Above: Jessica Spears (left) and Danielle Taibi, RVNAhealth StayWELL Non-Medical Services Home Health Aide Supervisors

There’s no place like home. Indeed, according to AARP, three-quarters of Americans 50 and older hope to stay at home as they age. With swelling demand for personal care and household assistance, RVNAhealth StayWELL Non-Medical services enters the new decade with the expansion of their Home Health Aide (HHA) supervisory team to include two seasoned clinicians, Danielle Taibi, MOTR/L, DCP and Jessica Spears, LPN.  

Taibi and Spears will work collaboratively to conduct client needs assessments, develop and manage customized care plans and oversee a team of approximately 100 live-in and hourly caregivers.

Meet the team! 

Danielle Taibi, MOTR/L, DCP

Danielle Taibi joined RVNAhealth in 2014 as an occupational therapist and was promoted to her current role in September 2019. Following a career start in the entertainment industry, Danielle shifted gears to health care in 2009, seeking meaningful work that helped people recover their lives and health. Prior to RVNAhealth, Danielle worked at Blythedale Children’s Hospital and the orthopedic unit at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital in Westchester.  She gained additional experience, including more direct interaction with nursing, in later roles with local sub-acute facilities such as United Hebrew, Greenwich Woods, and Bethel Health Center.

As a critical member of RVNAhealth’s StayWELL team, Danielle is an energized and compassionate advocate for clients and caregivers. “The most rewarding part of my job is being part of individuals’ lives as they face profound choices and working with an amazing team to provide the best support possible during this time.” 

She continues to be excited for the future at RVNAhealth. “The company is progressive and deeply committed to our patients and clients. RVNAhealth continues to employ more preventative and innovative ways to address the health of our communities. As more people prefer to both age and be treated in their homes, we will continue to refine ways to make this a reality.”

A resident of Ridgefield, CT, Danielle obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts (theater) degree from Syracuse University, and a Master of Science (occupational therapy) from Mercy College. She is certified and licensed as an Occupational Therapist and is a Dementia Certified Practitioner. 

Jessica Spears, LPN

Jessica Spears joined the RVNAhealth StayWELL services team in November 2019 and brings a depth of nursing and training expertise to her role. Prior to RVNAhealth, Jessica worked at Ridgefield Primary Care for three years as a nurse. She also has experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) instructor and as an acute rehabilitation nurse.

Knowing that she always wanted a career in nursing or a discipline where she could touch patients’ whole lives, Jessica is excited to bring her passion for both areas to her new role. “During my eight years as a nurse, I continually heard patients’ wishes to be able to remain in their homes. I wanted to go into home care to help make that a reality for clients.” 

Jessica is particularly pleased to be doing this work at RVNAhealth. “I love the fact that we are a growing and expanding organization, serving towns across the state. I also love that we are a one-stop agency that can meet all of our clients’ needs, from in-home nursing, to rehabilitation, to hospice, nutrition and even flu shots!”

Jessica resides in Danbury, CT and enjoys spending time with her family, studying world history, traveling, and the beach. She is a graduate of Porter & Chester Institute and is currently working toward her Registered Nurse degree at Goodwin College. 

Rapidly Growing Service

Since launching in 2015, RVNAhealth StayWELL caregiving services have grown rapidly, in response to demographic shifts and client needs. The expanded Home Health Aide Supervisory Team works under the direction of RVNAhealth StayWELL Non-Medical Services Director, Melissa Woodhouse, OTR/L.

“Having two HHA supervisors with deep clinical backgrounds is part of our commitment to helping clients live as safely, comfortably and independently as possible, wherever they call home,” Melissa says. “Jessica’s years as a nurse and CNA instructor perfectly complement Danielle’s experience as an occupational therapist and Dementia Certified Practitioner. “

RVNAhealth StayWELL non-medical services range from cooking and light housekeeping to medication reminders, bathing and toileting. Our more than 100 caregivers provide excellent and compassionate care for clients in various stages of health.