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.

Pat Luers | Owner/President

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Communications for the University of Dayton, and served 6 years in the United States Marine Corp and USMC Reserves.  I have 20+ years of sales, sales management and business experience in a variety of industries. I became disillusioned with corporate America’s “profit only” mentality and decided to do something about it.  My wife Kelly and I opened BrightStar of Dayton in 2009.  We are now fulfilling our mission of profoundly impacting the lives of our clients and employees.

Carol Russell | General Manager

I have been part of the staffing industry for 20+ years and previously helped a franchise owner develop his business from 4 offices to 28 offices.  I began with BrightStar Corporate in 2007 and learned healthcare for the first time.  I helped BrightStar grow from 25 locations to over 200 locations. Recently, I was given the opportunity to return to my roots and grow an individual BrightStar location in the Dayton area.  I am delighted to be part of his organization in that it allows me to work with the wonderful team he has developed but also stay in this industry that I so much have a passion for.  Working in healthcare has enriched my career beyond belief.

Ann Markey | Director of Nursing

I am a high-performing R.N. with experience in skilled care as well as in assisted and independent living. I started out as a floor nurse and worked my way up to the Director of Nursing position at a thriving continuing care retirement community, where during my tenure we attained 5 consecutive years of deficiency-free surveys. I played a pivotal role in implementing a dementia care program that is based on the individual needs of the client enabling them to maintain their highest level of functioning and independence. I started an on-site health clinic that brought 10 physicians of various specialities to the facility therefore enabling the client to receive the optimum in health care delivery services.

Terry Vandeberg | Director of Client and Community Resources

After finishing school at Sinclair College, I spent the next eleven years serving the community in various capacities in the medical field. My duties ranged from marketing home health care to operating the ICU at a local hospital. When I met the owners of BrightStar, I knew that I found my calling. The passion for the care of our patients exceeded anything I had seen in the past. As Director of Community Resources, I have the pleasure of ensuring that BrightStar Care offers the highest quality care possible. It is my mission to make BrightStar the most recognizable, highest quality home health care provider in the state of Ohio. We are well on our way.

Viola Haunert | Care Manager

My name is Viola Haunert, I’m a Customer Care Manager and an STNA. I have been in health care for 5 years. I started in health care after my father became ill and he wanted to stay at home through his illness.  I observed how hard it was for my mother to care for him at home, but she was very determined and I assisted her with his care. After caring for my father, my husband told me my heart and soul belongs in health care, and he was right. That is one of the reasons I made Brightstar my home, because my heart and soul truly does belongs in health care, and because I have believe and have faith in Pat Luers, the Franchise owner of Brightstar. He has the same passion about care at home as I do.

Allison Smith | Care Manager

My name is Allison Smith. I am an LPN and a customer Care Mgr. I have been with Brightstar since October of 2011. I have worked in healthcare for approximately 25 years. I was raised by a nurse and taught the importance of caring for your fellow man. I have a true passion for my profession. Taking care of others is what I was born to do. I love working for Brightstar because I feel the company shares my commitment to excellence and my passion for helping those in need.

Our Caregivers

Our caregivers are carefully screened by our staff to ensure they are experienced and meet our rigorous hiring standards. Each new hire is credentialed through online testing, in-depth face-to-face interviews, reference checks, drug tests and background checks. Our caregivers are also safety-trained and certified in CPR. Every employee is bonded and insured.

Our entire staff is committed to the community and to each of the residents and businesses we serve. We invite you to experience the passion and professionalism they exude in all of the services we provide.