Our Staff at BrightStar Care® Coastal Los Angeles

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

  • Karen Abé

    Owner
    "There comes a time in everyone’s life when they need a helping hand to overcome the challenges life throws at them, and the philosophy and systems BrightStar Care has in place allows my amazing team to provide the highest quality of care to our community.   As specialists in the rapidly growing healthcare industry, we empower our nurses and caregivers to live our values and provide compassionate care and service, anytime, anyplace!  We believe in personalized healthcare with RN oversight on all cases and we rarely find any case too challenging. BrightStar Care services the Westside and South Bay and surrounding areas in Los Angeles and Ventura County.  We provide unparalleled standards in adult and elder home care/childcare, as well as supplemental healthcare staff  for  hospitals, alcohol & drug rehabs, mental health and assisted or independent living facilities. BrightStar Care also provides higher acuity medical care at home with skilled RN nursing services, Occupational and Physical Therapy."
    Karen Abé

  • Stephanie Guggenheim

    Director of Operations
    How long have you been working in healthcare?
    I have dedicated my whole adult life to healthcare in some way.  I worked at Johnson & Johnson for over 20 years, mostly in Skincare and Suncare.  I created an educational organization and campaign to reduce the incidence of skin cancer in the U.S. and provide free skin checks with Dermatologists.  Then I worked in science-based nutrition to reduce the incidence of aging disease like diabetes and cancer.  Growing up in a medical family has led me to deeply care for others. It’s in my DNA!

    What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care?
    I am a marketer at heart, listening to consumers and their unmet needs.  I’ve built businesses to become #1 in their field and mentored and coached teams to promote successful careers.  I am passionate about my work and people, and nurturing a family atmosphere.

    What aspect of your job are you most passionate about?
    I strive to make a difference by finding new ways to improve people's lives.

    I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our BrightStar Care clients by...
    applying my empathy for others with my creativity and drive to delight people and patients and make their lives better.
    Stephanie Guggenheim

  • Barbara West

    Sales & Community Liasion Manager

    How long have you been working in healthcare?
    I have worked in the Medical environment for over 20 years. I began my first working experience working in my dad's medical office, managing the front office, helping patients, and doing blood, lab work, and EKG's. I also had the opportunity to work as an EKG Technician at the Hospital during college. I loved the Hospital environment, and working with Professionals, so after graduating from Michigan State University, I enjoyed my career as a Sales Manager promoting hospital products to Maternity Departments nationally.


    What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care?
    I have also been a Healthy Lifestyle Fitness Instructor teaching both Aqua Fitness, Yoga, and Senior Sneaker classes in our Community for the past 15 years. I have developed many wonderful friendships with seniors in our community and know the importance of healthy living. I have also worked as a private home care giver, and I know firsthand how vitally important it is to have the "Right Fit" in placing a Care Giver. I love that BrightStar offers Guaranteed Compatibility in matchmaking. I remember the stress of finding the right Agency for my parents when they needed care. I am privileged to offer that same caring help to families, and facilities who are seeking Professional Medical and Non-Medical Compassionate Care.

    What aspect of your job are you most passionate about?
    I am a "Helper" and an "Educator". I am passionate about making a difference in peoples lives. I am resourceful, and creative, I like the challenge of finding solutions. I am excited to be a part of the likeminded Team at BrightStar Care providing a higher level of care to the families and facilities we serve in our community.

    I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our BrightStar Care clients by... making meaningful connections, and touching hearts to make lives better. Going above and beyond every day to exceed expectations!

    Barbara West

  • Salina Rahim

    Business Development Manager

    How long have you been working in Health Care - 5 years

    What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care - I've always had a calling to help people, I first started working and volunteering with non-profits to make a difference with families. Since then my commitment to healthcare has only increased as I have worked in various healthcare-related positions, with families and teens and look forward to the exciting opportunity of working with Brightstar Care to make a difference.

    What aspect of your job are you most passionate about - The part I'm excited about is forming meaningful relationships, making a difference, personal growth, and gratitude by receiving gratitude front he families I'm working with as well as the residents' families.

    I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our BrightStar Care clients by... working with older adults and growing the compassion and empathy as well as assiting them with their new challenges and struggles.

    Helping others is also an emotionally fulfilling occupation that I'm excited to be doing with BrightStar Care.

    Salina Rahim

  • Shannon Duggan Bhatia

    Business Development Manager

    How long have you been working in Health Care: I began my journey in healthcare by volunteering at Torrance Memorial Hospital and discovered a passion for helping others. I've been working in staffing, serving clients with elevated in-home services, and projects around serving the needs of people for the past 10 years. I was also fortunate to work alongside the talented residents at UCSF Fresno to help them become more collaborative and connected as a team.

    What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care: Through an array of diverse experiences, I have a throughline in entrepreneurial pursuits. BrightStar is the perfect place to apply a plethora of those learned skills, from building relationships to creative problem solving.

    What aspect of your job are you most passionate about: I love connecting people to create meaningful relationships that benefit everyone involved. My favorite part of any day is deeply listening to others and doing my best to meet their needs with what I can offer!

    I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our BrightStar Care clients by... Bringing trust and care into every relationship for our community.

    Shannon Duggan Bhatia

  • Heather O'Neal

    Customer Care Supervisor
    How long have you been working in healthcare?
    I have been working in healthcare for eight years. It is an incredibly rewarding experience. Seeing the positive impact on patient's lives made me want to learn and do more. I am very fortunate to work in healthcare, and I look forward to many more years of serving patients and positively impacting their lives.

    What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care?
    I understand the importance of building trustworthy relationships with patients and their families. I have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, enabling me to connect with patients personally and provide them with the compassionate care they deserve.

    What aspect of your job are you most passionate about?
    I take pride in managing a team that provides efficient and effective healthcare services. Observing our clients' progress and improvement due to our care is incredibly rewarding.

    I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our BrightStar Care clients by...
    Providing a comfortable life with greater independence, comfort, and peace of mind. My goal is to empower our clients to live their best lives, regardless of age, ability, or circumstance.
    Heather O'Neal

  • Morghan Carter

    Field & Customer Care Specialist

    How long have you been working in Health Care: I have been working in healthcare professionally since 2016. I started off in Assited Living facilities working with the cognitvley imparied.

    What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care: I bring with me a great deal of expeirence in building and keep client/employee relations, scheduling, recruitment and training expierence! Along with my own caregiving expierence!

    What aspect of your job are you most passionate about: I am most passionate about being able to help those who have help me! Those that I have been given the honor to care for are truly walking and living history and I truly value the time that they have spent building and shaping our world into what it has become!

    I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our BrightStar Care clients by opening the door to those who truly have a passion to serve and providing them with the confidence and tools to continually be sucessful!

  • Caitlin Walsh, RN

    Director of Nursing (DON)

    How long have you been working in healthcare?
    Previously getting my degree in psychology in 2014 and focusing on the clinical side of care, I graduated in May 2020 from California Baptist University in Riverside County. I moved back to Ventura County and now work as an OR nurse and home health care RN. I also serve my community volunteering regularly for the Ventura County Mission and for the Rape Crisis Center of VC counseling young women, two organizations very near and dear to my heart.

    What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care?
    As a new grad, I am fresh with knowledge and am proficient in the most up to date skills. I am an avid reader and am always staying up to date in new medical advancements. My experience in psychology has helped me tremendously in home care to treat the body as well as the mind, which I have found to be equally important.

    What aspect of your job are you most passionate about?
    I was born a people person and knew my heart was too big not to share it with others. I am passionate about people of all ages, race, and background. Nursing has encompassed everything that brings me joy, from being there for someone on Hospice taking their last breath to rejoicing when a patient finds out their going to be a grandparent. Building trusting and lasting relationships with people during a time in their life that may be unpleasant is what makes me most proud to be a nurse.

    I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our BrightStar Care clients by... actively listening to patients, being there for them physically and emotionally. I try to keep my attitude light and positive, being a warm presence while providing professional care. 

    Caitlin Walsh, RN

  • Angela Fee, RN

    Director of Nursing
    How long have you been working in healthcare?
    I have 24 years of experience in healthcare, with nine of those as an RN.

    What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care?
    Before I became a nurse I worked with many different populations in different areas of healthcare: geriatric, celebrity clients, pediatric and developmentally disabled. This solid foundation helped me when I became a nurse as I felt I knew how to make almost any patient comfortable under my care. After obtaining my nursing degree at Santa Monica College, I was an ER nurse for 2 years and completed TNCC which is a trauma nursing certification. I have been working full time at BrightStar Care for almost seven years.

    What aspect of your job are you most passionate about?
    To me, progress equals passion at work. Whether that progress is with clients or employees it makes me happy and supplies the motivation for me to keep working hard. I get excited when a patient tells me we’ve finally found a treatment regimen that works for them! It makes my day when I train another nurse and am able to demonstrate something that makes their job easier.

    I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our BrightStar Care clients by...
    Our clients lead such interesting lives and I love hearing their story and how they cope with their limitations. As their nurse, I try my best to fit myself into their life as seamlessly as possible and encourage their progress, no matter how small. The goal is to turn their treatment experience into a positive routine.
    Angela Fee

  • Julie Hanner, RN

    BrightStar Care Lead Infusion Nurse, Skilled Services
    How long have you been working in healthcare?
    When I was 18, I started as a CNA at Motion Picture Hospital in Woodland Hills. I come from a long line of nurses including my grandmother, mother, aunt, sister and daughter.  As a result, I always knew I would become a nurse. I graduated from Pierce College with an AA degree in 1980 followed by working in the hospital and was immediately trained in ICU with ALS certification. I was also on their code team and remained working in the hospital for 14 years.  On the side I did platelet pheresis. The Hospital closed in 1994 which lead me to home health where I did wound care, IV antibiotics, post-op cases etc. I started to work with biologic meds in 1997 and had extensive training in all specialty infusion inducing; IVIG, Alpha 1 Antitrypsin, all enzyme replacement therapies and factors. I have continued to perform specialty infusions until present. I enjoy working patients and families of all ages, this year marks 40 years and I still enjoy what I am doing!

    What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care?
    I bring many years of experience in many areas. I have excellent IV experience with all central lines, epidurals and subcutaneous infusions. I have extensive training in biologic medications and years of experience teaching in facilities and in the home with patients and their families.

    What aspect of your job are you most passionate about?
    I am most passionate about serving the clients assigned to me and making sure they receive the best care possible. My passion is building relationships and assisting patients and families with all aspects of the disease process management.

    I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our BrightStar Care clients by... communicating effectively with clients and their families to clearly understand what the clients need in order help them achieve their health goals.
    Julie Hanner

  • Terry Kyle

    Clinical Supervisor
    How long have you been working in healthcare?
    I graduated from college in 1994 with a degree in Culinary Arts.  I worked as an executive chef in Louisville, Kentucky until moving to Kissimmee, Florida in 1997 after working at a Walt Disney World Resort for a couple of years, I began my career in Healthcare at HCR ManorCare in Naples, as an Activity Assistant for a skilled nursing facility. Using my degree and experience, I was able to move up into a director role as a Certified Dietary Manager.  From there I was also a Certified Activity Director as well as a Certified Social Service Director.  
     
    What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care?
    Moving to Simi Valley, California in 2010 I worked another 3 years in skilled nursing until moving into a marketing position with a Home Health, Home Care and Hospice agency. Here I was responsible for scheduling, marketing, and sometimes caregiving until just over 2 years ago when I was a home health/hospice administrator.  
     
    What aspect of your job are you most passionate about?
    I came to Brightstar in October and am very happy to be part of such an amazing group of hard working and compassionate professionals.  My caregiving experience also includes taking care of my mother who lived with my wife and I for many years. I love taking care of people that need help and am very happy where I have landed in my present career.
    Terry Kyle

  • Sandra Borja

    Billing and Payroll Manager
    How long have you been working in healthcare?
    I have been in the healthcare industry for a little over 6 years. I started my career in the healthcare industry in 2015 after a successful career in the banking industry of over 20 years.

    What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care?
    I worked for a chemical dependency facility where I learned the ins and outs of medical billing followed by learning the insurance appeals and collections  process.

    What aspect of your job are you most passionate about?
    I am passionate about providing excellent service and being part of team that works together to provide excellent service and letting our clients and staff know how important they are to us. 

    I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our BrightStar Care clients by... always making myself available when our clients have questions about their invoices or when someone in our staff calls inquiring about payroll concerns.
    Sandra Borja

  • Kelley Kyzer

    Recruiting and HR Specialist
    Kelley became passionate about senior care over 20 years ago when she experienced her Grandmothers need for care while on hospice and stepped in to take care of her. Kelley has now been in senior care over 13 years and a memory care director for 8 of those years. Her love for working with people with dementia lead her to recruiting a team for the Walk to End Alzheimers and they became a top fundraiser in Conejo Valley 2 years in a row. She donates her time to the Alzheimer's Association and the community leading panels on dementia care and hospice. In her spare time, Kelley enjoys riding motorcycles and rooting for the Dodgers with her son. 

    How long have you been working in healthcare?
    Kelley became passionate about senior care over 20 years ago when she experienced her Grandmothers need for care while on hospice and stepped in to take care of her. Kelley has now been in senior care over 13 years and a memory care director for 8 of those years. Her love for working with people with dementia lead her to recruiting a team for the Walk to End Alzheimers and they became a top fundraiser in Conejo Valley 2 years in a row. She donates her time to the Alzheimer's Association and the community leading panels on dementia care and hospice. In her spare time, Kelley enjoys riding motorcycles and rooting for the Dodgers with her son. 

    What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care?
    Kelley started in homecare as a caregiver, moved into the office doing scheduling part-time, and eventually became the HR and recruiting specialist. She has worked one on one with clients ranging from transportation to hospice care for over 13 years.

    What aspect of your job are you most passionate about?
    Her love for working with people with dementia lead her to recruiting a team for the Walk to End Alzheimers and they became a top fundraiser in Conejo Valley 2 years in a row. She donates her time to the Alzheimer's Association and the community leading panels on dementia care and hospice. 

    I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our BrightStar Care clients by... She wants clients and their families to have the best experience with their homecare needs. There is nothing more important than for our loved ones to be safe and cared for in the most compassionate way. She wants only the best caregivers to work for Brightstar so she works with caregivers counseling them, leading them, and training them on all aspects of their jobs. She looks to hire the best caregivers with the biggest hearts. 
    Kelley Kyzer

  • Bonnie Hendrickson

    Executive Assistant
    How long have you been working in Health Care?
    I have been in healthcare for over 20 years. I’m passionate about caring for others. It is what I was born to do. For the majority of my life, I have been a caregiver, so it just made sense that this would be my career path. 

    What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care?
    My experience with team building, organization, patience, communication, and compassion are some of the skills I bring to Brightstar. My goal is to make sure that, at the end of the day, we have done everything that we can to provide outstanding care to our customers. 

    What aspect of your job are you most passionate about?
    I am equally passionate about building a compassionate and strong team and providing the highest quality of care to our customers.

    I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our BrightStar Care clients by... Helping to build a cohesive team to exceed all of our client’s expectations.
    Bonnie Hendrickson

  • Honey Lou Majorenos

    Recruiter & Customer Care Associate
    How long have you been working in healthcare?
    I was in the contact center industry for more than 8 years. I worked on several campaigns including health care. I am into customer service, data entry of laboratory records, appointment setting, scheduling, and administrative tasks. My main goal is to treat our customers like family and provide the best service possible which I aim to do at BrightStar Care!

    What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care?
    I have developed skills and gained experience over the years which I can impact the growth and processes in BrightStar. Being able to work in different industries has taught me to always understand and provide our clients satisfactory services based on what the client needs are. 
     
    What aspect of your job are you most passionate about?
    I am very passionate about helping people and being able to work with an awesome team! This has made my job easier. I am tasked with doing the administrative role of recruiting and helping make sure that we hire the right people and give our clients the best care staff possible.  

    I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our BrightStar Care clients by... making sure our care staff is compliant and is worthy of our clients trust! Not just our services but, also with the kind team. I am very happy to be part of the BrightStar Care family and can't wait to see OUR GROWTH!
    Honey Lou Majorenos

  • Adel Mercado

    Customer Care Associate

    How long have you been working in healthcare?
    This is my first healthcare account and I am very grateful to be a part of BrightStar  Care. I’m responsible for scheduling and some administrative tasks. 


    What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care?
    I’ve been in the customer service industry for over 8 years. I have plenty of experience listening carefully to the needs of my customers before efficiently working to solve their problems. I’m confident that I can provide a high level of customized support to ensure customers are happy with the service offered. 


    What aspect of your job are you most passionate about?
    My biggest passion is to help people. And with BrightStar Care, I feel like I’m spending my time working on helping people with something that’s important, and that motivates me to do great work. 

    Adel Mercado

  • Rose Perida

    How long have you been working in Health Care?
    My journey in healthcare began with my education, as I am a graduate of practical nursing. During my studies, I completed 4 months of on-the-job training in a hospital setting, which provided me with valuable hands-on experience and prepared me for a career dedicated to healthcare.

    What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care
    I acquired valuable skills and knowledge during my on-the-job training while pursuing my associate degree in practical nursing. This combination of practical experience and formal education equips me with a strong foundation to provide exceptional care and support to our clients.

    What aspect of your job are you most passionate about?
    The aspect of my job at BrightStar Care that I am most passionate about is the opportunity to match caregivers with clients in a way that ensures both parties receive the best possible care experience. I understand the importance of personalized care and the impact it can have on individuals' well-being. By selectively matching caregivers with clients, I am able to contribute to the delivery of high-quality, tailored care that meets the unique needs of each individual we serve. This aspect of my job allows me to make a positive difference in the lives of both caregivers and clients, and it's what drives my passion for the work I do at BrightStar Care.

    *I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our BrightStar Care clients by... by meticulously assigning caregivers who perfectly match the needs and preferences of our clients, ensuring that they receive the personalized care they deserve. By serving as the primary point of communication between clients and caregivers, I foster trust, reliability, and continuity in care delivery, ultimately enhancing the overall experience for our clients and enabling our clients to access the high-quality care they need and deserve.

    Rose Perida

  • Ernest Diez

    How long have you been working in Health Care:  5 years

    What experience do you bring to BrightStar Care:  I have first hand experience taking care of a child that has special needs. My son has autism. I know exactly how challenging it can be which means I know the quality of healthcare workers that we need to take on such a responsibility.

    What aspect of your job are you most passionate about:  I have a mission to send out help to all families that are having challenges taking care of a family member that has special needs. It is very hard to see a daughter, a son, a mother or a father struggling because they cannot get the proper care and treatment for their condition.

    I am making MORE POSSIBLE for our BrightStar Care clients by... hiring quality caregivers, CNA's and nurses that will take excellent care of a family member.

    Ernest Diez

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Please contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation or call BrightStar Care Coastal Los Angeles at 310.944.6985.

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