Our Staff at BrightStar Care® LaCrosse

Home Care is my passion. The biggest factor in my decision to come to BrightStar was the Joint Commission Accreditation. Additionally, true RN oversight was also exciting. The La Crosse area is my hometown.  I feel that my community deserves the highest quality options of care.  Being able to stand behind all that we do just feels absolutely amazing. There is nothing more rewarding than to make it possible for someone to remain in the comfort of their own home. 

Before coming to BrightStar, I had prior experience working as a manager in both home care and a CBRF settings. My time in the CBRF setting made me miss the atmosphere of home care where you can better build quality connections with those being cared for. I appreciate being able to do this at BrightStar, while knowing that as a team we are providing quality care and peace of mind. I also like the advancement opportunities available at BrightStar. I first started as a Caregiver, then moved into the Customer Care Manager Role, and am now in the Customer Experience Manager position. It is very encouraging to work for a company that cares for professional growth of its employees.

I came to BrightStar with over 7 years of Management experience.  My decision to join the BrightStar team was based on being able to make a difference in people’s lives and work in a place we thrive together as a team! In the past, I have worked first hand at a CBRF and am excited to navigate the journey of home health care.  My goal is to create a compassionate, understanding, and successful team of caregivers to provide excellent care to our clients in the Coulee Region.

I come from a long background in healthcare. I started working the floor in a skilled nursing facility at age 16, and it really opened my eyes to the ever-demanding need for quality and compassionate nurses and caregivers. I moved around the industry over the years, from Unit Coordinator at a local hospital, surgical tech to scheduling and HR. I was brought into the BrightStar Care family in 2018 and never looked back. I manage client satisfaction, fulfillment and quality for our staffing clients throughout our territory.  BrightStar has given me the support I need to grow within the company, and I have passed along that same support to the staff that I manage so we can all shine bright together. We aren't only a team, we are family. 

When I was looking for a position in home health, BrightStar staff reached out to me almost immediately. The more questions they asked and answered for me, the more intrigued I got about this job. I have always loved jobs that allow autonomy. I like being in charge of how my day MIGHT look (of course, it changes at the drop of a hat!). I also like the variety of things that we do in this position. One day may be an all-day IV, the next I am educating staff, another, . . . who knows!! I also like that it draws on all the skills that I have learned throughout my nursing career.

I came to BrightStar in May of 2020 because I was looking for something with more of a team atmosphere. After a year of being an RN in the field, I was promoted to RN Case Manager. I really enjoy taking care of my clients with the goal of keeping them in their home and making sure they are safe there. One thing that I appreciate is knowing that my actions, things that I do when I go into a client’s home, make a difference, and improve their health. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my kids and with my grandkids.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in medical technology from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, and a master’s degree in human relations from Oklahoma University. I have 25 years experience working in medical facilities and laboratories in Alabama, California, Colorado, Germany, and Wisconsin. Before opening the BrightStar business with my husband, Jeff, I was the Laboratory Manager at the Veteran’s Hospital in Madison. While this is a second career for me, helping out families in need and providing quality jobs for our great staff is the most meaningful and rewarding work I’ve ever done.

I earned my undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Minnesota, and spent 30+ years in corporate positions at US West, Qwest and US Bank. A re-organization of US Bank started my search for an opportunity to run a small business. When Susan and I heard about BrightStar, we decided it was a perfect opportunity to help families, create jobs, and establish a business in this growing industry.

I joined the BrightStar team after running another business in the service industry for many years, first taking on oversight of our assisted living properties and then day-to-day financials for BrightStar Care.  I enjoy working with all of our managers and coaching them on problem-solving.  In my spare time I enjoy traveling and sky diving.

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.

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!

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.

I joined the team at BrightStar Care in 2016 after working in pharmacy and hospital settings. Though my current role with BrightStar Care is more on the administrative side of our business, I enjoyed working with direct care staff and our clients for nearly four years as a Customer Care Manager. I was drawn to BrightStar Care because of the care and compassion shown to both our employees and clients, and I continue to be inspired to live those values in my daily work. Outside of work, I love to travel and spend time in nature. 

I recently returned to BrightStar Care after working here as a Recruiter from 2007-2015. I truly found my passion for serving others after realizing the impact we made by providing quality job opportunities for our CNA, nurses, and medical support staff. I earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in Business Administration and have spent the last 16 years working in Human Resources, with a focus in talent management and employee relations. My goal is to ensure that our hiring and onboarding provides the ultimate experience for our caregiving and nursing staff and that we make lasting impressions on those who work for BrightStar Care for years to come. 

I chose Brightstar as I have previously worked as a CNA and really enjoyed working with patients. I got my bachelors degree from UW-Platteville.  Before Brightstar I was a HR intern at Deal health plan. After receiving my degree in business with an emphasis in HR Management I wanted to find a job where I could incorporate my education with my background in healthcare. I enjoy getting to interact with all the different caregivers daily. I enjoy hearing how passionate the caregivers are and hearing about how they find so much fulfillment working with our clients.

I started with BrightStar in Feb. 2018 as a Recruiter for our Janesville office. Prior to Brightstar I graduated from UW-Whitewater with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work, managed CBRF group homes and served as the In-Home Services Manager for Independent Living Inc. After being in management for many years I decided to change career paths. I became a Recruiter for a large call center where I learned WAY more than just recruiting (it was crazy…to say the least). Then when I saw BrightStar had an opening for a Recruiter, I realized it was my two passions bundled into one. Here I am…4 years later with a new title that I can barely spell, but still have the passion to help applicants realize the opportunities and rewards they can experience working for BrightStar Care.

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!

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.