Meet The Team | Senior Helpers of Summerville

Meet the Summerville/Orangeburg 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 Summerville, we believe that getting the best care for your loved ones should not be complicated. Amy Petersen-Smith opened the Senior Helpers Summerville 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 Orangeburg 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

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

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

Meet Our Owner, 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.

Meet the Summerville Team

Cary McDaniel

Branch Manager

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.

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.

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.

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.

Priscilla Sweeper

Scheduling Coordinator

With a wealth of experience in scheduling, Priscilla brings a strong background in leadership evaluation, problem-solving, and team coordination. Known for her keen eye for detail and commitment to efficiency, she excels in managing schedules and streamlining processes to align with organizational goals.

Her collaborative approach enables her to work effectively with diverse teams, ensuring smooth operations and facilitating effective decision-making. With expertise in leadership assessment and a proven ability to navigate complex challenges, Priscilla is a valuable asset in any environment.

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.

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.

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.

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