About Us
Our mission is to enrich everyday life through personalized memory care, meaningful connection, and a warm, welcoming home environment.
Meet the Team
Our Founder
Susie Mendes PA-C is the founder, owner, and administrator of Juniper Grove Living. After completing her Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, Susie gained extensive experience providing medical care for older adults in primary and urgent care, hospital, skill nursing, and residential community settings. While serving on the faculty of the Department of Family Medicine of USC, she further honed her skills in caring for older adults by collaborating with expert geriatric physicians and specialists in their renowned Team-Based Elder Care program. Through these experiences, Susie developed a deep appreciation for the unique needs of older adults and became especially passionate about supporting individuals with dementia and other memory care needs. She enjoys working closely with families to understand each resident’s unique needs and create a personalized approach that promotes comfort, dignity, and connection.
Through her years of serving older adults in residential and skilled nursing communities, Susie developed her vision of the exceptional care her future residents would receive. Creating a calm yet engaging environment, with personalized activities, personally tailored dining, and a team of dedicated caregivers, became her highest priority. She founded Juniper Grove Living, a residential community specializing in memory care in a warm, welcoming setting. Susie also drew upon two additional passions of hers— landscaping and interior design—to create a peaceful retreat with thoughtfully selected home furnishings and a thriving garden with all year-round beauty and seasonal interest. Every detail reflects a commitment to fostering residents’ sense of security, engagement, and connection to their surroundings.
Our Staffing Manager/Lead Caregiver
Cynthia Petersen brings more than 11 years of hands-on caregiving and leadership experience to Juniper Grove Living. As Staff Manager and Lead Caregiver, she is on site full-time, supporting both residents and staff. After experiencing firsthand the challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s dementia, Cynthia pursued a career in memory care, gaining experience in assisted living, memory care, private care, home health, hospice, and end-of-life support. She thrives in a small, boutique home environment where she can build meaningful relationships and provide individualized, person-centered care.
A Certified Nursing Assistant with BLS, CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications, Cynthia has extensive experience assisting residents with bathing, grooming, toileting, mobility, transfers, fall prevention, medication management, vital signs, and meal preparation. She has also developed a special interest in wound care through relationships with community wound care specialists. She emphasizes prevention through proper positioning, careful observation, and attention to changes in skin integrity, and finds great fulfillment in seeing residents heal.
Cynthia brings strong leadership experience to Juniper Grove Living and is passionate about recruiting and developing caregivers to provide consistent, compassionate, and dignified support. In her dual role, she can personally observe residents, support the care team, and communicate important concerns with families, the administrator, and healthcare providers. She believes exceptional caregiving begins with truly knowing each person and building meaningful relationships. At Juniper Grove Living, Cynthia is committed to creating a warm home where residents feel valued, understood, and truly at home.