SEARCH

Caregiver of the Year Award

2024 Caregiver of the Year Semi-Finalists
These caregivers have been selected from a large pool of nominations from across the country to represent the Visiting Angels brand of excellence. Their extraordinary commitment to our clients has put them in the running for the big prize. Two of the following semi-finalists will be awarded $2,500 each, and another will receive $5,000 and the coveted “2024 Caregiver of the Year” title.
 
Congratulations to Our Semi-Finalists
2021_bronze
Semi-Finalist:
Samantha J. Fishman
Franchise Owner:
Christine Rose-VanWormer

“It is an honor to be in the presence of Samantha's care, as she exhibits extraordinary commitment to her clients. She constantly searches for innovative activities to engage and cater to her client's interests, such as sensory stimulation and seated exercise programs. Samantha's passion for caregiving and assisting others is evident as she presents pleasant, reassuring interactions with her clients. Her approach to every situation is unique because she has an open mind, which creates a safe and comfortable environment for her clients.”

2021_silver
Semi-Finalist:
Shera Williams
Franchise Owners:
Tim & Denise Quinnette

“One of Shera’s strengths is she understands that the client is vulnerable and going through hardships. She works to build trust with them consistently. She is always willing to find extra training to ensure her skill set is improving. She created a backpack filled with different activities and goodies to bring to each of her clients’ houses. She is one of the most proactive caregivers I have ever seen. She helps educate other caregivers by training them whenever or wherever is needed. She takes time to build relationships and trust, gets to know clients, and looks to help the client as a whole.”

2021_silver
Semi-Finalist:
Zola Gasper
Franchise Owners:
Johnathon & Jessie Coberley

“Zola's qualities shine through in her proactive approach to caregiving. She anticipates the needs of her clients and takes the initiative to address them, ensuring their well-being and happiness. From engaging in activities to maintaining a clean and comfortable living space, Zola consistently surpasses expectations, positively impacting the lives of those she cares for. Families have repeatedly expressed gratitude for Zola's outstanding communication skills, which keep them well-informed and involved in their loved ones' care journey.”

2021_silver
Semi-Finalist:
Kelly Bopp
Franchise Owner:
Judy Snyder

“Kelly is blessed with the patience of an Angel and a heart of gold. She shows compassion to every client she works for. She respects and treats them with utmost dignity. Kelly shares resources with anyone in need. She has a grief book series that she has given to fellow caregivers dealing with grief. Kelly always recommends Visiting Angels to both potential clients and caregivers. She was the first to use her caregiver business cards to send a new client our way. Kelly posted on our Facebook page, “I truly love my job!” and a fellow caregiver commented, saying, “Kelly is truly one of the best humans I know.”

 
2021_bronze
Semi-Finalist:
Bethany Demo
Franchise Owner:
Ben Rosenbush

“Bethany represents Visiting Angels St. Cloud with a smiling face. She is personable and very easy to get along with. Bethany is kind and respectful and works hard to build rapport with all clients she sees. Bethany is beloved by our clients and is constantly requested. She goes above and beyond to help individuals thrive in their homes with dignity. Bethany is an amazing worker who is always on time, extraordinary, and consistent. Bethany's clients love that she shows interest in their lives and important events to them. Bethany shows compassion to her clients and excellence in everything she does.”

2021_silver
Semi-Finalist:
Michelle Squatrito
Franchise Owner:
Sanjay Rustogi

“Michelle is the best representation of being a Visiting Angel. She has built outstanding relationships with her clients while maintaining the company’s policies and boundaries. She brings them joy, communicates with the office, and keeps everyone involved updated on a case. She is the angel who will train a new caregiver and pick up a shift because she cares about all clients. She educates her clients’ families on the best approaches and helps them understand the changes their parent are facing. Michelle holds the family member’s hand and supports them too.”

2021_silver
Semi-Finalist:
Gretchen Webb
Franchise Owners:
Shelby, Tim & Denise Quinnette

“People like Gretchen are incredibly rare to come by. It's nearly impossible to find the level of words that would describe how all-around wonderful she is. Her compassion is unmatched. She loves her job and takes it very seriously when reporting changes or concerns while maintaining a level of excitement each day in the lives of her clients to create the perfect balance. Gretchen understands the needs of her clients without having to be asked, truly putting herself in their shoes. She has said, "I don't feel worthy of such a nomination. I just do what I was called to do.”

2021_silver
Semi-Finalist:
Hannah Willis
Franchise Owners:
Marilyn & Rob Oswald

“Hannah has a true Caregiver's Heart. She is gentle and kind, with a quick smile and delightful humor. Her calm presence has blessed the families she serves, and she has been with a couple of her clients as they passed away. She knows when to give space to let the family have time alone and finds quiet ways to be helpful in the most sacred moments. Her newest activity is ballroom dancing, and she loves teaching her clients to "dance" or listen to music and sing along. Hannah brings a joyful spirit to work daily, and her compassion is evident when you see her interacting with her clients.”

 
2021_silver
Semi-Finalist:
Michele Kaiser
Franchise Owner:
Jodi Wood

“Michele has an incredible perception that amplifies her ability to read, empathize, and understand how her clients are feeling and responding to her care. Michele understands that her clients, no matter their needs or condition, are people too, and she will never shy away from giving them the finest care she can provide… Michele's character is one the whole team aspires to when hiring, staffing, and enduring the turmoil that can accompany the job. I believe that Michele’s tenure with her various clients is a testament to her dedication to keeping loved ones independent in their own homes.”

2021_silver
Semi-Finalist:
Gloria Dela Cruz
Franchise Owner:
Louise Murphy

“Gloria consistently displays a can-do attitude, even in challenging situations. Her exceptional compassion and empathy shine through, particularly in her work with a woman facing advanced Alzheimer’s Disease and a husband struggling to comprehend the progression. She approaches her shifts professionally, never complaining about the demands, and actively seeks ways to enhance the experience for both clients and colleagues. Her positive attitude permeates all interactions with staff and clients, making her a positive representative of the Visiting Angels brand everywhere she goes.”

2021_silver

“Caregiving requires compassion, patience, and dedication. It is not an easy job. We are proud and thankful for all our caregivers, but these 2024 Caregiver of the Year nominees have gone above and beyond to help our clients live a life of dignity as they age gracefully at home.”

Larry Meigs
President and CEO of Visiting Angels

 
Are You the Next Visiting Angels Caregiver of the Year?

Visiting Angels is always searching for the best caregivers to join our nationally recognized award winning team. Our Angels go above and beyond the basic job requirements to provide empathy, compassion and dignity to our clients and their families.

Sound like you or a friend?

If you have what it takes to be a Visiting Angels caregiver, join our team and make a difference!

 
 
About the Award

The Visiting Angels Caregiver of the Year Award is the most prestigious honor for Visiting Angels to bestow on the winning caregiver and the two finalists. During the nomination process, our franchisees nominate one of their caregivers for the award. A select group of franchise owner's review all nominations and determine the finalists and winner.

Thank you to all of the Visiting Angels franchisees and caregivers that make this award so special!

 
 
*Each Visiting Angels agency is a franchise that is independently owned and operated. The Franchisor, Living Assistance Services Inc., does not control or manage the day to day business operations of any Visiting Angels franchised agency.