Meet Our Team

Home Instead was founded locally in April 1998 by Rick Smith and his mother, Sandra Smith, with a mission to help seniors remain safe, comfortable, and independent in their own homes.

Before opening Home Instead, Rick spent 13 years in the restaurant industry, where he developed a strong background in customer service, leadership, and problem-solving. Those values helped shape the foundation of the company and continue to influence its commitment to exceptional care today.

Rick’s passion for senior care is deeply personal. Having watched several grandparents and his father experience dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, he understands the importance of compassionate, dependable support for both seniors and their families. He believes quality care begins with treating every client and family with respect, compassion, and genuine concern.

Over the years, Rick has built an experienced leadership team that shares his commitment to personalized care, responsive communication, and providing peace of mind for the families they serve.

Robert began his career in senior care as a Care Professional in 2014 after spending more than a decade working in sales, management, and political aide roles. Over the years, he has served in a variety of administrative and leadership positions within the organization before stepping into the role of Executive Director.

Those experiences provided a strong foundation in leadership, operations, communication, and strategic problem-solving — skills he now uses to oversee the organization’s daily operations and long-term growth.

Robert’s connection to senior care is deeply personal. Like many families, his own family has experienced the challenges that come with aging, chronic illness, and long-term health conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, cancer, and paralysis. Those experiences gave him a deep appreciation for the importance of compassionate support, dependable care, and the peace of mind families need during difficult seasons of life.

As Executive Director, Robert oversees all areas of the business, including operations, regulatory compliance, state licensure, audits, insurance, financial oversight, and overall service standards. He also leads and supports the office leadership team responsible for staffing, client care coordination, quality assurance, recruitment, scheduling, and day-to-day service operations to help ensure families receive compassionate, dependable care at the highest level.

Grounded in his Catholic faith and guided by a deep commitment to service, Robert believes exceptional care begins with dignity, compassion, trust, and genuine human connection. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling and experiencing new cultures and perspectives from around the world.

Since joining Home Instead in 2015, Crystal has become a trusted resource for clients, families, and Care Professionals alike. With previous experience in finance and marketing for industrial trailers and food trucks, she brought with her a strong background in organization, customer service, and attention to detail.

Today, Crystal manages many of the important behind-the-scenes processes that help keep the office running smoothly, including payroll, billing, long-term care insurance claims, and VA services processing. Families often appreciate her patience and willingness to help navigate the financial and insurance side of care, especially during stressful or unfamiliar situations.

Known for her dependable nature and caring personality, Crystal takes pride in helping both clients and caregivers feel supported every step of the way.

Outside of the office, Crystal enjoys spending time with her three children and five beautiful grandchildren. She loves the beach, cruise ships, sea turtles, and any opportunity to relax near the ocean.