Our Staff at BrightStar Care® Baraboo

Our experienced and compassionate staff is dedicated to caring for your loved one as if they were family. Get to know our team.

  • Nichole Gawronski

    Branch Manager
    I am coming to Brightstar with a wealth of sales, marketing, and management experience. I am committed to providing the highest possible level of customer service and care to our clients here in the Sauk and Columbia counties. When not at work you will find me volunteering in the community, enjoying live music with friends, taking group art classes, and spending time with my boys. 
    Nichole Gawronski
  • Michelle Balfanz

    Customer Care Manager
    I come to BrightStar with over 20 years of management experience in the construction and retail industries.  I joined the BrightStar team in April of 2022 as a part-time caregiver because I wanted to give back in some way. Helping people is a true passion and comes naturally. I had some amazing clients and the office staff was great. Early on I realized that BrightStar was committed to their employees and truly treats them as family.  A few short months later, I was asked to join the team as the Customer Care Manager and was thrilled for the opportunity. I look forward to the coaching and mentoring opportunities this position will allow and am committed to the continued success and growth of our team.
  • Jean Latham

    Business Development Manager
    Jean is responsible for all of our new client intake and is most often the first face our clients see.  She will ensure the client and families understand the services our home care or skilled nursing services can provide to make aging in place as safe and rewarding as possible.   Jean’s past professional past career as social worker provides her with a deep understanding of the transitions of the client and their families as they require home care.  She also has significant experience in business, marketing and sales and is the connection to the health facilities, agencies, organizations and serve and spends much of her time connecting in the field to those communities we serve. She is incredibly proud to work for an agency such as Brightstar Care who cares for the people who are in need of care.
    Jean Latham
  • Debra Koch

    Director of Nursing

    As the Director of Nursing (DON) at Brightstar Care, my role is integral to maintaining high standards of care, promoting the well-being of both our clients and staff, and ensuring a safe, effective home environment. I took on this leadership challenge in September 2024 with a commitment to being a strong advocate for our clients and providing the highest level of care to help them remain safely in their homes. Additionally, I strive to offer clinical support and guidance to our caregivers, ensuring they have the tools and resources they need to excel.

    One of the highlights of my job is connecting with clients in the community. Listening to their needs, learning from their experiences, and developing tailored, high-quality care plans are essential in maintaining their comfort, safety, and well-being.

    With over 30 years of nursing experience across various specialties, I am proud to apply my expertise in this leadership role, making a positive impact on both the lives of our clients and the development of our dedicated team.

    Debra Koch
  • Jessica Engel

    Registered Nurse (RN) Case Manager

    As a dedicated Registered Nurse (RN) Case Manager, I have had the privilege of working in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, home care, and family care environments. My experience in these various roles has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of patient needs, enabling me to provide high-quality, individualized care.

    My work at Brightstar Care has been both rewarding and fulfilling. I truly enjoy the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with my clients, building strong and trusting relationships and crafting personalized care plans tailored to their unique needs. My goal is always to ensure that each client receives the best care possible, empowering them to remain safe and comfortable in their own homes.

    Outside of my professional life, I find joy in spending time with my husband managing and growing our registered Black Angus herd.  Additionally, I cherish moments spent with my grown children, valuing the family bonds we share.

    I am deeply committed to providing compassionate, client-centered care, and I look forward to continuing my journey with Brightstar Care while making a positive impact in the lives of others.

    Jessica Engel
  • Sean Morrison

    Regional Director of Operations
    I came to BrightStar Care with over 20 years of expertise in healthcare leadership and business development. My experience working in payor, technology, and provider segments provides a unique understanding of the healthcare system.  I am passionate about providing exceptional care and delivering the best possible outcomes to clients, families, and community partners. My goal is to ensure BrightStar operations are client-centered, compassionate, and focused on delivering a higher standard of care.
    Sean Morrison
  • Lori Tebrinke

    Regional Director of Clinical Operations
    Before coming to Bright Star, I was a night RN at UW Hospital and Clinics on a general internal medicine unit that specialized in Geriatrics and Special Pathogens. I am excited to bring my evidence-based, best practice nursing skills, experiences and training into the private setting. My Bachelor’s degree in Nursing is from UW Madison; additionally I have a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Iowa State University in Communication Disorders with a minor in Psychology. Working here at Bright Star as an RN Case Manager, I feel I have truly come full circle by being able to provide this level of care to my clients in their own home!
    Lori Tebrinke
  • Laken Wehrmann

    Regional Manager of Clinical Operations
    I was working at a facility in the Janesville area when I first heard of BrightStar. There was a nurse on my floor that was from BrightStar Staffing and this individual left such a positve impression I was inspired to do more research on the organization! I have worked in many different healthcare settings, mostly assisted livings, and memory care units. Throughout my time at BrightStar, I've found that the part I enjoy the most as an RN Case Manager is coordinating the 1-to-1 individualized care we provide.  I’m excited to contribute to greater levels of clinical excellence through my role as Assistant Director of Nursing.
    Laken Wehrmann
  • Wanita Day

    Talent Acquisition Specialist
    I have been in health care for 22 years now. I worked as a CNA for 19 years in a skilled facility, hospital, and hospice. I joined Brightstar in July 2020 as an Employee Engagement Manager and an Account Manager for Medical Staffing and recently joined our Brightstar Care Talent Acquisition Team. I am excited to use my experience in healthcare to educate new employees and grow our team so we can continue to fulfil our mission of providing rewarding work and a Higher Standard of Care.
    In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my daughter Jordan and my chocolate lab Wes, I also enjoy photography and traveling!
    Wanita Day
  • Dylan Hefty

    Talent Acquisition Specialist
    I hold a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. Although I am new to healthcare, I am passionate about finding quality candidates to support our enterprise. I hope to make a difference in the communities I recruit for by having happy employees and clients. Outside of work, I like to fish, hike and travel to new places.
    Dylan Hefty

Our Caregivers and Nurses

Our team of care professionals thoroughly screened and trained to provide the highest quality care to your family or your patients. Learn more about our compassionate and trustworthy nurses and caregivers.


Contact Us

Please contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation or call BrightStar Care Baraboo at 608.355.5015.

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