Caring Career Spotlight: Meet Laura, Senior Dir. of Organizational Effectiveness & Strategy

Delivering care in the home takes more than compassion. It takes coordination, leadership and a deep commitment to doing what’s right for every patient and family. For Laura, Senior Director of Organizational Effectiveness & Strategy for personal care services, that commitment has shaped her entire career journey.

Laura began her path at Elara Caring in 2016 in Potosi, Missouri. Starting as a Service Coordinator Manager, she worked closely with clients and caregivers to ensure services were scheduled and delivered smoothly. From there, her career continued to grow, moving into a Field Supervisor role, then Branch Director, Regional Branch Director and Director of Operations.

Today, Laura leads strategic initiatives that help strengthen how care is delivered across the organization. Her work focuses on improving processes, supporting teams and ensuring patients receive the right care at the right time.

“I’ve had the opportunity to grow alongside the company,” Laura shares. “With each role, I’ve been able to take on new challenges while continuing to support both our teams and the clients we serve.”

At the heart of Laura’s work is a simple but powerful perspective: every patient is someone’s loved one.

“My ‘why’ has always been rooted in helping those who can’t always help themselves,” she says. “I try to look at every client as someone’s parent or grandparent. I think about how I would want my own family cared for if I couldn’t be there.”

That mindset shows up in the moments that matter most. Laura recalls a recent conversation with a client’s daughter who shared how much peace of mind she felt knowing her father was being well cared for at home.

“That peace of mind for families is everything,” Laura says. “Knowing we can provide that level of support and trust is what continues to motivate me.”

It’s not just patient stories that stand out; it’s also the everyday opportunities to make a difference. At a recent wedding, Laura found herself talking with a couple who felt they couldn’t take a vacation because they didn’t have support in place for a 90-year-old parent.

“You could see the relief on their faces when they realized they had options,” she says. “Being able to help families find that balance—caring for their loved one while still living their own lives—is incredibly meaningful.”

Laura also credits Elara Caring’s culture and leadership as a key part of her experience.

“The leaders here genuinely care about you as a person, not just as an employee,” she says. “They support your growth, your development and your wellbeing. It truly feels like you have people in your corner who want to see you succeed.”

That support extends across teams, especially when it comes to collaboration between service lines. Laura has seen firsthand how strong coordination can lead to better outcomes for patients.

“We work closely across teams to make sure clients are connected to the right level of care at the right time,” she explains. “For example, when a client has a change in condition, we’re able to quickly identify that and bring in additional support, whether that’s skilled home health or hospice, before it becomes something more serious.”

This proactive, connected approach helps patients stay safer at home while giving families greater confidence and support.

For Laura, it all comes back to impact: on patients, on families and on the teams delivering care every day.

“Knowing we can make a difference, even in small ways, is what makes this work so meaningful,” she says.