Meet The Team | Senior Helpers of Sarasota - Bradenton
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Serving Sarasota and surrounding areas.
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Serving Sarasota and surrounding areas.
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Meet the Sarasota-Bradenton 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 Sarasota-Bradenton we believe that getting the best care for your loved ones should not be complicated. Ross Goodson opened the Senior Helpers Sarasota-Bradenton office because of his passion for helping others and his interest in the growing need for in-home care services. Ross is committed to delivering the best possible in-home care to seniors in the Sarasota-Bradenton community.

We take the opportunity to provide in-home care seriously and make it a priority to provide the highest level of client service possible.  Over the 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

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 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 Sarasota-Bradenton, like every other location, is 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.  

Ross Goodson was drawn to Senior Helpers because of their trust within the community, and the high level of professionalism Senior Helpers provides.  

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

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
Ross Goodson

Ross Goodson

Founder and CEO

Ross has served as CEO at Senior Helpers of the Treasure Coast since its start in 2012. Ross graduated from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. In addition to his work in the healthcare field, Ross is also involved in community organizations such as United Way and Caring for Camo. Ross is an avid golfer. In 2005, Ross married Renee. They have two young sons, Reece and Rylan.

Ross became interested in the field of home health care after witnessing first hand his grandmother’s need for in home support and services. Ross recognized the need for compassionate care and has the utmost respect for anyone who provides care to an aging adult. Ross is committed to helping families solve life’s challenges, particularly as they pertain to navigating the healthcare continuum and improving their overall well-being. “Improving the quality of life of our client’s and their family members brings a smile to my face. I look forward to continuing to help the people that need it the most.”

Christina Navarro

Christina Navarro

Client Care Director

Christina Navarro joined the Senior Helpers as a Client Care Manager in 2022 and, after just over a year, was promoted to Client Care Director. In her role, Christina oversees client care across Sarasota and Manatee County, ensuring that every member of the care team upholds the highest standards of professionalism and compassionate support.

Prior to joining Senior Helpers, Christina worked for another private duty home care agency for five years as a Care Manager, where she developed a strong foundation in client care and case management. With additional experience as a case manager for the Safe Children Coalition and over fifteen years in sales and marketing—thirteen of those within the medical field—Christina brings a well-rounded approach to her work. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Florida.

A Sarasota native, Christina is deeply connected to her community and actively supports various children’s charities and the SPCA. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, cooking, practicing yoga, and spending time with her family and friends. Christina is passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of others and is proud to contribute to Senior Helpers' mission of compassionate care.

Jessie Loomis

Jessie Loomis

Scheduling Coordinator

Jessie Loomis, a Sarasota native, has always had a natural affinity for helping others, especially seniors. Her dedication to elderly clients goes beyond her role; she’s driven by a genuine desire to enhance their quality of life, ensuring they feel respected, understood, and valued. Currently earning her Master’s in healthcare management, Jessie is equipping herself with the skills and expertise needed to make a broader impact in the field, aiming to improve care systems and advocate for the needs of the elderly on a larger scale. Outside of her professional pursuits, Jessie’s warmth extends to her family of pets. She’s an avid animal lover, and her dogs and cats are not just pets but cherished companions. They bring her comfort and joy, reflecting the same compassion she shows her clients. Jessie’s unique blend of empathy, dedication, and expertise makes her a standout figure in her field, deeply respected by clients and colleagues alike.

Sarah Bauer, RN, DON, CDCES

Sarah Bauer, RN, DON, CDCES

Director of Nursing and Client Services

Sarah joined Senior Helpers as the Director of Nursing and Client Services in December 2023. Sarah was born in Michigan but raised in Central Florida. She has been a part of the healthcare community since 1999. She started her career as a phlebotomist at a Bay City, Michigan hospital. She has worked within the elderly community for over 18 years, as a caregiver and nurse. She is proud to be a certified diabetic educator as well. She uses her experience and education to collaborate with clients/families to determine the best way to stay in their homes as they age. She uses her compassion and understanding to tackle the difficult task of balancing comfort and safety with each client.

Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, especially her two young granddaughters. Swimming, reading, and playing with her dogs, bunnies, and chickens are some of her favorite pastimes.

Marcene Destefano

Marcene Destefano

Recruiting Coordinator

Marcene Destefano, born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, embodies the spirit of compassion and dedication in her work with elderly clients. Her strong Midwestern roots have instilled in her a deep sense of community and care, qualities she brings to every interaction with her clients. Marcene is known for going above and beyond to ensure they feel not only well cared for but truly cherished. She believes that dignity and respect are essential to quality care and approaches each day with a focus on enhancing the lives of those she serves. In her personal life, Marcene’s family is her pride and joy. She has three grown children who share her values of kindness and empathy, and her heart has grown even fuller with the arrival of her five-month-old granddaughter. The joy of watching her family grow brings Marcene constant inspiration, and she often shares heartwarming stories of her granddaughter's latest milestones. Her clients find comfort and connection in these family stories, making Marcene a trusted and cherished presence in their lives. Her devotion to family and work alike makes her an invaluable part of the caregiving community.

Valorie Stabile

Valorie Stabile

Administrator

Valorie Stabile, born in Lake Wales, Florida, is the Administrator of Senior Helpers. She holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology and has a rich background in healthcare administration. Before joining Senior Helpers two years ago, she worked as the Business office manager at a nursing home for two years and spent an additional four years at another private duty healthcare agency as the Administrator. Valorie is a dedicated professional and a mother of four, with two beloved cats.

Areas We Serve

Senior Helpers Sarasota-Bradenton provides a full range of senior home care services for you or your loved one—from companionship and housework help, to more complex care services, including disease management, Live-In and 24-hour care services.

Senior Helpers Sarasota-Bradenton serves the cities and towns of:

  • Sarasota
  • Bradenton
  • Longboat Key
  • Cortez
  • Anna Maria
  • Bradenton Beach
  • Palmetto
  • Ellenton
  • Longboat Key
  • Myakka City