Randi Axelsson joined the Solstice team in July 2018. Prior to joining the team, Randi spent most of her adult career in tourism and hospitality; but when she found independent senior living, she knew she had found her calling. Randi loves being able to help seniors remain independent, find companionship, provide healthy meals and fun activities, and so much more, while in a safe and secure environment. She was born in Hollywood, California, and has played on the improv stage with Ryan Stiles.

Samantha Engholm is the Business Office director for Solstice Senior Living at Bellingham. Samantha joined the Solstice team in October of 2020 and brought with her over seven years of experience working in the senior living industry.

Samantha’s first job was as a server at a senior living community, and she quickly fell in love with the industry. Her passion moved her into caregiving and administering medications – eventually working her way into such positions as activity director and assistant executive director. She also spent a few years working as a bank teller and as a residential property manager for multi- and single-family housing.

When she is not working, Samantha spends her time adventuring in the great Pacific Northwest with her husband and two boys. When she can spare a moment, Samantha might be found crafting, baking or watching ’90s sitcom reruns.

Danyal Gonzalez joined Solstice Senior Living at Bellingham in 2017 as the Business Office director. She was born and raised just outside of Bellingham, Wash., and has earned degrees in business administration and paralegal studies. Prior to joining the team, she spent 15 years in customer service, accounting and management. After working with individuals in a medical atmosphere for many years and because of her helpful, caring and servant heart, Danyal found her way to Solstice. Danyal is married to her husband, Dave, and is blessed with two children, Leif and Karder, and two stepchildren, Joshua and Kyle. In her spare time, Danyal enjoys traveling, camping, fishing, spending time with her family and being outdoors.

Chef Wynton Kelly is the Culinary Services director for Solstice Senior Living at Bellingham. Prior to joining the team, he spent 10 years cooking in Bellingham, mixing his hunger for learning and his zest for big, bold flavors, with a passion for satisfying his audience. He now hangs his chef’s hat here at Solstice Senior Living, and the residents are definitely enjoying the benefits. Originally from Dallas, Wynton studied cooking at a technical college, then served an internship at a country club before moving into the professional world. “Every time food is around, it’s usually around people getting together for all kinds of occasions. Food is all about love and happiness to me,” he says. Wynton enjoys playing golf and riding his bike, and he has also become an avid bird-watcher.

Lisa Zerbes brings over 25 years of experience in customer service to the Solstice Senior Living at Bellingham team. She thrives on making lives better for residents every day, especially planning events and fun activities.  

Over a decade ago, Lisa moved from the Midwest to Bellingham. She loves living in this community with her husband, Pete, of over 20 years, their two lovely daughters and a houseful of pets. When she isn’t working, Lisa enjoys spending time with family, traveling, shopping, trying new foods and drinks, and volunteering.

Eric Leiske is the Building Services director for Solstice at Bellingham. Prior to joining Solstice, Eric worked in various senior living communities in Washington and California for over 35 years. He has worked in communities new and old. Eric is married with three kids and four dogs. In his spare time, Eric is a life coach for teens and young adults.

He enjoys working at Solstice because of the help he is able to provide in improving the lives of residents.