“It’s nice when families are appreciative and see how much we care. It encourages us and makes me want to do even better at my job.”
– Selene Villegas
For more than 24 years, through numerous acts of kindness and care, Selene Villegas has made a difference at Citrus Heights Terrace. Since joining the CiminoCare community in late June 2002, she has served as a caregiver, laundry attendant, and kitchen aide – bringing warmth, loyalty, and dedication to every role. Selene grew up in Mexico and moved to the United States in 2000. She and her husband have been married for 24 years, and their family includes two sons, a daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren. Family is at the heart of Selene’s life, and she treasures the time they spend hiking, boating, and camping together, especially at Comfort West.
Selene spent 14 years as a caregiver, building lasting memories with the residents she served. Her commitment to caregiving is deeply personal. When her mother became ill in Mexico, Selene could not be with her in person, but the experience strengthened her resolve to give residents the attentive, compassionate care she wanted for her own mother. Selene developed a special calling for caring for residents receiving hospice services. She understood that simple acts—brushing someone’s hair or helping a resident feel fresh and clean—could preserve dignity and bring comfort in a person’s final days. She quoted, “When a resident is sad or unhappy, I sing a song like ‘You Are My Sunshine’ to lift them up and see them smile.”
One of Selene’s most meaningful memories centers on a resident and her daughter. A plaque in the community’s front lobby still honors the caregivers who cared for that resident, and Selene is proud to be among those recognized. “It’s nice when families are appreciative and see how much we care,” she said. “It encourages us and makes me want to do even better at my job.” Every day is special to me—there is always something new and different, and I enjoy being a caregiver to our residents.”
The relationships Selene has built are equally important to her. She keeps in touch with six caregivers who once worked alongside her at CHT, and all that have worked with her know they can always count on her. She is especially grateful to the two shift managers who supported her early in her caregiving career, teaching her to work efficiently while recognizing and responding to each resident’s individual needs.
Selene remembers Paul, MaryAnn, Wilma, and Papa Cimino being actively involved with employees and residents, showing through their presence that both truly mattered. She is grateful that her work has helped her support her family and honored to have grown with CiminoCare, which she considers a second family. More than two decades after she first walked through the doors of Citrus Heights Terrace, Selene continues to give residents her best. Her dedication shines in the dignity she protects, the comfort she provides, and the smiles she inspires—a lasting example of what it means to care from the heart.
