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Celebrating Our 2018 Regional Caregivers of the Year in N. Ocean County, NJ

October 15, 2018

Each year, it is our honor to celebrate the best of the best Caregivers, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and Home Health Aides (HHAs), throughout the BrightStar Care organization through our Caregiver of the Year program. Our Regional Caregivers of the Year truly deliver on our promise of A Higher Standard of Care and demonstrate an inspiring level of compassion and dedication to the clients and families we serve across the country.

We look forward to naming our 2018 National Caregiver of the Year later this week. Learn more about our four Regional Caregivers of the Year:

2018 Midwest Caregiver of the Year | Marisa Garza


Marisa's caring and thoughtful gestures nourish the body and spirit of a woman living with Parkinson's and dementia. Gay's husband, Don, says, “I know my bride is doing better than she would be if it weren’t for the care she’s currently receiving. I don’t know what the future holds for Gay, but right now the future feels bright because of Marisa.” Read the complete nomination letter that earned Marisa this award.

2018 Northeast Caregiver of the Year | Heather Bailey, HHA


Heather is a blessing in the life of her client living with advanced Alzheimer's. Linda, the daughter of Heather's client Bea says, "To me, her acts of caring are nothing short of heroic. I'm not sure there is a prize big enough to thank her." Read the complete nomination letter that earned Heather this award.

2018 Southeast Caregiver of the Year | Diane Waddy, CNA

Diane is a lifesaver, in more ways than one, for her 93-year-old client Marjorie and her family. Marjorie's daughter, Linda, says, “We rest so much easier knowing that Diane is there taking care of our mom when we are far away and cannot be there.” Read the complete nomination letter that earned Diane this award.

2018 West Caregiver of the Year | Queen-Ann Canty


Queen-Ann's compassionate and attentive care help her client, Cecil, live life to the fullest. Cecil says, "I am forever grateful to her. None of my adult children live near me, so I rely on Queen-Ann to help me. She is a blessing." Read the complete nomination letter that earned Queen-Ann this award.