Visiting Angels Announces the 2025 Caregiver of the Year Semi-Finalists

Meet the 10 Caregivers in the Running for the Senior Care Company's Top Honor

BRYN MAWR, Pa., April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Visiting Angels, the nation's leading provider of in-home senior care, announces the 10 semi-finalists for its National Caregiver of the Year award. Visiting Angels franchise locations nationwide were able to nominate a caregiver they feel embodies the brand's mission, instilling hope in their clients, inspiring fellow caregivers, and enhancing the lives of the seniors and families they serve. These semi-finalists are selected based on their exceptional character, and unwavering commitment to their clients while maintaining professional boundaries. They exemplify the values of Visiting Angels, serving as true brand ambassadors through their compassionate care, professionalism, and dedication.

"These caregivers are among the best in the nation, and we are thrilled to give them the recognition they rightfully deserve," explains Larry Meigs, CEO of Visiting Angels. "The 2025 Caregiver of the Year award nominees exemplify genuine compassion and dedication to their clients, ensuring their safety and independence and providing exceptional care." 

Here are the 10 semi-finalists for the 2025 National Caregiver of the Year award:

Shannon Neal – Santa Monica, California

Shannon started as an Angel just three years ago, and during that time, she has helped nearly 50 families in the community. She is described as an amazing person with a remarkable dedication to the art of caregiving. Her ability to remain rock solid inspires her clients, their families, and her colleagues. She brings her clients hope, stability, and dignity, even in the most challenging situations. For Shannon, it's not about the tasks she performs but the relationships she builds.

Tammy Tome – York, Pennsylvania

With 25 years of caregiving experience, Tammy joined Visiting Angels about two years ago. She is known to always enter a home with a smile and has an incredible gift of determination to provide care to the most resistant client. Tammy is adored by her clients and their families. She has developed a special bond with a man who suffers from Parkinson's, and his wife says she provides him with much-needed balance as he deals with a complicated disease. 

Veron Regis – Fayetteville, Georgia

Veron was born to be a caregiver. She started working with seniors in 1998. For the last 12 years at Visiting Angels, she's worked with a woman who considers her family. Veron cares for more than just the client but her entire home, working hard to make sure the environment is not just safe but enjoyable. Veron's coworkers say her positive attitude helps family members feel good about their decision to keep their loved ones at home. There is no doubt that Veron does what is needed to make their life the best it can be. 

Esperanza "Marty" Lusby – Kennewick, Washington

Marty's clients, their families and her coworkers describe her as a bundle of joy. She is small but mighty and lights up any room she enters. Since starting her career with Visiting Angels in 2008, she has worked an impressive 202,000 hours with clients in her community. Marty is known for her wonderful ability to engage with clients and build meaningful relationships with each of them, all while serving as an indispensable source of comfort and support. Her clients and peers say she is truly an Angel who always looks out for others.

Cherry Seibers – Cookeville, Tennessee

Cherry has never missed a shift in the 11 years she has worked for Visiting Angels. She discovered her love for caregiving as a teenager while volunteering at a nursing home. Every client is immediately hooked by her ability to create a safe and nurturing space. Her clients and peers say Cherry always finds light in the chaos and works to make every second count. They all agree that when she steps in to care for someone, it is not just about her skills as a caregiver but also the warmth she carries in her heart.

Richard Wlodarczyk – Scotch Plains, New Jersey

Known for his compassion for his clients and passion to help them feel better, Richard is described as a natural caregiver with a big heart. His nurturing demeanor allows him to form special bonds with his clients. When he learned one of his clients met Albert Einstein as a child, he picked up a book about the famous scientist and made a point to read the book to the client to help him relive that memory. Richard also came to the rescue of a client whose daughter needed help moving him out of the car. The daughter said if Richard had not been there, she would have needed to call for an emergency responder. She adds that his support on that day is just one of many reasons why Richard deserves this honor.

Esmeralda Miramontes – North County San Diego, California 

Esmeralda builds a unique rapport with every person she meets. Her clients often describe her as a friend first before using the term caregiver. She is known to easily adapt to every case she faces, even the difficult ones. Esmerelda brings love, patience and understanding to work every day. Her colleagues describe her as an inspiration. One even says she seems to make an angelic connection with her clients, all while she happens to wear a Visiting Angels logo. 

Lonni Stapanon – Nashua, New Hampshire

When clients, their relatives and colleagues describe Lonnie, they all say, 'She has something special.' She connects with people very quickly and is always happy and enthusiastic. Lonni is known never to give up, no matter the challenge. The daughter of a client with Alzheimer's says Lonni provides the best one-on-one care she has ever seen. She adds that under Lonni's care, she knows her mother is safe and well taken care of

Noreen Doherty – Chelmsford, Massachusetts

Noreen's colleagues say she is always there when needed. She is the first to respond when her office sends out an email asking for someone to take on an emergency shift. One of these requests involved a 52-year-old cancer patient who needed round-the-clock care. He ended up telling her that she was the best caregiver he ever had. It is this kind of dedication that earned Noreen the title 'unicorn angel' in her office. Her colleagues say no case is ever too complicated for her.

Julene Barnett Louza – Livermore, California

A caregiver with more than ten years of experience, Julene is truly one of a kind. She approaches every case with a warm smile and a listening ear. Her clients and their families agree that Julene's keen ability to create a sense of security and comfort is a true gift. Julene has been a longtime caregiver for a client with dementia. The family is deeply grateful not just for the care she provides for their loved one but also for the hope and encouragement she offers during every visit.

These 10 semi-finalists will be featured on the company's social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.

The Caregiver of the Year winner will be announced at the Visiting Angels annual conference in June. The winner will receive a $10,000 prize, and two finalists will each receive a check for $5,000.

About Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services, Inc. 

Visiting Angels began franchising in 1998 in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, area.  Today, Visiting Angels has over 600 private-duty agencies throughout the United States. Visiting Angels is America's Choice in Home Care. Our professional and dedicated caregivers proudly help older adults live comfortably, independently, and safely in their own homes. For more information on Visiting Angels or to find a location near you, please visit www.visitingangels.com.

Media Contact:
Allyson Piantanida
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SOURCE Visiting Angels