“Everyone has been made for some particular work, and the desire for that work has been put in every heart.”
Tracy’s career has been propelled by two overriding passions – helping seniors restore and advance the quality of their lives while propelling the success of purpose-driven organizations. She has managed a wide range of recreational and therapeutic programs, energized new partnerships, served as the liaison with the medical community, and developed award-winning Purposeful Engagement programming. Tracy has served on numerous organization boards aimed at enriching the lives of seniors. She is a certified instructor for Specialized Dementia Care and Education and has attained a CDP certification, all of which testify to her commitment to this treasured population. Tracy has a unique background and energy and is perfectly suited to serve leading Life Home Health’s Community Partnerships.
Having been called “the consummate elder care professional,” Tracy’s work is entirely personal. She believes that we have so much to learn from people who’ve blazed the path we’re all on and that, too often, our seniors are overlooked and under-supported. Mid-career, she moved from New England to Florida to spend more time with her mother and to help care for her grandmother. She sought trustworthy providers and shared her desire to enable her grandmother to live her best life.
With two grown children, Tracy’s not the only member of her family dedicated to the community’s well-being. Her daughter Taylor is an ER physician at a Florida hospital, and her son Jared is an Assistant District Attorney in Queens, New York. When she can find spare time, Tracy enjoys being with her mom and grandmother, as well as her rescue puppy Remi and her granddaughter Lucy.
“If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
As the initial point of contact, Victoria strives to maintain a professional and approachable demeanor when responding to inquiries and providing each caller with attention and support. After each encounter, Victoria feels fulfilled knowing she has delivered support to our clients and Care Partners. Additionally, she aims to contribute positively to the office environment, acknowledging and celebrating our staff’s exceptional efforts. In the future, Victoria hopes to pursue a master’s degree in counseling or social work. Victoria’s mother instilled the importance of empathy and compassion, inspiring her to become empathetic and understanding. One of her goals is to travel throughout the United States, exploring various destinations and experiencing different cultures. Recently, she had the opportunity to visit multiple locations, with Hilo, Hawaii, being a memorable experience. She thoroughly enjoys conversing with others and learning about their experiences and perspectives. Victoria enjoys reading, journaling, coloring, and watching football and hockey. Outside of work, Victoria appreciates participating in outdoor activities such as pickleball and volleyball and unwinding while watching a beautiful Florida sunset. Furthermore, she enjoys shopping and has developed an impressive Winnie the Pooh collection.
“Life is from the inside out. When you shift on the inside, life shifts on the outside.”
Michelle is a seasoned sales executive with over 30 years of experience in leadership, marketing, and sales, specializing in client relationships. With a deep understanding of the complexities of finding the right healthcare services, Michelle provides expert guidance to navigate the often-uncertain journey. She offers compassionate support, addressing all questions and concerns while facilitating a seamless transition into a care partnership. Leveraging her extensive community ties, Michelle collaborates with healthcare partners to provide clients with access to valuable resources and solutions. In addition to her professional endeavors, Michelle has a passion for design, which led her to attend The Academy of Design and Technology to study Interior Design and Marketing. Her commitment to philanthropy is evident in her volunteer work, including her role on the SWFL Heart Ball Executive Leadership Committee and as Chair of the SWFL After Party. Originally from Ohio, Michelle resides in Pittsburgh, PA, with her husband and Shih Tzu while maintaining strong ties to her Midwestern roots. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Michelle enjoys exploring new restaurants, admiring architecture, and planning her next European adventure.
“As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may not remember your name but they will never forget the way you made them feel.”
Claudia brings to Life Home Health her extensive nursing experience and a deep commitment to patient and client advocacy. What Claudia has found most rewarding in her career is the sense she can assist others in achieving their best health and life. She developed a broad clinical experience and knowledge base by starting as a CNA (certified nursing assistant) and working her way to an RN (Registered Nurse). She has also worked in the ICU, medical-surgical hospital floors, home health, and extended care facilities. She joined Life Home Health in 2021 as Director of Clinical Services and is happy to discover that she can continue to pursue her vision of helping others achieve a happier and healthier life in the comfort of their own homes. Claudia grew up in Pennsylvania but has lived in Florida for almost 15 years, currently living in Ave Maria, Florida. She has traveled throughout the country and outside the United States but is happiest at home with her husband and three dogs. When she is not working, she enjoys taking long walks in her community of Ave Maria or attending Mass, visiting with family, shopping with friends, or relaxing with a good book. She believes that life is meant to be lived with hope, even in the face of tough challenges.
“Every day, I make a choice to be the change I wish to see in the world.”
Senta’s role with Life Home Health is an evolving orchestra of opportunities to work closely with our care partners, empowering them with the tools they need to excel in their careers. Their comprehensive training requires a significant commitment from our staff, all working towards setting them up for success. Senta also serves as a care navigator for Medicare’s innovative GUIDE pilot program, launched in SWFL in collaboration with Dr. Adam Perry. This initiative addresses caregiver burnout within the Dementia Community by providing free respite hours. Senta received the Phoenix Award and the Eagle Award for performing lifesaving measures on a patient after his heart stopped beating. Recently, she became a Parkinson’s Site Champion, focusing on providing training and education to every Care Partner at Life Home Health. Her goal is to deliver compassionate and consistent care to the Parkinson’s community, understanding and adapting to the progression of the disease with grace. Throughout her life, she’s been driven to advocate for those who need a voice, championing the underdog in every situation. This passion has been a symbol of her career, and as a lifelong public servant, she’s realized that it’s not just a calling but her purpose. When Senta is not working, she pursues her passion for home improvement projects. She enjoys expressing her creativity through painting, sculpting pottery, refurbishing old furniture, sewing, reading, and working with her Cricut machine. On a side note, Senta is proud to be the first girl on her dad’s side of the family in 78 years!
“Peace, hard work, and dedication will always make your inner self successful.”
Jennifer loves her job as a Staffing Support Specialist at Life Home Health, and to work is a blessing that fills her heart with joy, but to love your work is a gift that can inspire greatness. Matching the criteria of our clients and care partners is like piecing together a beautiful puzzle that brings fulfillment. A good staffing support specialist must be able to multitask and build trust with our care partners and clients, and Jennifer excels in these areas. Originally from Illinois, Jennifer initially pursued a career in Cosmetology before pursuing further education to become a medical assistant. She gained valuable experience working for a primary care physician for five years and later, after working as an office manager for a psychiatric office for eight years. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family and three remarkable children, and when the sun is shining, you will find her at the beach or pool soaking up the sun and radiating joy.
“Start each day with a grateful heart.”
Zabrina’s introduction to the healthcare industry began when she was a teenager. Her entry-level position in the medical records office of a busy home health agency fostered Zabrina’s ambition to provide care for our senior community. After taking time to pursue her education in Healthcare Administration, she continued her career path, working as a Business Office Manager in a Memory Care Community and thriving as a Scheduling Coordinator within Medicare and Private Home Health. Zabrina has immersed herself in learning as much as possible within the healthcare field while developing meaningful relationships. Zabrina’s empathy and compassion have shaped her ability to provide high-quality care for our staff, clients, and families. Zabrina is a Naples native, whose joy originates from the time spent with her husband and two young children. She loves the beach, a good book, and a complicated puzzle.
“The purpose of life, after all, is to love it.”
Kelly is co-founder and CEO here at Life Home Health. She sets the tone for Life’s vision, strategy, and overall direction. Kelly is a compassionate leader and entrepreneur with a depth of experience in direct care and healthcare management. She is also an educator, consultant, and board director for causes near to her heart. Her thirst for leadership began early and has led her to highly responsible healthcare roles throughout her 30-year career. While working and raising a family, Kelly learned the business of leading and building a culture of care by studying Health Sciences at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis. Kelly’s concentration in Gerontology was inspired by grandparents who lived with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Applying what she learned and teaching others came naturally as she navigated the journey of neuro-cognitive disease alongside her family. She holds multiple training certificates and is dedicated to elevating the standard of care for elders in the communities she serves. When she is not leading, Kelly loves to hike, kayak, and spend time with family, especially her beloved granddaughter. Her peers marvel at how she has made her executive roles in business development, operations, ownership, and consulting look easy while balancing time for family and friends. That’s because for her it is a joy, not a job.
Kevin Svagdis has dedicated his career to helping clients and team members live their best lives. His passion for caring began at 16 in a hospital food service role and grew as he advanced through leadership positions in acute-care hospitals. In 2004, he became president of a leading senior living hospitality services provider, managing services for over 500 retirement communities across 38 states. In 2020, Kevin founded Nurizon at Home with the mission to establish the most reliable, trustworthy, and compassionate in-home care agency. Kevin firmly believes that positive thinking attracts positive outcomes. By cultivating good thoughts and maintaining a positive and optimistic outlook, we can serve others with passion and commitment. This philosophy underpins the merger of Nurizon at Home and Life Home Health, uniting their strengths to better serve their clients with dedication and excellence.
Kevin is deeply committed to serving seniors and those with cognitive or physical challenges, understanding the impact of proper care and support. He motivates his team to foster independence and social connections for their clients. With a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts, Kevin is an avid New England Patriots fan, competitive softball player, and mentor to young leaders. He and his wife Melody live in Bonita Springs .Their daughters, Amanda and Nicole, are pursuing their own careers in Atlanta and Arizona, respectively.
“I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”
Kindness, faith and the healing power of music – they’re all part of Sarah’s unique and deeply felt perspective. Having cared for family members with physical and cognitive impairments, Sarah understands the delicate balance of everyday duties, work, and caregiving – and how to sprinkle those days with love and humor, while receiving and sharing the gifts of grace and hope. Grateful for the invaluable support of friends, family, her church, and the Alzheimer’s Support Network, it is her fervent desire that no caregiver go through this difficult season alone. Therefore, Sarah freely shares her supportive and compassionate presence through her diverse roles at LIFE Home Health. Sarah – a talented violinist – often spreads the joy of music through at-home concerts to our clients. A seminary graduate and ordained minister, Sarah also brings light-hearted and comforting church services to clients in their homes. Sarah treasures the “Fun with Purpose” award she received for her direct care role at LIFE Home Health, as bringing joy to clients while helping them remain as independent as possible is a priority for Sarah.
“Carpe Diem-Seize the day.”
Karen loves her role as Client Care Coordinator at Life Home Health. It is a role that allows her to create meaningful moments of joy for clients and their families. She works alongside our clinical team to ensure life enrichment activities are incorporated into the plan of care. Karen is a natural at developing personal connections with the Life Home Health staff, as well as with the clients and families she is privileged to serve. In her own words: “Making sure our clients get to continue living lives of purpose, by way of activities and engagement, brings me so much joy”. Karen understands, through first-hand experience, how a diagnosis or medical condition might impact the quality of everyday life. Providing comfort and support to clients and their families during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives, is a trust she cherishes and treats with honor and humility. Karen strives to create joy for others – and for herself as well. She knows that she must strive for balance in her work and home life in order to become a better version of herself, thereby being her best for others. Prayer, meditation and yoga on the beach are how Karen lives life fully every day.
