Meet Daniel & The Team
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aniel Ruth is part of a three generation lineage of hospital and health services CXOs, thought leaders, advocates, and self-described “servants” to the older adult community. Daniel has been on the frontlines advocating for the health and wellbeing of senior adults for close to 40 years in Canada and the United States, with his work having been instrumental in setting a new standard for home and community based services, as well as a continuum of facilities for residential, skilled nursing care, as well as hospital-based behavioral/mental health care.
Daniel’s roots in leadership and commitment to senior care and services is in his “DNA.” His father Sam Ruth was CEO of Baycrest Center for Geriatric Care and is widely considered an icon in the field. Today, his son Kyle continues the family tradition and is currently serving as the COO at the Redwoods facility in Marin County.
“I remember at a young age that my father would talk to and work with all levels of staff just like he would his board members.”
– Daniel Ruth
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he matriarch of blessed memory, his mother Nancy was one of the first female Presidents of the Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto, Ontario, which remains as one of the largest Reform Temples in North America. Daniel’s wife Fern, who is now the living matriarch of the Ruth family, and a former all-Canadian basketball player in college … is enjoying golf in her retirement after a multi-decade tennis career teaching elite children and recreational adults the finer points of the game. Their son Kyle Ruth-Islas carries on the mantle with the same passion for serving older adults as his father and grandfather, as the current COO of the Redwoods CCRC Community in Marin County. Daniel & Fern have two daughters. Their oldest daughter Jessica, a former all-American tennis player at UC Santa Cruz, is now a Masters-prepared teacher who specializes in working with children who have extensive support needs, as well as complex communication differences … enhancing the world one child at a time. Their youngest daughter Jaclyn, is a cybersecurity analyst who is specializing in assisting companies/organizations by protecting their brand through the safeguarding of their intellectual property rights from phishing campaigns, fraud and other nefarious activities.
Daniel has 2 older brothers – Dr. John Ruth MD, is a Geriatrician … specializing in the care of the elderly, and Alan Ruth who for the past two decades and more has been working on the creation and implementation of leading edge technologies and systems that assist older adults to be cared for where they want to be … in their own homes.
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As a lifelong learner, Daniel possesses a passion for program planning and design. His work has been instrumental in setting the standard for programs and facilities across North America including Dynacare, Beacon Hill Lodges, Village Shalom, the Moldaw Residences and the San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living.
Daniel’s personal mission is to enrich the lives of older adults through addressing their physical, social, psychosocial, and behavioral needs.Daniel currently resides in San Rafael with his wife Fern and beloved english bulldogs, Frankie and Bogie.
People have asked Daniel why he has been doing this for the past ~40 years. The simple answer is that he genuinely cares for and derives joy in assisting older adults and their families … as he lives by the Jewish value of Tikun Olam which means ‘to repair and improve the world’.
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or well over three decades of developing and leading senior care facilities and programs, I am very fortunate to have been surrounded by many top notch associates who are devoted to the development of innovative senior living communities and programs.
Together, we are qualified to provide expert support for just about any challenge or development that concerns your facility.
Our mission is to always enhance your organization in support of your key objectives, as well as the older adult clients and staff that you serve.
From hiring to marketing and quality control, we’ve got you covered.
Daniel R. Ruth
The Team
Alexis Denton
Principal
Utilizing my expertise and experience as an architect and gerontologist, I focus on rethinking, improving, and designing the physical environment for an aging population. My career is dedicated to creating senior living communities that are invisibly supportive, pushing the industry toward innovative models, and creating joyful and engaging environments. After primarily focusing on programming, planning, research, and teaching, my goal has evolved to use my background as a lens to expand our understanding of creating inclusive environments for people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities.
Michael W. Adler
Principal
With over 40 years as a Commercial General Contractor Michael’s focus has been on business development, pre-construction services, estimating, and contract negotiations.
Michael has acted as an owner’s representative, either in a principal or senior committee role on a wide array of Bay Area projects ranging from $3M to $160M. He’s directed entitlements, architect, engineers, and general contractor RFPs, Interviews, and selection, contract negotiations (from the owner’s side) GMP evaluations, construction oversight, as well as project communications with stakeholders and others, including donors.
Kyle Ruth
Principal
My primary professional career goal is to contribute to the enhancement in the quality of life of older adults, their family members, and caregivers. It has been a great tradition and legacy in my family and one that I feel privileged to continue to honor. Older adults are, in many cases, an underserved population in need of assistance and support. The field of providing care, assistance, and support to the elderly is one that requires the highest level of commitment to excellence, compassion, and ethical behavior. I look forward to contributing to the field by assisting in the creation of welcoming, homelike, and supportive environments.
Michael Skaff
Principal
Michael Skaff is the VP, Healthcare Technology, North America, for Vayyar Imaging, an Israeli semiconductor company that produces 4D imaging radar sensors and a leading fall detection and prevention solution. Skaff previously served as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Information Officer for the Jewish Senior Living Group, which supports the San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living, the largest private nonprofit Skilled Nursing Facility in California. Skaff also served as the Chief Operating Officer for the Masons of California, where he led the Technology, Communications, and Member Services teams for this venerable healthcare and membership organization.
As CIO of LesConcierges, Skaff led the customer-facing technology platform strategy and operations, including Product Development, Professional Services, Reporting and IT for this global Concierge Services company, which helped drive ultra-high net worth cardholder loyalty for the world’s largest financial institutions before ultimately being acquired by AccorHotels, the world’s fifth-largest hotel group. Skaff also served for over four years as the CIO of the San Francisco Symphony, and ran Technical Services at Bare Escentuals, Inc., a $2.4 billion public cosmetics company that was acquired by Shiseido.
Skaff also serves as an advisor to venture capital firms and digital health startups. He has been named one of the Top 20 Most Innovative Midmarket CIOs by CRN and was nominated to the Business Transformation 150 by Constellation Research, for his work in healthcare-specific technology.
Adal Bermann
Principal
For the past 15 years, I have focused my professional attention on planning and managing the online presence of philanthropic initiatives and institutions. Senior living facilities and humane communities in my portfolio, include Acacia Creek, Frank Residences, Byer Square, the FreeMasons of California and DeMolay. I am dedicated to creating flawless user flows, information architecture and engaging copy-writing; and to project managing website design and development projects that support the wellness of those who need it the most.
Matt Fontenot
Brand Therapist
Visual Merchandising Expert, Creative Director and Brand Therapist with over 20 years of experience driving marketing strategies, influencing design, and leading brand vision. I possess a passion for powerful brand storytelling and working with equally passionate people to bring it to life through valuable real-world moments. My open communication style allows me to effectively influence and cause action across multi-level organizations. I value human connection and strive to live and work with integrity, honesty, and authenticity.
