Our Staff at BrightStar Care® South Central Wisconsin

I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Relations and a Master’s in Business Administration.  I grew up in Beloit and the Rock County area and returned to this area after college and living for a short time in the Milwaukee Area.  I have always been drawn towards taking care of people through positions with a local nursing home, Girl Scouts, United Way and as a Director for a Senior Living Memory Care.  After hearing that my predecesor was retiring, and then meeting the owners, Jeff and Susan, I just knew in my heart that I found the right fit for me.  BrightStar has always had such a good reputation in providing support to families that I just knew I wanted to be a part of this organization.

I was born and raised in the Rock County area. Twenty-two years ago I became a Certified Nursing Assistant because I am a people-person and could not think of anything else that would give me more job satisfaction than helping others. I love being able to use my experience as a caregiver to mentor our new BrightStar CNAs. While working for BrightStar, I also found a way to put my Health Care Administration degree to good use!

I started my career as a Home Health Certified Nursing Assistant and Phlebotomist, and was later promoted to director of Environmental Services where I worked for many years. I am so excited to join the team at BrightStar and look forward to getting to know all of our care staff and clients. In my personal time, I love to travel as much as possible and spend time outside camping and trail riding. 

I spent about 8 years too many burnt out in the restaurant business. It was time to make a change. I have worked many positions through High School and college caring for adults and children who had disabilities. It has been so wonderful to be back in the field of helping people! I love all the connections I have the opportunity to make with BrightStar clients and caregivers.

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. 

I found a passion for healthcare as a senior in high school and I’ve been hooked ever since. I joined BrightStar due to their values, friendliness, and opportunity for growth. In my free time I enjoy being outdoors with my three dogs. On my off days you can often find me camping, hiking, or swimming.

I joined the BrightStar team in 2022 after years working in the optical field. I would like to say that I found BrightStar, but BrightStar found me. In my time here, I have learned so much and that train won’t stop anytime soon. My coworkers and the management team are the best. I tell them all the time, “this place” is nothing that I’ve been used too, and I love it. I am dedicated to taking over this role and continue the path that has been set up so well for me. Outside of work, I love to spend time doing fun activities with my daughter. 

I have always loved nursing, but it is very important for me to have time to spend with the people that I care for. BrightStar is the perfect fit for me. I get to meet and care for a lot of great people and I have the quality time with them that I was looking for. Working for BrightStar gives me a wide range of nursing opportunities, which I love. I am able to help not only the clients, but also provide peace of mind for their families. I have never been happier in my nursing career! Working for a company like BrightStar has been a truly fulfilling job for me. 

Before coming to BrightStar, I was an Addiction Services Nurse and had experience in Endoscopy at a local hospital for over 8 years. I was born and raised in Rock County and graduated from Blackhawk Technical College with my Associates Degree in Nursing. Since I was 8 years old I have always wanted to be a nurse and care for others and assist in making someone’s day bright.  My favorite quote is “No matter the weather, always bring your sunshine.” I am most excited about building relationships with clients in the community and fulfilling my passion and purpose in life.

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. 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 new 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 choose 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 SCW-Home Care. 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.