Meet Our Team

Jerry Best is the Founder & Co-Owner of Home Instead. He founded the company in 2004 to assist his mother, whose mobility was limited due to hip surgeries and a lack of home care options. This personal experience inspired Jerry to focus on making a difference in the lives of aging adults.

Jerry has a diverse background in executive-level financial management across industries such as advertising, real estate development, and agricultural consulting, His wealth of expertise in accounting, financial management, and strategic planning helps guide our team to provide superior care for our clients.

An avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, Jerry also enjoys spending time with his pets, solving puzzles, and reading.

Gina Hayes is the Co-Owner and General Manager of the Jacksonville and Quincy Home Instead franchises. With nearly 20 years of combined professional and personal caregiving experience, she brings both expertise and lived understanding to her leadership in senior care.

Gina’s path to Home Instead began through caring for her own loved ones—an experience that deeply shaped her perspective and ultimately led her to join the organization in 2009 as a caregiver. Serving clients directly gave her invaluable insight into the impact of compassionate, relationship-based care. She later transitioned into the office as a Service Coordinator and went on to work in every operational role within the organization on her path to ownership. This comprehensive experience allows her to lead with empathy, accountability, and a strong appreciation for every role within the company.

As a leader, Gina is passionate about building a culture rooted in compassionate accountability, innovation, and shared vision. She believes in being a thought leader within the community and enjoys engaging through networking, relationship-building, and public speaking. Her leadership and service have been recognized with honors including Boss of the Year, People Who Care, 20 Under 40, and Paul Harris Fellow awards.

Outside of work, Gina values time at home with her son and her two sphynx cats. She is an avid volunteer and believes deeply in civic pride and responsibility—values that guide both her family life and professional mission.

Gina’s goal as an owner is to recognize the immense talent within her organization and empower every team member to grow to their fullest potential. She believes that when people are supported and operating at their best, the care they provide has the power to truly change lives.

Dawn Spicer is the Human Resources Manager at Home Instead. She began her journey with the company as a caregiver in 2013 and has since held various roles, including Service Coordinator, Client Care Coordinator, and Trainer, before leading the HR department. Dawn holds a BA in Human Resources and specializes in training, management, compliance, and development.

With a passion for fostering an extraordinary employment experience, Dawn is dedicated to ensuring that care professionals feel valued while achieving their mission of caring for others. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, photography, and embarking on adventures with friends and family.

As the Director of Business Development, Mike Drew leverages his extensive experience in marketing and professional relationship management to benefit clients and employees alike. Before joining our company, Mike served as the Director of the West Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging, where he dedicated his efforts to providing services for older adults across six Illinois counties.

With 15 years of business management and ownership experience, a degree in marketing, and six years in advertising and sales, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Additionally, he has seven years of organizational management experience that further strengthens his leadership capabilities.

Outside of his professional life, Mike is involved in community theater, church, and other community organization activities. He enjoys birdwatching, playing golf, and traveling in his free time. Passionate about helping people age with dignity, Mike is excited to apply his skills and experience to making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Candi Johnson is the dedicated Client Care Manager at Home Instead. She began her journey with the company in 2018 as a caregiver, quickly advancing to the role of Client Care Coordinator. Candi is passionate about helping clients remain in the comfort of their own homes while providing unwavering support to their families during times of need.

With a wealth of expertise in conducting home visits, creating tailored home assessments, and delivering exceptional customer service, Candi ensures that each client receives personalized and compassionate care. Her commitment to maintaining clients' quality of life is at the heart of her work.

Outside of her professional role, Candi enjoys spending time outdoors, boating, and engaging in various summer activities. She is dedicated to living out the mission of helping clients age gracefully in their own homes.

Savannah Hayes has been a valued member of Home Instead since 2016, starting as a caregiver and earning the prestigious Caregiver of the Year award. She has since transitioned into the role of Service Coordinator, where she excels in communication and meticulous management of client and caregiver schedules.

Savannah is passionate about helping Home Instead grow to provide care for all those in need, ensuring they can remain safe and comfortable in their homes.

Outside of work, Savannah enjoys spending time with her family, relaxing with her dogs, and taking care of her chickens. Her dedication to caregiving extends beyond her professional life, reflecting her commitment to making a positive impact on others.

Jackie Fuhler brings a wealth of experience to her role as HR Specialist, having previously served as an HR manager where she played a crucial role in rebuilding a business after a devastating event. Her diverse background also includes time as a radio personality and sales manager, showcasing her adaptability and communication prowess.

Jackie's skills encompass interviewing, engagement coordination, and group speaking. She excels at making others feel heard and fostering better communication within the team. Outside of work, Jackie enjoys spending quality time with her family, cooking, baking, and gardening, particularly flowers.

Committed to both personal and professional growth, Jackie aims to contribute to the company's success by fostering a caring and personable culture. Her dedication to creating a supportive environment makes her an invaluable member of our team.

Jesse Turner has dedicated her life to caregiving, beginning as a private caregiver before joining Home Instead in 2016. She plays a crucial role in ensuring clients receive the best possible care and excels at leading caregivers to provide exceptional support within clients' homes.

Jesse's passion for helping people shines through in her work. Known for her down-to-earth and caring nature, she always prioritizes the well-being and needs of her clients. Over the years, Jesse has grown into a leadership role, tirelessly working to help aging adults stay safe and comfortable in their homes.

Outside of work, Jesse enjoys drinking coffee, reading, and soaking up the sun.

Mary Kelly is the Trainer at Home Instead. She began her journey with the company as a caregiver and brings valuable experience as a social worker and in crisis prevention. Mary has expertise in Alzheimer's redirecting, overcoming objections and fears such as showering, and breaking down processes to teach others how to succeed as caregivers.

Mary loves animals, caring for people, reading, and enjoying a good cup of hot tea. She is dedicated to remaining at Home Instead for the rest of her career and is committed to continuous growth in her role as a trainer.

Greg serves as the Business Development Advisor for Home Instead, helping families, healthcare professionals, and community partners connect seniors with the care and support they need most.

With more than twenty years of experience in event marketing and entertainment and over a decade leading sales and retail teams Gregory brings a warm, approachable style backed by strategic insight. He is known for making complex situations simple, and following through with professionalism and genuine care.

Outside of work, Greg is a dedicated father and husband, as well as a seasoned magician who regularly performs at corporate events and galas. He is committed to strengthening the communities he serves and representing the care, compassion, and reliability that define Home Instead.

Paige is an Illinois College graduate with a degree in Organizational and Strategic Communication. She manages our front desk operations while also creating and coordinating content for the company’s social media platforms. She uses her strong communication, organizational, and multitasking skills to help us connect and stay connected with clients and employees.

Outside of the office, Paige enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, exploring new destinations through travel, and unwinding with a good book.