Our Staff at BrightStar Care® West Ventura County

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

  • Sharon Perez, MSW

    Owner/Director of Operations
    As far back as I can remember my family was in the business of helping people. I bring almost 40 years of experience and education. With a degree in Ultrasound, a degree in Hospital Administration, a Master of Divinity, and a Master of Social Work, I feel I have combined my love for the physical, emotional, as well as psychological needs of the clients and families whom we are privileged to care for. I love the beach, the ocean, and doing anything together with my family.
    Sharon Perez, MSW
  • Michael Perez

    Owner/Sales Manager
    Most of my career I have been in Sales, Marketing and Finance. I have started several businesses over the years, but never found one that had such a positive impact on people's lives.

    Personally, I have experienced the difficulties of being a sole caregiver for a loved one with a terminal illness. During that difficult time, I felt that there was a great need for quality care to help provide rest for those who stay home and care for others. I served four years in the United States Navy, and am a proud veteran. 
    Michael Perez
  • Angelica Avalos

    Scheduling/Training Coordinator

    At four years old during summer of 1984 in Rupert, Idaho, I joined my mother at her work at a nursing home. I can still remember the faces of those who smiled down at me, and was amazed that my presence alone brought them such joy. This is my first memory of the path my life would take as a career. I am a giver and people pleaser by nature, which has been the key to my role in the home health field.

    I originally worked at various schools with special needs children and loved it. However, during the pandemic schools shut down and a growing need for caregivers emerged. I applied at BrightStar Care of Santa Barbara and eventually moved back to Oxnard and joined BrightStar Care of West Ventura County.

    I love spending time with my family. I am a mother of three handsome boys and also a grandma to my first and only two-year-old granddaughter! I enjoy crafting, crocheting, and baking. I am so glad to be part of the BrightStar Care team!

    Angelica Avalos
  • Heather Borgatello

    Sales Representative
    I have over twenty years of experience in the medical industry. As I have collectively developed my expertise in this industry, I have increasingly developed a passion in assisting others. This has given me a great sense of fulfilment, and has led me to BrightStar Care!

    In addition to my profession, I have raised three children and I have a Shih Tzu dog named Tobias. They are all of the great joys of my life. I take great delight in exercising, cooking, interior decorating, and creating unique floral arrangements and wreaths. I savor vacationing with my family and aspire to join the Peace Corps someday. I was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin and went to college at the University of Colorado in Boulder.
    Heather Borgatello
  • Haley Courkamp

    Office Manager
    I specialize in administration and communications. I have worked various jobs from child care to social media management to office administration. Throughout my work experience, I have discovered that my greatest passion is to help and serve others. I have contributed my hard work to ensure that my clients receive top-tier excellence in care and service. I am thrilled to be part of the BrightStar Care team!

    I love coffee, thrifting, and spending time with my husband. We have been in the Ventura area for the last couple of years and have loved every second of it.
  • Rachel Holland

    Customer Care Manager
    My role is to oversee the scheduling and caregiver assignments. I have been a Certified Nursing Assistant working in Facilities and in homes for the past decade. As the Customer Care Manager, I provide the communication between the scheduling team, the caregivers, and the clients, providing a higher standard of care always in mind. I am very passionate about what I do and thankful to be a part of BrightStar Care from its beginning.

    I am the mother of Riley Mae, who often comes in to help Grandma (Sharon) at the office. Riley's official title is Chief Child Executive, and she always brings a smile to everyone at the office.
    Rachel Holland
  • Arthur "Artie" Lopez

    Home Health Administrator
    I was born and raised in Oxnard, California. I have been helping people in my community since I was in Elementary School.

    Following my collegiate baseball career, I decided to pursue my passion for helping others, this chapter being in the medical field. Successfully aiding clinics and all levels of the medical staff throughout Ventura County, the past ten years of experience has led managing and running private medical practices. Now I have joined BrightStar Care, and I am truly excited to continue my journey as our Home Health Administrator.

    Outside of work, I am an outdoors person, spending time with family at the beach, camping, and going on hikes. I also love to golf, as well as paint rocks as an artistic outlet!
    Arthur Lopez
  • Hugo Lopez

    Scheduling Coordinator
    I am Hugo Lopez, originally from Magdalena, Mexico and raised in Ventura, California. As the eldest among my four siblings and a first-generation high school graduate, I am currently pursuing an associate's degree in telecommunications, driven by a passion for leveraging technology to empower communities.

    Beyond academics, I dedicate my time to volunteering at a local animal shelter and participating in ride-alongs with our local police department. With experience as a former Ventura County Sheriff Explorer and volunteer for the Oxnard Police Department, I am committed to serving and supporting others, embodying a dedication to compassionate assistance and reliability.

    I am excited to be part of the BrightStar Care team, contributing to our collective success and fostering a dynamic team environment, while striving to provide exceptional care to our clients and patients.
  • Martha Lucía "Lucy" Márquez

    Records Specialist

    I am Martha Marquez, but for the most part I like to be called Lucy or Lucia! I got into the healthcare industry about 25 years ago. I enjoy helping people and being organized! I have also worked as a caregiver, and I enjoy working with the elderly. I am a single mother of two children aged 10 and 7. I was born in Mexico and came to the United states with my parents when I was 8 years old. We live with my mother in Santa Paula where I grew up and attended school. My daughter and son are attending the same schools that I did! I am so glad to be part of the BrightStar Care family.

  • Laura Nielsen

    Human Resources Area Director
    My passion for helping people drives what I do at BrightStar Care. I have over 30 years of professional experience working at various colleges, with 10 of those years in leadership positions. 

    I have a Bachelor's degree in Business Management, and a background in technical recruiting, public relations, and social media management. Personally, I helped with hiring caregivers for my parents, and I know first-hand the importance of finding great, trustworthy, quality caregivers for loved ones. This experience motivates me daily to ensure our clients and families are provided the same care and understanding that was provided to my family.
    Laura Nielsen
  • Janine Nowicki, RN

    Director of Nursing West Ventura County

    I am passionate about serving others with compassion and a heart for justice. With over 15 years of experience in ministry, missions, legal aid, and nursing, I have dedicated my life to empowering those in need and advocating for the vulnerable. I have served communities both locally and abroad and have cultivated a deep understanding of the diverse needs of individuals and families, further strengthening my commitment to service.

    I have also spent significant time in the legal field, providing assistance to special needs individuals facing challenges, ensuring access to justice for underserved populations. My background in nursing has allowed me to offer compassionate care, bringing physical, emotional, and mental healing to individuals in hospitals and homes. Whether in the church, the courtroom, or a healthcare setting, my mission has always been the same: to serve others with empathy, integrity, compassion, and dedication.

  • Javan Quinones

    Finance Manager

    I was born and raised in Brawley, CA and moved to Santa Barbara back in 2015 to pursue higher education. During this time, my primary job was as a Nursing Assistant providing in-home care for the elderly. Additionally, I worked remotely for a criminal law firm and held the position of legal secretary, assisting with clerical tasks, payroll, and scheduling.

    My previous knowledge and experience as a caregiver allows me to understand the importance of our clients well-being and the hard work and dedication it takes for our employees to provide a “higher standard of care.”

    My role as Finance Manager for BrightStar Care is to process weekly payroll/billing and oversee accounts receivables / account payables and financial reporting. 

    Javan Quinones
  • Melisa Tadillo

    Client Care Supervisor
    Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted to help people. Taking care of patients and making a positive difference in their lives brings me a strong sense of fulfillment. It’s a passion that has made my time as a Certified Nursing Assistant and my years working for Brightstar Care are a very enjoyable experience.

    Prior to being promoted to my new role as a Client Care Supervisor, I worked in the field for a year and a half with our clients. Now I focus on making sure our caregivers are providing the highest standard of care for our clients and providing the excellent service that they can expect from BrightStar Care. Additionally, I work closely with our nurses and communicate with them on any clinical needs. I’m thrilled to be part of this team and I believe that we will make a difference in countless people's lives.
    Melisa Tadillo
  • Apisak "Zack" Tinwong

    Caregiver Specialist / Office Assistant

    I am originally from Thailand. My first encounter with the United States was during a student exchange program while pursuing my undergraduate studies in Bangkok. This experience fostered a deep appreciation for this country.

    I hold a master's degree in Tourism and Hotel Management from Southern Cross University in Australia and have prior experience with Marriott International. I relocated to the United States in early 2020, coinciding with the onset of the pandemic. During this time, I discovered a passion for healthcare and pursued a career as a phlebotomist technician.

    In my free time, I enjoy cultivatnig my garden, spending time with my dogs, and exploring the oudoors through hiking. I look forward to working with the BrightStar Care family, both in the field and in the office.

  • Michael Yamasaki

    Operations Manager
    Although I was born in Milwaukee, I grew up in Goleta. Growing up locally instilled a sense of community and camaraderie, values that I carry with me in both my personal and professional life. Throughout my professional career, I have managed and led Health & Wellness teams; for more than 30 years I have been committed to improving the lives of others. I am so glad to be a part of the BrightStar Care team, as it fits right into my experience and personal mission!

    Outside my professional endeavors, I am passionate about giving back to the community by coaching kids, imparting valuable life skills, and encouraging teamwork and the resilient spirit in them. I’m the proud father of two sons and in my spare time, I enjoy playing softball and golf.
    Michael Yamasaki

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.


Contact Us

Please contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation or call BrightStar Care West Ventura County at 805.585.2273.

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