Originally from Arizona, Faron Bareham brings an extensive background in the senior living industry to his role as Executive Director at Solstice at Groton. Starting around 2010, Faron and his wife Diane started at Holiday Retirement as “live in” managers. Faron then went on to serve in communities from Senior Lifestyle Corporation as a Sales and Marketing Director, then as an Executive Director with Brookdale Senior Living and Atria Senior Living. Recently, Faron served as a Senior Executive Director, Regional Director of Sales and Operations with Meridian Senior Living. 

Faron also previously served as a Navy Aviation Electrician Mate for the United States Navy and K9 officer in Tennessee. He earned a Bachelor of Science in information systems before becoming a network and computer instructor, curriculum developer and compliance officer. He worked in academia for 20 years before pursuing his MBA and Ph.D. When not at work, Faron loves to spend time with his wife Dianne, their son Joshua and two rescue pets, Keiko and Lincoln. They also have three older daughters and three older sons, along with six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. 

Faron has many hobbies, including following his favorite sports teams, cooking BBQ and southern cuisine, outdoor sports, martial arts and reading. He hopes to finish writing a book on creating positive culture change, teambuilding, motivation and leadership in the near future. 

Filipa Martins discovered her passion for helping seniors at an early age, when she first volunteered at a senior living community. She then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology and work in various roles in assisted living and memory care communities. 

Filipa has developed a special bond with many residents throughout her years of experience and strives to make residents feel happy and at home during their stay at Solstice at Groton. When not at work, Filipa likes playing with her dogs, exercising, hiking, reading and traveling. 

Nicole Morin, Vibrant Life^® director, is passionate about creating fun, meaningful experiences for residents of our community, by offering stimulating activities for the mind, body and soul. 

Nicole is a mother of two and happily married. She enjoys spending time in nature, reading and meditating. 

Terra Land, Culinary Services director, started her career at Pendleton Rehabilitation Center in Mystic as a dietary aide and cook before going back to school and receiving her associate degree as a certified dietary manager. After completing her education, Terra became an account manager with Healthcare Services Group and was the head of their dietary department until she came to Solstice. 

Terra’s goal for Solstice at Groton is to provide the community and its residents with the best food and service possible through her dedication and passion for seniors. While not at work, Terra enjoys spending time with her son, Christopher, and daughter, Tracy.

Erika Olivarez, Business Office director, was born in Foley, Ala., and raised in North Branford, Conn. She started her career in food service operations and discovered a passion for talent acquisition, onboarding and training. Erika also credits her ability to learn the benefits of being a part of a team from playing soccer for 15 years. 

Most recently, Erika was the assistant general manager for The Holiday Retirement and joined Solstice for the opportunity to enhance her skill set and focus more on finance and human resources. While not at work, Erika enjoys cooking, making pottery, and spending time at home with her two cats, Carmelo and Pepper. 

Originally from Massachusetts, Shawn Menard has lived and worked in the Groton area for over a decade. He brings rich experience in maintenance and air care to his role as Building Services director at Solstice at Groton. When he isn’t working, Shawn enjoys spending time with family, fishing and hunting.