“There is no such thing as hard work if you love your work. Do everything 110%, and always work with love.”
– Mariel Baria
Join us in celebrating Mariel Baria and her 22 years of dedication as a Caregiver for CiminoCare! Mariel joined the CiminoCare team in May of 2002, and in both her career and personal life she has devoted her time to caring for others. Her giving heart shows in the immense way she cares for her residents and for her family.
Mariel was born in Laoag City in the Philippines and first worked in a restaurant with her father. When she was 27 years old, she and her family came to the United States. She was inspired to begin a career in the U.S. as a caregiver, just as her mom did. Her brother got a job as a mailman, and one day on his route he stopped by Burlingame Villa to ask if they were hiring. Luckily they were. She applied and landed the role!
Mariel fondly recalls her interview with the administrator at the time, Enrique. They discussed her experience and bonded over the love of their children, Enrique knew she would have great experience for the job as a caregiver because Mariel is patient and nurturing. Mariel still considers Enrique her mentor to this day, and loves to support new employees, especially those with young children. Many of her coworkers at Burlingame Villa look up to Mariel for her long-term experience and her patient demeanor. Mariel helps to train new caregivers with English as their second language. Even if they do not speak Filipino as she does, she works to help them acclimate to the new job.
Mariel is strongly motivated by her family. She opened her home and took care of her mother as she aged, devoting time for her including administering her dialysis treatment. She likes to treat all of her residents with special care and attention, just as she did for her mom. Mariel has nurtured a lot of residents in her 22 years of service, and loves the reward of learning about their life stories. She is especially interested in helping residents living with Alzheimer’s disease and shows them love, respect, and tender care. Mariel is proud to have received her CNA license, and grateful to management for the recognition of her career at CiminoCare.
Mariel enjoys spending time with her two daughters and their children. She loves watching her granddaughters grow (aged 11 years and seven months). In both her home and at work, she exemplifies patience and a love for helping others. She wisely shares, “there is no such thing as hard work if you love your work. Do everything 11o%, and always work with love.”
