New Director of Care Joins Chateau at Carmichael Park

By Kirsten Schneider

Special to Carmichael Patch

, an independent senior living, licensed assisted living and memory care residence, has hired Wesley Powell, LVN, as its director of care.

Powell brings an extensive background in long-term care to his new position. He comes to the Chateau at Carmichael Park from Piedmont Gardens, a large retirement community in Oakland where he worked as a charge nurse for nearly 200 residents.

Powell became interested in nursing at a young age and for very personal reasons. His mother worked in a nursing home when he was growing up in New Martinsville, W. Va.

He went to the nursing home every day after school and discovered that he enjoyed helping out around the facility. He also watched his grandfather spend the last years of his life in a nursing home, which had a big influence on his career choice.

“I remember seeing my grandfather in discomfort at times and also recall being afraid of the equipment and machines that he was hooked up to,” said Powell. “I vowed to myself then that I would go into nursing so that I would understand all of the equipment and I wanted to give patients the best care possible so that they wouldn’t have to suffer.”

When Powell entered high school, he went through the nursing assistant program and obtained his license. He has worked as a travelling nurse for the past 14 years, working in Ohio, Connecticut and other states before coming to Northern California.

He has worked in all aspects of nursing except pediatrics and labor and delivery, but his primary experience and professional interest are in long-term care.  

When Powell is not working with seniors at the Chateau at Carmichael Park, he is busy pursuing his other passion: music. Since 2003, he has been the lead singer for one of Northern California’s premier country/southern rock bands, Doolin Run.

He was spotted by a Napa producer while he was out singing karaoke at a small bar in Vacaville and a band was quickly formed around him. Performing 150 shows last year, the band is known for its high energy, danceable original songs and is centered around Powell’s deep, rich vocals.

Powell also recently celebrated the birth of his first child and plans to sit for the licensing exam soon to become a registered nurse.

“Nursing is my first love,” he said.