When I look back on my journey into caregiving, I’m struck by how deeply it’s intertwined with the people I’ve loved. Caregiving didn’t simply begin with a career choice; it was born out of the close, cherished moments that I’ve endured from caring for members of my family. Looking back, I’ve had the privilege and honor to care for all of the important men in my life—my grandfathers, my dad, and my husband. My earliest memories of caregiving date back to my grandfather, a man whose legacy and wisdom continue to inspire every aspect of my work at Care Advantage. My journey has shown me that caregiving is much more than providing assistance—it’s about nurturing dignity, sharing joy, and bringing comfort during some of life’s most tender moments. Today, I’m proud to honor that legacy and carry it forward through my work.
My caregiving journey truly began with my paternal grandfather, a man whose life spanned from horse-drawn carriages to the dawn of space exploration. Born in 1903, he was a living bridge between eras, embodying resilience, humor, and a timeless wisdom that captivated our family. As a child, caring for him during my school years was as natural as breathing, a way to express my gratitude for the countless lessons he shared. Far from slowing down or withdrawing with age, he challenged every stereotype, filling our lives with stories of survival, innovation, and laughter. Growing old, he taught me that aging was not about fading away, but rather about embracing new depths of growth, wisdom, and connection. His presence laid the foundation for what I wanted to do with my life, even if I didn’t yet know how to put it into words. Those formative experiences created a lifelong commitment to helping older adults, to honoring their stories, and to preserving their dignity. My grandfather taught me that aging could be a beautiful process if met with respect and compassion, and that has remained the cornerstone of my approach to caregiving.
Subsequently, I had to care for my father at the same time I was caring for my grandfather. While caring for my father, I was introduced to the world of professional caregiving in a profound way. During my father’s hospice care, I met Karen Reynolds Gill, a social worker with Crater Community Hospice. Her kindness and gentle support were life-changing for my family and me during such a vulnerable time. Karen’s compassion gave me the “Ah-ha” moment I needed—I wanted to be a social worker. I knew then that this was more than a job; it was my calling, one where I could bring comfort, clarity, and dignity to families just as Karen had done for mine.
After my father’s passing, I found solace spending time with my grandfather, whose wit and wisdom provided a comforting reminder of what truly matters in life. He continued to teach me lessons no classroom ever could, showing me that human connection is at the heart of healing and growth. I resolved to carry his spirit of joy and respect into every aspect of my work, ensuring that every older adult I encountered felt valued, understood, and cared for.
With my college degree in hand, I began my career as a social worker in a skilled nursing facility, where I discovered how fulfilling it could be to help families navigate complex healthcare needs. I wanted to make sure each client felt that, despite the challenges, they were not alone. Soon after, I pursued my education further and became an executive director of an assisted living facility, where my focus was on empowering residents. We broke away from traditional views of “assisted living” to create programs that embraced each resident’s potential for growth and joy. Together, we redefined this chapter of life not as a “final stop” but as a new beginning—a place to thrive, connect, laugh and continue living with purpose.
I was drawn to Care Advantage because of its commitment to values that my grandfather embodied: Care, Attitude, Respect, and Excellence. These principles align deeply with the legacy he left me, and my dedication to treating every client as if they were family. At Care Advantage, I can offer the kind of compassionate, thoughtful care that makes a tangible difference in people’s lives. I feel my grandfather’s spirit with me each time I listen to a client’s story, guide a family through a difficult decision, or share a moment of laughter. His memory drives me to bring empathy, respect, and a sense of purpose to every interaction.
Working at Care Advantage is more than a profession; it’s a deeply personal mission. Each person we care for is someone’s loved one, just as my grandfather was to me. The knowledge that I can help a family feel supported, help a referral source understand the need that we can bring a trusted professional in to help someone feel seen, stay safe and home and feel cherished, brings me profound fulfillment. As I continue this path, I am reminded daily of the wisdom my grandfather passed down, and I am honored to carry it forward.
My journey with Care Advantage Home Care started long ago, in my grandfather’s living room, with his cat Rambo purring at my feet and his stories filling my heart. Today, I am part of a team that shares my dedication to dignified, compassionate care, working to make each client’s life a little brighter, helping to bring the “Ah-ha” moment to everyone we encounter, professional referrers and clients alike—ultimately making our client’s and their family’s journey a little smoother, and our referrer’s life a little easier by bringing a true solution in keeping our elders safe within their own home, surrounded by their memories. Being at Care Advantage isn’t just a job—it’s my calling. It is a way to honor the love and lessons my grandfather shared with me, to serve others as he taught me, and to give back in ways I never imagined possible.
Each day I am grateful to continue this journey, honoring my grandfather’s legacy and making a meaningful difference for the families we serve. What I do is not just a profession; it’s a profound, rewarding journey of empathy, connection, and love—one that I am privileged to walk each day.
