Cassandra Laverty

Branch Manager, Nova Leap Home Health, Holyoke, MA

Growing up in the inner city in a single-parent household, life was anything but easy. From a young age, I learned that hard work, determination, and perseverance were essential to succeed. I watched my mom face countless struggles, overcome obstacles, never give up, and ultimately make her dreams come true. Her strength and resilience had a profound impact on the person I became. My mother always told me that I could do anything I set my mind to, and that belief has stayed with me throughout the years.

For as long as I can remember, I've had a passion for helping and caring for others. During high school, I began volunteering at Yale New Haven Hospital, which gave me a firsthand look at the medical world and sparked my interest in healthcare. College brought me to Western Massachusetts, where I was accepted into the accelerated nursing program at the College of Our Lady of the Elms.

However, my journey didn’t start in a typical way. On the first day of classes, I was in the hospital, giving birth to my daughter via cesarean section. I was discharged on Friday and sat in class on Monday, despite my doctor’s orders to rest. I told my doctor that if I was going to be sitting at home, I would rather be sitting in class. Armed with the values my mother instilled in me, the support of my fiancé (now husband), and a newborn and a nearly two-year-old in tow, my nursing journey began.

While in nursing school, I sought to gain practical experience in the healthcare field. I applied for a caregiver position at Home Health Solutions (now Nova Leap Home Health), even though I had limited experience. Fortunately, they took a chance on me, and I’m forever grateful for that opportunity. Being a caregiver turned out to be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences of my life. I saw firsthand how much of an impact we can have on the individuals we care for during their most vulnerable times. It was truly a humble and impactful experience.

After graduating summa cum laude and earning my RN license, I explored different nursing roles while continuing to work with Home Health Solutions/Nova Leap Home Health as a staff nurse and an on-call manager. I was there for the company’s transition from Home Health Solutions to Nova Leap, and I chose to remain with them because they had believed in me from the start of my career. I, too, believed in the company and its vision.

Then, an opportunity for advancement arose: the director’s position was available. I knew I could make a difference and be an asset to the company. I took a leap of faith, applied, and got the position! Since then, I’ve witnessed firsthand how much Nova Leap cares about delivering the best quality care to the clients we serve, as well as ensuring that the staff we employ have the knowledge and training to excel in their roles.

My journey with Nova Leap has brought me to where I am today: in a position I truly value, one that I am deeply grateful for, and where I hope to inspire and serve as a role model to others who were or are just like me.

Beth Rice

Caregiver Manager, Nova Leap Home Health, South Deerfield, MA

Shortly after high school, I began my career at Nova Leap Home Health as a Certified Nursing Assistant. It didn’t take long for me to realize this wasn’t just a job—it was my true passion.

I committed myself to providing the highest level of care for our elderly clients, ensuring they felt dignified, safe, and happy in their homes. This dedication led me to accept the role of On-Call Support Manager, where I honed my problem-solving skills and stayed calm under pressure.

As I continued to grow, I transitioned to Scheduling Coordinator, where managing caregivers and clients felt like solving a complex puzzle. Seeking further growth, I took on the added responsibility of Payroll Administrator, balancing both payroll and scheduling duties. My ability to manage multiple tasks with precision eventually earned me the position of Operations Manager, where I oversaw daily operations at Nova Leap Home Health in Deerfield, MA.

Today, as Caregiver Operations Manager, my journey has come full circle. My passion for keeping the elderly at home with dignity, safety, and happiness has remained at the heart of my work. Nova Leap Home Health has provided me with opportunities for professional growth, allowing me to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of our clients, caregivers, and their families.

With 26 years of dedication, I take immense pride in my journey at Nova Leap Home Health in Deerfield, MA. My career is a testament to the power of commitment, compassion, and excellence in healthcare.

Shadaka Jordan

Administrative Assistant, CareStaf of Dallas

I began my healthcare journey as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), where I gained invaluable hands-on experience providing compassionate care to patients. Through dedication and a deep understanding of the industry's demands, I transitioned into an administrative assistant role, which allowed me to support healthcare operations from a new perspective. This transition has enhanced my skills in organization, communication, and problem-solving, while deepening my passion for supporting patient care behind the scenes. My journey has fostered both personal and professional growth, and I am grateful for the opportunities that have shaped me into a well-rounded team member in the healthcare field. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Nova Leap Health and my regional director, Steven Welker, for their unwavering support.

Ashley Bishop

Director of Recruiting and Retention, Louisville, KY

I began my journey with ElderCare 4 Families in Louisville, KY, 18 years ago—now part of Nova Leap Health. With a background in psychology and a focus on human resources, I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. When I first joined ElderCare 4 Families, I was seeking a place where I could learn, grow, and build my career.

Starting out in various roles in scheduling and as an HR coordinator, I was fortunate to have opportunities for both personal and professional development. As time passed, I became eager for new challenges, and Nova Leap recognized this by offering me the chance to take on additional responsibilities, which helped me expand my skill set.

Currently serving as the Director of Recruiting in my local area, I’ve recently taken on a Regional Recruiter role. It’s truly inspiring to connect caregivers with jobs they love, while making a positive impact on the lives of elders and their families during challenging times. The shared mission to treat every elder and family as our own makes each day rewarding.

Working at Nova Leap has been an incredible experience. As a recruiter, I’m eager to share with others that joining the team means becoming part of a supportive, collaborative environment. The work culture here is rooted in respect, encouragement, and growth. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities I've had and look forward to the continued success and growth of Nova Leap.