Meet the team

Joel Katleman, Founding Partner Dial Communities

In 1958, Joel founded Dial Communities, Omaha followed by Dial Communities, San Antonio in 1968 when he partnered with his son, Gary.  He has been in the housing industry since he was 21.  He does not believe that "No" or "Not Possible" are acceptable answers.  Joel feels that there is always a way to improve the way things are done and how concerns are addressed.  He always displays confidence in the quality and character of the people around him, and accepts his role of "Cheerleader" for the team.  He believes that with a positive attitude, the world will smile with you.  He is our true inspiration!  

Gary Katleman, President Dial Communities

As President of Dial Communities, Gary has more than 20 years of property management experience, which includes serving as President of the San Antonio Apartment Association in 1998.  He developed the membership concept of Independence Village in Stone Oak, a neighborhood of homes for active adults with a maintenance-free lifestyle.  His vision was to provide a full spectrum of care for senior residents, with Independence Hill Retirement, Independence Hill Assisted Living and Independence Village, on one campus.  Gary's mission is to always be a step ahead in providing mature adults a quality, carefree lifestyle in a traditional small-town setting.  Gary was raised in Nebraska and moved to San Antonio in 1987 where he has raised his two daughters and enjoys traveling and a friendly game of poker.  

Michelle Houriet, Executive Director – employee since 2001

With over 22 years of property management experience in San Antonio and Houston, Michelle oversees the management and operations of Independence Hill, Independence Hill Assisted Living and Independence Village.  She is very dedicated to creating an upbeat, respectful and exciting lifestyle in our communities, as well as having a great sense of compassion. Her ability to always find the enjoyment in an ordinary day, sets the cheerful stage for our communities' employees, residents and members, with laughter and fun around every corner.  This native San Antonian is also a true expert in retirement living and thrives on ensuring happiness in her residents.  She will ensure our residents decision to move in to any one of our communities will be a decision they will wish they had made sooner!  Michelle enjoys time with her daughter and their two dogs, traveling nationally and internationally, and her volunteer work throughout San Antonio.

"Michelle is terrific.  She will never pass by you without smiling, hugging, laughing and talking to you." - Ms. Paine, resident  

Carol Barker, Assistant Director – employee since 2005

Carol has been in the property management industry for over 23 years.  She worked with Dial Communities in 1998 managing several multi-family properties. Carol began working at Independence Hill in 2005 and she loves every minute of it. She handles much of the administrative work to include billing and payroll as well as community inspections. Carol believes that what makes us such a success is that the employees love being here just as much as the residents, it's a good balance.  She enjoys spending time at the lake with family, gardening, reading, and especially taking care of her grandson.

"Carol is very friendly and willing to help in any way." - Mrs. Piet, resident  

Martha Weld, Executive Assistant – employee since 2007

Martha brings many years of experience in communication, marketing and project management. At Independence Hill she works closely with the Executive Director, managing a variety of projects to include employee programs, facility upgrades, marketing events, as well as the communities' websites.  No matter what the job, her passion is to provide outstanding customer service.  Martha enjoys being outdoors and loves to spend time at the lake boating with family and friends, traveling, and dancing.  Her 3 children are her favorite accomplishment and have brought much joy to her life.

"When we talk with Martha she makes us feel very comfortable.  She is very professional and nice." – Mr. and Mrs. Romero, residents 

Sherrill Perez, Sales and Marketing Consultant – employee since 1999

For 2 decades, Sherrill has been helping retirees find just the right home and community to fit their needs.  She is a specialist in senior living, always taking in what people truly want and finding the best match for them.  Sherrill remembers residents' individual needs and personal interests, which she uses to bring people together creating strong friendships and bonds.  She enjoys raising her 2 boys and spending family time with them and her husband, a Gymnastics coach and Gym owner.  Sherrill also likes playing racquetball, going to the movies and being involved in church activities.

"I had lunch with Sherrill when I was considering moving here.  She never pressured me and made me feel so at home.  Everything she said about Independence Hill was true."
- Mr. Olson, resident

Grace Novak, Sales and Marketing Consultant - employee since 2001

Her name says it all!  Each day she "graces" us with her warmth, friendliness and sincerity.   Grace is so committed to finding retirees the perfect "home!" She encourages our new residents by opening doors for great friendships and a world of fun with all the freedoms they've always enjoyed.   Her ability to understand customer needs began with her career as an International Make-Up Artist in Central America working for Lancome – Paris, and then owning "A Touch of Grace," her own cosmetic line, for numerous years.  She also spent a few years in new home sales, but enjoys the true relationships that are built with our residents and members when they choose to move in with us!

"When Grace toured us around Independence Hill she had to be very patient with me and she was.  I toured 3 times.  She accommodated me to the fullest."
- Mr. and Mrs. Pounds, residents

Kathleen Repa, Sales and Marketing Consultant - employee since 2011

Kathleen has been in the Real Estate industry for more than 22 years, with most of those years in Sales for a large Active Adult Community in Central Texas.  She relocated to the Hill Country to be closer to her daughter.  Her love and compassion for seniors lead her to search for the perfect place in San Antonio where she could use her talents, passion and experience to work with Active Adults again. Her enthusiasm and sincere desire to help people enjoy their retirement to the fullest is apparent in her warm personality.  Kathleen enjoys spending time with her 17 year old son, her daughter and son-in-law and her very special grandson, Graham!  She also enjoys sewing, cooking, oil painting and being involved with a special ministry at her church. 

Sandra Santillan, Move-in Coordinator – employee since 2000

Sandra began working at Independence Hill as a Front Desk Receptionist and was  promoted to Move-in Coordinator in 2007.   Her passion is to make the new residents' move-in smooth and effortless.  She makes sure they have everything they need so they can get settled in and quickly join in the fun.  Sandra ensures every new resident visits with the Department Directors to hear first hand what services each offer.  Sandra has 4 children and 4 grandchildren.  She enjoys music and reading as well as spending time with family and going on family vacations.

"Sandra brought me a goodie basket full of much needed essentials which was great to have on move-in day" - Mrs. Zinsmeyer, resident  

Chickie Backhaus, Outreach Coordinator – employee since 2003

Otherwise known as our "Walking and Talking Billboard," Chickie is always about the town representing all of our communities.   Whether she is speaking at large events, assisting with Wounded Warrior fundraisers, visiting our neighborhood fire stations or mingling at Chamber of Commerce mixers, this native San Antonian has that unforgettably sincere and upbeat personality that is prevalent in all our communities.  When she is having her own relaxing time at home, she and her husband enjoy traveling in their travel trailer with their cat and 2 dogs.

"Chickie visited me while I was in rehab and brought me an Independence Hill blanket.  It was my salvation because I was freezing there. I even took it with me to the rehab dining room." - Ms. Duffle, resident  

Ken Spear, Director of Food and Beverage – employee since 2004

A Graduate of Texas State with a BBA in Finance, Ken has been in food service operations and distribution management for the past 22 years.  For over 7 years Ken has been providing wonderful dining experiences for our residents.  While mingling with residents at meal time, Ken listens to their suggestions and takes them to heart, making necessary changes and adjustments as needed.  He creates a wide variety of menu selections daily, ensuring residents have options to please their taste buds.  "Cooking with Ken" is a favorite activity and "Steak's on the Grill" is always a special time spent with the residents.  In his spare time, Ken likes to play golf and attend school activities with his wife and 4 kids.

"Ken is so accommodating.  I love lemon pie.  We had been here a month and there were many great desserts but no lemon pie.  We mentioned it to Ken and we had lemon pie that next day!  WOW!" - Mr. Romero, resident  

Debbie Mann, Director of Activities and Transportation – employee since 2010

Planning the many activities for Independence Hill and Assisted Living keeps Debbie and her team on the go.  Our residents say our Activities Team does a great job providing a variety of exercise and educational classes, fantastic parties, interesting outings, as well as much needed trips to local stores and businesses.  There is something of interest for everyone!  She also manages the Transportation department, providing transportation to doctor's appointments all over San Antonio, airport runs and same-day prescription pick-up, which residents say is more than a luxury. When Debbie is not "playing" at work she enjoys fun time with her 3 children.  Her passions are painting, gardening and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.  She feels blessed to be able to combine her years of experience in event planning and volunteer work in her current role at Independence Hill.

"I love the way Debbie treats and interacts with us." - Mrs. Pounds, resident  

Rebecca Leal, Director of Housekeeping – employee since 2008

Rebecca and her team are responsible for the cleaning of all apartments and homes for all 3 of our communities as well as all common areas.  Rebecca is always looking for creative ways to inspire her team, provide quality service and surprise residents with a "sweet treat" on their pillow! Upon joining our Independence Hill family, Rebecca was impressed by how many employees have been here such a long time.  She believes that this kind of longevity speaks for a great company and she looks forward to saying she's been here 20 years! Her background is in the hotel industry, where guests come and go and you never get to know them.  She loves working at Independence Hill because of the relationships that are built with the Residents.  Rebecca has 3 children ranging in age from 23 to 2 years. She enjoys spending time with family, bowling and going to movies or taking trips to the coast on the weekends during summer.

"Rebecca is full of energy and makes sure anything that needs to be spruced up is done before I even notice it". - Mr. Walden, resident  

Jorge Samaneigo, Director of Maintenance – employee since 2007

Jorge began his career at Independence Hill in 1986 as a part time maintenance technician and bus driver. He then worked at a variety of multi-family apartment communities, and as he grew and learned he was promoted.  Jorge returned to Independence Hill in 2007, where he prefers working because of the pleasant environment and genuine appreciation of a job well done.  He has 3 sons and 1 daughter and enjoys basketball, movies, dancing and playing in poker tournaments.

"Jorge's maintenance team is so efficient that it seems like they are at our door before we put down the phone." - Mr. and Mrs. Romero, residents  

Alan Holfinger, Director of Safety – employee since 2003

Alan has worked a variety of positions over his 8 years at Independence Hill. This has given him a great overall perspective of our entire campus of communities.  This knowledge and experience has served him well as he manages the Night Management and Safety Department.  Alan prides himself on providing the best service he can to the residents.  He conducts CPR classes and monthly mandatory safety meetings for the staff, to ensure they are properly trained in the event of an emergency, giving our residents peace of mind knowing there is someone available to assist them 24 hours a day. Alan thinks of the residents as family and treats them as he would his own.  He is an avid jokester and loves to make everyone's day a bit more fun.  He enjoys camping, riding motorcycles, restoring old cars, gardening and traveling with his wife and daughter.

"Alan is very helpful.  He and his staff provide us with a good sense of security."
- Mr. and Mrs. Jaeger, residents