James Brassard, Director of Market Street Operations

James Brassard is a combat veteran who proudly served his country in both Afghanistan and Iraq. After his military service, James continued his education graduating with his MBA from Florida Gulf Coast University. Throughout his extensive career in the senior living industry, James has successfully managed the startup of numerous senior living communities throughout the Southeastern Unites States, primarily in Florida. His experience also includes operations management, strategic growth, and the mentoring of additional communities.

James passionately serves the aging population with knowledge, experience, understanding, and integrity; he even started a non-profit organization to raise funds and awareness for seniors living with dementia. In his free time, he enjoys traveling with his family and contributing to the development of our younger generation as a college professor. He has served as a subject matter expert and consultant for Vermont State Colleges by assisting in the development and implementation of courses within its business curriculum in an effort to pioneer critical education points and subjects for future generations.

James believes strongly in attention to detail and accessibility which is a direct reflection of his Watercrest Core Value of Responsiveness.

KAYLA HOLLOWAY

Kayla Holloway is an accomplished accountant since 2019, with corporate accounting experience, specifically in Senior Assisted Living and Hospice Home Health. She brings to the team her knowledge in analyzing general ledger accounts and financials, monthly reconciliation of bank statements and cash flows, month-end close, year-end close, and more. Kayla received her Bachelors in Business Administration Accounting through the University of Mount Olive, North Carolina.

Kayla is a Florida Native. She grew up in Palm Bay. She and her husband Chris have two daughters, Elizabeth and Piper. For the last 13 years, Chris has been in the U.S Air Force which has been adventure for the family. They have lived in Las Vegas Nevada, Bury St. Edmunds England, and Goldsboro North Carolina. Kayla and Family are very excited to be able to settle down here, watch the girls grow, and enjoy the Florida outdoor living.

BRYANT CONTRERAS,
Regional Accountant

Bryant Contreras is from the Bronx, NY and graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School with Honors. He received an Associate’s degree in Accounting from the University of Phoenix and in May of 2025 will receive his Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources from Daytona State College.

Bryant favorite subject in school is Math and loves to watch movies in his time off (Drama and Action). He loves the rain and loves spending time with his Wife and going on adventures with her.

Since Elementary school, Bryant remembers field trips to senior living communities where they would partner him up with a “grandpa” or “grandma” to do arts and crafts. This always resonated with him and attracted him to the world of health care and helping others. His big motivation is his mother who has been a caregiver for more than 30 years. Her love for seniors and compassion for others has taught Bryant valuable lessons on how to treat others and how to be a good listener.

ANNE FERRER, PAYROLL SYSTEMS MANAGER

Anne comes to Watercrest with an extensive background in Payroll & Benefits. She has been in the field for over twenty years. She started her career in the Construction industries moving onto to Distribution and Marketing where she spent the last seventeen years.

She was born in New York and raised in Bergen County, New Jersey. Anne enjoys spending time with her three children, granddaughter, and family. Loves traveling with her family and building new experiences. Her favorite pass times are relaxing at the beach and enjoying the views from the mountain.

Anne is a firm believer of paying forward all the blessings received in life, and tries to live each day with that in mind.

Darlene Wirag
Accounts Payable Specialist

Darlene brings with her 20 years of accounting experience to the Watercrest Family.  She has spent most of her accounting career working in both the property management and healthcare fields.

She is a native New Yorker and was born and raised in Putnam/Westchester County NY. Darlene attributes her core value of “kindness” and her dedicated work ethic to the careers of both her parents.

She moved to North Carolina in 2002 and this is where she called home for 18 years. She recently relocated to Florida in August 2020.

Darlene enjoys cooking, gardening and is an avid reader. When she is not at work, she is spending time with family and friends. You can usually find Darlene at the beach, enjoying the sun, sand and water.

JESSICA DESJARLAIS,
Director of Associate Experience

Jessica brings over 9 years of customer services experience to the Watercrest Family. She is a true native to Florida, born and raised on the Treasure Coast. Jessica attended St. Lucie West Centennial High School, graduating at the top of her class and ranking among the top 25 students. She then continued her education at Indian River State College receiving two Associates degrees as well as her CNA certification. Jessica is currently working towards earning her Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management, after which she plans to obtain her Master’s.

One of Jessica’s favorite things to do is give back to the community. Jessica has dedicated over 500 hours of volunteering in various organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association and The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast. Jessica truly believes there is no greater feeling than to give back and make a difference within our community.

Jessica and her husband spend their free time doing various activities with their four German Shepherds named Athena, Loki, Luna, and Malibu. Together they love taking their 4 “kids” to the beach or the dog park, even though the dogs are just as happy with going on a simple car ride getting treats from the pet store.