Brotherly Bond & Service Highlight 20 Years of Service to Santa Barbara Seniors
10-24-2022

Seeing the smiles on residents’ faces is just one of the many perks of working at Maravilla in Santa Barbara, says longtime employee Jeff Petersilia. But the tables were recently turned when Jeff and his brother, Kyle, who also works at the active retirement community, were recognized for their 20 years of service!

In acknowledgment of the brothers’ hard work, Senior Resource Group, owners and operators of Maravilla, invited the pair to the Solana Beach headquarters, where they arrived via train – something Jeff and Kyle had been looking forward to for many years. A special program was held in their honor, and they were bestowed the official title of “Service Ambassador” by SRG’s CEO Michael Grust. As part of the weekend-long celebration, the avid sports fans attended a Padres baseball game and enjoyed a few rounds of golf.

Jeff joined Maravilla during the community’s pre-opening and was the first hourly worker at Maravilla. Kyle joined him six months later. Both work in the community’s onsite restaurant, where they have formed wonderful relationships with residents over the years.

“The residents ask about my sporting events, including competing in the Special Olympics,” said Jeff. “The best part about working at Maravilla is answering residents' questions about community event times and locations and dancing with them at parties.”

For Kyle, learning about residents’ lives prior to moving to Maravilla is the highlight of his day. 

“I love hearing about how they grew up and overcame tough times while still having such a wonderful attitude,” he said. “There’s such a family atmosphere at Maravilla!”

The brothers are also very endeared in the external Santa Barbara community. They have volunteered at SBCC football and San Marcos baseball games and were named “Co-Sports Person of the Month” by the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table in 2012 for their commitment to local sports.

“We are so blessed to have Jeff and Kyle here,” said Maravilla Zest Director Jill Hyres. “Residents feel especially close to them, and it’s a lovely partnership.”

Maravilla offers independent and assisted living lifestyles as well as award-winning memory care services. Please call 805-308-9585 for more information.