Our Team at BrightStar Care® Cleveland

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

  • Kathleen Gilan, MBA, BSHA, CEAL, CEHCH, CDP

    Executive Director of Operations
    Kathleen brings strong leadership and strategic expertise to BrightStar Care, with extensive experience across post‑acute care settings including skilled nursing facilities (SNF), assisted living (AL), and home care. Her background has equipped her with a deep understanding of operations, team leadership, and delivering high‑quality care in diverse environments.

    In her role as Executive Director of Operations, Kathleen is most passionate about ensuring exceptional care for every client while fostering a work environment where staff feel respected, supported, and empowered. She believes that strong leadership and a positive culture are essential to delivering consistent, compassionate care.

    Kathleen’s favorite part of working at BrightStar Care is the Cleveland team and the outstanding support they provide. She values being part of a collaborative, dedicated group that works together to achieve the highest standards of care and service.

    Outside of work, Kathleen enjoys spending time with her husband and their dogs, reading, and power walking. She is motivated by advancing both team growth and business growth, finding the greatest satisfaction in strengthening organizational strategies while supporting her team’s ongoing success.
    Kathleen Gilan, Director of Operations at BrightStar Care
  • Jesse Cabusao, RN

    Clinical Coordinator
    Jesse brings to BrightStar Care a blend of clinical skill, practical experience, and a strong ability to learn and adapt quickly. With a background in meeting deadlines, managing tasks efficiently, and maintaining close attention to detail, she contributes consistency, reliability, and steady support to the BrightStar Care team.

    She is most passionate about collaboration and enjoys being part of a team working toward shared goals. Jesse values contributing to a positive, productive environment where everyone can succeed together.

    Jesse’s favorite part of working at BrightStar Care is being part of an organization that blends high standards of care with genuine compassion. She appreciates working for a company that truly values both its clients and its employees.

    Outside of work, Jesse enjoys spending time outdoors with friends—hiking, camping, and exploring new beaches and waterfalls. Motivated by being a dependable support system, she approaches each day with the goal of helping others stay productive and reducing stress across the workplace.
    Jesse Cabusao, Assistant to the Clinical Director, RN at BrightStar Care
  • Mikayla Wright, RN

    Field Registered Nurse
    Mikayla Wright, Registered Nurse at BrightStar Care
  • Kathee Thomas

    Customer Care Manager
    Kathee brings more than 20 years of customer service experience and four years of high‑volume recruiting to her role at BrightStar Care. Her background has shaped her into a strong communicator and relationship‑builder, with a natural ability to support both clients and employees with clarity, empathy, and follow‑through.

    As Customer Care Manager, Kathee is passionate about elevating the experience of every individual BrightStar Care serves. She uses her strengths in organization, time management, and people‑focused leadership to ensure clients, caregivers, and nurses feel supported, valued, and heard throughout their care journey.

    Her favorite part of working at BrightStar Care is witnessing the genuine compassion and dedication her team brings to every interaction. Being part of an environment where integrity and commitment guide the work is both inspiring and motivating for her.

    Outside of work, Kathee enjoys spending time with her family, singing, and relaxing with a good book. She approaches each day with intention and gives her full energy to the clients and team she supports.
    Kathee Thomas, Customer Care Manager at BrightStar Care Cleveland
  • Anne Louise Acero

    Intake Coordinator

    Anne has more than 10 years of experience as an Executive Assistant supporting C-level executives. Her proactive approach and attention to detail ensure that leaders at BrightStar Care of Cleveland can focus on high-level priorities while she manages the administrative and logistical responsibilities that keep everything running smoothly.

    She enjoys anticipating needs, solving problems before they arise, and creating efficient processes that help the entire team succeed. Knowing that her work behind the scenes contributes to smoother operations and better outcomes is deeply rewarding.

    Her favorite part of working at BrightStar Care is being part of an organization that makes a meaningful impact on people’s lives. She values the opportunity to contribute to a team that prioritizes compassion and aligns closely with her own personal and professional values.

    Outside of work, Anne cherishes spending time with her children and granddaughter. She enjoys spa and coffee dates with her husband, “me time” with her daughters, and actively participating in church activities. Motivated by building a better future for her family and supporting leaders in making important decisions, Anne approaches each day with purpose and dedication.

    Anne Louise Acero, Executive Assistant at BrightStar Care Cleveland
  • Samantha Galvin

    Clinical Liaison

    Samantha brings a strong background in sales, with a natural talent for building meaningful relationships and helping individuals find the right solutions for their needs. Her passion for connecting people with services that truly make a difference is what makes her work in home care so fulfilling.

    She is most energized by getting to know people — listening to their stories, understanding their unique situations, and helping guide them toward care and resources that can positively impact their lives. For Samantha, relationships are at the heart of everything she does.

    Her favorite part of working at BrightStar Care is the people. She values the connections she’s built with her teammates, referral partners, and, most importantly, the clients and families they serve. The shared commitment to compassion and excellence is what makes BrightStar Care such a rewarding place for her.

    Outside of work, Samantha enjoys spending quality time with her family. Whether grilling out, playing cornhole on the weekends, or unwinding on the patio with her husband after a busy day, she cherishes the simple moments together. She stays motivated by setting goals, creating a plan, and celebrating progress — a mindset that keeps her driven and inspired.

    Samantha Galvin, Clinical Liaison at BrightStar Care
  • William Cruz

    Senior Recruiter
    William brings hands‑on experience managing the full‑cycle recruitment process, with a strong focus on healthcare roles including Registered Nurses, LPNs, and caregivers. His expertise spans sourcing candidates, conducting screenings, coordinating interviews, and preparing detailed endorsements for hiring managers. He is skilled in ATS and CRM systems, ensuring organized pipelines, compliance, and a positive candidate experience.

    He is most passionate about connecting the right candidates with the right opportunities—especially in healthcare, where the impact is deeply meaningful. William finds purpose in knowing that the professionals he helps place directly contribute to patient care and overall well‑being.

    William’s favorite part of working at BrightStar Care is the organization’s commitment to high‑quality, compassionate care and its strong support for both clients and employees. Being part of a mission‑driven team makes his work both fulfilling and impactful.

    Outside of work, William enjoys spending time with his family and exploring new learning opportunities that help him recharge. Motivated by achieving results and making a meaningful impact, he approaches each day focused on successful placements, meeting hiring goals, and supporting a smooth recruitment process.
    William Cruz, Senior Recruiter for BrightStar Care
  • Myia Bason

    Business Office Manager

    With 14 years of experience in healthcare as an HHA, STNA, and Medical Assistant, combined with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Business in Office Administration, Myia brings a blend of clinical insight, compassion, and organizational expertise to BrightStar Care of Cleveland. Over the past four years, she has advanced through several roles, including recruiting, credentialing, accounts payable and receivable, collections, and administrative coordination. Today, she serves as Field Operations Manager.

    She is most passionate about making a meaningful difference and contributing to the success of day-to-day operations. Whether it’s scheduling team members the hours they need to support their families or helping set clients up with the care they need at home, her work is rooted in creating positive outcomes for both staff and clients.

    Her favorite part of working at BrightStar Care is the opportunity to combine operational leadership with a mission-driven purpose. Every decision she makes helps strengthen the team and improve the quality of care delivered to clients across Northeast Ohio.

    Outside of work, Myia values spending time with her family and creating lasting memories with her children. Motivated by the impact her work has on others, she approaches each day with dedication and a commitment to excellence.

    Myia Bason, Field Operations Manager at BrightStar Care Cleveland
  • Austin Campbell

    Marketing Intern

    Austin brings a fresh perspective to social media marketing while continuing his college education at Kent State University. His enthusiasm for learning and applying modern marketing strategies allows him to contribute creative ideas to BrightStar Care’s outreach efforts in Greater Cleveland.

    He is most passionate about expanding his knowledge of marketing every day. Austin values the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while working alongside a team who share their expertise and insights, helping him grow both personally and professionally.

    Austin’s favorite part of working at BrightStar Care is the collaborative environment. He appreciates being part of a team that is dedicated, supportive, and committed to making a meaningful impact in the community.

    Outside of work, Austin enjoys spending time with friends and family. He looks forward to playing football with his college club and creating memorable experiences with those closest to him. Motivated by the dedication of his team, Austin approaches each day eager to learn and contribute.

    Austin Campbell, Marketing Intern at BrightStar Care
  • David Bardwell

    COO

    David brings years of experience from the information technology sector, where he led organizations and managed large-scale projects to improve software and web applications. At BrightStar Care of Cleveland, he uses that same improvement mindset to streamline workflows and make sure families receive care quickly and efficiently.

    He is passionate about being part of the solution for families in need. David takes pride in connecting people with the right resources and making sure every person who reaches out gets the care they deserve.

    One of David’s favorite parts of working at BrightStar Care is serving Veterans and their families across Northeast Ohio. He finds it especially rewarding to help them access benefits they may not know they’ve earned, whether it’s home care support or housing resources.

    Outside of work, David enjoys camping trips in his travel trailer at state parks. He’s also an avid runner and hopes to tackle a full marathon soon. Motivated by the knowledge that his work can extend and improve lives, David approaches each day with purpose and commitment.

    David Bardwell, COO of BrightStar Care Cleveland
  • Giselle Bardwell

    CEO

    Giselle brings a strong foundation in leadership, operations, and strategic execution to BrightStar Care of Cleveland. With a background in healthcare marketing, entrepreneurship, and business development, she excels at building systems that work for both the business and the people behind it.

    She is most passionate about leading a team of healthcare professionals who show up every day with purpose. Many are balancing personal challenges while delivering high-quality care. Giselle takes pride in supporting their growth and creating opportunities for success.

    Her favorite part of working at BrightStar Care is the chance to lead with purpose in Northeast Ohio. She enjoys aligning operational excellence with human needs, whether refining policies, solving scheduling issues, or coaching team members through their day. Every decision has the potential to improve someone’s life, and that sense of impact keeps her invested.

    Outside of work, Giselle enjoys spending time with her family, camping, cooking, watching movies, and caring for foster kittens. She also finds peace in tending to plants. Motivated by progress, she approaches each day with a commitment to helping others rise, thrive, and deliver care that makes a difference.

    Giselle Bardwell, CEO of BrightStar Care Cleveland

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.


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Please contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation or call BrightStar Care Cuyahoga West at 440.613.1500.

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