Our Staff at BrightStar Care® Barrington & McHenry County

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

  • Karen Pinderski

    President and Owner
    Karen Pinderski, President and Owner of BrightStar Care® of Barrington and McHenry County, has extensive healthcare experience at Abbott Laboratories, PharMEDium Healthcare, and Pfizer. Home care services and medical staffing services align with her prior work and passion for improving patient safety in medical settings such as Intensive Care Units. Karen holds patents for intravenous infusion labeling and packaging innovations to help reduce medication errors. In her free time, Karen is a soccer enthusiast and the happy care giver of her mom, Avelina. Karen has a BA and MA from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee and MBA from Northwestern Kellogg Graduate School of Management.  
    Karen Pinderski

  • Gina Maki, BSN RN

    Director of Nursing
    Gina Maki is our Director of Nursing. With over 30 years of healthcare experience, Gina understands the continuum of care, including the many situations where a health diagnosis doesn’t need to take you from your home or community. In her leadership role, Gina meets with clients, advocates with a personal touch when needed, and provides clinical oversight of every case. She heads our expert care team of RNs, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs), and others, strongly believing training and mentoring are key to clinical success. Gina is known for demonstrating a great deal of compassion, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, particularly in the most traumatic situations when strong emotional stability from an expert RN is a must. Gina is a leader of maintaining the unmatched care standards of our organization validated by The Joint Commission accreditation. Our accreditation is to the same high quality standards as the best hospitals in the country.

    Prior to joining our team, Gina distinguished herself in leadership roles specializing in Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), mentoring nursing students, and as a Director of Nursing in a 92 bed facility. Gina is an active member of the Infusion Nursing Society and is on the advisory board of Clearbrook Choice Program serving individuals with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities. Gina earned her BSN from Northern Michigan University.
    Gina Maki

  • Stephanie Sullivan

    Sr. Customer Care Manager
    Stephanie has worked in the medical field for the past 17 years and is a life-long McHenry County resident.  She earned her Medical Assistant certification and previously worked as a Clinical Manager in a pain management practice.  Currently working as our Sr. Customer Care Manager for the past 2+ years, she has earned high praise from many clients and employees due to her laser-focus on positive customer and employee experiences.  She collaborates with clients to be sure the schedule developed fits their specific needs.  In her free time, Stephanie enjoys the outdoors, gardening, animals and music.  
    Stephanie Sullivan

  • Cindy Bogard

    Human Resources Director
    With over 40 years of business and human resource experience, Cindy is responsible for overseeing HR management to adhere to organizational policies and procedures. In addition, she is responsible for recruiting and hiring the nursing and caregiver staff and joined the BrightStar Care team 5 years ago. Prior to joining the team, Cindy focused on recruiting and hiring internal and external employees at a major financial services company. She was also responsible for employee and customer experience for multiple business lines there which allows her to bring valuable perspective to the team in building strong employee relationships. 

    In her free time, Cindy is a Chicago sports team enthusiast and likes to garden and scrapbook. She has a BA in Business Management and MS in Organizational Leadership from National Louis University.
    Cindy Bogard

  • Jake Hendon

    Caregiver of the Year

    We are elated to announce our Caregiver of the Year, Jake Hendon!  Jake is a Certified Nursing Assistant providing care for our clients since 2020. Jake’s clients unanimously say that he is a dedicated and compassionate care provider “Making It Great” not only for the clients but the families too! We agree with Jake’s clients who have said that he is truly an asset to BrightStar and always brightens our days! No words can express how grateful we are for the quality help we are getting. He treats us like family, looking after every need and safety - which in turn relieves daily stress. He is attentive and cultivates a one-on-one relationship…we couldn't ask for more!!

    Thank you, Jake, for the care and support you have provided which has impacted so many families in such a positive way. You are a wonderful representation of our Caregiver of the Year. Congratulations Jake!

    Jake Hendon

  • Employee of the Month

    Diego Soto-Tapia 

    January Employee of the Month

    Diego serves with the Core Value "Make it Great."  Diego has excellent listening skills; his active listening promotes his clients to reminisce memories, promoting self worth.  It is a joy seeing Diego interact with his clients and Making it Great for our clients!

     

    Julie Carlson

    February Employee of the Month

    Julie "Serves with Passion."  She extends her caring of the client to the whole family and ensures not only the client needs are met, but alleviates stress from the family members too.  She excels at ensuring a safe environment with her attention to detail in the home.  It is a pleasure watching Julie promote quality of life for client and family, while serving with passion.

     

    Matthew Machado

    March Employee of the Month

    Matt personifies the core value of "Do What You Say."  Matt consistently demonstrates his easy-going nature and gift to foster a positive environment with his clients. Matt's ability to remain calm under pressure and approach tasks with a positive outlook is most commendable.  We are profoundly grateful for his continued service!

     

    Lisseth Garcia

    April Employee of the Month

    Lisseth consistently demonstrates an understanding of our customers' needs and preferences and works to ensure that those needs are met with efficiency and care. We appreciate her role in ensuring new team members can offer a seamless transition in care to our clients.  Her proactive approach to problem-solving and her ability to anticipate customer concerns is treasured!

     

    Brianna Quintanar

    May Employee of the Month

    Brianna consistently ensures that every customer interaction is not just satisfactory, but truly exceptional. Her dedication to understanding and meeting the needs of our customers has not gone unnoticed, and her efforts have undoubtedly contributed to our reputation for outstanding service.

     

    Yeritza Estrella-Sanchez

    June Employee of the Month

    Yeritza has shown remarkable flexibility and enthusiasm in tackling new challenges.  She approaches each opportunity with a positive attitude and commitment to excellence.  Her willingness to learn and adapt to new situations has been inspiring. Her dedication to personal and professional growth is valued by the team. 

     

    Kanchan Sachchidanand

    July Employee of the Month

    Kanchan can adapt to changing circumstances with a positive attitude and eagerness to contribute wherever needed.  Her consistent demonstration of flexibility and dedication shine through.  Kanchan's efforts are valued and are truly an integral part of our success in serving our community.

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 Barrington & McHenry County at 224.858.4280.

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