A Journey of Compassion and Family in Home Healthcare

Navigating the healthcare industry has been a challenging yet immensely rewarding experience. My company, HealthFlex, began as a family discussion around the kitchen table. We were determined to transform home healthcare, and my nursing background, coupled with my mother’s extensive experience in the field, helped turn that idea into a reality. Fast forward 11 years, we are now one of the leading privately owned home healthcare providers in California, with the privilege of serving over 100,000 patients and families. Working alongside family has its challenges, but it has brought us closer. The beauty of a family business is that we all strive toward a common goal—improving the community and fulfilling our shared purpose.

In such an environment, there’s an inherent pressure to succeed. Sick days are rare, and everyone pushes a little harder to impress and support one another. The journey has been deeply personal, and my family has been integral to my success. My mother, a single parent who worked tirelessly, set the example, showing my sister and me the importance of resilience and hard work. My husband, Alex, has been my anchor, believing in me even before I fully understood my potential. Together, we have built something meaningful, with HealthFlex earning awards like the Torch Award for Ethics from the BBB and recognition as one of the Home Care Elite Top 100 Agencies.

Overcoming Hurdles

Like any venture, there have been difficult moments along the way. Early on, as a young female CEO in a male-dominated industry, I often felt like the underdog. It was hard to gain respect, and I faced numerous rejections. But I knew that HealthFlex could change home healthcare, and I stayed committed to proving that vision. When Medicare laws shifted to penalize hospitals for readmissions, suddenly, doors began to open. This breakthrough allowed us to secure key meetings with hospitals, marking a turning point. From there, it was about maintaining our quality, growing the team, and continuing to innovate.

Balancing Work and Life

Outside of work, recharging is just as important to me as professional achievement. My family loves to travel, and we take annual trips to Mexico and Hawaii to unwind and spend quality time together. Alex and I also prioritize exploring new destinations like Italy or Bora Bora, always looking for new experiences and cultures to immerse ourselves in.

Building HealthFlex to a point where I could step back from the day-to-day operations has allowed me to focus on other passions, like community education. I’ve launched an Instagram page dedicated to educating families about home healthcare, empowering them with information and resources to navigate a complicated healthcare system.

I also love organizing community events, whether it’s a Thanksgiving dinner or an extravagant birthday party. These moments of connection, joy, and celebration are a reminder of what matters most in life.

Memorable Travel Experiences

Some travel experiences are unforgettable for unexpected reasons. During a family trip to Maui last year, we were caught in the devastating fires. It was a surreal experience that put us in survival mode, making us reflect on how fortunate we were to have a home to return to, unlike many of the locals who lost everything. This experience not only made me stronger as a leader but also gave me a new level of empathy and resilience, which I now bring to my work and my community efforts.

Community and Education

One of my most memorable community outreach moments was during the peak of the pandemic when we organized a team effort to deliver meals and supplies to frontline nurses and patients. Witnessing the strength and courage of healthcare workers and helping those in need reminded me of the deep responsibility we have to support our community in challenging times.

As I look to the future, my passion remains in educating others about home-based care. I want to help families make informed decisions, empowering them with the knowledge they need to take care of their loved ones. Whether through social media, public speaking, or direct engagement, my goal is to ensure that people feel prepared and confident as they navigate the healthcare system.

Leadership in Healthcare

As a CEO, inspiring my team to excel in patient care is my top priority. The key to our success has been fostering a strong mission buy-in. When employees believe in the company’s purpose, they show up with enthusiasm and a desire to make a difference. Transparency and feedback are essential strategies that allow us to continually improve and grow, ensuring we deliver the best care possible.

Balancing a fulfilling personal life with a demanding career is challenging, but it’s also rewarding. My work and family are intertwined, and while the lines between the two can blur, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Success in healthcare means putting patients first while also nurturing the team behind the care. That’s a balance worth maintaining every day