Our Staff at BrightStar Care® Newport Beach

Mark, the dedicated Owner and CEO of BrightStar since 2014, brings a wealth of diverse experience to the company. His background as an Episcopal priest, former Army Ranger, and former US State Department Diplomat provides a unique perspective on the importance of exceptional care. Mark's commitment to trust, honor, and respect in client relationships is unwavering. He considers it an honor to care for members of someone's family and believes that doing business should be simple. His deep respect for clients and their families is the cornerstone of the company's "Unconditioned Guarantee." Mark's passion for providing care for the elderly and children is more than just a business venture; it's a vocation and the rewards of making a difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals are immeasurable.

Claire H. Woodsum is at the heart of BrightStar Care, serving as the Co-Owner and Client Care Coordinator. With a diverse background spanning teaching, counseling, marketing, and business, Claire co-founded the Foreside Company before embarking on her journey with BrightStar. She holds a degree in Psychology from Bowdoin College. Claire's decision to join BrightStar Care was fueled by her unwavering desire to make a profound impact on people's lives. Her personally invested, hands-on approach is characterized by kindness and compassion. In her pivotal role, Claire focuses on the onboarding of new clients and nurturing these vital relationships, ensuring alignment with their expectations, and ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided by BrightStar Care.

our esteemed Director of Nursing at BrightStar Care. With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Public Health Certification, Aneliese brings a wealth of expertise from her impressive 13-year nursing career across various healthcare domains, such as operating rooms, home health, DOU, Stroke, ICU, and the ER. Her journey with BrightStar began in 2014, and her unwavering dedication has propelled her to her current role, ensuring our clients receive top-tier care. Aneliese's commitment to ongoing education, including becoming a Home Health Immunoglobulin Certified Nurse, reflects her passion for excellence. During the COVID pandemic, she even worked as a per diem DOU/ICU/CCU unit nurse, describing it as a life-changing experience. Aneliese's unique strengths lie in her active listening, holistic patient care approach, and dedication to training and mentoring nursing professionals, enriching both herself and the BrightStar team.

Meet Kelly, our Director of Finance & Operations, who leverages over two decades of financial expertise to steer the success of BrightStar Care. Armed with a double bachelor's degree in economics and psychology from UCLA, Kelly possesses a unique and formidable skill set essential for her role. She excels in financial reporting, analysis, budgeting, and forecasting, ensuring the robust financial health of our operations. What truly sets her apart is her remarkable ability to maintain an unwaveringly positive outlook, infuse energy and wit into her work, and uncover the silver lining in every situation, making her an indispensable member of the BrightStar team.

Jessica Filice brings a wealth of nursing experience to her role as Nursing Supervisor at BrightStar, with an impressive six-year background that spans skilled nursing facilities, home health care, and her current position. Jessica seamlessly applies her field nursing skills to her administrative and management responsibilities. Her multifaceted expertise shines as she offers invaluable guidance on advanced clinical trials, skilled infusions, holistic care management, and the oversight of national accounts. What truly fuels Jessica's passion is advocating for patients to thrive in a nurturing environment while maintaining their independence with the utmost dignity. Her unique strengths encompass compassion for individuals in all stages of life, a wonderful sense of humor, and an unwavering commitment to detail. In the office, Jessica is the go-to person for getting things done, making her an indispensable asset to the BrightStar team.

Aram holds the position of Director of Client Care at BrightStar Care, leveraging his extensive expertise in marketing relations, public speaking, and healthcare business development. In this pivotal role, Aram serves as the primary point of contact for clients, ensuring a seamless journey from the beginning to the end of their care experience. His strong work ethic, boundless energy, and unwavering compassion towards clients are central to his responsibilities. Aram plays a vital role in overseeing client care and enhancing the team's capabilities, making a substantial contribution to the overall success of BrightStar Care.

As the Director of Client Care & Marketing at BrightStar Care, my role encompasses overseeing marketing initiatives, sales efforts, and client care. I have the honor of meeting face-to-face with our clients, providing them with hope and support during challenging times and walking alongside them on their journey. With a diverse background, including a BS in organizational leadership, and experiences in travel, teaching, creative design, marketing, sales, and volunteering, I bring a unique perspective to my role. I enjoy connecting with people from all walks of life and am dedicated to faith, family, and ensuring every individual receives the care they deserve, committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those around me.

Cecilia serves as our Associate Director of Nursing , bringing a wealth of experience to her role. She graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a BSN in 2015 and has since worked in a range of specialties, including ICU, Med/Tele, Chemical Dependency, Behavioral Health, and more. Her unique strengths include a heightened sensitivity to the nuances of emotion and thoughts of others, innovative problem-solving abilities, and a deep compassion for patients. Cecilia's commitment to easing patients' fears and making them feel comfortable during their care journey defines her approach to nursing.

Kate, our Client Services Manager, brings exceptional expertise and dedication to BrightStar Care. With a Bachelor of Arts in Diplomacy & World Affairs from Occidental College and a pre-medicine background, Kate combines strong academics with a deep interest in healthcare. She has over four years of experience in the industry and oversees the Client Care Managers and Staffing. She ensures a great match between caregivers and clients so that each individual receives tailored support to meet their unique needs.

Since joining BrightStar Care, Kate has shown outstanding dedication to improving patient outcomes, especially for those transitioning from hospital stays to home care or managing chronic conditions. Her compassionate and detail-oriented approach significantly enhances the quality of care, effectively addressing the diverse challenges faced by our clients.

Michaela, our Client Care Manager, brings exceptional skills and dedication to BrightStar Care. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Psychological Science and Criminology, Law and Society from The University of California, Irvine, she combines her academic background with a pre-med path. Since joining in September 2021, Michaela has excelled in managing home health care, ensuring that each client receives the right care tailored to their unique needs. Her compassionate and holistic approach significantly benefits clients facing various challenges, from recent hospital discharges to terminal diagnoses. Michaela's commitment, organizational prowess, quick problem-solving abilities, and willingness to take on challenges make her an invaluable member of our team. Her caregiving experience, particularly with disabled children and teenagers, highlights her dedication to inclusivity and healthcare. Furthermore, her concern for elder abuse drives her meticulous approach to staffing, prioritizing the safety and well-being of our clients.

Throughout my nursing career, I've embarked on a journey defined by versatility, compassion, and a relentless dedication to patient care. It all started during my time as a caregiver while pursuing my nursing education, where I gained invaluable hands-on experience and laid the groundwork for what would become a fulfilling career. Transitioning into the professional realm, I began as a new graduate nurse in a Step-Down Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where I honed my skills in critical care and learned to navigate complex medical conditions with precision and empathy. From there, my path led me through diverse healthcare settings, including roles in cardiac rehabilitation, fertility clinics, autoimmune clinics, and even as a school nurse. Each step of my journey has enriched my understanding of healthcare delivery, deepened my commitment to patient advocacy, and reinforced my belief in the transformative power of nursing. Through these varied experiences, I have embraced the opportunity to touch lives, alleviate suffering, and promote holistic well-being, embodying the essence of nursing's noble calling.