Debbie Marcello-Bernacki
RN, CEO
Debbie’s passion for senior care and elder care started at a young age. At 15, she volunteered at a local hospital. The experience confirmed her feeling that she belonged in the medical field. Debbie holds degrees in nursing, radiologic technology and ultrasonography, and advanced education in legal nurse consulting and life care planning. Debbie serves as the Senior Care Expert for WHAM 1180, Channel 13 and CW 16 and provides monthly interviews with important information affecting seniors.
Debbie had a life-changing experience when her mother, Angela, was diagnosed with glioblastoma (brain cancer) at age 64. During Angela’s illness, Debbie and her family tried to provide the daily care for her that was necessary to keep her at home. They came to the reality that they just couldn’t do it all alone and enlisted the help of a local in home care agency. Unfortunately Angela was faced with a different caregiver each day, disrespectful behaviors, and caregivers that didn’t seem like they wanted to be there. Often times when family or friends came to visit, the caregivers were found watching television. This was an eye-opening experience for Debbie.
Debbie not only knew the delivery of in home care could be drastically improved upon, she felt an incredible desire to make a difference in the lives of others that are going through the same challenges her mother and her family went through. Hence, the beginning of Happier At Home. Since that time, Debbie, along with her dedicated team of compassionate staff and caregivers, have become senior care advocates and have a positive impact in the lives of seniors and their family members.
Anne Taylor – LPN
Community Relations Nurse
Anne is a Licensed Nurse with experience in both Long Term Care and Home Care. Her own experience with needing home care for family members and knowing how much it meant to them to stay in their home has given her a passion for supporting other families that are in that same situation. Anne also knows firsthand that family caregivers require support as well as the client and that home care Services can give those family members the resources and help they need while hopefully also providing them with the balance and respite they absolutely deserve.
Martha Lansberry,
Director of Staff Development
Martha is a ASHA certified and NY State licensed speech-language pathologist and primarily serviced children with special needs prior to moving into staff development. Family experiences sparked her interest in elder care. The familiarity with adaptive equipment and neurological development she gained in working with special needs children has been a helpful background in assisting seniors who may also be experiencing physical challenges. She began as a caregiver with Happier At Home while completing a certificate in gerontology. Martha is a graduate of Nazareth College of Rochester and SUNY College at Buffalo.
Debbie Stanley,
Office Manager
When you call Happier At Home, chances are you will be speaking with our office manager and scheduler. Debbie has worked in independent senior living communities for the 7 years prior to joining Happier At Home. In her most recent position, she acted as Social Director. Debbie interacted with seniors on daily basis, which affords her the experience of learning about and problem solving issues seniors encounter. Debbie has a passion for working with seniors, as a result feels she has made many rewarding relationships and truly made difference in the lives of seniors that she has assisted.
