About Visiting Angels Westchester

“Our mission is to help the elderly in Westchester continue to live safely, comfortably and with dignity in their homes for as long as possible, and to bring peace of mind to the family members who love them.”

 – Kate Moynihan, owner of Visiting Angels Westchester

Locally owned and operated, we are proud to be part of the Visiting Angels network of 500+ franchise locations throughout the United States. Our main office is located in White Plains.

Our Team

Kate Moynihan, Executive Director & Owner

Kate meets with all potential clients and their families to help understand their needs and provides options to make sure they get the best care possible.

Kate shares her story, “I love the name Visiting Angels. Who would not want to be an Angel? Doesn’t everyone want an Angel to take care of their mother or father?

My goal is to have an Angel to care for everyone’s mother or father.

We are a heart-centered agency and our guiding principle is to do what is right for the client to make sure they are well cared for and safe. Our caregivers are truly Angels who are compassionate, kind, loving, and patient.

I got involved in Senior Care as a volunteer for a program at a local hospital called “No One Dies Alone”. I sat with people during the last days of their life if they had no family members to be with them. We all have someone with us when we come into this world and it is important that we have someone with us when we leave it.

I always loved the Visiting Angels commercials…and the catchy jingle. I wanted to help people at the end of their life…. I wanted to be an Angel! One day after seeing the commercial I called and asked about opening a Visiting Angels in Westchester County New York.

I started Visiting Angels in June 2014 with one client and one caregiver (me). I could never have imagined how much we have grown and how many people and families we have been able to help. We provide care ranging from a couple of hours twice a week, to 24/7 care, to end-of-life hospice care.”

Kate spent many years working for Reader’s Digest. Following that she spent six years working for non-profit organizations in Haiti that operated a hospital, built schools, and implemented community development projects. She made many trips to Haiti and loved helping the wonderful people there.

Kate grew up and lives in Rye, NY where she attended Resurrection Elementary School and the School of the Holy Child. She then graduated from The College of the Holy Cross and received her MBA from Purdue University.

In her free time Kate plays golf with her husband Tim. She also loves spending time with her eight grandchildren and going to the beach.

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Barbara Stern, Administrator/Owner

Barbara is responsible for all financial functions as well as ensuring the agency follows all NY State Department of Health guidelines and requirements.

Barbara shares her story, “The need for senior care had touched me personally. While trying to juggle my own career and caring for my mother, I found that having a caring person to ensure her daily needs were met brought me such comfort and peace. It enabled me to spend time with my mother doing enjoyable activities.

I find that caring for seniors not only helps the individual who needs care but brings great relief to family members who cannot always be there. It’s so important for family members to know that their relative is safe and the number one priority of our care team.

Kate and I worked together at Reader’s Digest. Although we took different paths after leaving Reader’s Digest, we had a similar passion for caring and bringing joy to others. I found the need for senior care with my own mother and found that providing care for seniors was a critically important mission. I had previously worked at a company that was developing cures for ultra-rare diseases. I felt that I could have a greater impact working to serve the broader community.

I have seen the impact that our care has had on many families and caregivers. We not only improve the lives of our clients but aim to provide fulfilling jobs for our caregivers. We encourage continuous improvement through in-service training and training program support.”

Barbara has worked at Visiting Angels since 2015, and has a BBA and MBA from Western Connecticut State University.

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Nancy Hastings, RN Director of Client Care and Supervision

Nancy oversees all client care and supervises all Angels who are Home Health Aides and Personal Care Aides

Nancy has many years of nursing experience in acute care both as a clinical nurse and in clinical case management. She has experience working on medical-surgical and step-down units and many years in the ER. She is also a certified case manager with acute care discharge planning experience.

Nancy is passionate about helping clients receive care and support in the community and supporting families and caregivers during transitions across the care continuum from hospital to home. Nancy has her BSN and MPA in Health Administration from NYU.

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Danielle Ackerly, CSA, Associate Director of Client Services

Danielle manages the Angel Care Managers to ensure client needs are met.

She joined Visiting Angels in January of 2019, following seven previous years in home care with another agency. After meeting with Kate and Barbara Stern and learning about Visiting Angels, it was clear Visiting Angels was where she belonged.

Danielle says, “I was drawn to senior care by accident in 2012. Shortly after relocating to CT, I started a temp position for a home care company in Greenwich, CT. Within 3 months I was hired as a full-time employee and within a year promoted to a supervisor. At that point I knew senior care was my calling and have been with it ever since.

I believe seniors should be able to stay in their homes if it is sustainable. There is a certain joy that comes out of visiting a client in their home, viewing pictures of many generations and hearing stories. All while watching their faces light up. I also enjoy building relationships with clients, their family members and the caregivers taking care of them.”

In her downtime, she enjoys playing basketball with her son, watching a great movie, and visiting with family members.

Danielle is a Certified Senior Advisor.

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Vanessa Shannon, Care Manager

Vanessa manages our Angel caregivers to ensure client needs and expectations are met to the fullest.

Vanessa tells her story: “I’ve been working in HealthCare for many years. I started working as a receptionist in a Healthcare agency in Manhattan. I was noticing how the coordinators were scheduling cases and talking to the clients which needed assistance in their life. I love to help people, and this is how my career started in healthcare and this is why Visiting Angels is a great place for me. I took some time off to be a stay-at-home mom for a few years. I felt it was time to go back to work and HealthCare is where I wanted to start all over again as my career.”

I recently joined Visiting Angels of Westchester in February. I’m looking forward to my journey with Visiting Angels.

In my spare time I like to spend time with family and friends. I also like to travel.”

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Barbara Horvath, Care Manager

Barbara manages caregivers to ensure client expectations are met to the fullest

Barbara works with our Angels to provide the best care for our clients. She is responsible for addressing all the questions and concerns our clients and their families have. Barbara tells her story. "I was my mother’s caregiver for many years. It brought me such joy to be able to give back to her and those around her that didn't have anyone. It is very fulfilling to be in a field that helps people.

Joining Visiting Angels is a perfect fit for me to be able to care for seniors." Barbara spent many years in non-profit arts education and event planning.

 

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Desiree M. Soares, Human Resources Manager and Companion

 

Desiree says, “I enjoy helping people, especially the elderly. After caring for both my grandmothers, I was drawn to senior care. I know what an important job it is. I care for seniors because I understand their needs. I just happen to be one of those people who want to make them happy, as much as possible. I love to help caregivers get jobs at the Visiting Angels because it is a great accomplishment for me when I assist a dedicated, qualified caregiver get a job and at the same time assist in providing an elderly person with a qualified caregiver.”

She joined Visiting Angels in 2016 as a part-time Companion Angel. Previously she was a full-time paralegal for over 30 years working for attorneys in White Plains and surrounding areas. From that position she was recruited by Kate and Barbara to fill the Human Resources Manager position.

In her off-time, Desiree enjoys family life, walking, cooking, and reading.

Desiree is a graduate of Westchester Community College with an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies/Legal Office Procedures.