Our Amazing Staff

The Courtyards people are amazing! It starts with you, of course – our residents and neighbors. And, our staff is experienced, compassionate, and professional. Our nurses, activity directors, housekeepers, professional chefs, therapists, office managers, maintenance folks – all are here to serve you. But our most cherished employees are our caregivers – you can count on these fine people to take care of your every need.

Our Executive Directors are trained assisted living professionals. But we go beyond what is mandated by the State – our management and nursing personnel are exposed to rigorous training and continuing education.

Your transition to The Courtyards promises to be a smooth one. Our staff has worked with numerous families to assist during this important transition. We work closely with every new resident to ensure their move goes as smoothly as possible, from settling into their new home, to meeting new friends at meal time, and everything in between.

Rodney D. Berzoza – Community Executive Director

I knew early in my life that I wanted to help people and have an impact in their lives. I started my medical career in the Army as a Medic, working in the field and in military hospitals. After my stint in the military, I earned my associate degree in Business Management. While in college, I went to work for two rehab hospitals where I experienced working for several departments. I did not know at the time, 20 years ago when I went to work for a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Midland, Texas, that this would be my career. I started out as an Activity Director over a small community and advanced to running the Life Enhancement Department a year later. I then transferred to the accounting department where I managed accounts payable and payroll. When an unexpected job opening for the Assistant Assisted Living Administrator opened, I jumped at the chance. For 4 years I worked under an Administrator who had 35 years under his belt. I was grateful to have him as a mentor. When he retired, I became the next Assisted Living Administrator. Thirty-three years in the medical field led me to Odessa, Texas.

I am very blessed to have my years of experience in Assisted Living and to be a part of a thriving community like The Courtyards Assisted Living and Memory Care. I enjoy serving all people, it’s what I was called to do.

Christy DeArmond – Business Office Manager

I have always enjoyed serving others. The love and compassion for my residents make this job easy for me. My life’s experiences have led me here and I am glad they did.

I was born and raised here in Odessa, Texas. In my working career, I was fortunate to have my own business for 20 years. During this time, I learned many skills ranging from the accounting side to the management end. My best skill is my way of building relationships with people. I love people.

I am thankful and grateful to fill a need for our residents here at The Courtyards Assisted Living and Memory Care. God, family and my work are the most important things in my life.

Erica Reyes – Wellness Coordinator

I began my nursing career as a Certified Nursing Aide in 2004 at a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Midland, Texas. I started in the nursing home and then transferred to Assisted Living/Memory Care in 2005. I received significant training in memory care and served as an activity assistant and neighborhood coordinator. My advancement to several administrative jobs in Assisted Living allowed me to later become a supervisor. My years of experience with the state of Texas regulatory requirements and my experience implementing policies and creating training programs have developed me into an effective leader.

I love working with the residents. The residents I have encountered, from the past to the present, have made me the person I am today. I am grateful for that. It has been my life’s work. I am excited to bring my knowledge and skills to The Courtyard Assisted Living and Memory Care.

Melody Thompson – Community Relations Director

It has always been my passion to serve others. I received my bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies with a minor in mass communications at The University of Texas Permian Basin in 2007. I started my career in social work and transitioned into sales five years later. I have worked in the senior living industry as a Community Relations Director for almost two years and it is my hearts true calling.

I have lived in Midland for twenty five years. I truly love the people of the Permian Basin and I am proud to call it home!

I have two amazing kids: Jackson 17, and Piper 15. They keep me busy, and I love every second being their mom. I love cooking, remodeling my 1930’s cottage, gardening, shopping for antiques, volunteering in our great community, and spending time with my dog KoKo. Working in senior living has truly been one of the biggest blessings in my life.

Nydia Bass – Culinary Director

I have always had a passion for cooking and being in the kitchen learning new ways to cook different types of food. I have been working in the senior care/ living industry for over fourteen years in Assisted living as well as Nursing and Rehabilitation centers.

I was born and raised in Canon City Colorado, and just recently moved to Odessa last year. I have two amazing kids a daughter that is 16 and a son that is 14. They keep me on my toes and are my biggest supporters. I enjoy the outdoors, playing softball, reading, and baking. I have truly been blessed such great opportunities since the move and I cannot wait to see what is ahead of me in my future.

Shannon Windham – Wellness Director

I love to sit and talk with my resident about the old days. I have heard so many stories that I should’ve written a book. It just melts my heart when they start reminiscing about the past. They really enjoy telling their stories. I just enjoy working with the elderly, taking care of people who need help.

I graduated from the LVN-RN Bridge Program in Ranger College in Early, Texas. I have worked for 15 years in long term care facilities as a charge nurse, wound care nurse and 2 years on the management side as an ADON and Health & Wellness Director.

I am very blessed with a large family. My husband Marty and I have been married for 8 years and together we have six children that we adore. We are all about family. Five of them are grown with families of their own and then there is Miss Bentley, our youngest who is 7 and spoiled rotten by everyone. We have 10 grandchildren, so the holidays are fun. We also have a gentle giant Sadie, our Italian Mastiff.

I enjoy spending time with my family, cookouts, love to do crafts, going camping and going on cruises with Royal Caribbean.

My favorite quote is by Nelson Mandela, “Character is how you treat those who can do nothing for you.”

Every day may not be good but there is something good in every day.

Alyssa Wallace – Activities Director

I knew from a young age that I wanted to be in the medical field. My mother is a nurse. I enjoyed hearing her stories, and listening to her speeches, it intrigued me.

Right after turning eighteen years old, I got my CNA (Certified Nurse’s Aide) and moved from Arkansas to Texas. During my clinicals, I learned to love working with the elderly.

When I moved to Odessa, I got the opportunity to work for the Courtyards as a CNA. This led me to be promoted to med tech, and then to my current position as the community Activity’s Director. The Courtyards Assisted Living and Memory Care have brought me many wonderful opportunities. I’m so thankful for my coworkers and our residents in trusting and having faith in me.

Leticia Leyva – Memory Care Coordinator

I started 1992 working in hospitals as a dietary aide. Then later around 2005, I went to work for a Veterans nursing home, Ambrosio Guillen Veterans Nursing Home in El Paso, Texas as a Certified Nurse’s Aide. For eleven years there, I had the privilege working with residents with cognitive impairments and provided the transportation for this community. In 2016 I went to work for another nursing home community. The role was for a rehab aide and provided nursing care with people with a higher level of care.

In 2020, I got the opportunity to move from El Paso to Midland and starting working for a continuum care retirement community. I enter this job as a floor CNA then got promoted a year later to a Neighborhood Coordinator. I oversaw scheduling, budgeting, and providing training to in coming staff.

In October of 2021, I got the opportunity at The Courtyards Assisted Living and Memory Care to be the Memory Care Coordinator. I am so happy my journey has taken me to so many places. It gave me the opportunity to learn and grow.

The Courtyards Assisted Living and Memory Care