Abigail Karns
EvansOriginally from Wisconsin, Abigail is a caring Senior Helper and a loving mother of two. She has a fun six-year-old and an adorable newborn. Abigail went to school for psychology but found her passion in photography, which she does on her free time. She also loves live music and spending time with her kids when she isn't working.
Abigail Lee
Fort CollinsAbigail grew up as a military brat and loves giving back. She originally wanted to go to med school but has recently changed her degree to biology. However, the change hasn't stopped her from caring for her clients. She wants to care for the people who need help, no matter what.
Alainna Recore
Fort CollinsThis California girl moved to beautiful Colorado 13 years ago. She is currently in school, getting her Bachelor's degree in nursing. She plans to specialize in oncology so she can continue taking care of people. Alainna has always had a heart for taking care of others and has been in this industry for many years now. It's very rewarding to Alainna that she can give care and comfort to those in need, and she hopes that the one-on-one interactions with her clients will shape her future to become an amazing nurse. Alainna and her husband love spending time with their two girls, Madisyn, who is 5, and Lauryn, who is 3.
Alexandra Mendoza
GreeleyAlexandra was born and raised in Greeley, Colorado. She always enjoyed caring for others, and naturally became a caregiver. She loves the fact that she can give all her care to someone else to improve their life. Alex enjoys her big family with four siblings. She doesn’t have any kids but has a little dog to love. In her free time, she loves to sing and spend time with her dog.
Amanda Rodriguez
LovelandAmanda is a caring helper who adores working with older adults because they melt her heart and make her smile. After taking care of both of her grandparents who had dementia, she knew she wanted to help other older adults. Amanda currently works in a memory care unit as well as an in-home caregiver. From a small town in Texas, Amanda loves making connections with her community. She has three brothers and three sisters and is the baby of the family. Also, Amanda has a beautiful fiance named Tameka and two dogs named Raider, a schnauzer, and Tequila, a Great Dane. In her free time, Amanda enjoys drawing, painting, and anything crafty.
Annalee Knies
Annalee is originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, but moved to Colorado nine years ago. She started caregiving because she accepted a job as a server in a retirement community. In the same facility, she moved into housekeeping. After realizing how much she loved working with the residents, she moved into caregiver. Now, she is the Lead Caregiver at Parkwood Estates in Fort Collins. Annalee loves being able to help others and finds it amazing when she’s able to make someone’s day. She enjoys music and gardening as well as taking care of her four cats and two dogs.
Christina "Kitti" Rodriguez
GreeleyWhen her mother was diagnosed with cancer, Kitti and her sisters followed their instincts, naturally becoming their mother's caregivers. Ever since then, Kitti has loved taking care of others. First, she worked in home health for about 10 years. After that, she enjoyed an adult day care center where she scheduled doctor's appointments and crafted with her clients. She recently joined Senior Helpers, where she enjoys her job and the clients she sees. Kitti has found through her work that everyone is unique in their own way. She loves working with people to help with their daily tasks. Kitti also understands the importance of patience, love, and compassion in this line of work.
Deidra Smith
LaSalleA bubbly and well-traveled personality, Deidra loves connecting with her clients. She was born in Kansas but moved to Fort Collins at two years old. For many years, Deidra drove professionally all across the United States, for a company that built natural gas pipelines. One of her favorite places was West Virginia since it was so beautiful. Now, Deidra is loving La Salle so she can be close to her family - four sons, eight granddaughters, and one grandson.
Desiree Perkins
Desiree was born and raised here in Colorado. She became a caregiver because she’s taken care of her two sons, who have autism and bipolar disorder. She loves to listen to people and help them wherever possible. Desiree enjoys family time with her three kids, two grandkids, and three dogs. In her free time, she loves to draw.
Dorothy Whittaker
Fort CollinsDorothy, or Dotti, is a retired nurse and amazing caregiver. Other than her nursing and caregiving expertise, Dotti is also a professional singer. She has been a singer for many years, and even writes songs in her free time.
Elise Golyer
Fort CollinsElise learned about the importance of caregiving at a young age when her grandma developed Alzheimer's. Elise then spent most of her school days at her house, taking care of her and helping her meet her needs. Because of this, she always makes it clear to her clients that she is their helper, but that they always have their own voice. She also values a variety in meals while trying to make her clients' days brighter. Elise is currently studying social work to help as many people as she can.
Evelyn Lucero
GreeleyA Colorado resident for 19 years, Evelyn is originally from North Carolina. She decided caregiver was her gift after taking care of family members who were ill. She loves helping to make someone’s life easier and more manageable while talking and spending time with her clients. In her free time, Evelyn loves plants, reading, word searches, and spending time with her family. She has two daughters, one 21 and one 14 and an 18-year-old chihuahua named Xena. She is passionate about raising kind, educated, determined, thriving kids. Evelyn also wants to leave a legacy of kindness, compassion, and love.
Geneva Hein
Fort CollinsGeneva is a young and enthusiastic caregiver. She was originally a housekeeper at Parkwood and grew to adore the residents. She realized that she wanted to be more than a housekeeper and became a caregiver. In her spare time, Geneva is a musician.
Jerilyn White
GreeleyJerilyn is an amazing caregiver who loves to spend time with older adults while holding a high respect for her elders. Other than senior care, Jerilyn also has experience caring for mentally disabled individuals. Originally from Black Hawk, Jerilyn travelled to Grand Junction and Iowa. Then, she moved back to Greeley to help her dad battle pancreatic cancer but he ended up passing just a few days after she settled in Colorado. At home, Jerilyn gives so much of her undivided attention to her three-year-old girl. But, when she gets a minute to herself, she enjoys puzzles, board games, working on her vehicles, playing with her dogs, crafting, cooking, and more.
Jose Palafox
EvansJose has ample experience caring for seniors, not just with Senior Helpers but also from helping his own grandparents. He got into the senior care profession because he loves working with his clients and hearing their stories. He truly enjoys the feeling of helping others and understanding their situations. In his free time, Jose likes to play sports and he enjoys driving with no particular destination in mind.
Katt Mitchell
Fort CollinsKatt is an amazing 23-year-old caregiver. Married to her high school sweetheart, she finds happiness in her home life with her two fur babies, Jayda and Atlas. Katt enjoys working with older adults because she loves to help people and make them smile. Any time she can make someone's day a little better is a good day for Katt. She is happy to work at Senior Helpers because she loves having a job where she can help people and make the best of the time they have left. In her free time, Katt enjoys travelling and going on outdoor adventures
Kimberly Fernandez
GreeleyKimberly is a Greeley native, born and raised. Though she is young, she is mature beyond her years since caregiving is and has been in the family. Not only does she love caregiving, but she is also open to learning more about people and about senior care. When she's not working, Kimberly loves listening to all types of music, going to concerts, and traveling with her family.
Lauren Hazel
Lauren is a caring team member who is passionate about helping others. Whether she’s travelling the world or cruising around Colorado, she loves adventure and finding meaning in the little things. She has lived in four countries and explored five, and she has plans to visit every country on Earth in her lifetime. Lauren loves being outdoors kayaking, hiking, and ice skating. At home, she creates art, designs disabled-accessible public spaces, and enjoys playing with her cat, Bitty.
Leslie Chase
Fort CollinsLeslie is a wonderful caregiver, and really shows her expertise as a Master of Social Work. She loves working for Senior Helpers. Leslie feels that she has the privilege of working with, connecting, and helping her wonderful clients. In addition to senior care, Leslie is an actress. She also directed Children’s Theatre for many years and had her own business called “Imagination That!” an Improvisational Theatre program designed for at-risk youth.
Leslie Hoaglin
LovelandLeslie was born and raised in Colorado and loves her home state. She got into caregiving after her grandparents passed away and truly enjoys helping older folks. When she's not working, she enjoys spending time with her dog and her six-year-old son.
Lori Bloom
Fort CollinsLori Bloom has worked in assisted living facilities and is enjoying the transition to in-home senior care. Originally from South Dakota, she enjoys camping, hunting, and fishing. Lori has a daughter and a son plus four grandkids and another one on the way. She's been in Colorado for 12 years now and loves it here.
Maria Flores
GreeleyMaria and her sisters naturally became caregivers when their mother was diagnosed with cancer. During that experience, Maria decided that caring for people, especially the elderly, was her calling. She went to school, becoming an MA and phlebotomist, then worked at a clinic serving only the elderly. Two years after moving to Colorado, Maria saw an ad for a caregiving job so she thought she would give it a try. She has now been with Senior Helpers for over 11 years! Maria loves working for Senior Helpers almost as much as she loves helping her residents. After looking at their photos, hearing their stories, and helping them every day, the clients become more and more like family. Maria also loves bringing her kids in to work to help out the people who need it most. They enjoy helping with bingo and tasks like getting water or bringing someone's cane to them. It makes Maria proud that her kids have the same passion as her to help others.
Mary Jane Tovar
GreeleyMary Jane is a Colorado native, born and raised in Greeley. This passionate 33-year-old loves working for Senior Helpers, not just because she’s a workaholic, but also because she loves caring for others. Mary Jane is a colorful individual, and specifically enjoys purple, pink, and green. Her favorite hobbies, when she has some free time, of course, are coloring, arts and crafts, and fishing.
Megan Pierson
Fort CollinsMegan is a loving, caring team member. She has been with Senior Helpers for four years and the work has helped her grow as a person and a caregiver. She and her husband, Chadd, have three cats who they adore. Megan loves helping people, but when she isn't working she enjoys reading, swimming, walking, and going to amusement parks!
Melissa Tamez
GreeleyBorn and raised in Eaton, Colorado, Melissa enjoys being around her family and friends. Melissa has been married for six years, and has a seven-year-old daughter and a five-year-old son. She loves caregiving because she’s a naturally caring person, enjoys helping in any way, and brining joy into others’ lives. When she isn’t working, you can find Melissa reading, swimming, or enjoying the outdoors.
Nikki S.
Nikki is originally from Loveland and has lived in Colorado her whole life. In 2015, her sister-in-law brought Nikki in to do respite care for her host family and Nikki fell in love with senior care. She has been caring for seniors ever since and loves being there for people who don’t have other help. Nikki has a loving family with her husband, Willie, and two daughters who are three and 10. She enjoys spending time with her family and getting coveted time to herself.
Nouf AlDakeel
Fort CollinsNouf is new to Colorado and new to the US, a recent transplant from Saudi Arabia. She loves caring for others, especially those who are needing help. She has four fabulous and loves to care for them as well as her clients. In her free time, Nouf likes drawing with charcoal, gardening, crafting, cooking, and baking. This sweet and generous caregiver adores cats but is afraid of dogs!
Rianna Erickson
LovelandRianna has a passion for helping older adults age gracefully in the comfort of their own homes. That's why she loves working for Senior Helpers. A student as well, Rianna is part of a cycling club and a student leadership team. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, learning guitar, reading, and listening to music.
Rhianna Ausmus
Fort CollinsRhianna is a sweet, wonderful caregiver who is from Loveland. She has always felt like she was a caretaker at heart and has always felt the need to care for others who can't take care of themselves. For example, Rhianna once found a baby bird and helped it find its way back to its nest. In her free time, Rhianna loves to spend time with her two-year-old son, Demarea, and paint with watercolors, often using her favorite color, which is pink.
Rimaz Dui
Fort CollinsRimaz has been a caregiver since 2016 and loves being able to help others. Originally from Sudan, Rimaz loves to travel and see the world. When she isn't working or travelling, you can find Rimaz shopping or spending time with her family
Rosa Rios
WellingtonOur 2020 Caregiver of the Year, Rosa, is always ready to help when needed. Rosa was a kindergarten teacher for five years until she started caregiving for her mom, who was diagnosed with breast cancer. Because of that experience, Rosa went to nursing school and graduated with honors, studying several semesters of English in addition to nursing. Until 2019, Rosa worked in social services in a hospital and for the health secretary of Mexico in the Department of Universal Vaccinations. Since moving to the US, Rosa has been one of our amazing caregivers! In her free time, Rosa is a crafter, taking courses in carpentry, tailoring, painting, and more.
Sadie Jones
GreeleySadie is currently in nursing school but has always been interested in caring for others. Since middle school, she has had varying positions in adult care from long-term care facilities to home health care. She has really found her calling with in-home senior care, though, because she can connect with people on a higher level. So far, Sadie has gotten to work with some incredible people and has found that working with Senior Helpers is great experience for her career in nursing.
Sophia Zappolo
Fort CollinsSophia is a caring individuals who loves working with older adults in our community because she wants to make a difference in their lives. She feels the rewarding aspect of leaving an impact. Something that seems small to us might mean more to others, and Sophia loves that she can help people whenever possible. Sophia is currently a CSU student who likes to learn new languages, though she already speaks English and Spanish, and practice photography. She also enjoys hiking, playing soccer, reading, and hanging out with her roommates.
Stefan Montana
Stefan is originally from the San Francisco Bay Area and moved to Colorado in early 2020. After moving to Colorado, he discovered his passion for helping seniors live comfortably in their own homes. Stefan loves to spend time with his clients, whether he is helping them enjoy life or manage essential aspects of their household. In his free time, Stefan enjoys playing guitar, going to concerts, snowboarding, and hanging out with his kitten, Dolly.
Stormy Botkin
GreeleyOriginally from Southern Texas, Stormy moved to Colorado five years ago. She has previously worked in both dental assisting and patient care, which drew her to senior care. Being in senior care, she feels, gives her the opportunity to make differences in other’s lives, create wonderful friendships, and gain valuable experiences. Stormy is currently in the pre-nursing program at UNC, and hopes to continue to care for others in the future. In her free time, Stormy enjoys photography, hiking, and painting.
Thalia Juarez
GreeleyThalia was born in Kansas, grew up in Mexico, and has lived in Greeley since she was five years old. She loves working for Senior Helpers because of the amazing people she gets to meet and the stories she hears through the generations. Thalia is so very passionate about her family and the crafts that she does. For example, she makes chocolate covered strawberries for birthday parties and events. She also has a nine-month-old baby who she loves to take on outdoor outings. She has learned so much as a mother and continues to learn every day.
Thorne Winchester
A native of Fort Collins, Thorne has lived in Colorado her whole life. Her sister worked for Senior Helpers and made the job sound amazing so Thorne quickly joined the team. Thorne loves being a caregiver because she can create connections with new people. Currently, she lives with her twin sister and dog, Winky, both of whom she enjoys spending time with. In her free time, Thorne enjoys hiking, reading, knitting, and having a nice cup of tea.
Tom Merrow
LovelandTom is an experienced caregiver with 15 years of CNA work under his belt. He is originally from Michigan and enjoys it when he gets to go back to visit his family there. In his free time, Tom likes to build things, such as small scale train layouts and Christmas decorations. Tom also loves to rescue cats and has six cats at home.
Tyler Burton
Fort CollinsTyler, otherwise known as Ty, was born and raised in Rhode Island. Ty has her Bachelor's degree in biology and is currently getting her Master's in forensic science. Her online schoolwork from National University doesn't get in the way of her job, though. Ty has worked in the home care industry for four years now, and she loves connecting with her clients. She also works with adults with disabilities, helping with career placement. In her free time, Ty enjoys hiking, camping, and taking care of her nine-year-old paraplegic German Shephard, Maggie. This bubbly 27-year-old caregiver is passionate about science and helping others!
Virginia Murphy
Fort CollinsVirginia, or Gin, is a Colorado-born, 61-year-old world traveler. She taught elementary school for many years in Utah, Germany, Italy, Guam, California, and Arizona. She loved teaching and learning about different cultures through children. She then transitioned into a behavioral health case manager for 8 years. After that, Gin began caregiving with a focus on dementia patients and has been loving her job for the past four years. As a military wife, and with her general love for travel, Gin lived overseas for 15 years and visited 8 continents.
Yvette Stewart
GreeleyYvette is a hard worker and a quick learner, which is why she fits in perfectly at Senior Helpers. She can turn any situation into something positive, and our clients love that attitude. Yvette was born in Utah and raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She loves being active, including skateboarding, playing basketball, and taking long walks. Yvette also enjoys watching the NFL and NBA. Her other hobbies include playing old video games, fixing cars, and cooking for her wonderful five children.