Melissa Steps Out of Corporate World for Fulfilling Care Job
Melissa Legge worked in the corporate world for 18 years, but something was constantly tugging at her heartstrings. That is why Melissa eventually joined Home Instead® of Clearwater, Florida, an award-winning franchise owned by Julie Castle, in February 2026 as a Care Professional.
Melissa explained: “I guess you could say caregiving is in my blood. My grandmother and mother were both caregivers. When my father was ill, I spent a week at the hospital with him while he regained his ability to walk and talk after being in a medically induced coma.”
Melissa added: “I moved to Florida in November 2025, and I was looking for an opportunity to do something I enjoyed. Caring for people is my passion. I found Home Instead on Indeed.com and quickly applied. I interviewed with Rachel Mribiha, one of our staff recruiters, and I knew almost immediately I would be working with Home Instead!”
Professional childcare bridged Melissa’s career gap between the corporate world and Home Instead. “I cared for three small children for six years. It was very rewarding. Prior to caregiving, I worked in the corporate world for nearly two decades, resolving customer complaints. I’ve always been a problem solver,” Melissa said.
Melissa pointed out: “I don’t think of my caregiving as a job. I enjoy what I do. When I’m taking care of my clients, it’s not work.” Melissa’s joy and job fulfillment were reflected immediately in her work with Home Instead clients. It was no surprise among Home Instead staff members and co-workers when Melissa was selected as the franchise’s May Care Pro of the Month.
Director of Care Professional Services JC Crady said: “Melissa displays Home Instead’s guiding principles of ‘Build Trust, Take the Lead and Share Your Heart.’ Additionally, Home Instead’s core values are: ‘Treat each other with dignity and respect, encourage growth in ourselves and others, and continually build value in our service to others.’ You can easily see that in Melissa’s actions each day.”
Home Instead Vice President Colin Castle said: “Home Instead’s mission is to enhance the lives of aging adults and their families, and to pioneer greater professionalism within care work. That’s why we’ve created a care experience that’s based on human touch, transparency and compassion. Melissa successfully strives toward that effort, and we appreciate it. That’s why she is a Care Pro of the Month.”
In addition to Melissa’s strong companionship skills, she provides safety assurance, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, and transportation and errands. She also offers personal assistance with eating, grooming, dressing, bathing, incontinence care, cognitive impairment, hospice support and mobility. By expertly doing so, Melissa not only assists her clients, but helps their families eliminate worry, reduce stress and re-establish personal freedom.
To build on their knowledge, Melissa and the other Care Pros are offered the opportunity to increase their dementia-care skills by taking part in the Home Instead network’s one-of-a-kind training protocol. Home Instead’s Person-Centered Care Training for Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias is recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association® for incorporating the evidence-based care recommendations in these areas: Alzheimer’s and dementia, person-centered care, assessment and care planning, activities of daily living, and behaviors and communication.
Melissa loves being a part of the Care Pro team for one of Florida’s outstanding Home Instead franchises, a member of the world’s largest home-care network and the most advanced care platform. Overall, there are 100,000 Care Pros worldwide meeting the growing needs of millions of older adults and their families.
All Home Instead Care Professionals are screened, trained and insured. For inquiries about employment, please call (727) 799-1400 or visit our website.
