One of the most remarkable things about Sonoma Valley is the people. They are visionaries. They are doers. They have heart.
Whitney Evans is one of them.
He and his wife moved to Sonoma to retire, drawn by the beauty of the valley and the warmth of its community. But instead of settling into a quiet retirement, Whitney became deeply involved— especially when his wife was diagnosed with dementia.
Rather than retreating, Whitney chose to lean in. He became a fierce advocate for caregivers and for those navigating memory loss, determined to show that life with dementia could still be rich, joyful, and full of meaning. During the pandemic, when research identified Memory Cafés as an evidence-based model that enhances the relationship between caregivers and their loved ones—a strategy that aligned perfectly with the Care Partners Initiative—Whitney and the team embraced the approach and trained to bring it to Sonoma. The result was the launch of the Memory Café at Vintage House: a welcoming, stigma-free space where those with memory loss and their caregivers could connect, share, and enjoy meaningful time together.
Building on that work, Whitney also helped launch the Care Partners Initiative, a program dedicated to supporting Sonoma Valley families living with dementia and memory decline.
As Whitney puts it, “We had eight wonderful years living with dementia. That’s not something most people expect to hear—but it’s true. And it was possible because of the support we received from this community.”
Among those who made a profound impact during that journey was Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Becky Spear. When Whitney’s wife needed care, Becky was there— bringing not only deep clinical expertise, but an infectious, ear-to-ear smile that let families know they weren’t alone.
“She changes the room just by walking into it,” Whitney says. “You just know it’s going to be a good day.” That connection sparked a collaborative friendship.
“Whitney and I became a little think tank,” Becky shares.
“We both believe in creating systems of care that treat people with dignity, meet them where they are, and give them tools to thrive.”
The hospital has already earned the Age-Friendly Health System designation in both our inpatient space and Family Practice. Now, with Becky’s leadership, SVH is expanding this work by pursuing Geriatric Surgical Verification (GSV) from the American College of Surgeons and Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA) from the American College of Emergency Physicians—ensuring our perioperative and emergency care are equally aligned with best practices in aging-friendly care.
Sonoma Valley Hospital is also partnering with community organizations like Vintage House and La Luz to bring wellness programs—like brown bag medication reviews and educational seminars—to where people live and gather.
“Sometimes, it’s as simple as offering a chair to rest, or a moment of kindness. But it makes all the difference,” Whitney says.
Whitney’s story is a powerful reminder that health care is at its best when it’s rooted in humanity. It’s a partnership between patients who believe things can be better, and professionals who have the passion and knowledge to make it so.
And in Sonoma, that partnership is thriving.
Sonoma Valley Hospital is My Hospital.
At Sonoma Valley Hospital, every patient story is personal—and each one reflects our mission to provide excellent care close to home. We are proud to care for our neighbors with compassion, expertise, and heart.
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