Our Staff at BrightStar Care® Oklahoma City

Jarod Cannicott was raised in the Oklahoma City metro area and attended The University of Oklahoma graduating in 2005 with a B.S in Computer Engineering. After a period at Hewlett-Packard and receiving an MBA from The University of Texas, Jarod worked in the Energy industry for 11 years in a variety of roles before deciding to transition into healthcare. Purchasing the Edmond and Oklahoma City BrightStar franchise in 2021 allowed Jarod to focus on what he enjoys most:  Having a positive impact on the lives of those in need by building teams focused on the customer experience.

A dedicated and experienced registered nurse, Bethany brings over 20 years of diverse healthcare experience to BrightStar Care. Her journey began in Michigan, where she honed her skills across various departments, including medical-surgical units, emergency rooms, and post-anesthesia care. In 2018, Bethany relocated to Oklahoma and continued her passion for patient care. She coordinated referrals for a non-profit organization, tackled complex cases at Stephenson Cancer Center's Brain Tumor Clinic, and provided compassionate support to patients undergoing chemotherapy. Bethany joined BrightStar Care in 2022 as a part-time nurse, quickly showcasing her leadership and dedication. Within a year, she earned the well-deserved promotion to Director of Nursing. In this role, she plays a vital role in ensuring the highest quality of care for all BrightStar clients. Bethany's dedication extends beyond the workplace. She actively supports her daughter's rowing team at the University of Oklahoma, demonstrating her commitment to community and family.

Laurel leads our community outreach team, bringing a valuable clinical perspective to business development with her Master’s in Nursing Education and background in critical care. In her leadership role, she manages our liaison team to strengthen community partnerships and ensure families across the OKC metro receive the highest standard of care. Laurel’s expertise and dedication are central to expanding our mission and supporting the families we serve.

Whitney has been a registered nurse since 2009, with extensive experience in telemetry, med-surg, and intensive care. For over a decade, she specialized in cardiac ICU, developing advanced skills in critical care and cardiac health management. She also spent two years broadening her expertise in a gastroenterology surgery center. In January 2024, Whitney joined BrightStar Care, where she continues to provide exceptional, patient-centered care. Her diverse background allows her to meet the unique needs of each patient, promoting optimal health and tailoring plans of care for individuals in the home care setting. 

Mandy Vanderslice joined BrightStar Care in 2024, bringing a high-caliber clinical background in Neuro, Cardiac, and Medical ICU care. Before transitioning to home care, she spent three years as a travel nurse, delivering expert care in environments ranging from Level 1 Trauma centers to rural community hospitals. A dedicated advocate for clinical excellence, Mandy is currently a Doctoral of Nursing Practice (DNP) student at Oklahoma City University, specializing as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. As our Assistant DON, she blends intensive care precision with advanced academic expertise to ensure the highest standard of professional, compassionate care for our Tulsa clients.

Jayson brings a deep passion for advocacy to BrightStar Care, backed by a Master’s in Gerontology and leadership experience as a National Director for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. With a professional history in mental health and medical clinic direction, he is dedicated to improving lives through education and community resources. Jayson finds it incredibly rewarding to meet with families and provide the high-quality care and peace of mind they deserve.

Jenni Hammer serves as our OKC Community Liaison, bringing 16 years of experience as a North Texas business owner back to her home state of Oklahoma. She is dedicated to fostering strong relationships with clients and referral partners throughout the OKC metro, inspired by BrightStar’s high standards of patient care. Outside of work, Jenni enjoys being back in the community and spending time with her two adult children who also live in Oklahoma City.

Chelsea, born and raised in Ardmore, Oklahoma, serves as the financial foundation behind BrightStar Care, handling payroll, billing, accounts receivable, and more for the company. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from East Central University on a band scholarship, Chelsea launched her career with the Chickasaw Nation in their Casino Division’s Analysis Department. Her extensive background in analytics proved invaluable, enabling her to excel in managing detailed, complex operations. Drawn to a role with deeper personal significance, Chelsea joined BrightStar Care, where she applies her sharp analytical skills.

Kayla, the Customer Care Manager at BrightStar Care, embodies dedication and expertise. Born and raised in Oklahoma, Kayla has been a licensed practical nurse since 2008 and has specialized in customer care and scheduling for the past two years. She joined BrightStar this year, bringing the quiet diligence and exceptional work ethic that we had come to admire during our previous collaboration. Known for her meticulous attention to detail, Kayla excels at balancing the complex needs of employees and customers, making her an invaluable asset. When the opportunity arose to bring Kayla on board, we seized it immediately, fully aware of her capabilities and the significant impact she would have on our operations.

Ruth, the Human Resources Administrator at BrightStar Care, has quickly become the vibrant pulse of our office and a pivotal figure in shaping our workplace culture since joining in early 2023. Originally from Enid, Oklahoma, Ruth returned from her adventures to rejoin the community, bringing with her an infectious laugh and a warm, welcoming presence that lights up our office every day. Whether she’s greeting customers or welcoming employees, in person or over the phone, her playful warmth and boundless enthusiasm make everyone feel right at home. Ruth’s role is central to fostering the lively community spirit that defines our workplace, making her a beloved and indispensable member of the BrightStar team. We truly hit the jackpot when Ruth came aboard!