John Aker, CEO
Dr. John has dedicated his life to serving others and feels privileged to provide leadership and vision to The Aker Kasten Family of Caregivers in these challenging days of healthcare reform. Approaching all he does with excellence, diligence, and integrity, John is determined to provide unparalleled service to his clients and their families. In fact, he believes we are afforded a unique opportunity to enhance your quality of life in your home and that we should treat you as a cherished family member! With a background as an Intelligence Officer and later Chaplain in The United States Army, John has been privileged to serve, counsel, and care for many in our Armed Forces for 20 years both in the field and in military medical facilities. If you are a veteran, tell John–he’s always happy to hear your stories!
Kim Raymond, Director Of Nursing
Kim, a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing has been involved in medical care for more than 30 years. While a skilled and tender caregiver in her own right, Kim is also well suited to medical case management and oversees all our caregivers to insure that our clients receive only the best care! Kim has a daughter who is attending college, but never far from her mind and heart. Kim is also an avid football fan, so be sure to ask her about The Dolphins!
Rose M. Aker, Administrative Assistant
Rose provides leadership in The Agency Office, making sure all the integral behind-the-scenes business is properly attended to so that caregivers can focus on YOU! Rose is known for her sweet, sincere, humble spirit, and a ready smile. Rose, with husband John, has three grown daughters and 17 grandchildren–she knows a thing or two about tender loving care! Rose also had the privilege of caring for her mother-in-law for several years and has great empathy for the challenges of aging in the home.
Heather Holder-Brown, Coordinator
Heather is a Home Health Specialist who demonstrated such skill and passion for the care of her patients that we recognized she would do well with helping us screen and select just the right caregiver for each client. She not only has a wonderful ability to match caregivers’ abilities with clients’ needs, she has an incredible capacity to encourage and inspire our caregivers. We often marvel at her ability to keep track of the status of each caregiver and client. Heather certainly makes her presence known with her bright smile and seemingly boundless energy!
Donna Rubin, Office Assistant
Donna provides assistance in many areas of The Agency Office, perhaps most notably her careful data entry. In addition to serving as our Payroll Specialist, Donna is adept at assisting other office personnel with excellence and attention to detail so essential to remaining compliant with the statutes and regulations governing home health care in Florida. Donna has two teenage daughters in whom she delights–and The Agency’s therapy dog, little Holly Holiday. Donna relocated to Boca Raton years ago from Westchester County, New York.
Laurel G. Ragaller, Business Coordinator
Laurel, who has served with Dr. John and Rose for more than ten years, provides assistance to our CEO, serves as our Insurance Liaison, and handles billing for The Aker Kasten Home Health Care Agency. Laurel holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. She is determined to use her education to help others. If you have any concerns about your long-term care insurance policy or billing, Laurel will be happy to assist you. Laurel recently lost her mother to Alzheimer’s Disease and keeps abreast of all health issues in the news with a view to providing The Agency’s Leadership and Caregivers with the latest information and resources to insure that clients are receiving the best possible care. Laurel also has a special place in her heart for military veterans and freely assists them in ascertaining, and filing for, benefits due them for their faithful service to our country.
Elizabeth Defelice, Care Coordinator
Elizabeth, or Liz, is rarely in The Agency Office. Liz serves as Senior Case Manager and Regional Coordinator for our Boynton Beach Office. A typical day finds Liz making contacts and nurturing relationships with both clients, area physicians, hospital discharge planners, and so many others. Elizabeth is a warm, energetic woman who truly cares about others and is helping to grow The Aker Kasten Home Health Care Agency into THE home health care agency in Palm Beach County.
Laura Prince, Community Relations
Laura, the newest addition to our Agency, hails from Great Britain. Trained in The States as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Laura’s experience in office management and marketing, before coming to The States, has made her an invaluable member of our Boynton Beach office. She is also available to arrange Health Fairs, Wellness Clinics, and Speakers for your civic or religious group meetings. Laura has a sterling reputation for excellent client care, having honed her professional skills while caring for her terminally ill mother. You will also surely enjoy her English accent, warm smile, and can-do attitude!
Julie Dudas, LPN
Julie is a committed and compassionate nurse who often works alongside our Director of Nursing. Julie is involved in skilled nursing with The Agency on a regular basis, and because of her experience and her commitment to the highest standards of home care, Julie also assists us in the on-going training of our Family of Caregivers.