Maria Tabarez: Women’s History Month Profile
Maria tabarez, a facilities director at a Los Angeles homeless shelter, meets the daily challenge of ensuring a clean and safe environment for 172 residents.Her team responded decisively during a COVID-19 outbreak, showcasing the importance of constant disinfection to protect vulnerable individuals dealing with mental health issues and respiratory illnesses. Tabarez’s focus extends beyond cleaning; she actively builds relationships, offering support and guidance to residents as they navigate tough times. With a background in health sciences, she leads a team of 14, implementing facility improvements. News Directory 3 recognizes Tabarez’s commitment to improving the lives of those in need, and she continues to advance her career through leadership training and certification programs. Discover what’s next for her leadership journey.
Maria Tabarez Tackles Cleaning Challenges at Los Angeles Homeless Shelter
Maintaining a clean and safe environment at a 172-bed homeless shelter presents unique challenges, according to Maria Tabarez, director of facilities at exodus Recovery Safe Landing in Los Angeles. Her role involves constant cleaning and disinfecting to protect residents, some of whom face mental health issues or respiratory illnesses.
Tabarez’s team faced a critically important test when 35 residents contracted COVID-19.Through round-the-clock disinfection efforts, thay successfully eliminated the virus from the facility. “Our goal is to aid those who are homeless by making the campus safe for them,” Tabarez said. “It’s critical that we have a clean facility to ensure viruses don’t spread.”
To ensure cleanliness, Tabarez conducts hourly rounds with the Safe Landing senior director, director of interim housing, and nursing staff. She also manages a team of 11 environmental services and three facilities management associates. Recent improvements include upgrading the dog park with new grass and amenities.
Tabarez, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences from California State University Dominguez Hills, previously worked in hospitals and behavioral health facilities. She values the relationships she builds with Exodus residents. each resident has a personal space, and Tabarez interacts with them during daily cleanings.
“I have a relationship with every single person who comes here,” Tabarez said. ”For those going through a tough period, it’s comforting to see the change in their behavior in a stable environment. And if I see someone who is not doing well, I speak to the Safe Landing team and guide them to the right people.”
Since joining Crothall in May 2024, Tabarez has received guidance from Regional Director of Operations of Facilities Management Ian Timothy and Regional Vice President Carmine DiCicco. She also credits Human Resources Director Bernadette Medina for mentoring her. “Ian has been training and educating me and has helped me understand how to advance my career,” Tabarez said. “he and Carmine keep motivating me to bring out my best work.”
What’s next
Tabarez is pursuing certification as a Certified Healthcare facilities Manager and has been nominated for the Leading Edge leadership training course.