Caregiver Of The Year Award

Congratulations to Our 2024 Caregiver of the Year Winner and Finalists

2024 Visiting Angels Caregiver of the Year recipient, Michele Kaiser.

Winner: 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. She’s a rock providing the senior with exceptional care for more than nine years,” said Marisa Wood, the Chief Administrative Officer of Visiting Angels Tallmadge. “Michele anticipates her clients’ needs, often going to great lengths to ensure they receive the best possible care, representing the heart and soul of what Visiting Angels represents.

Michele understands that her clients, no matter their needs, are people too, and 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.”

- Marisa Wood, Chief Administrative Officer of
Visiting Angels Tallmadge

2024 Visiting Angels Caregiver of the Year award finalist, Glora DelaCruz.

Finalist:
Gloria Dela Cruz

Nashua, NH

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.”

Finalist:
Hannah Willis

Port Orchard, WA

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.”

Congratulations to Our Semi-Finalists

Semi-Finalist:
Kelly Bopp

St. Charles, MO

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.”

Semi-Finalist:
Bethany Demo

St. Cloud, MN

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.”

2024 Visiting Angels Caregiver of the Year award semi-finalist, Samantha Fishman.

Semi-Finalist:
Samantha J. Fishman

Kennewick, WA

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.”

Semi-Finalist:
Zola Gasper

Spokane Valley, WA

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.”

Semi-Finalist:
Michelle Squatrito

Newburyport, MA

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.”

2024 Visiting Angels Caregiver of the Year award smei-finalist, Gretchen Webb.

Semi-Finalist:
Gretchen Webb

Farmington Hills, MI

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.”

Semi-Finalist:
Shera Williams

Ann Arbor, MI

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.”

“Caregiving requires patience, compassion, and dedication. It is not an easy job. We are proud and thankful for all our caregivers, but these nominees for the 2024 Caregiver of the Year award 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

Welcome to Visiting Angels

Caregiver of the Year Award

Welcome to Visiting Angels

Caregiver of the Year Award

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