Our Sense of Service:
We Have To Earn Your Respect Every Day.

Julie Fenske, Executive Director

A Rochester Institute of Technology graduate who holds a bachelor’s degree in hotel administration, Julie has more than 20 years of experience in hospitality and senior living development, management, and marketing. Julie served as the General Manager and Director of Sales for 10 years with the Marriott Corporation. She then served as the Vice President of Senior Housing Services at Unity Health System in Rochester, New York, where she managed, developed and directed a number of Unity's multiple senior housing communities. She was then recruited by Greystone Communities to be the pre-opening Executive Director of Ferris Hills at West Lake. Before joining The Buckingham, Julie held the position of Vice President of Operations for Living Communities, LLC, a Rochester-based senior living developer. Julie is also certified as a Retirement Housing Professional by the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging.

Todd Werthman, Associate Executive Director

HOUSTON, October 31, 2011:  The Buckingham senior living community has named Todd Werthman as associate executive director. The announcement was made by Julie Fenske, executive director of The Buckingham.

“Todd brings extensive experience in healthcare and a real passion for residents to his role as associate executive director,” said Fenske.  “Under his leadership, I am confident that the level of service at The Buckingham will continue to exceed the expectations of the community we serve.”  

Werthman has over 15 years experience as a nursing home administrator and executive director in healthcare and skilled nursing communities. He was most recently the vice president of sales for Neutex, a start-up energy company. Prior to joining Neutex, Werthman was the executive director for a 269 apartment independent living retirement community, The Terrace at First Colony, where he received the Horizon Award.

Werthman graduated from State University of New York, where he received a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Services Management.

Biju Oommen, MD., CMD

Dr. Oommen, MD practices as an attending physician providing direct patient care and also serves as Medical Director to various facilities in the Houston area.  He is a native of Houston who completed medical training in Internal Medicine at Michigan State University and went on to complete Geriatric Fellowshipat the University of Hawaii in Honolulu.

 Dr. Oomen is board certified in Internal Medicine as well as Geriatrics.  He is also a Certified Medical Director (CMD) through the American Medical Directors Association (AMDA).  The American Medical Directors Association is the professional association of over 5000 physicians who specialize in long term care practice.

He was awarded Medical Director of the Year by Lifecare (National long term care corporation) for the Gulf States Region in 2006 and Medical Director of the Year for the Easter Division for 2009.  He was also nominated as the AMDA Medical Director of the Year in 2009.

Dr. Oommen is a member of the Harris County Medical Society, Texas Medical Association, American Medical Association, American Medical Directors Association, American Geriatric Society, and the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. 

He is committed to raising the level of care in the Long Term Care continuum and through his dedication strives to improve outcomes for his  patients.

Cathy Lightfoot, Director of Sales and Marketing

Cathy joined The Buckingham in May 2003 as a Personalization Specialist and Senior Living Counselor before she was named to her current position as Director of Marketing. With a background as a consultant in home décor, Cathy stepped into her career in Senior Living through her Pastoral Care and Lay Ministry positions in the Episcopal church. A native Houstonian, Cathy has worked with seniors for more than 25 years. Prior to joining The Buckingham, she served as the Director of Marketing for St. James Place in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Cathy says that "the joy of my profession is watching retirees get younger every day as they live the stress-free lifestyle of a Life Care Retirement Community. The Buckingham provides the residents the 'Life Care' they deserve as they enjoy the 'Lifestyle' they desire!"

Deborah Mahrt, Director of Lifestyles

Deborah brings more than a decade of experience working with seniors to her position. She was recently presented the 2008 award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Gerontology from the University of Texas at Houston School of Nursing Center on Aging.  A graduate of Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy, she was on the National Dean’s List, the Dean’s List and was a member of the Gold Key National Honor Society. She previously served as Program Coordinator at the Brighton Gardens senior living community in Bellaire, Texas, and as a Music Therapist for Comprehensive Therapies and Services of Houston. Deborah received clinical training at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Deborah is a Registered Music Therapist, and a member of both the American and Southwestern Music Therapy Associations. She volunteered as a music therapist for Odyssey Hospice and the Center for Hospice Care Kamp Kamama for Kids, and at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. She is a former board member of the Bay Area Women’s Center and the Baytown Clean City Commission, and was named 1989 Woman of the Year of the Baytown Junior Forum, Executive Office. “I believe that providing seniors with a variety of creative social, educational, cultural and wellness opportunities is vital to ensuring the highest quality of life possible for seniors,” Deborah says. “I am thrilled to be a part of The Buckingham team.”

Tony Bejko, Director of Dining Services

Tony spent more than eight years as the Director of Dining Services for Brighton Gardens, a Sunrise Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing community in Bellaire, Texas prior to joining The Buckingham in January 2008. Previously, he worked at fine Italian-style restaurants across Europe. Tony is certified in hotel/restaurant management and holds additional industry certifications, including Certified Dietary Manager and Certified Food Protection and Processing. Tony received his associate’s degree in general mechanical techniques from Harry Fults Junior College in Albania and is fluent in English, German, Italian and  Albanian.

Mike Hernandez, Executive Chef

Michael Hernandez was promoted to executive chef from his role as Sous Chef at  The Buckingham, where he has worked for the past four years getting to know the preferences and palate of the residents. Prior to joining The Buckingham, Hernandez worked as lead link cook for Kahala Nui Senior Living in Honolulu, Hawaii. He holds an A.S. Degree in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of the Pacific in Honolulu.

Pam Ortiz, Director of Resident Services

A native Houstonian, Pam graduated from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, receiving a bachelor’s degree in restaurant, hotel and institutional management. She previously worked as a hotel manager for seven years on Galveston Island.

John Thomas, Director of Building & Operations

John is a native Houstonian who joined The Buckingham in February 2006. In addition to his associate’s degree in air conditioning and refrigeration, he has 13 years of HVAC and refrigeration experience. John also brings to The Buckingham a wealth of knowledge gained as a boiler technician during his service in the U.S. Navy.

Sharon Mistretta, Business Office Manager

Born and raised in south Louisiana, Sharon has been living in the Houston area since 2000. In December 2005, she joined The Buckingham, bringing with her 15 years of experience in working with seniors. Her position allows her to make full use of her finance and accounting degrees. Previously, she worked as an accountant with a major department store in Baton  Rouge.

Gillian Hill, Senior Living Counselor/Community Relations Manager

Gillian began her career as a nurse with St. Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, England, and as a staff nurse at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in Scotland before moving to the United States. After taking time off for family and volunteer work, she returned to work in the event planning industry before joining The Plaza at The Buckingham in November 2007. Gillian resides in Houston with her husband and two daughters.

Pat Nitsch, Senior Living Counselor

Pat joined the Buckingham Team in 2010.  Pat brings 8 years of experience as Director of Sales for Brighton Gardens Senior Living in Bellaire, Texas.  Pat appreciates the opportunity to share her knowledge and experience in senior living with seniors and their families when there are concerns and confusion about the next steps to take.  Pat says “I am so happy and proud to be at The Plaza at The Buckingham because we can provide all of our residents with all of the care they need and deserve.”  Pat was raised in Houston and is a graduate of St. Agnes Academy.  Pat and her husband and their four children all live in Houston.