Our Staff at BrightStar Care® Conejo Valley

"There comes a time in everyone’s life when they need a helping hand to overcome the challenges life throws at them, and the philosophy and systems BrightStar Care has in place allows my amazing team to provide the highest quality of care to our community.   As specialists in the rapidly growing healthcare industry, we empower our nurses and caregivers to live our values and provide compassionate care and service, anytime, anyplace!  We believe in personalized healthcare with RN oversight on all cases and we rarely find any case too challenging. BrightStar Care services the Westside and South Bay and surrounding areas in Los Angeles and Ventura County.  We provide unparalleled standards in adult and elder home care/childcare, as well as supplemental healthcare staff  for  hospitals, alcohol & drug rehabs, mental health and assisted or independent living facilities. BrightStar Care also provides higher acuity medical care at home with skilled RN nursing services, Occupational and Physical Therapy."

How long have you been working in healthcare?
I have worked in the Medical environment for over 20 years. I began my first working experience working in my dad's medical office, managing the front office, helping patients, and doing blood, lab work, and EKG's. I also had the opportunity to work as an EKG Technician at the Hospital during college. I loved the Hospital environment, and working with Professionals, so after graduating from Michigan State University, I enjoyed my career as a Sales Manager promoting hospital products to Maternity Departments nationally.

What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care?
I have also been a Healthy Lifestyle Fitness Instructor teaching both Aqua Fitness, Yoga, and Senior Sneaker classes in our Community for the past 15 years. I have developed many wonderful friendships with seniors in our community and know the importance of healthy living. I have also worked as a private home care giver, and I know firsthand how vitally important it is to have the "Right Fit" in placing a Care Giver. I love that BrightStar offers Guaranteed Compatibility in matchmaking. I remember the stress of finding the right Agency for my parents when they needed care. I am privileged to offer that same caring help to families, and facilities who are seeking Professional Medical and Non-Medical Compassionate Care.

What aspect of your job are you most passionate about?
I am a "Helper" and an "Educator". I am passionate about making a difference in peoples lives. I am resourceful, and creative, I like the challenge of finding solutions. I am excited to be a part of the likeminded Team at BrightStar Care providing a higher level of care to the families and facilities we serve in our community.

I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our BrightStar Care clients by... making meaningful connections, and touching hearts to make lives better. Going above and beyond every day to exceed expectations!

How long have you been working in Health Care: I began my journey in healthcare by volunteering at Torrance Memorial Hospital and discovered a passion for helping others. I've been working in staffing, serving clients with elevated in-home services, and projects around serving the needs of people for the past 10 years. I was also fortunate to work alongside the talented residents at UCSF Fresno to help them become more collaborative and connected as a team.

What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care: Through an array of diverse experiences, I have a throughline in entrepreneurial pursuits. BrightStar is the perfect place to apply a plethora of those learned skills, from building relationships to creative problem solving.

What aspect of your job are you most passionate about: I love connecting people to create meaningful relationships that benefit everyone involved. My favorite part of any day is deeply listening to others and doing my best to meet their needs with what I can offer!

I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our BrightStar Care clients by... Bringing trust and care into every relationship for our community.

How long have you been working in healthcare?
I have been working in healthcare for eight years. It is an incredibly rewarding experience. Seeing the positive impact on patient's lives made me want to learn and do more. I am very fortunate to work in healthcare, and I look forward to many more years of serving patients and positively impacting their lives.

What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care?
I understand the importance of building trustworthy relationships with patients and their families. I have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, enabling me to connect with patients personally and provide them with the compassionate care they deserve.

What aspect of your job are you most passionate about?
I take pride in managing a team that provides efficient and effective healthcare services. Observing our clients' progress and improvement due to our care is incredibly rewarding.

I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our BrightStar Care clients by...
Providing a comfortable life with greater independence, comfort, and peace of mind. My goal is to empower our clients to live their best lives, regardless of age, ability, or circumstance.

How long have you been working in healthcare?
Previously getting my degree in psychology in 2014 and focusing on the clinical side of care, I graduated in May 2020 from California Baptist University in Riverside County. I moved back to Ventura County and now work as an OR nurse and home health care RN. I also serve my community volunteering regularly for the Ventura County Mission and for the Rape Crisis Center of VC counseling young women, two organizations very near and dear to my heart.

What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care?
As a new grad, I am fresh with knowledge and am proficient in the most up to date skills. I am an avid reader and am always staying up to date in new medical advancements. My experience in psychology has helped me tremendously in home care to treat the body as well as the mind, which I have found to be equally important.

What aspect of your job are you most passionate about?
I was born a people person and knew my heart was too big not to share it with others. I am passionate about people of all ages, race, and background. Nursing has encompassed everything that brings me joy, from being there for someone on Hospice taking their last breath to rejoicing when a patient finds out their going to be a grandparent. Building trusting and lasting relationships with people during a time in their life that may be unpleasant is what makes me most proud to be a nurse.

I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our BrightStar Care clients by... actively listening to patients, being there for them physically and emotionally. I try to keep my attitude light and positive, being a warm presence while providing professional care. 

How long have you been working in healthcare?
I have 24 years of experience in healthcare, with nine of those as an RN.

What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care?
Before I became a nurse I worked with many different populations in different areas of healthcare: geriatric, celebrity clients, pediatric and developmentally disabled. This solid foundation helped me when I became a nurse as I felt I knew how to make almost any patient comfortable under my care. After obtaining my nursing degree at Santa Monica College, I was an ER nurse for 2 years and completed TNCC which is a trauma nursing certification. I have been working full time at BrightStar Care for almost seven years.

What aspect of your job are you most passionate about?
To me, progress equals passion at work. Whether that progress is with clients or employees it makes me happy and supplies the motivation for me to keep working hard. I get excited when a patient tells me we’ve finally found a treatment regimen that works for them! It makes my day when I train another nurse and am able to demonstrate something that makes their job easier.

I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our BrightStar Care clients by...
Our clients lead such interesting lives and I love hearing their story and how they cope with their limitations. As their nurse, I try my best to fit myself into their life as seamlessly as possible and encourage their progress, no matter how small. The goal is to turn their treatment experience into a positive routine.

How long have you been working in healthcare?
When I was 18, I started as a CNA at Motion Picture Hospital in Woodland Hills. I come from a long line of nurses including my grandmother, mother, aunt, sister and daughter.  As a result, I always knew I would become a nurse. I graduated from Pierce College with an AA degree in 1980 followed by working in the hospital and was immediately trained in ICU with ALS certification. I was also on their code team and remained working in the hospital for 14 years.  On the side I did platelet pheresis. The Hospital closed in 1994 which lead me to home health where I did wound care, IV antibiotics, post-op cases etc. I started to work with biologic meds in 1997 and had extensive training in all specialty infusion inducing; IVIG, Alpha 1 Antitrypsin, all enzyme replacement therapies and factors. I have continued to perform specialty infusions until present. I enjoy working patients and families of all ages, this year marks 40 years and I still enjoy what I am doing!

What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care?
I bring many years of experience in many areas. I have excellent IV experience with all central lines, epidurals and subcutaneous infusions. I have extensive training in biologic medications and years of experience teaching in facilities and in the home with patients and their families.

What aspect of your job are you most passionate about?
I am most passionate about serving the clients assigned to me and making sure they receive the best care possible. My passion is building relationships and assisting patients and families with all aspects of the disease process management.

I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our BrightStar Care clients by... communicating effectively with clients and their families to clearly understand what the clients need in order help them achieve their health goals.

How long have you been working in healthcare?

My career in the healthcare field started over 35 years ago.  My first job after high school was as an admitting clerk in a small Los Angeles, CA, hospital.  As an LVN, I have worked in emergency rooms, telemetry, pediatrics, and L & D. I was a nurse manager at a drug detox and rehab center r, a hospice nurse and a home health care nurse.

What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care?

I have a wide variety of skills and experience.  I love working with and helping people; I love educating patients and their families about self-care and nursing.  I love being a nurse! I love getting to know clients and their families to fulfill their needs better.  

What aspect of your job are you most passionate about?

I am passionate about helping others.  I love being part of a great team that comes together for the good of their patients, whether in a home or hospital setting.  With my extensive LVN background, I can talk to prospective caregivers and find the best caregivers for our patients.

I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our BrightStar Care clients by...

Recruiting great caregivers and nurses.

How long have you been working in healthcare?

I’ve been in the healthcare/caregiving field for over 35 years in many aspects.  Starting as a mom to two, now adult, women and grandmother to four.  Working as a massage therapist, a caregiver for family members as they transition out of this life, and caregiver for children and adults with disabilities are just some of the many hats I've worn.  
 
What experience do you bring to BrightStar?

I have years of experience as a nursery schoolteacher.  One must be able to listen and communicate clearly when working with children.  I bring communication and listening skills to the clients, families, and caregivers.  Everyone wants to be heard and feel important.  

What aspect of your job are you most passionate about?

Helping people feel safe and taken care of is my goal at BrightStar Care. Clients and their families are often entering the caregiving world not knowing what to expect.  I want everyone involved to rest assured that their needs, both physical and emotional, will be met with a positive and cheerful attitude.
 
I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our BrightStar Care clients by...

Demonstrating care when working with caregivers and clients as well as recruiting and hiring amazing caregivers.
 

How long have you been working in healthcare?

My career in the healthcare field began in 2012 as a CNA while attending Casa Loma College to become an LVN. During my time as an LVN, I have been given the opportunity to work at long term healthcare facilities as a charge nurse, drug and alcohol rehab facilities as a health and wellness coordinator, and a home health nurse who was responsible for the post recovery of patients right after surgery. At many of these locations, I have also been introduced to elements of wound care and wound management which I find fascinating. I hope in the near future, I can go back to school for my RN and expand into other areas of nursing.

What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care?

I believe that my exposure to doing various assessments in different settings along with educating patients and their families about such things as disease management, self-care, and safety precautions can be utilized while working for Brightstar.

What aspect of your job are you most passionate about?

I am most passionate about helping others. I love being able to work together with patients and their families whether talking to them over the phone or getting to know them while doing a living room visit. I can also work in the office, doing orientations for new caregivers and use my organizational skills to upload and manage the paperwork that comes in.

I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our BrightStar Care clients by...

Working with a great team who look out for the well-being of our clients.

 

How long have you been working in healthcare?
I have been in the healthcare industry for a little over 6 years. I started my career in the healthcare industry in 2015 after a successful career in the banking industry of over 20 years.

What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care?
I worked for a chemical dependency facility where I learned the ins and outs of medical billing followed by learning the insurance appeals and collections  process.

What aspect of your job are you most passionate about?
I am passionate about providing excellent service and being part of team that works together to provide excellent service and letting our clients and staff know how important they are to us. 

I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our BrightStar Care clients by... always making myself available when our clients have questions about their invoices or when someone in our staff calls inquiring about payroll concerns.

Kelley became passionate about senior care over 20 years ago when she experienced her Grandmothers need for care while on hospice and stepped in to take care of her. Kelley has now been in senior care over 13 years and a memory care director for 8 of those years. Her love for working with people with dementia lead her to recruiting a team for the Walk to End Alzheimers and they became a top fundraiser in Conejo Valley 2 years in a row. She donates her time to the Alzheimer's Association and the community leading panels on dementia care and hospice. In her spare time, Kelley enjoys riding motorcycles and rooting for the Dodgers with her son. 

How long have you been working in healthcare?
Kelley became passionate about senior care over 20 years ago when she experienced her Grandmothers need for care while on hospice and stepped in to take care of her. Kelley has now been in senior care over 13 years and a memory care director for 8 of those years. Her love for working with people with dementia lead her to recruiting a team for the Walk to End Alzheimers and they became a top fundraiser in Conejo Valley 2 years in a row. She donates her time to the Alzheimer's Association and the community leading panels on dementia care and hospice. In her spare time, Kelley enjoys riding motorcycles and rooting for the Dodgers with her son. 

What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care?
Kelley started in homecare as a caregiver, moved into the office doing scheduling part-time, and eventually became the HR and recruiting specialist. She has worked one on one with clients ranging from transportation to hospice care for over 13 years.

What aspect of your job are you most passionate about?
Her love for working with people with dementia lead her to recruiting a team for the Walk to End Alzheimers and they became a top fundraiser in Conejo Valley 2 years in a row. She donates her time to the Alzheimer's Association and the community leading panels on dementia care and hospice. 

I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our BrightStar Care clients by... She wants clients and their families to have the best experience with their homecare needs. There is nothing more important than for our loved ones to be safe and cared for in the most compassionate way. She wants only the best caregivers to work for Brightstar so she works with caregivers counseling them, leading them, and training them on all aspects of their jobs. She looks to hire the best caregivers with the biggest hearts. 

How long have you been working in Health Care?
I have been in healthcare for over 20 years. I’m passionate about caring for others. It is what I was born to do. For the majority of my life, I have been a caregiver, so it just made sense that this would be my career path. 

What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care?
My experience with team building, organization, patience, communication, and compassion are some of the skills I bring to Brightstar. My goal is to make sure that, at the end of the day, we have done everything that we can to provide outstanding care to our customers. 

What aspect of your job are you most passionate about?
I am equally passionate about building a compassionate and strong team and providing the highest quality of care to our customers.

I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our BrightStar Care clients by... Helping to build a cohesive team to exceed all of our client’s expectations.

How long have you been working in healthcare?
I was in the contact center industry for more than 8 years. I worked on several campaigns including health care. I am into customer service, data entry of laboratory records, appointment setting, scheduling, and administrative tasks. My main goal is to treat our customers like family and provide the best service possible which I aim to do at BrightStar Care!

What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care?
I have developed skills and gained experience over the years which I can impact the growth and processes in BrightStar. Being able to work in different industries has taught me to always understand and provide our clients satisfactory services based on what the client needs are. 
 
What aspect of your job are you most passionate about?
I am very passionate about helping people and being able to work with an awesome team! This has made my job easier. I am tasked with doing the administrative role of recruiting and helping make sure that we hire the right people and give our clients the best care staff possible.  

I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our BrightStar Care clients by... making sure our care staff is compliant and is worthy of our clients trust! Not just our services but, also with the kind team. I am very happy to be part of the BrightStar Care family and can't wait to see OUR GROWTH!

How Long Have You Been Working In Healthcare?

I became a CNA back in 2013, and have been in the field ever since. I have loved every moment of it and can't wait to see more.

What Experience do you bring to Brightstar care?

11 Years as a CNA and 5 years with Brightstar

What aspect of you job are you most passionate about?

Making sure my clients and stuff know I am there when they need me

I am making MORE POSSIBLE for Brightstar care clients by?

Being there when they need anything. Comfortable and safe in their homes

How long have you been working in healthcare?

I have been working in healthcare for a total of 6 years. 4 years as caregiver in my home country and 3 years as phone customer service associate/subject matter expert for a healthcare company.

What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care?

As a caregiver I can proudly share I am able to help our clients with the best care they deserve, providing care as you would like to be done to your loved ones and to yourself. As an experienced phone agent, I am able to swiftly handle customer's concern and value our caller's time while still providing genuine care to them and their concern.

What aspect of your job are you most passionate about?

Helping and supporting people always gives that incomparable feeling regardless who your audience is. It is always satisfying that you are able to help our customers (both clients and employees alike), knowing that you have made their day better, which drives me to be more passionate about the healthcare industry!

I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our BrightStar Care clients by...

Providing genuine care to all our stakeholders, and by being flexible and efficient in doing our job.

How long have you been working in healthcare?
This is my first healthcare account and I am very grateful to be a part of BrightStar  Care. I’m responsible for scheduling and some administrative tasks. 

What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care?
I’ve been in the customer service industry for over 8 years. I have plenty of experience listening carefully to the needs of my customers before efficiently working to solve their problems. I’m confident that I can provide a high level of customized support to ensure customers are happy with the service offered. 

What aspect of your job are you most passionate about?
My biggest passion is to help people. And with BrightStar Care, I feel like I’m spending my time working on helping people with something that’s important, and that motivates me to do great work. 

How long have you been working in Health Care?
My journey in healthcare began with my education, as I am a graduate of practical nursing. During my studies, I completed 4 months of on-the-job training in a hospital setting, which provided me with valuable hands-on experience and prepared me for a career dedicated to healthcare.

What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care
I acquired valuable skills and knowledge during my on-the-job training while pursuing my associate degree in practical nursing. This combination of practical experience and formal education equips me with a strong foundation to provide exceptional care and support to our clients.

What aspect of your job are you most passionate about?
The aspect of my job at BrightStar Care that I am most passionate about is the opportunity to match caregivers with clients in a way that ensures both parties receive the best possible care experience. I understand the importance of personalized care and the impact it can have on individuals' well-being. By selectively matching caregivers with clients, I am able to contribute to the delivery of high-quality, tailored care that meets the unique needs of each individual we serve. This aspect of my job allows me to make a positive difference in the lives of both caregivers and clients, and it's what drives my passion for the work I do at BrightStar Care.

*I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our BrightStar Care clients by... by meticulously assigning caregivers who perfectly match the needs and preferences of our clients, ensuring that they receive the personalized care they deserve. By serving as the primary point of communication between clients and caregivers, I foster trust, reliability, and continuity in care delivery, ultimately enhancing the overall experience for our clients and enabling our clients to access the high-quality care they need and deserve.

How long have you been working in healthcare?

I have limited experience working in healthcare, and during that time, I had minimal interaction with clients or customers. However, knowing the fact that I am part of a company dedicated to helping people fills me with joy. I have always had a passion for assisting others in any capacity. In the past, I devoted my time to volunteering in medical missions, feeding programs, and charity events. As a regular individual, I found fulfillment in making a positive impact and aiding others, no matter how small the gesture.

What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care?

During my youth, I often pondered various ways to assist others, despite lacking proficiency in the medical, caregiver, or nursing fields. My innate desire to aid people led me to delve into financial literacy, advocating for and empowering individuals to enhance their financial acumen. I invested significant time in understanding the importance of insurance, particularly health and life insurance, aiming to alleviate the financial burdens that arise during times of illness or adversity. While my professional background lies in accounting, I continuously seek opportunities to broaden my expertise. Over the years, I have accumulated diverse experiences in customer service, finance, administration, sales, training, and leadership roles.

Presently, I serve as an accounting associate at BrightStar Care, a role that fills me with pride and satisfaction. Here, I apply the knowledge and skills acquired from my past experiences, diligently ensuring the proper implementation of reports and accounting processes, while continuously expanding my knowledge and expertise in the field.

What aspect of your job are you most passionate about?

I am most passionate about the integral role I play as an accounting associate in a healthcare company. My work allows me to merge my expertise in accounting with my deep-rooted commitment to supporting the well-being of others. I find immense fulfillment in ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of financial processes, ultimately contributing to the seamless delivery of care to those in need. This intersection of financial stewardship and healthcare advocacy resonates deeply with me, igniting a sense of purpose and fulfillment in my professional endeavors.

I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our Brightstar Care clients by...

Meticulously reviewing financial information, adeptly handling financial paperwork. Provide clear and transparent financial information to clients regarding their healthcare services, expenses and coverages. This helps them understand the financial aspects of their care and make informed decisions.