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Why choose us for home care in Central Suffolk County, NY?

We believe aging should feel empowering, not limiting. That’s why we provide personalized care with a human touch, helping older adults live safely and with purpose at home.

Meet Our Team

Behind every phone call, visit, and update is your local team who genuinely cares.

We're here to help with whatever you need, whenever you need it.

Maria Lavin

Owner

I have been a proud Home Instead owner since my husband Jamie and I opened our Hauppauge office in 2008. After our own family's personal experience trying to care for my grandmother, we saw how we could help be a solution for families like us. My role as Administrator of our New York State licensed home care company is to ensure compliance with all New York State Department of Health regulations and guidelines. Jamie and I have always strived to provide the best home care in Suffolk County and to be a resource in the community for seniors and their loved ones. I know from personal experience how overwhelming it can be when researching home care options. Providing care for seniors truly is personal for us. We love what we do and find it rewarding to bring together great caregivers and clients.

Anna Bozzo RN

Director of Patient Services

I joined Home Instead Senior Care in October of 2016 as Director of Patient Services. I am a New York State licensed Registered Nurse and in my current position, I am responsible for managing all clients who require hands-on personal care. That responsibility includes conducting a nurse's assessment at the beginning of each case to develop an individualized care plan, working with a client's health care professionals and monitoring client needs to determine if the care plan should be adjusted. In addition, I handle all Care Pro new hire and ongoing training as well as supervise our home health aides and personal care aides on all personal care cases. In addition to my many years of experience as a home care RN providing quality care for seniors, I was also a staff nurse and nurse manager at St. Francis Hospital.

Karen Scarlatos

Client Care Coordinator

I started out with Home Instead as a caregiver in 2015. A few years in, I was offered an administrative position in the office. I am now the Client Care Coordinator for our Home Instead. I work with both potential and current clients to get them the best possible care. I schedule our caregivers and find the best fit for new clients. I love what I do! I have 2 amazing daughters and currently reside in Port Jefferson Station.

Laura Johanson

Director of Community Relations

Laura Johanson is responsible for promoting Home Instead throughout our service area of Central Suffolk. She networks with area hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, senior centers, elder care attorneys, financial planners and various other senior organizations to ensure that the community knows who we are and how we can assist folks by providing quality in-home care. With more than 25 years of advertising, marketing and public relations experience, as well as deep roots in the community, Laura strives every day to not only promote Home Instead as a company, but also be an advocate for older adults wishing to age in place with comfort and dignity.

Amber Nunez

Recruitment & Engagement Coordinator

I joined Home Instead in 2024 as the office coordinator. My experience was in the financial/insurance business for 4 years helping individuals and families set up for financial success. Having the opportunity to be a part of Home Instead gave me a new passion for helping families in a more personal way than before. Excited to be a part of this team and starting a new journey with Home Instead.

Toni Kennedy

Office Coordinator

Hello, I joined the Home Instead team in 2026, as the office coordinator. My career goal has always been helping people. I am friendly, personable and a good listener because I want you to know I care. I strive to explain processes, so they are easily interpreted. I cared for my own ailing father as he went up in years, at home. I also worked in assisted living facility for a short time. I’m glad to say my family and I made the best decision taking care for my father at home, the way he wanted it!

Get to Know a Care Pro


Carmen R., Home Instead Central Suffolk County, NY


At Home Instead Hauppauge, Carmen R is known for bringing comfort and a smile to every home visited. Carmen comes to us with a background in i love to get along with people especially older people and i love my job and i love work with home instead so much i love there training and the experience. With 8 yrs at Home Instead, Carmen has built relationships rooted in trust, compassion, and shared joy.

For Carmen, the reward is in the connection. "I love talk to them and help them," Carmen shares. Through these shared moments, Carmen has learned valuable life lessons, noting, "Well I understand the client every well⁰."

Carmen's daily goal is simple: ensure every client feels safe, comfortable, and cared for. Skilled in to help the person feel more secure, Carmen finds joy in the details of each visit. "no special day," Carmen says of a typical day.

Carmen praises the local team for their dedication and communication. "It wonderful," Carmen notes. "Every one are so nice and corporate."

In every way, Carmen reflects the heart of caregiving: consistency, connection, and the quiet pride of knowing you've made someone's life better today.