Meet The Team | Senior Helpers of Charleston
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Serving Charleston and surrounding areas.
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Serving Charleston and surrounding areas.
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Meet the Charleston/Mt. Pleasant 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 Charleston, we believe that getting the best care for your loved ones should not be complicated. Amy Petersen-Smith opened the Senior Helpers Mt. Pleasant office because of her passion for helping others and her interest in the growing need for in-home care services. Amy is committed to delivering the best possible in-home care to seniors in the Lowcountry community.

We take in-home care 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.

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 Charleston is proud to be a part of the Senior Helpers family and 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. 

Amy was drawn to Senior Helpers because she wanted to bring a sense of peace to families. Knowing your loved one is being taken care of by friendly, trained, and compassionate care providers all in their comfort of your loved one’s home will provide that for you.

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
  • Create a unique LifeProfile and Smart Care Plan

Kim is the best caregiver Mom has ever had!! She makes our family a better one. Also, she brings joy to Mom (and the rest of us too), which is priceless. Thank you for matching her with us!!

Meet Our Owners


Amy Petersen-Smith

Amy Petersen-Smith

Amy Petersen-Smith

From a young age growing up in the Midwest, Amy’s grandparents and parents not only instilled a strong work ethic but that caring, respecting, and giving back to your elders was just the natural way of life. She started this mission early in life as a first grader, volunteering with her grandpa at the church. She always enjoyed hearing the stories and jokes told by the “young fellas” and picked up a bit of wisdom along the way. She later went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and spent the last 25 years in executive management for various human service companies; including the last 9 years with the corporate office for Senior Helpers before moving to Charleston. She and her husband, Barry realized the value of being able to help seniors remain independent at home after her grandma had a fall and was forced to move out of her home for her own safety. They have seen the struggle that so many families experience in trying to keep mom or dad at home, where they want to be, because life pulls us in many directions. We cannot provide that care all the time nor have the energy it takes to care of an aged loved one and manage your own lives. Amy and Barry decided to take this value and bring the convenience of living with assistance at home to your loved one in Charleston, Dorchester, and Berkeley Counties with Senior Helpers. Their mission is to bring you a sense of peace knowing your loved one is being taken care of by friendly, trained, and compassionate care providers all in their comfort of your loved one’s home. In her free time, Amy enjoys running, swimming, biking, taking her dog (and office mascot) Brutus to the beach, watching college football (especially her beloved Ohio State Buckeyes), and cooking for friends and family.


Barry Smith

Barry Smith

Barry Smith

Barry is an experienced sales professional with over 20 years as a manufacturer's rep in the sporting goods industry. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Akron in Business Administration and Marketing. Barry and his wife, Amy, started Senior Helpers of Charleston because they both watched their grandparents and mothers grow older and run into difficult situations caring for themselves. They wanted to bring peace of mind to others as they saw with their own families by using home care, including Senior Helpers in Ohio for Amy’s grandma.

They started this company because they believe with care and hard work, they can make a difference in the lives of their clients in Charleston. They want to help them stay independent, ensure they are not lonely and just make their lives a little easier to manage from home. They have set the highest standards for hiring, training, and service to our clients.

They also want to provide a healthy and fun work environment for their team, helping them reach a positive and meaningful life for them and their families. In Barry’s spare time he can be found riding his bike around the Isle of Palms, researching the latest and greatest cars, or relaxing at the beach with family and friends.

Meet the Charleston Team

Cary McDaniel

Cary McDaniel

With over 20 years of healthcare experience, Cary has dedicated his career to delivering compassionate and high-quality care across diverse settings, including home health, respiratory DME, and home care. As a valued member of the Senior Helpers team in South Carolina, he draws on his extensive background to provide clients with exceptional service and unwavering support. Cary's passion for healthcare stems from his genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. He takes pride in being part of an organization that shares his commitment to excellence in care and improving the well-being of those he serves.

Mary Bartos

Mary Bartos

Intake Coordinator

Originally from South Carolina, grew up enjoying the coastal life with frequent access to the beach. Following in her mother’s footsteps, she attended Coastal Carolina University, though she chose to pursue a different path outside of teaching. Passionate about making a difference, Mary found her calling to work with the elderly. Her experiences with her grandparents inspired her to become an advocate, ensuring that seniors and their families receive the care and resources they need. As an Intake Coordinator, she takes pride in protecting her clients, even from unwanted email newsletters. When she's not working, Mary enjoys cheering on the Carolina Gamecocks or getting lost in a book by the beach.

Rose Jarboe, CCM

Rose Jarboe, CCM

Family Care Director

Rose joined the Senior Helpers team in February 2024 and is a passionate advocate and navigator in the healthcare industry, bringing over 30 years of experience across the continuum of care. A Maryland native, she has also lived in Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, and North Carolina, and she has traveled to Uganda multiple times for humanitarian relief efforts. In her spare time, Rose enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring new places, and seeking out adventure. Her diverse experiences and commitment to service make her a valuable asset to the Senior Helpers team.

Julie Wise

Julie Wise

Client Services Manager

Julie graduated with a degree in social science from the State University of New York at Fredonia. She began her career at the Broome County Department of Social Services before taking on the role of social worker at the Broome County nursing home. Julie then worked at the veterans home in Chenango County, New York, and later returned to the Broome County nursing home as the Director of Social Services.

Pursuing her passion for healthcare, Julie earned a Master's degree in healthcare administration from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania. After marrying her husband, Rob, she relocated to New Hampshire, where she dedicated herself to raising their three children.

Now residing in South Carolina to escape the harsh New England winters, Julie is enjoying quality time with her husband and their dog, Duncan, as they embrace this new chapter in their lives.

Mary Beth Nifenecker

Mary Beth Nifenecker

Care Team Manager and Center of Excellence Trainer

Mary Beth joined the Senior Helpers team in 2023 after relocating from Amityville, NY. With over 30 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, she has dedicated her career to providing services for individuals with diverse abilities. Throughout her tenure, Mary Beth held several roles, including Direct Support Professional, Residential Services Assistant Manager, Residential Services Senior Manager, and Scheduling Coordinator.

Committed to continuing her meaningful career, Mary Beth sought a position that would allow her to deliver compassionate services to her new community. As the Care Team Manager at Senior Helpers, she is passionate about providing continuous training and development opportunities for her team.

Outside of work, Mary Beth enjoys spending quality time with her children and family, as well as indulging in her hobbies, including traveling, boating, and shopping.

Ashley Hubbard

Ashley Hubbard

Scheduling Coordinator

Residing in the renowned Football Hall of Fame city in Ohio, Ashley is a dedicated individual who believes in the power of hard work and integrity. Raised in a close-knit Italian family, she was instilled with the values of keeping promises, striving for success through diligent effort, and embracing failures as stepping stones to victory. These principles not only guide her own endeavors but also shape the upbringing of her son, fostering a spirit of ambition, perseverance, and self-assurance.

Ashley’s professional journey began at the young age of 15 when she started working at a local family-owned pizzeria, a cherished workplace tradition for generations of her family. Rising through the ranks to a managerial position, she eventually transitioned from the food industry to a more fulfilling career focused on helping others.

As an advocate, ally, and confidante to both clients and caregivers, Ashley goes above and beyond the call of duty. Committed to delivering a breath of fresh air and kindness in a complex world, she dedicates her efforts to matching the best caregivers with clients, ensuring the highest quality of care.

Claire Landefeld

Claire Landefeld

Human Resources Coordinator

Claire, originally from Maryland, raised her daughter before moving south to join her family—Theresa, her husband Jon, and her two lively granddaughters, Eva and Olivia. Drawn by the warmer weather and the chance to be closer to family, Claire made Ladson her new home. After a successful career in luxury retail, she sought a more meaningful path and found a perfect fit with Senior Helpers. Now, as she looks to finish out her career, Claire is excited to contribute to the company's growth and is dedicated to helping clients care for their loved ones with compassion and expertise.

Taylor Gianelli

Taylor Gianelli

Accounting Coordinator

A South Carolina native and Coastal Carolina University alumna, Taylor manages billing and payroll across three Senior Helpers office locations: Murrells Inlet, Summerville, and Mount Pleasant. As the eldest of five siblings, her upbringing instilled a strong sense of responsibility and care for others, qualities that she now applies in her professional role. She ensures seamless financial operations while supporting both the team and the seniors in their care. In her free time, Taylor enjoys exploring the beautiful Carolinas with her husband and son, embracing the outdoors and family adventures.

Sierra Stewart

Sierra Stewart

Recruiter

Sierra from Greenville, SC, always had a passion for helping others and pursued a career in healthcare. Starting as a caregiver, she quickly advanced to scheduler and care team coordinator and now works as a remote recruiter, ensuring quality caregivers are hired. Her career has brought her financial stability, and she remains dedicated to providing top-notch care. Sierra enjoys drawing, building Lego structures, photography, and exploring nature in her free time. Her journey reflects hard work, dedication, and a genuine commitment to making a difference.

Deirdre Wright

Deirdre Wright

FlexHome Coordinator at The Palms Independent Living Facility

With over 35 years of caregiving experience as a private duty aide, Deidre "Dee" began her journey at the age of 17, assisting a client of her mother, who was a licensed practical nurse. This early experience ignited her passion for helping the elderly and disabled.

Dee has spent 13 years working with the Department of Social Services as a case manager, gaining expertise in various departments, including Adoptions, Child Support, and Medicaid, while also collaborating with the transplant team at MUSC.

In November 2022, she joined Senior Helpers following an acquisition of another local home care agency. Initially, Dee was part of the scheduling and administrative support team before transitioning to the Client Services Department, where she conducted new client interviews and follow-up reassessments. Currently, she serves as the Facility Manager at one of the major independent living facilities, where she enjoys providing daily one-on-one care to residents, continuing her lifelong commitment to compassionate caregiving.

Our Nurses

Kim Appis

Kim Appis

RN

Kim comes to Senior Helpers with a nursing background in adult progressive care and post-surgical nursing. She is dedicated to the safety and comfort of her patients, delivered in a professional and compassionate manner. Kim considers every individual and family situation unique and knows that listening to their wishes is paramount in providing top notch care, especially in the home. When she isn’t busy being a nurse she loves practicing yoga, being on the water, running on the beach, and enjoying nature.

Emma Ashcraft

Emma Ashcraft

RN
Healthcare Leadership Council Meeting in South Carolina

Healthcare Leadership Council Meeting in South Carolina

Senior Helpers attended the Healthcare Leadership Council meeting with Congressman Joe Cunningham in South Carolina.  Those in attendance felt that the meeting was productive and look forward to an ongoing relationship with his office. Pictured here (L to R): Brian Feldman, HLC;  Alexis Johns, MUSC Boeing Center; Patti Horne, Change Healthcare; Rep. Joe Cunningham (D/SC); Amy Petersen-Smith, Senior Helpers; Sarah Piwinski, MUSC Boeing Center; Walker Smith, Bon Secours Health System

And of course the Congressman’s dog which was a welcome first for a Congressional meeting!
 

Areas We Serve

Senior Helpers Charleston 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 Charleston serves the cities and towns of: 

  • Charleston
  • North Charleston
  • Hanahan
  • Awendaw
  • Mt. Pleasant
  • Isle of Palms
  • Sullivan’s Island
  • Goose Creek
  • Huger