Meet The Team | Senior Helpers of North-Central OC

Meet the North-Central Orange County office

More than 90% of seniors want to age in their own home with dignity but getting the right type of care can seem daunting. At Senior Helpers North-Central Orange County we believe that getting the best care for your loved ones should not be complicated. Our Senior Helpers office was opened in 2006 because of the need for respectable in-home care services. Our office is committed to delivering the best possible in-home care to seniors in the Orange County community.

We take in-home care seriously and make it a priority to provide the highest level of client service possible. Over the past 12 years we have built an exceptional team of care professionals, each committed to remaining at the forefront of the in-home care industry through our proprietary ongoing training and education programs.

Our History

Senior Helpers was founded in 2002 by Tony Bonacuse with the help of Peter Ross after their firsthand experience in caring for their respective family members. Tony and Peter identified a need was not being filled properly by the other companies. They realized most seniors would prefer to age in their own home rather than move into an unfamiliar institution. Unfortunately, the options available to most seniors were very limited. Most seniors did not have access to well-trained, dependable and affordable in-home care. This was the mission-driven spark that started Senior Helpers.

The first office opened in Baltimore, and quickly developed a reputation for delivering excellent in-home senior care with their well-trained staff of professional caregivers. Based on the success of the Baltimore location, the company began to expand. Over the past 13 years, the Senior Helpers family has grown to include a network of more than 300 locally owned and operated franchises across the United States.

Senior Helpers of North-Central Orange County was proud to join the system in 2006. Like every other owner, we too are fully-committed to the original goal of providing dependable and affordable in-home care with well-trained caregivers. Nothing is more important to us than being the best available resource for seniors and families in our community.

Brian Nakamura is the owner of Senior Helpers North-Central Orange County. His journey with in-home care started when he witnessed first hand how a family member was treated by their in-home caregivers. He knew he could make a difference, so he began his journey of researching in-home care companies. That’s how he found Senior Helpers. He knew that this was the right company for him as their dedication to seniors was top-notch. Brian purchased his Senior Helpers franchise in 2015.

Our team has 5 office team members and close to 100 caregivers. We have been lucky to serve hundreds of seniors in our community over the years, and we are committed to continuing to provide uncompromising levels of care to all our families.

Our process

The first step in the process is a complimentary, initial in-home care assessment with a Senior Helpers consultant. This assessment can help you understand the true needs of your loved one, and your options. Together we can discuss their needs, our senior care services and determine what’s best for your entire family.

We will cover:

Your family's specific goals

Your loved one's daily plan design and schedule

Pricing and payment methods

Implementation process

Ongoing communication and follow-up plan

Senior Helpers Orange County Management Team

Brian Nakamura

Franchise Owner

Brian Nakamura is the proud owner of Senior Helpers North-Central Orange County. He is dedicated to ensuring that the management team delivers their best work, enriches the lives of clients, and provides peace of mind to families regarding the care of their loved ones.With over 25 years of leadership experience, Brian brings a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to excellence. He is passionate about setting the standard for home care in Orange County and fostering a culture of professionalism, compassion, and outstanding service. Brian is a devoted husband and father to two sons. In his spare time, he enjoys gardening, beekeeping, sports, and exploring other hobbies that bring balance and joy to his life.

Wendy Summa

Director of Operations

Wendy Summa joined Senior Helpers in November 2016 and has since held several key roles, including Administrative Assistant, Director of Care Management, and now Director of Operations. Her extensive responsibilities include overseeing billing, payroll, insurance, and ensuring compliance for both clients and caregivers. Wendy collaborates closely with the entire team, setting goals and providing the tools and support necessary for everyone to succeed in their roles. She reports directly to the owner of Senior Helpers.

Outside of work, Wendy is a proud mom to five children and grandma to three. She cherishes family time and loves to travel.

Tracy Anderson

Director of Client Experience

Tracy Anderson joined the Senior Helpers team in October 2020. Prior to this, she spent 15 years as the owner of From Head 2 Toe Boutiques in Corona, CA. Initially hired as the Community Relations Director, Tracy has since been promoted to Director of Client Experience.In her current role, Tracy conducts initial Life Profile Assessments, develops care plans for new clients, and maintains ongoing communication with existing clients and their families to ensure they receive exceptional care. Tracy works extremely close with our senior Helpers team to help train and cultivate them to be successful in their prospective positions. Tracy’s dedication to her role stems from her deep desire to help people and positively impact their lives. She reports directly to the owner of Senior Helpers. Tracy feels truly blessed to be part of such a great team and is excited about her bright future with Senior Helpers. Outside of work, Tracy leads a very active lifestyle. She is a proud mother of two grown children and happily married to her amazing husband. Her favorite activities include mountain biking, hiking, camping, kayaking, and practicing yoga.

Brenna Rodieck

Caregiver Engagement Manager

Brenna joined Senior Helpers in November 2021 as our Caregiver Engagement Manager. She leads the recruitment and orientation of new caregivers, ensuring a smooth and welcoming onboarding process. A dedicated team player, Brenna is passionate about creating the best possible experience for our caregivers while expertly matching them with clients to meet their specific needs. In her role, Brenna manages caregiver schedules, maintains up-to-date and compliant caregiver files, and oversees our annual mandatory training program. Caregivers report directly to Brenna for guidance and support, while she reports to the Director of Client Experience. Outside of work, Brenna leads an active and creative lifestyle. She recently got married and enjoys practicing Pilates, making jewelry, and exploring new travel destinations. For any questions about recruitment, scheduling, or changes to your schedule, please contact Brenna.

George Renteria

Caregiver Trainer

George Renteria joined the Senior Helpers team as a caregiver in September 2024. His professionalism, dedication, and exceptional skill set quickly caught the attention of our office staff. As a result, George was invited to step into a part-time role with our Anaheim team as the Caregiver Trainer. In this role, George will leverage our innovative Center of Excellence to provide caregivers with comprehensive training on essential topics, including Senior Gems (Alzheimer’s/Dementia Program), Parkinson’s care, stroke care, hypertension assistance, handling difficult situations, transfers, bathing techniques, and more. George reports directly to the Director of Client Experience. We are honored to have George as part of our team and are excited to see him share his extensive knowledge and expertise with our caregiving staff. Outside of work, George is a devoted husband and proud father of three grown children. A true sports enthusiast, especially when it comes to soccer, he also enjoys cooking, cleaning, hiking, attending sporting events, and being a supportive companion to his loved ones.

Shawna Piquette

Community Relations Specialist

Shawna joined the Senior Helpers team in November 2024 as the Community Relations Specialist for North-Central Orange County. Before joining Senior Helpers, she worked with elementary-aged students as a para-educator and art teacher, showcasing her passion for nurturing relationships and creativity. In her role, Shawna is responsible for generating new client leads, managing public relations, driving business development, and conducting client reassessments, among other key duties. She is dedicated to enriching client relationships through courtesy visits, ensuring the highest standards of service and care. Shawna reports directly to the Director of Client Experience. Outside of work, Shawna is a proud mom of grown twins and a devoted animal lover. She enjoys hiking, mountain biking, and spending time in nature. Shawna is excited about this new chapter with Senior Helpers and looks forward to making a positive impact in the community.

Meet the North-Central Orange County office

Our History

Our process

Senior Helpers Orange County Management Team

Senior Helpers of North-Central Orange County

Areas We Serve