Our People

Our people are our greatest asset. From the full spectrum of adult homecare and elder care to childcare and more, the quality services we provide day in and day out would not be possible without the hard work and passion of our dedicated staff. Each member of our team embodies the core values of our business – compassion, integrity, family, excellence, trustworthiness, accountability, and diversity – and strives to make more possible for those in our care.

Who We Hire…

At Brightstar we know selecting a caregiver for your loved one is a very serious decision.  That is why we have an industry leading screening process to ensure the person we provide would be welcome in your home.

Here are just some of the steps in our hiring process:

Learn About Our Incredible Staff…

Brigthstar of South Sarasota

Owners – Chuck & Colette Russell
Thank you for your interest in BrightStar®.  Since 2009 Chuck and Colette Russell co-own the South Sarasota franchise which covers south Sarasota county, Charlotte, and Desoto counties.  We are pleased that you have decided to do research on our background and welcome sharing some of our life experiences with you.

Both of our children were born with a moderate to severe hearing loss.  Later, in their young adult life, they were diagnosed with Usher’s Syndrome.  This not only causes deafness but also loss of vision that can eventually cause blindness.  This can be a debilitating experience as they grow older.  However, we address these challenges as a family and with a hearty sense of humor.  We do the best we can to educate ourselves and remain proactive in new research and development.  We are optimistic that someday there will be a cure. 

We come from a large family where we have experienced much adversity.  Our niece, Rachel Waraksa, was born with Spina Bifida.  Rachel was a marvelous girl that changed our way of thinking entirely.  The more we learned about Rachel, the more we learned about how to better ourselves.  Rachel lost her life at only 17 and a part of the reason we bought in to the BrightStar® family will always be in memoriam of Rachel. We have been caregivers to our parents, grandparents, and our partners.  Some had epilepsy; some cancer; some kidney failure; some heart failure and some mental illness.  Many passed too young.  We understand fully the need for not only helping you to take care of your loved one, but to offer family caregivers some much needed rest and relaxation.

We embrace families that require assistance and respite services that sometimes only other family members have been able to provide.  While we encourage strong familial support, we realize that we can’t always depend on others in our own family and support group to understand what we are experiencing when raising a child with special needs or taking care of a parent who has dementia or a best friend with cancer.  AT LAST, SOMEONE IS HERE TO HELP YOU.  We understand what you need as a result of our own life experiences.

Lynn Clement – Director of Nursing
Lynn Clement is our Director of Nursing.  Lynn has over 24 years experience in the health care field.  She received her Master’s Degree as a Nurse Practitioner with high honors from the University of Rochester. Lynn personally oversees the plans of care for every client and family.  Lynn has worked in a variety of settings and committed to excellence in service and patient care.

Dante Russell – Hiring Manager
After being born hearing impaired and later diagnosed with Usher’s Syndrome, I came at a crossroad at age 22 in my life.  I decided to use my Business Education skills to help out other people in need of medical services. It was my choice to come and join the BrightStar Venice team with my parents leaving many friends and family behind in Michigan.  I played Basketball, Football, Golf and Baseball my whole life.  I love the change of scenery moving from Metro Detroit Area to the Sarasota area.  Now twenty-four years old, I finally believe that the decision I made to help out other people who suffer from disabilities and mental illnesses is making me happier every day.

Jean Williams – Front Office Manager
Jean keeps our world of chaos moving forward at Brighstar®.   Her attention to detail and  true passion for making every patient we serve the most important patient we have.  Jean serves as a hospital volunteer at Venice Regional Medical Center.