Staff Spotlight: Meet OHI San Diego’s Guest Services Director, Guillermo Romero

Just mention Guillermo Romero’s name to any of the guests or staff at OHI San Diego, and you’ll see that person’s face light up. As one staff member said, “Guillermo is a people person. His optimistic attitude and great sense of humor make it easy for him to connect with people. He handles every situation with grace and makes everyone he interacts with feel seen. OHI welcomes vastly different people from all over the world, each shouldering their own health opportunity, worries, and fears, and somehow Guillermo just instinctively knows how to bridge every divide and make an individual connection that is genuine, warm, and supportive. He’s just a really great human being.”

Guillermo blushes at the compliment. “I honestly love my job,” said Guillermo. “I believe in the healing power of the OHI program. I enjoy the guests. I appreciate the staff. I’m just really grateful to be here.”

Guillermo joined OHI in 2013 and puts his heart and soul into his role. “80% of those who walk through the door on Sunday are returning guests,” said Guillermo. “If they love OHI enough to return, then I want them to know how grateful we are to host them time and time again. I make it a priority to get to know each and every guest. I pay attention to their preferences. Whether someone requests a soft mattress, or ten pillows, or extra towels, I make a note of it in their profile. So, the next time they arrive, the soft mattress, the mountain of pillows, and the extra towels are already in their room. I want them to feel like every return is a homecoming. No one should feel like a guest after they’ve been here just once. After that, they should always feel like one of the family. The OHI staff goes to great lengths to make each person feel special and valued.”

When guests first check in, Guillermo sets the tone for the week by encouraging individuals to unburden themselves with him. “OHI is a wellness center that focuses on healing,” said Guillermo. “Many guests are anxious because of the health worries they have carried for so long, so I am here to shoulder that burden for them, allowing them to focus solely on the program and their better health. Whatever I can do to help each person feel comfortable, I’m going to do it. That’s what’s noteworthy about the OHI program — whether your body is detoxing from caffeine, sugar, nicotine, chemo chemicals, or other toxins, you are going through a lot physically. The staff knows it’s important to support you mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as they make your body as comfortable as possible. No one shows more heart than the OHI staff. Look, I’ve done the program myself. My personal health opportunity was a severe caffeine addiction. I’m not going to lie —detoxing was hard for me. But with the support of the staff, I came out the other side so much better for it. Without the caffeine in my body, I had the motivation to do a juice cleanse fast three days every week for five months. I lost over 50 pounds, and now my inflammation is gone, my glucose and cholesterol levels are under control, and my high blood pressure is no longer an issue. I continue to fast at least one day a week to keep my body feeling strong and healthy. So, when I say that I’m here to help, I mean it. The OHI staff is dedicated to helping every guest achieve optimum health. I know how hard breaking an addiction can be, but I also know how great it is to honor your body and do the very best you can to heal yourself — body, mind, and spirit.”

What is the one addiction Guillermo still has? “I use my Spanish-English dictionary every single day,” he laughs. “I emigrated to the United States from Peru over 20 years ago. I speak both Spanish and English, and sometimes I can’t quite put my finger on the word I’m looking for in English. And the dictionary also helps with my pronunciation. As you might have noticed, I have a tiny accent. A guest recently asked me if I could refill the shampoo in her room, and I said I would send a house man right away. She thought I said I was sending my husband. We had a good laugh about it once we finally understood each other. So, I’m not breaking my addiction to my dictionary any time soon!”

Guillermo has simple advice for those looking to visit OHI for the first time. “Invest in yourself, and make the time to come here,” said Guillermo. “Whether you are facing a health opportunity or just want some ‘me time’, you won’t believe how much better you can feel every single day of your life.”

If you have always yearned for a career where you can make a difference by helping and serving others, then contact us today: (800) 588-0809