Meet the Team
Julie Smolenski
Vibrant Life Director
Joined the WindChime of Marin Team: August 2020
Years of experience: Eight years’ experience working in memory care.
Background in field or industry: B.S. degree in gerontology with specialized interest in geriatric psychology. I have worked in skilled nursing as well as assisted living and memory care.
Why do you love what you do: When I was a teenager, I took on the role of caretaker for my grandmother with dementia. I love to be able to support other families whose loved ones are going through the same condition that my grandmother was going through, but now with more knowledge and expertise. I love being able to honor my grandmother’s memory by enabling my residents to live their best lives.
Fun fact about yourself outside of work: I love to travel. I spent a year traveling in Southeast Asia, where I got my certification as a yoga teacher. I also speak five languages.
Gary Forer
Director of Sales and Marketing
Joined the WindChime of Marin Team: August 2018
Years of experience: 30 years of experience in sales and marketing
Background in field or industry: Three decades of marketing and sales experience in our community. Throughout my career, I have worked with companies as diverse as Central Casting; a fashion jewelry manufacturer, WineFlite: the first online international wine shipping company, and as a business consultant focused on helping companies grow their businesses.
Why do you love what you do: I love meeting new people and helping them as they struggle to understand what it takes to pick the right community for their loved one.
Fun fact about yourself outside of work: I love playing the piano and engaging with our children and the rest of our family.
Antonio Ibarra
Business Office Director
Joined the WindChime of Marin Team: October 17, 2018
Years of experience: Eight years as a business office director
Background in field or industry: I have worked in this industry for 10 years – two years as an activity director and eight years as business office director.
Why do you love what you do: With the diversity of work that I do, it always keeps me focused and motivated, and everyone shares the same vision and is committed to the mission on bettering the community.
Fun fact about yourself outside of work: I am a percussionist. Although semi-retired, I still go to gigs once a while. I’m also a first-time grandfather to a grandson whose birthday was the same day I was offered my position here at WindChime of Marin.