Meet Our Team

Todd and Lizzie O’Neill purchased the Home Instead franchise in January 2015. The O’Neill’s have three daughters who were all born in Bremerton where Todd worked in a local family furniture business for ten years post college. In 1996 the O’Neill’s felt led to pursue work with a non-profit youth outreach ministry, Young Life. After 19 years with Young Life in Enumclaw and Bellevue Washington, the O’Neill’s explored new business opportunities and found Home Instead. Serving people is very rewarding and they have built a great team at Home Instead. You will often hear Todd say, “our clients come first!” And they do. Todd and Lizzie also enjoy time with their five grandsons.

Tami comes to Home Instead from Bellingham, Washington. She has three wonderful children and six amazing grandchildren. She worked at St. Joseph’s Medical Center for 16 years as a CNA/Office Coordinator. Tami moved to Sequim, Washington in 2014 where she spent her time helping a family member. She worked for the Sequim Home Instead Office for two years as a CNA before relocating to Port Orchard and transferring to the Bremerton Home Instead Office as the Office Coordinator. Tami loves serving the elderly and has been involved in this line of work for 25 years.

Lorena Hernandez is a Registered Nurse who worked full time at Kitsap Mental Health for six years. With a heart to serve others, Lorena came to Home Instead as a part-time Care Professional to provide care to another vulnerable population in our community. In accepting the position as our franchise office Training Coordinator in 2018, she strives to teach new and experienced Care Professionals the importance of providing a caring and safe environment for our clients. Lorena provides an empathetic heart and listening ear to our staff. She teaches with the desire to spread love for our older generation through our Care Professional.

Lisa has been our main weekend on-call backup for several years now. The office may close at five, but we know our job doesn't stop there. Having a true 24/7 accessibility is one of the things that sets us apart.

"Got an issue at 10 pm? Don't hesitate to call. I started as a caregiver here at Home Instead and I know that our client's needs don't occur neatly between 9 and 5. So, please call. You'll always find a real voice here on the other end"

We know it's a comfort to our clients, and also to their families that we are the eyes and ears, always on watch, when they can't be. Lisa is the reason we can confidently say, "Call us anytime!"

Heidi Gafford is a Pacific Northwest native who loves everything about it, even the rain. She recently returned to the work force after 15 years of staying home to raise her sons. Prior to that she worked in a variety of accounting roles. Heidi joined the Home Instead team, in October 2021. She enjoys her role as finance director as well as being able to interact with the elderly and their families to ensure they are getting the best service possible. When not at work or running her boys all over town, she enjoys long walks and painting.

Charo Mae Sunga, or Mae, brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate heart to her role at Home Instead. Armed with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, she has honed her skills over the years through various roles. With over five years of experience in Recruitment and Onboarding, three years specializing in Virtual Assistance, and a year serving as an Executive Assistant, Mae possess a multifaceted background that uniquely qualifies her for her current position.

Her approach to recruitment aligns seamlessly with the company values at Home Instead. Mae understand the significance of matching caregivers who embody kindness, patience, and reliability with clients, ensuring they receive the personalized care they deserve. Her commitment to assessing candidates' experiences, handling of diverse situations, and verifying references underscores my dedication to sourcing individuals who not only possess the requisite skills but also exhibit the right attitude and personality to foster a comfortable and supportive environment for the clients.

As an Engagement Coordinator and Training Assistant at Home Instead, Michaela brings a unique blend of skills and experiences to foster a supportive and collaborative work environment. Her career began as a Care Professional with Home Instead, where she developed a profound understanding of the company’s core values and honed her ability to provide personalized, supportive and empathetic care.

In her current role, Michaela coordinates engagement initiatives and assists in designing and delivering training programs that enhance both individual and team performance. Her approach is deeply rooted in effective listening, empathy, and a genuine desire to help others. These skills are crucial in addressing diverse needs, resolving conflicts, and ensuring that all team members feel valued and heard.

Her background has equipped her with a strong foundation in conflict resolution and a heart for helping others, allowing her to effectively manage outreach efforts and facilitate communication across teams. Michaela is dedicated to creating an environment where everyone can thrive and work collaboratively towards common goals.

Outside of work, Michaela enjoys reading, being in nature, and spending quality time with family and friends. These activities not only refresh her but also inspire her approach to fostering a positive work culture.