Our Staff at BrightStar Care® York / Lancaster / Hanover

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

  • Andri Purkanto

    Owner
    Prior to BrightStar Care, Andri worked for multinational companies in global leadership roles. He developed a depth of knowledge and experience in management, operations, technology and execution. Andri’s lifelong pursuit is to find an opportunity to indulge his intellectual passion of life, enjoy doing it, and at the same time contribute something beyond himself to an organization in ways that help employees, customers, societies, and mankind. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Colorado State University and his MBA from Pennsylvania State University. Andri also serves on the board of directors of WellSpan York Health Foundation (York, PA), Edenwald Senior Living (Towson, MD), and Penn State University York Board of Advisory.
    Andri Purkanto Owner
  • Ryan Guzzino

    Owner
    Prior to acquiring BrightStar Care, he had 14 years of corporate financial experience in 3 different international manufacturing companies, most recently overseeing financial operations for the United States and Asia. Ryan was instrumental in searching out business opportunities that carried the purpose and passion characteristics that Andri and Ryan were looking for. He quickly settled on BrightStar Care for its ability to transform the lives of people around them while providing a service that is integral to their community. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance and MBA from Pennsylvania State University.
    Ryan Guzzino Owner
  • Jaime Benedict

    Director of Community Outreach
    Jaime has an extensive background in the healthcare industry and has dedicated her career to helping others.  With almost 20 years of experience, Jaime has earned a degree in Cardiovascular Technology and an Associates Degree from Central Penn College in Applied Science focused in Physical Therapy.  Jaime has a demonstrated history of working in various healthcare settings including nursing homes, home health, geriatric rehabilitation and long-term care. Throughout her career, Jaime has been a driving force to strengthen relationships with strategic partners. Jaime’s combination of passion, compassion, and clinical competence will make a substantial positive impact on the Central PA senior care landscape.
    Jaime Benedict
  • Lorelei Palemine

    MSN, RN; Director of Nursing
    Lorelei is our director of Nursing for Skilled & Compliance Officer of BrightStar Care of Baltimore and South - Central Pennsylvania. Lorelei brought over 20 years of diverse healthcare experience and she is noted for her compassion with patients and their families. She goes above and beyond her duties to ensure comfort and quality care. Lorelei gains satisfaction helping clients age in place where their stories and memories are created. She earned Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center Quezon City, Philippines and Master of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ. She is also wound care certified. Her background and education magnified her knowledge of nursing practices, individualized patient care, family relations, professional networking, staff development, and other relevant clinical and operational skills required of an effective nurse leader.
  • Tamara Ahmad

    MSN, RN; Director of Skilled Services
    Tammy is our director of Skilled Services for BrightStar Care of Baltimore and South - Central Pennsylvania. Tammy has over 20 years of diverse healthcare experience and she is noted for her commitment to quality and satisfaction. She approaches all aspects of her role with the focus to safe and high-quality care. She earned Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Neumann University in Aston, Pennsylvania and Master of Science in Nursing Leadership from Wilmington, University in New Castle, Delaware. She still holds several bedside care certifications as well as recognitions for outstanding leadership abilities. Her background, education, professional and management skill magnifies her knowledge of nursing practices, staff development, and other relevant clinical and operational skills required of an effective nurse leader of complex patient care.
    Tamara Ahmad
  • Amy Grace, RN

    RN: Assistant Director of Nursing
    Amy Grace is our Assistant Director of Nursing for our Pennsylvania operations. She is committed to helping every BrightStar client find and receive the highest quality of care possible. Amy comes to BrightStar with 20+ years of experience in many areas. Amy started her healthcare career as a personal care assistant in a nursing facility, went on to further her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse, then finally a Registered Nurse. Amy brings her expertise in IV infusion - having work in the industry for over 10 years. She also has experience in Home Health, Hospice and Hosptial settings. Her many years of leadership rounds her out as our ADON. She is dedicated to working with our clients and staff, making sure everyone is happy and properly cared for! She pursued her career as a registered nurse because of her passion and love of caring for others.
    Amy Grace RN Assistant Director of Nursing
  • Elaine Carnesi

    Director of Human Resources and Finance
    Elaine has serviced the health care field since 2010. Prior to BrightStar Care, she was the Business Office Manager for Genesis Healthcare where she managed Payroll and Billing for the Staffing Division with over 1200 employees. Elaine utilizes organization and problem-solving skills to improve work productivity and atmosphere. Elaine’s first career was in Finance where she worked in commercial banking. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Loyola University with a focus on Finance and Marketing.
    Elaine Carnesi Sr Manager HR Finance and Recruiting
  • Heidi Stevenson

    Finance Manager
    Heidi has been in the health care field since 2002 where she has brought a wealth of knowledge and experiences into BrightStar. Heidi was resident assistant, Med-Tech/ supervisor and eventually the Assisted Living Coordinator and Business Office Manager at a large assisted living community. Heidi joined BrightStar in 2012 as Branch Manager. She takes great pride knowing she enables our team to provide the very best care to our clients and their families. She earned bachelor degree in Psychology with a focus on Gerontology from Towson University.
    Heidi Stevenson
  • Brianna Nelson

    Customer Care Manager
    Brianna graduated from the University of Maryland with her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Service Management and was awarded Summa Cum Laude. Throughout her schooling, she focused on studying healthcare information systems, policies, marketing, research, strategic planning, and leadership. Brianna’s main focus is providing and maintaining optimal client care and employee relations.
    Brianna Nelson Customer Care Manager
  • Ashley Garner

    Customer Care Manager
    Ashley has been in the healthcare field since 2007. She chose the healthcare industry because that is where her passion lies. She specializes in dementia care and working with geriatric patients. She enjoys providing compassionate and optimal care for clients who are in their homes. Ashley previously had experience as a CNA  and working as a Recruiter and Patient Coordinator. Ashley joined BrightStar Care in June 2021.
    Ashley Garner Branch Manager
  • Amy Mason

    Director of Community Outreach
    Amy came to BrightStar Care looking for fulfillment and the opportunity to assist families in need. She has had the opportunity to transition through many departments as a Customer Care Manager, Intake Coordinator, Project Manager for Maryland GoVax and now Community Outreach Manager in the South Central PA Branch. Working inside multiple areas of BrightStar Care gives Amy the unique perspective to understand the inner workings and needs of the community and how best to meet the individual requirements of our clients. Amy has been and will be the driving force that creates and strengthens relationships with clients, family, community and strategics partners. Amy’s main objective is to facilitate aging in place with dignity, health and happiness.
    Amy Mason
  • Holly Gamble LPN

    Director of Community Outreach​

    Holly joins our BrightStar team with over 15 years of nursing experience in the senior care industry. She has a passion for finding resources to help seniors age in place. Her significant experience in the industry paired with her strong clinical knowledge makes her a phenomenal patient advocate and a respected resource in the senior living marketplace. Holly prides herself on providing excellent customer service and building lasting relationships within the industry. In addition to her nursing degree, Holly is in her final semester of her Bachelor’s in Health Care Administration at Western Governors University.

    Holly Gamble LPN
  • David Gamerman

    Skilled Intake Coordinator
    David graduated from the University of Maryland with his Bachelor’s Degree in Health Service Management and was awarded Summa Cum Laude. Throughout his schooling, he focused on studying healthcare information systems, policies, marketing, research, strategic planning, and leadership. David’s main focus is providing  and maintaining optimal client care and employee relations.
  • Kayla Russell

    Skilled/Staffing Coordinator
    Kayla graduated from Towson University with her Bachelor's degree in Health Care Management and a minor in business management. Throughout her schooling, she focused on studying healthcare information systems, policies, marketing, research, strategic planning, and leadership. Kayla's main focus is providing and maintaining optimal client care and employee relations.
  • Iyana Horne

    HR Coordinator
    Iyana is a new graduate from Towson University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Service Management and a minor in Business Administration. Throughout her schooling, she focused on studying healthcare information systems, policies, marketing, research, strategic planning, and leadership. Iyana’s primary focus at BrightStar is onboarding new employees, maintaining credentials/competencies, and employee relations.
  • Harold Mahilum

    Recruiter
    Harold received his associate's degree in nursing at the University of St. La Salle-Bacolod and an in marketing management at La Consolacion College-Bacolod. He was exposed to community clinics, outpatient, OB-GYN, and pediatric departments during his nursing school years. He has an extensive experience in customer service and talent acquisition screening prior to working as a recruiter here at Brightstar Care starting back in August of 2022.
  • Cole Porras

    Recruiter
    Cole graduated from University of St. La Salle-Bacolod with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Throughout his schooling, Cole focused on both hospital based procedures and practices in ER, OR, OPD, ICU, etc.and community nursing as well. Cole started to work at BrightStar Care as a payroll specialist in 2019 and after 3 months he was cross trained for Customer Care Coordinator and Recruitment.
  • Christine Maga

    Recruiter
    CJ has been a part of the Skilled Nursing Recruitment team for almost 3 years now. She earned her Bachelor's degree in English from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. She also took up an extension course for European Language with a Major in French from the University of the Philippines-Diliman.

Our Caregivers

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 caregivers.


Contact Us

Please contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation or call BrightStar Care York / Lancaster / Hanover at 717.850.8040.

Contact Us