Our Founders
Dr. John Aker, President & Founder
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. A compelling motivation in John’s life is his unshakable conviction that we are all made in The Image and Likeness of God and, for that reason, we bring nothing less than our very best to our care of others. He sees home health as a unique opportunity to enhance the quality of life of every client in his/her home and, therefore, to treat each client 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…and share his!
Rose Aker, Co-President & Founder
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 our clients! Known for her sweet, sincere, humble spirit, and warm smile, Rose is regarded by our caregivers as the very heart of Aker Kasten. In July 2024, Rose was the recipient of The Terri Santangelo Outstanding Leader Award by The Home Care Association of Florida, citing her for her continuing encouragement of Field Staff and her celebration of their personal achievements and successes. From their first meeting when both were stationed in Washington, D.C. through 59 years of marriage, Rose has enjoyed, with John, dedicating their marriage-partnership to a most rewarding life of serving others. Rose and John have three grown daughters, 16 grandchildren and 20 great-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.
Office Staff Team
Natalie Emenecker, Chief Executive Officer / Administrator
Natalie came to Aker Kasten in July, 2021 and is ready to assume the leadership of her family’s agency. With a wealth of experience including personally providing care and medical equipment while working in orphanages in Omsk, Russia…administration as Executive Assistant to a vice president at a mid-western university…care of families and children while assisting her husband in pastoral ministry…and as Director of Operations at Aker Kasten where she was responsible for overseeing internal operations and providing support for Field Staff, Natalie is well prepared to take the helm. Natalie recognizes that there is a treasure within our senior generation, and she delights in contributing to their personalized care. Natalie enjoys quality time with her husband and their four children, enjoying among other pursuits the sun and sand of her adopted home state.
Trent Emenecker, Chief Operations Officer
Trent joined our team in 2023, bringing vast experience in oversight and administration within non-profit organizations…years in the care of families and children during his pastoral ministries…as well as time spent partnered with John Aker in caring for others. Trent is deeply sensitive to the needs and pains of others and his pastoral background enables him to bring not only administrative skills, but also a heart for people as he brings his unique skill set to The Leadership Team in providing authentic heart-felt care to the seniors throughout South Florida. He and Natalie have established their family as their chief priority in life, specifically modelling for them the joy and blessings of caring for others.
Christy Teisen, RN, Supervisory Nurse
Christy joined Aker Kasten in our early days. From the beginning, her expertise and genuine passion for caring for chronically and terminally ill clients proved invaluable. A lifelong learner, Christy proudly wears the dual hats of seasoned nurse and eager student, always humble enough to research any new condition. In 2023, Christy re-joined Aker Kasten as our Supervisory Nurse. In this role, she is pivotal in ensuring our agency’s full compliance with AHCA regulations and Florida State Statutes. Christy’s dedication to continuous learning keeps her nursing skills and knowledge razor-sharp. When she is not honing her professional edge, you might find Christy delving into the fascinating worlds of law, medicine, psychology, and business! But it’s not all work and study–Christy also prioritizes quality time with her “fur-babies”: Samantha, the lop-eared bunny, and her feline companions, Spartacus and Toby. And to keep things grounded, she throws in a little bit of golf, ensuring a healthy dose of normalcy in her sometimes hectic life.
Julie Dudas, LPN, Director of Care Management
Julie has been with Aker Kasten for almost fourteen years. She is highly esteemed by our Field Staff for her knowledge and availability, always willing to assist any caregiver in the care of his/her clients, including picking up prescriptions, driving clients to medical appointments, or making a quick run for groceries. Julie is also greatly loved by our clients for her competent and personal care and for her 24/7 availability to all. She is highly valued by The Agency for her interaction with the medical community on behalf of our clients…for her professional and genuinely compassionate care management services to our clients…and for her support to our Field Staff. She is committed to maintaining the dignity of our patients while enhancing their daily activities, making each day brighter and their burden lighter. Julie is a true outdoor adventurer, enjoying rugged tenting and camping with Husband, Steve.
Deborah Brown, Director of Human Resources
Deborah was added to our office staff in early 2023. Prior to joining Aker Kasten, she worked first as a phlebotomist and then as a healthcare manager. She has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Management and a MBA in Healthcare Administration. We are thankful for the work she does to connect compassionate, competent, and committed caregivers with our clients, but even more for the wonderful way she fulfills all her responsibilities–with her warm and winsome smile. Deborah delights in spending her free time with her three children, Jayde, Ariyah, and Zion.
Gabriella Woodburn, Director of Operations
Gaby is the newest member of The Leadership Team. Because of her father’s career in service of our country, Gaby has been privileged to travel extensively, both in The U.S. and abroad–but she calls Maryland home, the last family residence before relocating to southern Florida in 2016. Gaby holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from FAU. Although her educational background fits perfectly for a career in home health, upon completing her degree, Gaby taught science, health, and physical education in both middle and high school before being promoted to Assistant Athletic Director. She is married to Jason who is currently transitioning from the business world (he is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ ) to firefighter, EMT, paramedic because of his desire to serve others. Gaby and Jason, when they can find time in their busy schedules, enjoy the beach and boating and fishing on Florida’s beautiful waterways–and Gaby will readily and proudly show you pictures of the ones that did not get away!