Meet Our Team
The Sunnyside Assisted Living Management Team

Melissa Milanez, RN
Executive Director
Melissa Milanez Bio
As Executive Director, Melissa oversees and directs the day-to-day functions and efficient operations of the community in accordance with all Federal, State, and local regulations as well as all company policies and procedures. In this capacity, she also ensures the highest level of quality care for residents while maintaining the community’s financial stability and creating a harmonious working environment for all caregivers and staff members.
With nearly two decades of caregiving experience, Melissa was previously the Director of Nursing and Delegation Nurse at Sunnyside Assisted Living where she oversaw the health and supportive services provided to the residents.
Prior to her arrival at Sunnyside Assisted Living, Melissa gained valuable nursing experience at Kadlec Hospital as well as Rehab RN experience at an area skilled nursing facility. Prior to receiving her nursing credentials, Melissa spent 12 years as a certified nursing assistant. She received her RN from Walla Walla Community College and her LPN from Heritage University.
In her free-time, Melissa enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, camping, and bike riding. She resides with her husband, Rudy; daughter, Arianna; and son, Gabriel.

Norma Gallegos
Director of Nursing
Norma Gallegos Bio
Bio coming soon!

Nikki Schafer
Business Office Manager
Nikki Schafer Bio
Nikki joined Sunnyside Assisted Living as its Business Office Manager in June 2021, bringing with her client service experience within the home care setting. In her new role, Nikki oversees payroll, human resources, account receivable and payable, and all the business’s financial records.
Nikki studied Recreational Therapy at BYU-Provo.
In her free time, you can often find Nikki crafting with her children, going on hikes, enjoying visits to various thrift stores, or watching The Office. She resides with her husband, Brent; son, Keaton; and daughters, Meisha and Elody.

Mona Zavala
Activities Director
Mona Zavala Bio
Mona joined the Sunnyside Assisted Living team as its Activities Director in May 2021. In this capacity, she is responsible for developing and coordinating successful, engaging, and entertaining activities and volunteer programs while also assessing each residents’ unique interests and managing the department’s resources and the activity program’s ongoing needs.
Prior to becoming Activities Director, Mona was the Community Inclusion Specialist with Compass Health. She is a Certified Nursing Assistant, is certified and trained in CPR, and is a Nurse Delegate.
In her free time, Mona enjoys reading, camping, and spending time with her family. She is happily married to her husband, Andrew, and has two sons, a daughter, and son-in-law.

Valerie Yarnell
Dining Service Manager
Valerie Yarnell Bio
Valerie has been an asset to the residents of Sunnyside Assisted Living since her arrival in 1997. As Dining Service Manager, she is responsible for the dietary team, overseeing all training and supervision, while also managing the daily menus, ordering of food, and inventory maintenance. Using seasonal produce and fresh ingredients whenever possible, Valerie provides residents with nutritious meal options that are delicious and satisfying, providing an opportunity for residents to gather and enjoy one another, and their food.
In her free-time, Valerie enjoys going bowling, dancing, and spending time with her family and friends. She has two sons and five grandchildren.

Rosie Carrazco
Activities Assistant
Rosie Carrazco Bio
Rosie joined Sunnyside Assisted Living in April 2016 as a server in the kitchen, quickly being promoted to Cook. In November 2017, she was given an opportunity to serve the residents as their Activities Assistant, bringing smiles and joy to every life she touched. In just over a year’s time, after showcasing her dedication and outside-the-box approach to the enrichment of each resident, she was again promoted into the Life Enrichment Director position where she is now responsible for developing and coordinating activities that encourage daily engagement and camaraderie. By regularly assessing each resident’s unique interests and preferences, she creates enrichment activities that are life fulfilling, bringing true joy to the residents she serves. Rosie maintains healthcare certifications in both mental health and dementia.
When she isn’t elevating the lives of her residents, Rosie can be found enjoying time with her family, listening to music, camping or fishing. She is a risk taker and enjoys a good challenge. Rosie is married to her husband, Rene, and has two young children; a son, Zekiel, and a daughter, Jaylani. She’s also “mama” to numerous pets, including a dog, two cats, 30 fish, a snake, lizard, and bird.

Hector Milanez
Maintenance Director
Hector Milanez Bio
Bio coming soon!
Please feel free to reach out with any questions at (509) 839-0579. We understand this journey can be overwhelming and, at times, challenging. We are happy to assist you along the way.