Meet Our Gainesville Senior Care Staff

Carolyn Lukert

Why did you want to be a Comfort Keeper?
I am very passionate about how we treat our elders, and am keenly aware of the assistance most families need when it comes to caring for their parents (or worrying about caring for their parents).

I also have a heart for elders, so being able to participate in a company that helps them be happy in the remaining years of life is important to me.

What do you like most about being a Comfort Keeper?
I love being a part of an organization that helps elders age in place as long as is reasonably possible.  My role is to ensure that our employees (staff and caregivers) have the tools and support they need to be the best caregivers possible, and to help them be so engaged in their work that they wouldn’t want to work anywhere but here.  Caregivers who are happy and engaged create very loyal clients.

What are your favorite interests, hobbies, or activities?
Family first, then horseback riding, motorcycle riding, all around animal lover, reading.

Where is your hometown? What do you like most about your current city?
My hometown is Warwick, RI. I currently live in Alachua, Florida.  What I love most about Alachua is the fact that I can live out in the country, but be close enough to a city so I have access to whatever I need.

What’s your favorite food or dessert?
My favorite main course – grouper and scallops, Favorite dessert – anything chocolate.

 

Cindy Flowers, Care Manager

Why did you want to be a Comfort Keeper?
Prior to working at Comfort Keepers I worked for a large retirement community in Gainesville. The members who lived at the retirement center often needed additional care to maintain their independence so I would refer them to Comfort Keepers.

The services and customer service provided by Comfort Keepers was outstanding.  Because of Comfort Keepers excellent reputation I had often thought if I were to ever leave working for the Retirement Community I would want to be a part of their team.    I’m so happy that I’m now a part of a company so well thought of in my community.

What do you like most about being a Comfort Keeper?
I have been with Comfort Keepers for almost 3 years now and it is the best job I’ve ever had.  As a Care Manager I am able to perform assessments on seniors who need help to stay independent in their homes.  These assessments lead to establishing caregiving services that bring quality to an individual’s life.  So, every day I am able to help someone improve their life or their family member’s life.

What are your favorite interests, hobbies, or activities?
I love to play golf and go kayak fishing.

Where is your hometown? What do you like most about your current city?
I’m originally from Memphis, TN but currently living in Gainesville, Florida.   I love all the Univ. of Florida Gator sports.  We are “title” town for all our championships.

What’s your favorite food or dessert?
I could eat Pizza for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

 

Norma Back, Care Coordinator

Why did you want to be a Comfort Keeper?
I became part of the Comfort Keepers team because I wanted a career that would allow me the honor of taking part in making a difference in people’s lives.

What do you like most about being a Comfort Keeper?
I talk to those who are interested in our services for a loved one or for themselves. A big part of my job is to listen to the concerns and needs of our callers so that I can make recommendations for care. Most callers are unfamiliar with what in-home care entails and confide in me that they are not sure what types of questions they should be asking of the agencies they call. I let them know that they have a choice when inviting someone to help them or a family member into their home. I feel that the most important part of my job is making sure that they make an informed decision, one that they will not later on regret, by choosing Comfort Keepers.

All of my coworkers are very kind, genuine individuals, and we all work as a team to stay true to our mission of providing our clients with the highest level of quality of life that is achievable.

What are your favorite interests, hobbies, or activities?
On my free time I enjoy reading, practicing yoga and oil painting.

Where is your hometown? What do you like most about your current city?
I grew up in Miami, FL and I currently live in Citra, FL (N. Marion County in the middle of nowhere, but I love the peace and quiet).

What’s your favorite food or dessert?
I am not really a big fan of sweets. My absolute favorite dish is a juicy piece of steak with a side of veggies and a baked potato.

 

Ashley Ellens, Care Coordinator

Why did you want to be a Comfort Keeper?
I chose to join the Comfort Keeper Team because I have seen first-hand the value and benefits that a Comfort Keeper can bring to a client in need.

Being a part of a company whose sole purpose is helping others, is a reflection of my own values. And with the compassion and reputation that precedes them; I knew that Comfort Keepers would be the right choice.

What do you like most about being a Comfort Keeper?
I love the fact that I am able to help people age gracefully and with dignity in their homes. There is familiarity and comfort and as Dorothy says “There is no place like home!”

What are your favorite interests, hobbies, or activities?
My favorite hobbies would be bringing life to old pieces. I love looking through thrift stores or flea markets and finding unique and interesting things. I may refinish an old desk or find an antique photo frame; all of these things have history and find a new life in my home.

Where is your hometown? What do you like most about your current city?
I grew up in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and moved to Gainesville with my husband two years ago. We have truly enjoyed living in Gainesville with its wide diversity and cultural activities – there always seems to be something going on! We also love the fact that we are surrounded by wonderful natural parks and can easily escape the business of Gainesville in a 10 minute drive.

What’s your favorite food or dessert?
My favorite dessert would have to be lemon meringue pie. There is nothing better than sitting on the patio on a warm summer evening and enjoying a slice of lemon pie!

 

Nancy Cameron, Care Coordinator

Why did you want to be a Comfort Keeper?
I wanted to be a part of a company that cares for seniors. Caring for those that want to remain as independent as possible, and remain in their homes is close to my heart.

I lived with, and cared for, my parents for 10 years until they passed away. My mom was able to pass away at home and that was her wish.

I had read about CK online and knew I this was where I could put my skills and compassion to great use to improve the quality of life of the seniors in our community.

It is wonderful to be part of the Comfort Keepers’ team and with a company that has an outstanding reputation in the community.

What do you like most about being a Comfort Keeper?
In my role as a care coordinator, I perform the initial assessments with clients. A plan of care is developed at that assessment that allows the client to be as independent as they can and improve the quality of their life.  I also enjoy going back in to the homes to conduct visits to make sure that the clients are receiving the very best of care.  I mainly work with the clients that are receiving personal care services and work closely with the CNA’s and Home Health Aides to assist them in having the information and skills they need to provide quality care.

I love the feeling at the end of the day that I have made a difference in the lives of not only our clients, but their families. Seniors are wonderful to be with and to learn from.

What are your favorite interests, hobbies, or activities?
Reading and spending time with my grandchildren, especially Gabby, who is almost 3! I enjoy teaching Sunday school and doing special things for our senior members.

Where is your hometown? What do you like most about your current city?
I was born in Gainesville, Florida. There are so many things to love about this city. There is such a wide variety of activities and events. This town is special because my dad was also born here, and my mom taught school for over 30 years. It is a “small town” because everywhere I go I see people that I know.

What’s your favorite food or dessert?
Wow, that is a hard one and let me tell you why. Our family has some great recipes and whenever a couple is getting married that is one of the gifts that I give them is all our family favorites. My pick would be: Coca Cola Cake.

 
Ruth Brunner, Sales Manager

Why did you want to be a Comfort Keeper?
I truly believe I was put here on this earth to assist in taking care of people and to help make a difference in other peoples’ lives. Comfort Keepers gives me the opportunity to further my personal mission of helping people be the best they can be.

What do you like most about being a Comfort Keeper?
I love working with our owners, our team members, our clients and their families. The vast experience of our Comfort Keepers team members is further enhanced by the level of professionalism and commitment we have to deliver extraordinary service to our clients. It is a privilege for me to work with such an awesome group of professionals.

What are your favorite interests, hobbies, or activities?
My favorite hobby these days is to work with my husband in our multiple flower gardens. I also love to go visit my two beautiful daughters and their families who live in north Georgia. My daughters have blessed me with 3 wonderful grandchildren (1 grandson and 2 granddaughters) who all bring much joy to my life.

Where is your hometown? What do you like most about your current city?
I am a native Floridian…born in Clermont and raised in Lake County, Florida. I currently live on 2.5 acres of land in Alachua (just outside of Gainesville). I love the beautiful countryside I wake up to see each day.

What’s your favorite food or dessert?
I love Mexican food…especially from the restaurant…La Fiesta in Gainesville.

 

Linda Daniels, HR Manager

Why did you want to be a Comfort Keeper?
I joined Comfort Keepers in 2006 with over 18 years HR experience.  I wanted to return to HR and loved the idea of helping select individuals that will make a difference in the lives of the elderly.

What do you like most about being a Comfort Keeper?
I manage hiring process for caregivers including processing applications, background screening, interviewing and hiring the most qualified applicants to provide the best care to our clients and who will facilitate the vision of Comfort Keepers.

I love being part of a team that really care about others.

What are your favorite interests, hobbies, or activities?
Being with my family!

Where is your hometown? What do you like most about your current city?
My hometown is Lawtey, Florida. What I love most about Gainesville is that it is peaceful.

What’s your favorite food or dessert?
That’s easy – shrimp!