HOME CARE MATTERS - Key Persons
Abbey is from Marietta, GA and is the youngest of four girls. She is married and the mom of four children. Abbey has been working is the home health field for more than 7 years. She joined the HCM team in October 2014 and we are very happy that she is here.
Abbey was referred to HCM when she was looking for a position a little closer to home. Luckily for HCM, she called and as they say, she's been here ever since! Abbey brings a wealth of experiences to HCM and is a valued and integral part of our team. Abbey's primary responsibility is managing the office; that includes a wide variety of tasks on any given day. She has great organization skills, ability to multi-task, and keeps our state required documents and files organized and up-to-date. Abbey has a great sense of humor and is loved by her HCM team. Abbey says, "Home Care Matters is not just a job, it is a place I call HOME!"
You can reach Abbey via email at (abbey@homecarematters.com), or our office phone (770.965.4004).
Carrie Morrison was born and raised in Alpharetta, Georgia and is the youngest of two girls. She loves spending time with her family and travelling with her boyfriend.
Carrie's work career began with teaching Special Education to students with both learning and behavioral needs. Her passion for teaching led her to be a liaison for the families of students by teaching them new techniques in the home, and mirroring the skills taught to them in the classroom. This career path led Carrie to her greatest passion, working with the senior population through Home Care and Senior Living.
Carrie grew up in the same home as her grandmother and that relationship nurtured her desire to work in the senior industry. She loves educating families and professionals on the benefits of in-home care and providing them with other resources available as well.
We are so excited to have Carrie join our Home Care Matters team. Carrie brings a wealth of industry knowledge, professionalism, and compassion that makes her an ideal and natural addition to our amazing team.
Carrie's primary role as Regional Care Director will vary from day-to-day but generally includes meeting with families, marketing, client relations, recruiting, vendor fairs and educational events, working with the office staff as well as our care professionals along with a host of other activities. We know, once you meet her, why we are so excited to have her as an integral member of our team.
Karl Ryder is a Senior Advisor to Home Care Matters (HCM). In this role, Karl provides guidance regarding industry practices, regulatory changes, growth and performance enabling strategies.
Karl retired from United Parcel Service (UPS) in 2014 after a 37-year career covering a variety of leadership roles. He is currently the President of The Ryder Group, a boutique-consulting group supporting Investment Banks, Private Equity, Venture Capital and Independent Businesses.
Karl is married and lives in Flowery Branch, Georgia with his wife Valerie and their daughter Sydney. Karl enjoys vacationing with his family and friends, golfing, motorcycles, boating, fishing, and auto racing.
With regard to the home care business Karl says, "The aging process is something we all have in common. It can be a stressful time that requires compassion, support, guidance, and patience. I personally experience a great sense of value knowing that every HCM employee is passionate about helping patients and families during one of the most challenging and stressful times of their lives.
Kathi was born in Illinois and gradually moved South with her husband Ed (who is also in the medical field). They have been in the Atlanta area since 1991. Kathi was a stay-at-home mom for many years, raising her three children and doing volunteer work. She was very active in the Gwinnett Cancer Auxiliary, serving as President, Fashion Show Chairman, and Chairman of the 2001 Cancer Ball, which raised over $220,000.
Kathi re-entered nursing in 2003. She worked at Northside Hospital in the Med-Surgical Unit, Orthopedic Dept and as a Pain Resource Nurse. Kathi's second year at Northside, she was runner-up for the Clinical Excellence Award for the Med-Surgical Unit.
Kathi started working at HCM in February of 2016 and we couldn't be happier. She brings years of expertise, compassion and professionalism to HCM and our clients. She is a caring and meticulous nurse. She is loved by her HCM teammates who always enjoy her visits to the office with her smile, bubbly and fun personality!
Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area. Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers). She is married and has one child. Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters. Valerie's mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born. Valerie says, "My mom is never far from our thoughts. Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away. Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us."
Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, "Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love. Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.
I loved taking care of my mom. I love helping others take care of their love ones too. And now that I've been sick, it's given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help."
Valerie's schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office. Says Valerie, "Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers. I strive to be a resource to the community. I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud."