Our Staff at BrightStar Care® Lafayette/ Walnut Creek

Matt has worked professionally in healthcare for 17 years starting with patient care positions in hospitals, moving on to marketing and sales positions in disease management and pharmaceutical companies. Matt established the BrightStar franchise in 2007 in the Lafayette area. Since that time BrightStar has developed a strong reputation in the community for high quality customer service and patient care. Matt volunteers with the Lafayette Senior Services Commission and several other community-based organizations.

Shari joined BrightStar Care in January of 2011, after a 25-year career at a large membership & insurance company, with a background in sales and marketing. Shari truly has a passion for helping people, especially seniors. Shari grew up in the Bay Area and graduated from Sacramento State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications Studies. She is well connected in the community and is a great resource for families.

Christy has worked with BrightStar since 2009. She has been a Registered Nurse for over 16 years and worked in the healthcare field for the past 25 years. Christy’s prior experience includes working in orthopedics at John Muir Medical Center, a Certified Nurse Assistant at John Muir and a Physical Therapy Assistant. She enjoys the home health setting the most because she can focus on one patient at a time, as well as develop a close relationship with them and their family members. She feels that it is caregiving at its best!

Since starting at BrightStar with nursing visits in 2009, her role has evolved into more of an office based job, connecting operations to our client care. She is passionate about our quality, cares deeply about each client, and is tirelessly improving our operations to deliver the best client experience in the industry.

Ellen joined BrightStar Care in 2017. As a part of the BrightStar recruiting team, she is committed to hiring the best talent in the industry to join our growing company. She is proud to be part of a team that values and recognizes the need for quality, personalized care for our senior community. Ellen is passionate about supporting and making connections with our care provider team and seeing how they directly enrich the lives of their clients.

Susan has been with BrightStar Care since July 2020. Prior to dedicating her efforts to growing our medical staffing team, Susan graduated from SJSU with her BS in Health Science Administration and Management. Susan has gained experience and knowledge in various industries; including Health Care and Education. Using her expertise, Susan is determined to making sure that all of our employees are equipped to carry out the BSC mission and to ensuring the best experience possible for our clients. In her spare time, Susan enjoys spending quality time with her family, staying active outdoors, and exploring great places to eat.

Jessica's desire to pursue a career in home health began in 2006 when she cared for her mother after she suffered from a brain aneurysm. The experience taught Jessica the importance of compassion, empathy and patience. Jessica started with Brightstar in 2012 as a caregiver. She moved on to become a C.N.A, then Brightstar's Care Provider Liaison before settling into her current role as a Client Care Manager. Jessica is committed to improving the lives of her clients and their families.

Helen joined BrightStar Care in June 2016 as a caregiver. Helen graduated from UC Berkeley and enjoyed many years as an attorney advocating for her clients. Caring and providing support to relatives and friends renewed her interest in health care dating back to her pre-med days in college. Now, Helen enjoys putting her advocacy skills to use on behalf of her clients and our caregivers. 

Stacey has over a decade of experience in the healthcare industry assisting clients with insurance benefits and radiology scheduling. She joined BrightStar Care to spread her knowledge and continue her mission to provide exceptional service to our clients and families. Stacey studied Business Administration and Criminal Justice at CSU Stanislaus and volunteered at the local Juvenile Hall working one on one to mentor troubled female teens. When out of the office, Stacey enjoys creating lifelong memories with her 3 beautiful daughters. Their favorite activities include shopping, hiking, and camping together. 

Justynne graduated from Cal State East Bay with a BS in Health Science Administration and Management. She has always wanted a career that allows her to help individuals in different communities. She joined the BrightStar team in 2019 and has found joy in helping families take care of their loved ones. In her spare time, Justynne likes to spend time with her family and friends, travel and garden.

Nancy Erle joined BrightStar Care in July 2019. After moving to the bay area from Boston in 2002 she spent 16 years in the hospitality industry. Nancy works in the office as our payroll and billing coordinator. What gives her the most comfort is knowing that if needed her elder parents and in laws could get the level of care and compassion provided by Brightstar. In her spare time Nancy and her husband enjoy watching the Patriots.

Tasha is a valued member of the BrightStar Care team, serving as our Clinical Care Manager. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Cal State San Marcos and has always been driven by a passion for helping and serving others. Tasha brings a thoughtful blend of professional expertise and compassion to her role, finding true fulfillment in making a positive impact on the lives of our clients and their families.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, hiking, and savoring a good cup of coffee.

Mariela, the newest addition to our BrightStar Care team! Mariela joins us as a Client Care Manager and brings a strong foundation in human services with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from San Jose State University. She’s always had a heart for helping others and has found real purpose in supporting families and clients through compassionate care.

When she’s not working, Mariela loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling to new places, and discovering cozy new cafes around town.

Caroline is a graduate of the University of San Francisco, where her passion for people and community truly began to take shape. Her love for helping others was inspired early on by her mom, Christy — who also happens to be BrightStar Care’s Director of Nursing. Growing up, Christy would often introduce Caroline to a few of her most cherished patients, who felt more like extended family than anything else.

Now a part of the BrightStar Care of Moraga team, Caroline brings that same heart for service to her role. 

Outside of work, she enjoys cooking for her friends and family, spending time with her cats, and unwinding with pilates or a hot yoga class. 

Hi! I’m Tater Shriner, and I’m proud to be BrightStar Care’s official brand ambassador — though most people just call me “Handsome.” I love doing all things pup-related, like hunting for socks to chew on, snacking on treats, zooming around the backyard, going for walks, and leaping onto any piece of furniture (or Jess!) I can find.

I make regular appearances at the office, where I take my job very seriously: supervising the team with my zoomies, napping strategically, and spreading smiles wherever I go. I’m so excited to be part of the BrightStar team — paws down, it’s the best!