Meet Our Team

Debbie opened the office in March 2006. As Franchise Owner, Debbie considers Home Instead Senior Care her lifestyle, not a job. Debbie handles the management, business practices, and the day-to-day operation of the business. She, and her husband, David, believe trust is the foundation of the relationships formed in their service area and with the families whom care is provided. For Debbie, “this is a calling from God. Several years ago, He started preparing me for this journey. In 1991, my father-in-law was diagnosed with cancer. I became his primary caregiver. During that time, we developed a great bond and a strong relationship. My mother passed away several years ago. I watched her slowly slip away from her family, and her memories, as she suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. At her funeral, I realized that my mother was a caregiver, not just a wife and a mom… but a caregiver. In addition to a career where she retired, throughout her entire life my mom always provided care for someone else. She was an amazing example of compassion, tenderheartedness, and love. So, I am the daughter of a caregiver, I have been a caregiver, and now I have the honor, and privilege, for providing care to seniors in the New River Valley. I may have days I don’t like, but there isn’t a day that I don’t love what I do. That’s what makes it personal to me.”

After 33 years of service with United Parcel Service, David retired in 2010. Instead of enjoying a time of relaxation, David immediately changed careers and began working with his wife, Debbie, in the office. David handles the financial aspect of the business, as well as, Quality Assurance. As Franchise Owners, both David and Debbie represent Home Instead Senior Care to the public. They believe they are responsible for upholding the Home Instead Senior Care brand promise each day. David loves this business because “some time ago my grandmother became ill and needed a caregiver. It was my mothers’ responsibility to find a caregiver to come in her home and stay with her. She had a very difficult time and was unable to find someone that was dependable, would show up on time, and would take good care of her. We ended up having to put her in a nursing home. It was a very sad time for the entire family. What I remember most is when I would visit my grandmother, she would say “David can you please take me back to my home.” This was very hard for me. When Debbie and I opened our office, I realized my grandmother would be proud that we would be able to help seniors stay in their homes and not go in a facility. That’s what makes it personal to me.”

A New River Valley Native, Misty Lutz has been an employee with Home Instead Senior Care since 2009, she came to us from working eight years as an Anesthesia Tech. As Client Services Manager, Misty handles all scheduling/staffing of clients to provide the highest quality service. She is caring, compassionate, and has a genuine passion for seniors. For Misty, “this job is personal to me because I want to make a difference in the lives of our seniors that desperately need help. The best part of my job is hearing the relief in the family’s voices, knowing help is near.”

Native of New River Valley, her primary responsibilities include care consults with clients, monitors quality assurance of personal care (hands on), supervises all aspects of personal care including caregivers and client’s safety. Home Instead Senior Care is personal to her because when she began her nursing career over 30 years ago her elderly aunt asked her to never stop talking with elderly people. Her aunt said “they talk around me as if I am not in the room. They share jokes with each other but don’t include me. They talk about selling my home and where I’m going to live and do not ask me what I want.” Ruth has never forgotten this conversation and as her nursing career has advanced her compassionate love of caring for senior citizens has grown into a commitment to help keep their quality of life complete. To her it’s very personal.

A native Floridian, Sebrina has 17 years’ experience in Dermatology. Sebrina moved to Rich Creek in 2014 to marry her high school sweetheart and started working for Home Instead Senior Care. Having a passion for people made a seamless transition to our team. As On Call supervisor she answers incoming calls after hours from potential clients, current clients and CAREGivers. Sebrina also works as a caregiver. In this role, she tends to numerous daily needs of her clients, in order to help them maintain their independence and wellbeing so they can remain in the comfort of their home. Having her dad diagnosed with early stage Parkinson’s, Sabrina said “having clients with varying stages of this disease and seeing how it affects their lives makes it very personal to me”.