Meet Our Staff

Naddine Spare, Executive Director

Naddine Spare is the Executive Director at Cherrywood, a position she has held since January 2025. She began her journey at Cherrywood in 2020, advancing through various roles before stepping into her current leadership position. Growing up in Vancouver, Washington, Naddine initially dreamed of creating an eccentric clothing brand inspired by Rob Zombie and Betsy Johnson. However, her first job in retail shifted her focus, leading her to discover a deeper passion for long-term care.

Inspired by her grandmother, who worked her way from a housekeeper to an Executive Director at a long-term care facility in Longview, WA, Naddine has followed in her footsteps with determination and pride. She attributes her professional growth to a mindset of self- motivation, stating, "No one is going to want it for you; you must want it for yourself."

While Naddine's career centers on serving seniors, her compassion extends to animals as well. She fondly recalls rescuing her first dog, Brandy, at the age of five, and continues to rescue and care for animals, sharing her home with a variety of species. Naddine treasures spending time with her husband. She enjoys visiting Sisters, Oregon, a place she often visited as a child. She says, "It has become my escape place." Naddine hopes to be remembered for always striving to do her best.

Malley Martinez, Business Office Manager

Malley Martinez is the Business Office Manager with a passion for excellence and a deep appreciation for life's lessons. Growing up in Clackamas, Oregon, Malley was inspired by her parents, whose strength and resilience as refugees

of the Khmer Rouge left a lasting impact on her.

Malley's career journey began at Subway, where she discovered the joy of creating "pretty food that makes people happy." While she has since transitioned away from the food industry, her love for cooking remains. In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Malley began working in long-term care, taking on various roles before finding her niche as the Business Office Manager.

Her personal philosophy, "Take care of yourself, enjoy yourself, and appreciate yourself," reflects her commitment to balance and self-care. Malley is a proud parent who values the support of her family and admires her mother as a strong role model. Outside of work, Malley finds peace in nature, often visiting the beach or forest. An avid rock collector, she is always on the lookout for unique finds. Her personal motto, "What you put out into the universe is what you get back," drives her to always present her best self. Malley hopes to be remembered for her dedication and the effort she puts into everything she does.

Bethany Gruenfelder, LPN Resident Services Coordinator

Bethany Gruenfelder, LPN, is the Resident Services Coordinator with a passion for caring for others. Raised in Salem, she was inspired by her family, particularly her grandmother, a Certified Med Tech, who encouraged her to explore healthcare. Bethany's early experience caring for her grandmother with Alzheimer's shaped her dedication to memory care. She began her career as a direct caregiver in long-term care before earning her LPN license.

Bethany believes in self-care to better serve others and takes pride in her professional accomplishments, though her greatest joy comes from her two sons. Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor adventures, beach trips, and gardening. Her personal motto, "You don't know if you're good at it unless or until you try it," reflects her willingness to embrace new challenges. Though shy at first, Bethany's vibrant personality shines once you get to know her. She hopes to be remembered for her kindness, honesty, and dedication to going above and beyond for others.

Carole Ray, RN Resident Services Director

Carole Ray, RN, is the Resident Services Director with a lifelong dedication to nursing. Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, she now resides in McMinnville. Carole’s journey into nursing began after her first job as a typist, she credits fate as the defining factor that led her to a fulfilling career in healthcare.

Passionate about providing exceptional care, Carole’s commitment to quality is evident in her hands-on approach to training and mentoring staff. She often provides in-the-moment teaching and coaching, ensuring her team delivers the highest standard of care.

Carole’s life philosophy, "take care of yourself," reflects her balance of professional dedication and personal pride in her two sons. She admires Harriet Gettler, RN, as an exemplary role model in her field.

Outside of work, Carole enjoys the tranquility of beach visits and nurturing her garden. Her personal motto, "treat others the way you want to be treated," embodies her kind, caring, and encouraging nature, which she hopes leaves a lasting impression on those she serves.

Cory Castleman, Life Enrichment Coordinator

Cory Castleman serves as the Life Enrichment Coordinator, bringing a passion for seniors and a commitment to their well-being and enjoyment. Growing up in La Pine and Bend, Oregon, Cory was greatly influenced by his father. His lifelong dedication to helping others began with volunteer work at Saint Vincent De Paul.

Cory's career in senior care started in Eugene, where he developed a strong connection with the residents and coworkers, discovering his aptitude for the role and growing personally in the supportive environment.

He values cherishing the small moments, expressing love, and living with gratitude for his wife, father, and uncle. Cory strives to give back and be his best self.

Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, particularly at Silver Creek Falls, and spending time with his wife. A rock music enthusiast, Cory has an impressive knowledge of the genre.

Cory believes in living without regret, aiming to leave a legacy of care and effort. He finds joy in bringing laughter to others, saying, "If I make a room full of people or even a single person laugh out loud, then my day has been made."

Mike Minchew, Environmental Services Director

Mike Minchew is the Environmental Services Director with a passion for learning and a commitment to helping others. Growing up in McMinnville, he credits his parents, friends, and even Saturday morning cartoons as his greatest influences. Starting his career at 16 as a cook at Arctic Circle, Mike developed a strong work ethic and a knack for problem- solving. Over time, he honed skills in house building and mechanics, instilled by his parents, and embraced the philosophy that "there is always a plan B."

Known for his kindness, honesty, and patience, Mike takes pride in putting others first and approaches life with a warm, caring heart inspired by his mother. He admires Stan Lee for his creativity and lasting impact, and he enjoys comic books, trips to Silver Creek Falls, and building unique projects.

Mike lives by the motto, "Keep moving forward or sideways, but never backward," and dreams of one day skydiving. He hopes to be remembered for his charity, integrity, and unwavering kindness.

Britni Sylvester, Lead Med Tech

Britni Sylvester is the Lead Med Tech at Cherrywood, where she has been a dedicated team member since 2018. Growing up in Alaska, Britni attributes her strong values and work ethic to the influence of her mother and grandmother. Her passion for helping others led her to long-term care, a field she describes as giving her purpose in life.

Britni’s first job was at Wendy’s, but her desire to make a meaningful impact inspired her to follow in her sisters’ footsteps into healthcare. She takes pride in her resilience and ability to embrace change, crediting her mother as her greatest supporter and best friend.

Outside of work, Britni enjoys spending time outdoors with her four children, dancing, reading, and collecting crystals. Known for her compassionate and bubbly personality, she hopes to be remembered for her kindness and humor. Her personal motto reflects her outlook on life: "Be kind, everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."

Griselda Botello, Administrative Receptionist

Griselda Botello is the Administrative Receptionist at Cherrywood, where she has been an integral part of the team since 2016. Born and raised in McMinnville, Griselda attributes her strong work ethic and values to her parents. Inspired by her mother's resourcefulness and her father's dedication to family, Griselda began learning responsibility early, delivering newspapers at the age of 13.

Griselda believes in the importance of kindness and understanding, recognizing that everyone has their own challenges. She takes pride in her journey, describing herself as passionate about parenting and deeply grateful for her children and family, who she says "made me who I am today."

Outside of work, Griselda enjoys spending quality time with her family, whether at barbecues, birthday parties, or outdoor activities. Though her travels have been limited, she cherishes trips to Mexico to visit family and immerse herself in the culture.