Meet The Team | Senior Helpers of Melbourne

Meet the Melbourne office

More than 90% of seniors want to be able to age in their own home with dignity but getting the right type of care can seem daunting. At Senior Helpers of Melbourne we believe that getting the best care for your loved ones should not be complicated. We recognize the growing need for in-home care services, and with our passion for helping others, we are committed to delivering the best possible care to seniors in the Melbourne community.

We take the opportunity to provide care in your home seriously and make it a priority to provide the highest level of client service possible. 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. You can feel confident that your loved one is in good hands with Senior Helpers.

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 that was not being filled properly by the other companies. They realized that 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 accessible in-home care. This was the mission-driven spark that started Senior Helpers.

The first office opened in Baltimore, Maryland, 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 20 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 Melbourne was proud to join the system in 2024. Like every other owner, we too are fully-committed to the original goal of providing dependable and accessible 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. We are lucky to serve hundreds of seniors in our community, 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

Meet the Melbourne Team

Kristine Walsh

Visionary Entrepreneur and Franchise Leader

Kristine is a distinguished entrepreneur and the esteemed owner of a leading home health care agency franchise. Kristine has redirected her career to providing high-quality, compassionate care to individuals in need. Her journey began with a profound passion for improving the quality of life for seniors.

Her commitment to this field was fueled by a personal experience: she witnessed her sister-in-laws tirelessly care for her wonderful mother-in-law, who has Alzheimer's. The physical and mental toll on all three of them was immense. Kristine saw firsthand the challenges and stress that family caregivers face and recognized the critical need for support. She opened Senior Helpers of Melbourne to provide family caregivers with much-needed relief and help them maintain their mental and physical health, ensuring they can continue to provide care without sacrificing their well-being.

Kristine holds a Bachelor’s degree Accounting from Coastal Carolina University and a Master’s degree in Taxation. Outside of her professional life, Kristine enjoys volunteering at local health clinics, spending time with her family, and attending as many concerts as possible. Her unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others, coupled with her entrepreneurial spirit, has made Kristine a respected and influential figure in the home health care community.

Kelly McDermott RN BSN

Nurse

Kelly is a dedicated Registered Nurse with a passion for enhancing patient care and operational efficiency in the field of home healthcare. With over 40 years of experience in nursing and healthcare administration, Kelly has the ability to see the needs of the client, match up the right caregiver and give referrals when needed.

Kelly’s nursing journey began in an urban hospital in Michigan, where she quickly adapted to the fast-paced environment and honed her skills in various specialties including Home Health, PICU, NICU, ER, Hospice, Organ Transplant and Care Management. Her natural empathy and ability to connect with patients earned her respect among colleagues and patients alike.

Throughout her career, Kelly has demonstrated a strong leadership ability, overseeing day-to-day operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and implementing quality improvement initiatives when she operated her own nurse registry in SE Florida called Kelly’s Angels Elder Care for 20 years. Her clinical expertise combined with her administrative acumen has enabled her to foster a supportive and efficient work environment for staff while maintaining the highest standards of patient care.

Outside of work, Kelly enjoys hiking, traveling, and being outside enjoying and honoring Mother Earth.

Nancy DeDona

Dedicated and Compassionate Care Advocate

Nancy DeDona is a seasoned professional in the home health industry, bringing years of experience and unwavering passion to her role. Her dedication to providing top-level care for clients is matched only by her commitment to building strong, reliable teams through expert recruiting and staffing.

Nancy thrives on connecting caregivers with those in need, ensuring every client receives compassionate, personalized support. She truly loves what she does and is driven by the positive impact she makes every day.

When you work with Nancy, you’re not just getting a professional—you’re gaining a partner who genuinely cares about the well-being of your loved ones.

Ocean

Chief Happiness Officer and Office Paw-sitivity Ambassador

Ocean is the beloved Toy Schnauzer who serves as the Chief Happiness Officer at our office. With a charming personality and an abundance of energy, Ocean brings joy and positivity to everyone she meets. As a key member of our team, Ocean plays an essential role in maintaining a cheerful and stress-free work environment.

Born with a natural talent for spreading happiness, Ocean has been a cherished companion since she was a puppy. Her small size is matched by her big heart and even bigger presence. Ocean’s duties include greeting employees and visitors with her infectious enthusiasm, providing comfort and companionship during breaks, and boosting overall morale with her playful antics.

Ocean’s day typically begins with a warm welcome at the office entrance, where she eagerly waits to greet each team member with a wagging tail and a friendly bark. Her favorite activities include playing fetch in the office courtyard, napping in the sunniest spots, and offering her furry support during long meetings. Ocean’s ability to sense when someone needs a little extra love makes her an irreplaceable part of our team.

When she’s not at the office, Ocean enjoys spending time at the local dog park, practicing her agility skills, and snuggling with her favorite humans at home. She is also a budding social media star, with a growing following of fans who adore her daily adventures and adorable photos.

Ocean’s presence has not only increased employee satisfaction but also fostered a sense of community and well-being within the office. Her boundless affection and unwavering loyalty remind us all of the simple joys in life and the importance of taking a moment to relax and enjoy the company of a furry friend.

In her role as Chief Happiness Officer, Ocean exemplifies the best qualities of a companion: loyalty, joy, and unconditional love. She is more than just an office dog; she is a source of inspiration and a beloved member of our office family.

Hyllus

Chief Barketing Officer and Office Joy Specialist

Hyllus is our charming French Bulldog, affectionately known as the Chief Barketing Officer at our office. With his signature bat ears and irresistible snorts, Hyllus brings a unique blend of joy, laughter, and relaxation to everyone he encounters. He has become an indispensable member of our team, known for his calming presence and delightful antics.

Hyllus’s journey into office life began as a puppy, where his playful spirit and affectionate nature quickly won over the hearts of his human colleagues. His duties in the office are multifaceted, including greeting employees with his enthusiastic wiggles, offering moral support during busy workdays, and participating in team-building activities with his infectious energy.

A typical day for Hyllus starts with a round of enthusiastic welcomes as team members arrive, followed by his "rounds" to ensure everyone gets a moment of canine comfort. Whether it’s lounging in his cozy bed during meetings, chasing after toys in the break room, or simply offering a comforting presence, Hyllus excels at making the office feel like a second home.

Outside the office, Hyllus enjoys exploring the outdoors, socializing with his dog friends at the park, and indulging in his favorite treats. His off-duty time also includes starring in adorable social media posts, where his growing fanbase enjoys following his daily shenanigans and charming personality.

Hyllus’s role as Chief Barketing Officer has significantly enhanced the office environment, promoting a sense of well-being and camaraderie among staff. His ability to bring smiles and alleviate stress has made him a beloved fixture in our workplace culture.

In his position, Hyllus embodies the best qualities of a French Bulldog: loyalty, playfulness, and an unwavering ability to brighten anyone’s day. He is more than just a pet; he is a vital part of our office family, and his presence is a daily reminder of the joy and comfort that a furry friend can bring to our lives.

Meet the Melbourne office

Our History

Our process

Meet the Melbourne Team

Photos from the Melbourne Office

Areas We Serve