Rebeca Zuniga, Sales & Marketing Director, Dedicates Herself to Supporting Seniors & Their Families

Rebeca joined the staff at Twin Creeks as Sales & Marketing Director in July 2025. Her enthusiasm and commitment spread sunshine throughout the community on a daily basis.

“Working with older adults pulls on my heart,” she says. “They have so many wonderful stories, and I love seeing them blossom and share their talents and accomplishments. Being able to help them celebrate birthdays and anniversaries here at Twin Creeks is a privilege.”

Rebeca views her role as helping to smooth the transition to retirement living for older adults and their families. Long after their loved one moves into an apartment at Twin Creeks, family members stop by her office to say hello. “I definitely love what I do,” she says. “We are here to help the community.”

When asked what makes Twin Creeks different from other senior living communities in Florida, Rebeca says, “The home-like environment sets Twin Creeks apart. Ever since the day I interviewed here, I’ve felt a strong sense of family. Staff even know the names of residents’ family members when they come to visit.”

She also appreciates that the community’s leadership has an open door policy and that the directors are responsive to residents and their families when requests are made. “It was evident from day one that all of us have a passion for what we do,” Rebeca says. “We work well together as a team to meet the needs of residents and their families.”

“Chef Jerome takes so much pride in his kitchen, and he recruits like-minded people,” she continues. “Jonathan, our dessert chef, was a dishwasher who worked his way up to server and then baker. He is a master, and all our desserts are made from scratch.”

Families that are touring the community usually stay for a meal, which she highly recommends. “I’ve definitely gained a few pounds since working here,” Rebeca laughs.

She explains that the layout of Twin Creeks sets it apart as well. The two stories provide different views of the surrounding green space, and the length of the hallways is shorter and more manageable for those with mobility issues.

“I love that there are cozy spaces like balconies and sitting areas where residents enjoy spending time,” Rebecca says, adding “Our movie theatre is also impressive.”

At Twin Creeks, the staff adapts community amenities based on resident preferences. For example, many residents like to sew, so the team made one of the common areas into a sewing room. A resident even donated some sewing machines.

The great location is one of the reasons many people are drawn to Twin Creeks. “Riverview is so close to Brandon. and it’s easy to get to Tampa in about 20 minutes,” Rebeca says. Another benefit of the location is that assisted living and memory care tend to be more affordable in the less densely populated area of Riverview.

Twin Creeks is located in a non-evacuation area for hurricanes, meaning residents can generally shelter in place if there is a mandatory evacuation of lower-lying areas. This a great comfort to many residents and their families. “We can actually open our doors to family members during a natural disaster if needed,” Rebeca says.

Twin Creeks offers outpatient rehab (occupational, speech, and physical therapy) at the community through a third party provider, EmpowerMe Wellness. Rebeca emphasizes that having these services available onsite is a huge benefit to residents.

She was first hired as an Activities Coordinator in an assisted living community and transitioned to being the Activities Director within a year. When Rebeca was doing activities work, she saw firsthand how important it is for staff to facilitate the adjustment to retirement living for people and their families.

“People often thrive in a retirement community once they have the right support and can take advantage of all the fun activities we offer,” Rebecca says. “I wanted to be in a professional role where I could help residents and their families make the transition more easily.”

Once Rebeca experienced working with seniors, she knew she had found her career. When asked about her long-term goals, she shares that she eventually wants to become an administrator. “I’d like to be able to run a building effectively,” she says.

Rebeca particularly likes to stick close to her centenarians and other residents who are approaching 100. “There’s so much to learn from them,” she says.

She describes one wonderful gentleman who gave her some advice that has stuck with her: (1) Stand up for yourself in a loving way; (2) Travel whenever you can; and (3) Put God first in any decision you make to help ensure that you make a wise choice. This resident also advised Rebeca always to take care of herself, so she could care for others.

After leadership’s daily standup meeting at 9:15 am to communicate about any urgent matters, Rebeca often spends part of her day giving tours of the community. “Walking into Twin Creeks feels like walking into the house of your aunts and uncles,” she says. “It’s just a very welcoming environment that inspires confidence.”

She also conducts outreach to rehab facilities, hospitals and clinics, and independent living or 55+ communities. “I want to make sure they’re aware of Twin Creeks and know we’re here to assist in any way we can,” Rebeca says.

When asked about the best part of her job, Rebeca readily replies, “Working with the residents and their families. I’ve gotten lots of thank-you cards. I sleep well knowing that seniors and their families feel appreciated, secure, and taken care of. It makes me feel good that I could help them.”

Each family she supports has a unique story. The family members of the resident may be feeling badly that they can’t care for their older adult at home or concerned that their loved one will have difficulty adapting to assisted living or memory care.

Rebeca wants each resident to feel they are an important part of Twin Creeks. “To me, the residents are like my grandparents,” she says. “I make sure they have everything they need, like help dealing with movers. Family members really appreciate this.”