more playful!
- Favorite food: Italian! All things bread & pasta
- Favorite animal: Pygmy Marmoset
- Favorite movie: The Shack (2017)
- Superpower: Making tasks into a game
I am excited to serve as a Tech Help Instructor at HCA. My goal is to empower you to use technology confidently in your daily life. I am here to provide patient, supportive guidance on a wide range of topics, from learning the basics of email and the internet to connecting with family through video calls. My specialty is helping residents use digital tools for professional and personal development while navigating ambiguous resource websites. As a fluent speaker of both English and Khmer, I am passionate about making technology accessible to everyone in our community.
- Favorite food: Cambodian Fried Rice
- Favorite animal: Cat
- Favorite movie: Dumb & Dumber (1994)
- Superpower: Levitation (aka Jedi Force Powers)
As an Arts & Crafts Instructor at HCA, I support residents across all levels by helping them integrate creativity into their classrooms in meaningful and accessible ways. While my specialty lies in visual arts, I work closely with residents in all content areas to build confidence in teaching through hands-on, engaging, and student-centered activities. My goal is to model how artistic expression can enhance learning, foster community, and support diverse learners—whether in the art room or beyond. I’m passionate about encouraging residents to tap into their creativity, even if they don’t see themselves as “artistic,” and I strive to make every session a supportive space for experimentation and growth.
- Favorite food: Pizza
- Favorite animal: Elephant
- Favorite movie: Ratatouille (2007)
- Superpower: Teleportation
I have been proudly working with HCA since early 2024, offering a variety of creative and wellness-focused classes including exercise, arts and crafts, soapmaking, and breathwork. With a background in theatre, I bring a playful, grounded, and embodied energy to her teaching, making each class welcoming and accessible. I’m passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces where participants feel seen, supported, and inspired to explore new skills.
- Favorite food: Sushi
- Favorite animal: Elephant
- Favorite movie: Ladybird (2017)
- Superpower: Empathy
I have been with HCA for 15 years, serving as Art Director & Program Instructor in the Antelope Valley. I’m passionate about teaching art to help students reduce stress, enhance creativity, develop problem-solving skills, and experience its healing benefits. In addition to in-person teaching arts-based classes at Arbor Court and Essex Tower in Lancaster, CA, I also offer online classes through HCA Live in watercolor, cartooning (drawing), and tech help. Outside of HCA, I maintain my own art practice, focusing on illustration, design, and large-scale murals. My freelance clients include Disney, Airbnb, Uber, the National Geographic Society, Airstream, REI, and Bandits Bandanas.
- Favorite food: Kunefe
- Favorite animal: Baby Highland Cow
- Favorite movie: Children of Men (2006)
- Superpower: Flight OR endless paint
A Fitness Instructor at the Veterans Affairs Building 207 since early 2024, I am a surfer’s soul who earned my title “theoldestgrom” when I learned to surf in my 60s. My continued journey of sobriety and healthy living began 35 years ago. Every morning, I wake up choosing life, God, and sobriety. My days are filled with fitness and family, starting with my trusty Old English Sheepdog, Bella, and a good morning smile, kiss and hug from my lovely wife. Together, we all enjoy a morning stroll through the hills before I hit my Oldest Grom Gym for continued stretching, a treadmill, bike or row machine warmup, and a workout routine that keeps me surf-fit ready. Gratitude fills the air as I prepare for my weekly fitness classes teaching senior vets how to move, stretch, and find their groove. I hope to share my passion and joys with you.
- Favorite food: Pizza
- Favorite animal: Old English Sheepdog
- Favorite movie: Chasing Mavericks (2012)
- Superpower: Sobriety
