Meet the Team

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Kolbee Kurtz, Executive Director, Solstice at Plano

Kolbee Kurtz

Executive Director

Kolbee Kurtz brings nearly 20 years of experience of senior living and geriatric nursing experience to her role as Executive Director of Solstice at Plano. She previously worked in nursing homes, rehabilitation hospitals, and assisted living and memory care communities. Kolbee earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and a degree in nursing.

Kolbee is passionate about improving the quality of life for each resident and creating a positive, supportive and engaging community for residents, families and employees.

A Pennsylvania native, Kolbee has lived in Plano for nearly a decade. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, going on long walks with her four dogs, running, and skiing.

Sheree Gough, Director of Sales and Marketing, Solstice at Plano

Sheree Gough

Director of Sales and Marketing

Prior to joining the Solstice at Plano team, Sheree Gough worked as membership director at Oak Harbor Country Club in Vero Beach, Fla. She also previously served as sales and marketing director in senior living for over 20 years.

Sheree now resides in Plano with her husband of 35 years. In her spare time, Sheree enjoys golfing, swimming, biking, gardening, decorating and, most of all, spending time with her 5-year-old granddaughter.

Liz Bennett, Vibrant Life® Director, Solstice at Plano

Liz Bennett

Vibrant Life® Director

Liz Bennett loves to smile, thrive and be creative! She has been working in senior living for six years and brings her infectious positive attitude to work with her every day. Liz loves being with our residents and making a difference in their daily lives.  

 In her spare time, Liz loves spending time with her four children, a granddaughter she adores and a cat named Zye. 

Chef John Knoten, Culinary Services Director, Solstice at Plano

Chef Spencer Truong

Culinary Services Director

Chef Spencer Truong is a culinary professional with over a decade of experience in fine dining, private chef service and kitchen management. He spent time honing his culinary and leadership skills in prestigious restaurants such as Spring Place in Tribecca, Rouge Tomate (Michelin-starred) in Chelsea and Nobu Downtown in New York City.  

 As a private chef, Spencer catered to high-profile clients including Roger Federer, Ellie Tahari, Tory Burch and Kate Spade, delivering tailored dining experiences in prestigious settings worldwide. Spencer is excited to be sharing his culinary expertise with Solstice Senior Living at Plano and is focused on enhancing dining operations and, more importantly, resident satisfaction. 

Stephen Batten, Culinary Services Director, Solstice at Plano

Stephen Batten

Culinary Services Director

New to the senior living industry, Stephen Batten joined the Solstice at Plano team to gain a deeper understanding of community and connection through food.

After graduating from culinary school, Stephen worked in fine dining establishments Cecconi’s DUMBO and The River Café in Brooklyn, N.Y.

His vast culinary experience also includes serving as culinary supervisor at American Airlines Center in Dallas, kitchen manager at Texas Live! in Arlington, and executive chef at PIRA Latin Fire and Punch Bowl Social.

Born and raised in North Carolina, Stephen recently moved to Plano from Dallas. He graduated from high school with the class of 1999. After graduation, he served in the United States Navy for eight years and received the Navy Distinguished Service Medal. After his discharge, Stephen moved to Dallas and enrolled in the world-renowned culinary school Le Cordon Bleu.

When he isn’t in the kitchen, Stephen enjoys spending time with his girlfriend and her children, painting, playing guitar, and practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Sharyn Clark, Building Office Director, Solstice at Plano

Sharyn Clark

Business Office Director

Sharyn Clark, Business Office Director, served in a variety of leadership roles before joining the Solstice at Plano team, including business office director at an assisted and independent living community, a medical coding specialist, and a team leader at Whole Foods.

Her favorite part of working at Solstice is making a difference in the lives of our residents.

Born and raised in Dallas, Sharyn has lived in Plano for over a decade. She enjoys spending time with her husband and three rescue dogs, gardening, going to concerts and movies, trying new restaurants, and traveling to new places.

Kevin Salazar, Building Services Director, Solstice at Plano

Darius Pikes Sr.

Building Services Director

Darius Pikes Sr., better known to our residents as Dee, has been working in senior living for 17 years. He loves making sure our building is up to standard, and he absolutely loves bonding with our residents. Originally from Louisiana, he enjoys spending his free time with his family, especially his 16-year-old son, his mother and sister. His hobbies include a love of shopping and eating seafood every chance he gets.   

You’ll love calling Solstice at Plano home.

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