The Ridge Foothill senior living team

Micki Cianciosi

Executive Director

For more than 30 years, Micki has shared her leadership gifts in the senior living field. She’s held several traveling executive director roles and, most recently, was executive director for an upscale assisted living and memory support community in Walnut Creek, CA. Her undergraduate degree is in Organizational Development and her Master’s work is in Health Services Administration. Micki believes in working hard and having fun and insists on a balanced combination of work and fun for any role she takes. It’s one of the reasons she agreed to be a part of the Foothill family. A great communicator and listener, her compassion for others shines through in everything she does. 

Mirela Cejvan

Sales Specialist

Mirela is a passionate advocate for older adults and their families. She’s held a variety of roles in senior living — including clinical service, life plan community sales and senior living sales positions — giving her a deep understanding of the field and well-developed skills in offering support to older adults. This background is the basis for her perspective, and she’s truly an asset to the team. Since joining The Ridge in 2015, she’s readily embraced the community’s values. Mirela sees her Sales Specialist role as a privilege and honor.

Alex Bestler

Community Life Director 

Alex is passionate about creating positive experiences for residents and families during what can often be an emotional transition. Helping people feel informed, supported, and care for is incredibly important to her which makes her ideal in her role as a Move-In Coordinator. 

Before joining The Ridge team, Alex spent several years working in senior living and administrative roles in a California community where she supported residents, families and staff with day-to-day operations. She chose senior living because she enjoys helping people during important life transitions and building meaningful relationships with residents and their families. One of the most rewarding parts of her job is helping new residents and their families feel welcomed, comfortable and supported from day one. 

Outside of work, Alex enjoys creating art and painting. She spends her free time with her partner, kids and pets exploring the outdoors and all the scenic places in Utah. She loves to laugh and finds joy in her pets’ silly personalities and her kids’ random moments..

Nichole Murray, RN

Assisted Living Director 

Nichole’s entire career has been in senior living long-term care. As an RN, she’s often focused on geriatrics wound prevention and care. Most recently, she’s worked in home health and hospice, making residents’ wishes and care needs her top priority. Nichole’s history includes notable achievements in helping develop and train staff — and creating respected, cohesive teams. Determined and always learning, Nichole was raised in West Jordan and now lives in Stockton. She spends every free moment outdoors or traveling with her three children — and taking care of their ten chickens, three horses and two goats. For Nichole, family time is priceless. 

Carol Runia

Business Office Director

Delivering outstanding customer service has always been an essential part of a day’s work for Carol. She has more than 20 years of experience as an office manager and started here in 2020. Carol admires and respects older adults and is passionate about contributing to their health and well-being. She was born and raised in Salt Lake City and she loves the Utah mountains and paddle-boarding on local lakes. Carol has three children and one grandchild. 

Chef Jeff Roe

Culinary Director

Jeff’s love of good food took root and flourished with classical training in French and Italian cuisine. He’s put his culinary skills to good use in fine-dining restaurants, community-focused initiatives, senior living communities, and Meals on Wheels. I believe a chef’s passion lies in understanding food’s impact on quality of life — and never more so than for older adults. So I try to make every meal an experience with fresh, seasonal ingredients and an infusion of joy and comfort, too. In my kitchen, I prioritize teamwork and collaboration, and I hope I can inspire those around me to appreciate the art of cooking as much as I do. 

Connor Escamilla

Director of Building Operations

He’s lived in Utah his entire life, primarily in the Provo-Orem area. Connor earned his associate degree from UVU and most recently was a hotel chief engineer. He’s passionate about self-improvement — and helping others advance their skills, too. He loves solving problems and takes great pride in his work, drawing inspiration from his father, who taught Connor the basics of trades work. He loves live music, collects vinyl, and relies on friends, family and his two cats for support. That’s what gives him the confidence to try and try again until he succeeds.