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home instead team mesa sun lakes arizona

Meet Our Team

We believe every family in the area deserves tailor made in-home senior care with a compassionate touch. That's why we established Home Instead® of Sun Lakes, AZ.

Proudly Serving Aging Adults & Their Families

Our Promise

As a locally owned business, our team offers friendly, responsive service right in your neighborhood. Families love our team because we:
  • Do what we say we’re going to do – each and every time
  • Solve care problems using compassionate, person-centered solutions
  • Engage in thoughtful relationships with the families we serve
  • Give back to our community

Awards & Recognition

Top Quality Care

It’s not always easy knowing where to start in the search for a quality home care agency for yourself or a loved one – the sheer number of options can be overwhelming, and finding the right agency is crucial to future happiness and well-being.

Home Instead is honored to have received a 2022 Caring.com Caring Stars award for Best In-Home Care!

Home Instead is a proud member of The Coolidge Chamber of Commerce, The Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce, The Chandler Chamber of Commerce, The Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Arizona In-Home Care Association!

home instead sun lakes az caring star award 2022
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About Us
Meet Our Team
Patricia Thiele 2023 final

Patricia Thiele, General Manager

Why Home Instead: Patricia chose Home Instead because of what it stands for. Her grandmother, who was more like a mother to her, was a nurse and taught Patricia what it meant to care for someone. Not to just put a band-aid on a problem and hope that it goes away, but to really diagnose what is going on and prepare a treatment plan for that person. This, to her, is what Home Instead does. By Building Trust, Taking the Lead, and Sharing their Heart, Home Instead staff can help clients with their 8 care needs. (Safe environment, gait, transfer, medications, personal care, nutrition, cognition, and social.) Utilizing her Bachelor’s in Health Care Administration, Patricia is excited to lead the team helping the aging population in the East Valley.

In My Free Time: Patricia enjoys spending time with her three children, husband, and two dogs. When she has some time to herself, she enjoys cooking/baking, reading, and doing a wide variety of puzzle books.
Emily Hansen 2026

Emily Hansen, Recruitment Coordinator

Why Home Instead: After working as a CNA, Emily discovered how much she valued building meaningful connections with the people she cared for. While she appreciated her experience in healthcare, she found herself wanting to provide more personalized, one-on-one care to those who truly needed it. Emily was drawn to Home Instead because it allows her the opportunity to focus on each individual’s unique needs while making a real difference in their daily lives. She takes pride in offering compassionate support and being someone her clients and their families can rely on.

In My Free Time: Emily recently got back into archery and enjoys the focus and discipline it brings. She loves spending quiet time reading a good book and finds being outdoors relaxing, especially when she’s fishing. Whether she’s enjoying nature or diving into a new story, Emily values activities that help her recharge and stay balanced.

Rebecca James 2026

Rebecca James, Training Coordinator

Why did you choose Home Instead: Rebecca chose to work for Home Instead because she grew up watching her mother care for others as an in-home caregiver, and she wanted to make the same meaningful impact, helping people feel supported, cared for, and valued in their own homes, just as her mother had done for so many.

About Me: Rebecca enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and exploring nature. She has a deep love for cats and enjoys relaxing with a good book. In her free time, she likes drawing and expressing her creativity through art. 

Elisabeth Lisa Brownfield 2024

Elisabeth ‘Lisa’ Brownfield, Front Desk Coordinator Mesa

Why Home Instead: Elder care seemed like a natural next step for Lisa after her fulfilling career as a teacher. Working as a member of a team seeking to meet the needs of a particular community is an endeavor that Lisa has long participated in. She was naturally drawn to Home Instead, a leader in this enterprise.

In My Free Time: Lisa is happiest at home with a book in her hands and a dog in her lap.

Nikki Bensen 2023 final

Nikki Bensen, Client Care Manager

Why Home Instead: Nikki joined the Home Instead team as she saw an opportunity to make a personal difference for her local seniors. She decided that retail management was not where her heart lied and knew that her talents could be used elsewhere.

In My Free Time: Nikki enjoys spending time with her son and husband, playing video games, and catching up on all the latest movies. Nothing satisfies her more than a cold Dr. Pepper on a hot Arizona day.
Tavia Schackart 2026

Tavia Schackart, Client Care Advisor

Why did you choose Home Instead: Tavia chose to work for Home Instead because she wanted a compassionate career where she could help others by bringing comfort, support, and a little bit of joy to people’s lives, building meaningful connections, and making a real difference in the everyday moments that matter most.

About Me: Tavia world is full of laughter thanks to her daughter and her mischievous dogs and cats. She loves whipping up delicious treats in the kitchen, whether baking sweet goodies or cooking up a tasty meal.

Delaine Jenkins 2026

Delaine Jenkins, Client Care Advisor

Why did you choose Home Instead: Delaine chose to work for Home Instead because helping people has always been her passion. She loves brightening someone’s day, lending a hand when it’s needed, and making life a little easier and more joyful for those around her.

About Me: Delaine loves nothing more than laughter, fresh air, and her kids and dogs keeping her company. She’s happiest outdoors, whether she’s fishing by the water, camping under the stars, or just enjoying nature’s beauty. 

Brea Knourek 2026

Brea Knourek, On Call Client Care Advisor

Why did you choose Home Instead: Brea chose to work for Home Instead after caring for her mother on hospice. That experience showed her how much she enjoys helping seniors, and she loves knowing she can make a difference in their lives by making it a  little brighter and happier.

About Me: Brea loves spending quality time with her grandma and cherishes those moments together. She’s a big fan of Culver’s, enjoys listening to music, and has a great time tubing!

Cindy Fortenberry 2023 final

Cindy Fortenberry, On Staff RN

Why Home Instead: Cindy has been a nurse for several years and has found herself gravitating towards geriatrics. Spreading the information on what Home Instead has to offer has been a way to fulfill her days and help those she cares for. 

In My Free Time: Cindy enjoys being on the golf course with family and friends.
Erin Fenn 2024

Erin Fenn, Home Care Consultant

Why Home Instead: Erin was found by Home Instead while life was changing. As soon as she began her career she felt right at home caring for others who needed help. Erin loves meeting new people and learning about their stories. She feels as though it is her calling to serve others. Every person that she has met through Home Instead is kind and she is thrilled to ensure they get the help that they need.

In My Free Time: When she is not working, Erin enjoys her time serving on the Mesa Tempe Christmas Light committee. She also enjoys doing jigsaw puzzles, family history research, and spending as much time with her children and grandchildren.

jenee 2025

Jenee Hodgeson-Beggs, Home Care Consultant

Why Home Instead: Jenee chose Home Instead because of its warm, welcoming community and the opportunity to grow through strong leadership and meaningful mentoring. The mission deeply resonates with her—she finds purpose in serving others, meeting people where they are, and helping to lighten the load alongside a team that leads with integrity and authenticity. She considers it an honor to be part of an organization that truly cares.

In My Free Time: In her personal time, she enjoys being with her three sons, her nieces, and the family dog. A lifelong creative, she has been quilting and making jewelry for many years, and in the last decade, she has embraced mixed media art. She also has a passion for nature photography, with a special love for capturing bees and mushrooms in their natural habitats.

Maureen Maud McKellip 2024

Maureen ‘Maud’ McKellip, Business Development Advisor

Why Home Instead: After retiring from her 22-year career with hospice, Maud quickly began to miss her interactions with her clients and patients. Coming to Home Instead, she was able to jump in and get back to meeting with people and doing what she loves most, helping our seniors.

In My Free Time: Maud enjoys spending time with family and friends when she is not at work. She also enjoys chocolate! It does not matter how it is served, as long as it is chocolate.

Bridget Stoll 2026

Bridget Stoll, Business Development Advisor

Why I Chose Home Instead: Having the opportunity to build real connections and make a positive impact. Helping seniors access caring, personalized support that allows them to remain independent at home is incredibly rewarding.  

In My Free Time: Bridget enjoys spending time with her family and pets, decorating, sewing, antiquing, and supporting our veterans. Whether through volunteering, attending events, or raising awareness for their needs, giving back to those who have served is something Bridget is deeply passionate about.  

Joni Leiding 2023 final

Joni Leiding, Billing & Payroll Specialist

Why Home Instead: Joni has enjoyed bookkeeping and payroll for many years. Joni wanted to share the support, care, and insightfulness this can be for the family, experiencing it first-hand with her own family.  Home Instead’s mission in caring, sharing, compassion, and support with the opportunity to use her skills in a great atmosphere, every day, is a great way to enjoy life in the great state of Arizona.

In My Free Time: I love to travel, refinish furniture, spend time with family and volunteering at pet shelters and horse rescues.
Savannah Banes 2024

Savannah Banes, Service Manager

Why Home Instead: Savannah loves people! Making connections through her background in retail management, and aesthetician work has been so special to her, and she knew Home Instead would help her better the world even more!

In My Free Time: Savannah loves playing video games, watching her favorite movie Trolls, and trying new pickle flavored snacks!

Megan Robinson 2023 final

Megan Robinson, Service Coordinator

Why Home Instead: Megan spent over 20 years in the hospitality industry and wanted to take her love of people and turn it into something fulfilling. After watching what a difference Care Professionals made with her own grandmother, Home Instead was an easy choice. She now spends her days connecting with people and going home at night knowing that what she does makes a difference in people’s lives.

In My Free Time: Megan enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and 2 Goddaughters, as well as visiting new places.

Shiloh Ellestad2025

Shiloh Ellestad, Service Coordinator

Why did you choose Home Instead: Shiloh chose to work for Home Instead because she has a true passion for helping people and wanted to create meaningful connections. She was looking for a fresh start and an opportunity to help others feel supported, cared for, and valued in the comfort of their own homes.

About Me: She enjoys spending time with her kids and grandson, cherishing every moment together. She has a deep love for reading and enjoys getting lost in a good book. In her free time, she likes watching TikTok videos and discovering new trends for fun and inspiration.

Melissa McGee 2023 final

Melissa McGee, On Call Service Coordinator

Why Home Instead: Witnessing first-hand what is like when a loved one does not have the support they need, she vowed to do all she could to ensure that others were not left without care. Leaving a career of customer service and scheduling, Melissa came to Home Instead to find her place with the elderly. She works through the weekends to ensure our clients and Care Professionals' scheduling needs are met as best as possible, giving clients the care, they deserve.

In My Free Time: Melissa enjoys spending time with her children and eating her favorite candy, Smarties.

Our Team

Your Home Instead team in Sun Lakes, AZ possesses a heartfelt desire to work with seniors in the community. It is our ultimate goal to forge extraordinary relationships between our clients and their Care Professionals.

When you are ready for help, our caring staff is on call to quickly answer your questions and accommodate your senior services needs.

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