Every year, we recognize the nurses and caregivers who go above and beyond for their clients, their local offices, and the BrightStar Care brand. Friends, family, colleagues, and clients alike submit their stories, nominating these incredible care providers for our annual awards.
Learn more about this year's winners and finalists below!
2026 National Winners
Caregiver of the Year: LaDonna Cheney - Chesapeake, VA
“LaDonna has a warm, caring personality that immediately made my mother feel comfortable. She was kind, patient, dependable, and genuinely joyful to be around. What started as a caregiver-client relationship quickly became a true friendship. She provided companionship, emotional support, and exceptional care that went far beyond basic caregiving tasks. My mother looked forward to seeing her every time she came. LaDonna consistently went above and beyond to care for my mother. She did not just show up to complete tasks or follow a care plan. She truly invested in my mom as a person and treated her with love, dignity, and compassion. Over time, they became very close friends.”
– excerpt from client’s nomination letter
Nurse of the Year: Shari Rice, RN - Omaha, NE
“From the moment I met her, Shari’s bubbly personality and big smile stood out. She didn’t hesitate for a second to engage with my 14‑year‑old special‑needs son. She took the time to really learn who he is—what he likes, what sets him off, and what helps him calm down during stressful moments. What she gave us was so much more than basic nursing care. It was genuine, patient, thoughtful attention. She connected with him in a way very few people ever do, and before long she became one of the rare people he actually lets into his little circle. It meant the world to us to see him trust her so quickly and so deeply.”
– excerpt from client’s nomination letter
2026 National Finalists - Caregiver of the Year
Elizabeth Martinez – Baltimore City, MD
Amy Nguyen, CNA – Santa Barbara, CA
Tammy Mulchay – West Portland, OR
2026 National Finalists - Nurse of the Year
Joyce Eldredge, RN – Gloucester County, NJ
Maddie Leader, RN – York, PA
Kari Erdmann, RN – Northern Michigan, MI
Nominate a Nurse or Caregiver for Best and Brightest
Do you know a BrightStar Care nurse or caregiver who goes above and beyond to provide care for you or a loved one? Nominate them for our annual Nurse of the Year and Caregiver of the Year awards!
Every year, we name four finalists and one national winner for each Best and Brightest award. Your story could help a BrightStar Care nurse or caregiver get the recognition they deserve.
Check back soon for our 2027 Best and Brightest nomination form!