A lifelong helper with more than 30 years of experience working with people, Stacy has spent her career caring for others—in daycares, as a nanny, through non-profit disability services, and eventually as a CNA and home care provider with Senior1Care. Caregiving feels natural to her, in part because she grew up watching her mom do it:
“My mom has been a big influence on me,” she said. “She worked in home care. Later, I did too, and eventually went to get my CNA. It brings me so much joy to remember something she said or did when I was little as I experience something similar with my clients.”
Stacy’s CNA training was completed through Mason’s in Warsaw, along with state testing through Ivy Tech. From there, she worked in nursing homes and for other home health organizations. But a severe reaction to an antibiotic, combined with the ongoing management of diabetes, put her on the other side of care for a while, as a patient. Those experiences changed how she views home care: “It makes you understand how important it is for someone to be able to stay home,” Stacy said.
When she was ready to return to work, she applied online and soon received a call from Senior1Care. An interview followed, and the fit felt right. Today, she brings both skill and empathy into every home she enters. The most rewarding moments? When clients regain strength and independence, especially after setbacks like strokes.
“When they can take a step or stand and pivot, it puts a bright smile on their face,” she said. “They’re happy to be a little more independent. Even if someone won’t get back to that point, you still encourage them to do what they can. If they can do it, then I allow them to do it over me doing it.”
For Stacy, caregiving starts with compassion, listening, and respect. She takes time to learn how each client prefers to begin their day, how they’re transferred safely, and what routines bring them comfort.
“Everyone is different,” she explained. “Asking questions…not to overwhelm them, but to understand them, makes a difference. If you just come in and take over, it can make someone standoffish. But if you say, ‘I’m here for you. How do you want to do this?’ it changes everything.”
Her philosophy is simple: Treat people the way you’d want your family, or yourself, to be treated. “Think of them as your parents or someone you love dearly. You can’t go wrong by doing your very best.” Clients also keep her motivated, especially on difficult days. “You could be having a bad day and they’ll smile or thank you for something. It makes it worth it,” she said.
Outside of work, Stacy enjoys quiet evenings at home with her three dogs, and traveling to visit her children, who live in different states. Her oldest is a mom of four, and her two sons have served in the military, with one stationed in Louisiana and the other having completed National Guard service before pursuing higher education. Travel has become both a joy and a personal goal: She hopes to visit all 50 states.
Stacy brings the same kindness and compassion to Senior1Care that she shares with her own family. Moments like these remind us why caring for others truly matters.
Here in Indiana, though, Stacy’s story reminds us that caregiving is built as much from empathy, resilience, and lived experience as it is from formal training. She describes Senior1Care as both supportive and communicative, and that support matters. “When something comes up and you have to call, they’re always willing to help you or work with you,” she said. “They’ve been a great company to work for.”
