Emerson Lakes Expands Leadership Team­ Ahead of 2027 Opening

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. – As Emerson Lakes, an Erickson Senior Living community coming to Lakewood Ranch, Fla., prepares to welcome its first residents in early 2027, the community has added three experienced leaders to its team.

Santiago Castaneda has been named director of dining services, Morgan Schilling will serve as director of resident life, and Steve Faith has been appointed director of general services. Together, they will help shape the dining, programming, and vibrant lifestyle residents can expect when the continuing care retirement community opens.

“Opening a new community gives us an opportunity to craft the resident experience from the ground up,” said Matt Neville, executive director of Emerson Lakes. “Santiago, Morgan and Steve bring tremendous experience, but just as importantly, they understand what it takes to create a community where residents feel connected, supported and at home.”

Construction of Emerson Lakes has been underway since 2024, beginning with Sandhill Point, the community’s first residential building, set to open in early 2027. The two-story, 50,000-square-foot Coral Ridge clubhouse, which will serve as the heart of the community, is designed to inspire engagement and wellness. It will feature two signature restaurants, game and card rooms, creative arts and meeting spaces, and a fitness and aquatics center, featuring a resort-style swimming pool and spa tub.

Castaneda, who joined Erickson Senior Living in 2015, brings more than a decade of experience in dining operations and leadership. Most recently, he served as traveling assistant director of dining services, working with communities across Erickson's national to strengthen operations and develop dining teams. At Emerson Lakes, he will oversee the community’s dining program and restaurants.

Schilling will lead community resources, fitness and wellness, pastoral ministries, volunteer programs, and resident services. Schilling began her Erickson Senior Living career at Fox Run in Novi, Mich., and returned to the organization three years ago, becoming a dedicated advocate for residents and supporting numerous campus initiatives.

Faith brings more than 25 years of public safety and leadership experience to Emerson Lakes, where he will oversee security, transportation, emergency preparedness, environmental services, and other operational functions that support residents’ daily experience.

For more information, visit EmersonLakesCommunity.com.