Our Staff at BrightStar Care® Baltimore City / County

Our experienced and compassionate staff is dedicated to caring for your loved one as if they were family. Get to know our team.

Andri Purkanto and Ryan Guzzino are Co-Owners of BrightStar Care of Baltimore County.  

Andri and Ryan’s lifelong pursuit was to find an opportunity to indulge their intellectual passion for life, enjoy doing it, and at the same time contribute something beyond themselves to an organization in ways that help employees, customers, societies, and mankind. Purchasing BrightStar Care of Baltimore allowed them to achieve this dream.  They acquired BrightStar Care of Baltimore County and Baltimore City from Lynn Berberich in June 2019.  Lynn had provided exceptional service and care for the Baltimore Community for more than 10+ years.  Lynn joined her husband in his retirement and continues to do volunteer work with the Alzheimer’s Foundation and the Maryland Association for Parkinson’s Support.

Andri and Ryan are committed to strengthening the reputation for customer service and quality of care that BrightStar represents. 

  • Andri Purkanto

    Owner

    Prior to BrightStar Care, Andri worked for multinational companies in global leadership roles. He developed a depth of knowledge and experience in management, operations, technology and execution. Andri’s lifelong pursuit is to find an opportunity to indulge his intellectual passion of life, enjoy doing it, and at the same time contribute something beyond himself to an organization in ways that help employees, customers, societies, and mankind. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Colorado State University and his MBA from Pennsylvania State University.  Andri also serves on the board of directors of WellSpan York Health Foundation (York, PA), Edenwald Senior Living (Towson, MD), and Penn State University York Board of Advisory​

    Andri Purkanto
  • Ryan Guzzino

    Owner
    Prior to acquiring BrightStar Care, he had 14 years of corporate financial experience in 3 different international manufacturing companies, most recently overseeing financial operations for the United States and Asia. Ryan was instrumental in searching out business opportunities that carried the purpose and passion characteristics that Andri and Ryan were looking for. He quickly settled on BrightStar Care for its ability to transform the lives of people around them while providing a service that is integral to their community. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance and MBA from Pennsylvania State University.
    Ryan Guzzino
  • Jaime Benedict

    Senior Director of Community Outreach​ MD & PA

    Jaime has an extensive background in the healthcare industry and has dedicated her career to helping others.  With almost 20 years of experience, Jaime has earned a degree in Cardiovascular Technology and an Associates Degree from Central Penn College in Applied Science focused in Physical Therapy.  Jaime has a demonstrated history of working in various healthcare settings including nursing homes, home health, geriatric rehabilitation and long-term care. Throughout her career, Jaime has been a driving force to strengthen relationships with strategic partners. Jaime’s combination of passion, compassion, and clinical competence will make a substantial positive impact on the Maryland and Pennsylvania senior care landscape.

    Jaime Benedict
  • Lorelei Palemine MSN, RN

    Director of Nursing ​
    Lorelei is our director of Nursing for Skilled & Compliance Officer of BrightStar Care of Baltimore and South-Central Pennsylvania. Lorelei brought over 20 years of diverse healthcare experience and she is noted for her compassion with patients and their families. She goes above and beyond her duties to ensure comfort and quality care. Lorelei gains satisfaction helping clients age in place  where their stories and memories are created. She earned Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center Quezon City, Philippines and Master of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ.  She is also wound care certified. Her background and education magnified her knowledge of nursing practices, individualized patient care, family relations, professional networking, staff development, and other relevant clinical and operational skills required of an effective nurse leader.​
    Lorelei Palemine
  • Chris Miller BSN, RN

    Assistant Director of Nursing/Personal Care Case Manager ​
    Chris brings more than 15 years of nursing experience to BrightStar Care after working in a variety of settings in his career—from home health, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers! Chris earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Lynchburg College. His academic accomplishments along with many years of experience as a registered nurse allow Chris to connect with each client he interacts with and provide them the highest quality of care based on the unique needs of the individual. Chris also volunteers on medical mission trips to Santander, Colombia.​
    Chris Miller
  • Jennifer Van Beckum

    Director of Community Outreach​

    Jennifer’s experience as a teacher, trainer and coach will serve her well as BrightStar’s new Director of Community Outreach in Baltimore City/Baltimore County. She has always been a relationship builder, whether working in schools, mentoring teachers or coaching parents. From there she moved into sales roles in Chambers of Commerce, where she grew the membership and formed partnerships with other associations within the community. Her passion for providing great customer service coupled with her love of people will bring continued growth to BrightStar Care of Baltimore.

  • Elaine Carnesi

    Director of Human Resources and Finance
    Elaine has serviced the health care field since 2010.  Prior to BrightStar Care, she was the Business Office Manager for Genesis Healthcare where she managed Payroll and Billing for the Staffing Division with over 1200 employees. Elaine utilizes organization and problem-solving skills to improve work productivity and atmosphere. Elaine’s first career was in Finance where she worked in commercial banking. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Loyola University with a focus on Finance and Marketing​
    Elaine Carnesi
  • Heidi Stevenson

    Finance Manager
    Heidi has been in the health care field since 2002 where she has brought a wealth of knowledge and experiences into BrightStar. Heidi was resident assistant, Med-Tech/ supervisor and eventually the Assisted Living Coordinator and Business Office Manager at a large assisted living community. Heidi joined BrightStar in 2012 as Branch Manager.  She takes great pride knowing she enables our team to provide the very best care to our clients and their families. She earned bachelor degree in Psychology with a focus on Gerontology from Towson University. ​
    Heidi Stevenson
  • Brianna Nelson

    Customer Care Manager​
    Brianna graduated from the University of Maryland with her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Service Management and was awarded Summa Cum Laude. Throughout her schooling, she focused on studying healthcare information systems, policies, marketing, research, strategic planning, and leadership. Brianna’s main focus is providing and maintaining optimal client care and employee relations.​
    Brianna Nelson
  • Ashley Garner

    Customer Care Manager​
    Ashley has been in the healthcare field since 2007. She chose the healthcare industry because that is where her passion lies. She specializes in dementia care and working with geriatric patients. She enjoys providing compassionate and optimal care for clients who are in their homes. Ashley previously had experience as a CNA and working as a Recruiter and Patient Coordinator. 
    Ashley Garner
  • Amy Grace RN

    Director of Skilled Services
    Amy is our director of Skilled Services for BrightStar Care of Baltimore and South - Central Pennsylvania. She is committed to helping every BrightStar client find and receive the highest quality of care possible. Amy comes to BrightStar with 20+ years of experience in many areas. Amy started her healthcare career as a personal care assistant in a nursing facility, went on to further her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse, then finally a Registered Nurse. Amy brings her expertise in IV infusion-having work in the industry for over 10 years. She also has experience in Home Health, Hospice and Hosptial settings. Her many years of leadership rounds her out as our DON. She is dedicated to working with our clients and staff, making sure everyone is happy and properly cared for! She pursued her career as a registered nurse because of her passion and love of caring for others.
    Amy Grace RN
  • David Gamerman

    Skilled Business Manager
    David graduated from the University of Maryland with his Bachelor’s Degree in Health Service Management and was awarded Summa Cum Laude. Throughout his schooling, he focused on studying healthcare information systems, policies, marketing, research, strategic planning, and leadership. David’s main focus is providing and maintaining optimal client care and employee relations.​
    David Gamerman
  • Rebecca Mauck

    Skilled/Staffing Coordinator
    Rebecca graduated from Penn State with dual degrees in Business Management and Project & Supply Chain Management With a focus on operational efficiency and quality care, Rebecca is committed to enhancing BrightStar Care’s services and making a positive impact on the lives of those served. 
    Rebecca Mauck
  • Harold Mahilum

    Recruiter​
    Harold received his associate's degree in nursing at the University of St. La Salle- Bacolod and an in marketing management at La Consolacion College- Bacolod. He was exposed to community clinics, outpatient, OB-GYN, and pediatric departments during his nursing school years. He has an extensive experience in customer service and talent acquisition screening prior to working as a recruiter here at Brightstar Care starting back in August of 2022.​
    Harold Mahilum
  • Brittany Robinson

    Skilled/Staffing Coordinator 
    Brittany is a current nursing student at Stevenson University with a focus on home healthcare management. She excels in giving excellent customer service skills and strives to exude excellency in all she does. Brittany currently is focused on providing the best customer experience possible at BrightStar home health
    Brittany Robinson
  • Cole Porras

    Recruiter​
    Cole graduated from University of St. La Salle - Bacolod with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Throughout his schooling, Cole focused on both hospital based procedures and practices in ER, OR, OPD, ICU, etc. and community nursing as well. Cole started to work at BrightStar Care as a payroll specialist in 2019 and after 3 months he was cross trained for Customer Care Coordinator and Recruitment. ​
    Cole Porras
  • Christine Maga

    Recruiter​
    CJ has been a part of the Skilled Nursing Recruitment team for almost 3 years now. She earned her Bachelor's degree in English from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. She also took up an extension course for European Language with a Major in French from the University of the Philippines-Diliman.
    Christine Maga
  • Jiphanny Magada

    Recruiter ​
    Jiphanny joined BrightStar Care in 2020 as part of the recruiting team. She has Human Resources Recruitment and Training & Development experience. Jiphanny is adept in all aspects of HR Recruitment, including screening, interviewing, and selection. In her spare time, she loves spending with family, baking, cooking, and travelling to different places. ​
    Jiphanny Magada
  • Anna Novak

    HR / Recruitment Coordinator
    Anna is a graduate from Elizabethtown College with her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology Allied Health. Throughout her schooling she focused on studying healthcare, therapies, ethics and research methods. Anna’s primary focus at BrightStar is recruitment, onboarding new employees, maintaining credentials/competencies and employee relations.
    Anna Novak
  • Andrea Bendig MSN RN CM DN CDP

    Certified Dementia Consultant and Case Manager

    Andrea is a registered nurse with 30 years of experience specializing in the care of older adults and individuals with dementia.  She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Management from Western Governors University.  She is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, Certified Dementia Live Coach and Education Partner with Age-u-cate, as well as a case manager and patient advocate.  Andrea's background includes serving as a director of nursing in home care, assisted living and memory care, giving her a well-rounded perspective on aging in place and care transitions.  With a deep understanding of both clinical and emotional aspects of aging, Andrea is passionate about creating care plans that enhance quality of life and promote dignity in aging, while supporting family members through the journey.

      
    Andrea Bendig

Our Caregivers and Nurses

Our team of care professionals thoroughly screened and trained to provide the highest quality care to your family or your patients. Learn more about our compassionate and trustworthy nurses and caregivers.


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Please contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation or call BrightStar Care Baltimore City / County at 443.275.2796.

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