Our Staff at BrightStar Care^® Erie

Since joining BrightStar in 2012, Chrissy has seen firsthand how the company’s dedication to growth, learning, and building meaningful connections sets it apart in the industry. Starting as a field employee, she quickly recognized BrightStar's unwavering commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of its clients.

In 2014, Chrissy transitioned into the role of Community Liaison, and by 2017, she was promoted to Branch Manager. Throughout her journey with BrightStar, one core value has remained constant: the importance of personal connections.

Her hands-on experience working directly with clients and caregivers has given her valuable insights that shape her approach to leadership today. By forging strong, personal relationships, she’s able to provide the best possible service to the community.

As Branch Manager, Chrissy is guided by BrightStar’s core values. She is deeply committed to creating a positive, open environment in all of her interactions—whether with her team, clients, or members of the community. Passion for service, a focus on creating meaningful experiences, and a dedication to doing the right thing are principles she lives by every day.

At the heart of her work is the desire to make a lasting, positive impact—not just by offering services, but by improving the well-being of others. For Chrissy, BrightStar is more than a business; it’s a family where excellence is woven into everything they do.

Lana is a compassionate and experienced Care Manager with 8 years of experience in providing personalized, high-quality care to individuals in the comfort of their homes. With over 20 years of experience as a direct care worker, she holds an LPN license and is deeply committed to ensuring every client receives the attention and support they need to live comfortably and with dignity.
Specializing in elderly care, Lana’s approach is rooted in empathy, open communication, and collaboration. She works closely with families, caregivers, and the rest of the BrightStar Care team to make sure care is coordinated smoothly and meets the unique needs of each client at every step of their journey.
In her role, Lana is dedicated to building strong, trusting relationships with both clients and their families. She oversees care delivery, manages client needs, and provides ongoing support to make sure the highest standards of care are always met. She also plays a key role in mentoring and training caregivers, ensuring they have everything they need to provide exceptional care.
Lana’s passion for helping others and her commitment to ongoing growth drive her to continually improve the quality of care we provide, all while offering peace of mind to families.

With a distinguished career spanning nearly three decades in healthcare, Kimberly Ackerman is currently making a significant impact as the Assistant Director of Nursing at Brightstar Care- Erie, Pa. After semi-retiring in 2023, Kimberly has dedicated her expertise to managing clinical care plans for clients, ensuring personalized care by meeting potential clients in their homes, and conducting thorough on-site assessments and supervisory visits.

Kimberly began her nursing journey in 1994 after earning her RN degree from Saint Vincent School of Nursing. Her first role was in the Emergency Room at Saint Vincent’s Health Center, where she became certified as a Forensic Nurse Examiner, showcasing her commitment to patient care and justice. In 2002, she transitioned to management, serving as a nurse manager across multiple hospital units while simultaneously pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Edinboro University, which she obtained in 2007. 

Throughout her career, Kimberly has held several key leadership positions, including Assistant Director of the Hamot Hospital Emergency Room, Director of the Pediatric Day Health Center, and Director of Nursing at a nursing home. She concluded her hospital career as the Nurse Manager of the Senior Life Day Center, where she continued to advocate for patient-centered care. 

Residing in Erie, Pennsylvania, Kimberly has been a proud member of the community since her family relocated from Pittsburgh in 1986. Married for 46 years, she is a devoted mother to three daughters and a grandmother to eleven grandchildren. Outside of her professional endeavors, Kimberly is passionate about music; she has directed the Sweet Adelines chorus in Erie for 20 years and currently performs with an award-winning quartet.

Kimberly’s dedication to nursing is matched only by her love for her family. She believes that her journey in healthcare has been not just a career, but a fulfilling way to help others while balancing her role as a mother and grandmother. Her commitment to excellence in nursing and her community is a testament to her belief that compassion and care can make a profound difference in the lives of others.