Vanessa Valerio, RN, CMC, CHCA, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Care Indeed, has been named to the Frontline Honors Awards Class of 2025 by Home Health Care News.
To become a Frontline honoree, an individual is nominated by their peers. The candidate must be:
- A dedicated, high-performing frontline worker who delivers exceptional experiences and outcomes
- A passionate worker who knows how to put their vision into for the good of their respective industry, the patients and residents they serve, and their families
- An advocate for their industry and their fellow colleagues
Home Health Care News recently caught up with Valerio to discuss her time in the home health & home care industry.
HHCN: What drew you to this industry?
Valerio: I first needed to find myself, and caregiving became the doorway. Through it, my passion and calling evolved as I gained a deeper understanding of home, aging, and the need for a better quality of life and advocacy.
HHCN: What’s a misconception you had about this work before you started – and how has reality differed?
Valerio: I once thought it was simple – you care, then you go home. I believed aging was mostly about physical decline and chronic conditions. But I came to realize there is so much more to caring, service, and aging. That realization opened my eyes to the many opportunities we have to work together to create a better way for people to age – one that honors their stories and humanity.
HHCN: Was there a moment in your career when you realized, “This work really matters”? What happened?
Valerio: After a year and a half of questioning whether this was the right path for me after starting at Care Indeed, I realized how deeply present I was during client visits and caregiver meetings. When I shared that intentional presence with others, I saw how much it mattered – how it helped people in ways I hadn’t fully recognized. That was the defining moment.
HHCN: What’s the most valuable skill you’ve developed on the front lines that people often overlook?
Valerio: I deeply value teamwork and the practice of catching people when they are doing something right, rather than defaulting to blame. Too often, the volume of tasks, siloed communication, and working in isolation lead to unintentional finger-pointing. That’s why it’s critical for us to understand the value of working together toward a shared goal, and to intentionally acknowledge people when they get it right.
HHCN: What’s one decision leaders make that has a bigger impact on frontline workers than they might realize?
Valerio: One of the most impactful decisions leaders make – often without realizing it – is the kind of leadership they choose to embody. That choice shapes everything: the working relationships, the environment, and the culture. It determines whether frontline workers feel a true sense of purpose in what they do, or simply feel like they are completing tasks. Leadership isn’t just about direction – it’s about how people experience their work every day.
HHCN: What’s a simple change – policy, tool, or mindset – that would make frontline work more effective?
Valerio: A simple, but powerful shift is prioritizing self-awareness as a core mindset. It’s often underestimated, yet it directly affects how care is delivered.
When frontline workers are aware of their own emotions, stress levels, and biases before providing care or interacting with clients, they show up more present, compassionate, and effective. Self-awareness helps prevent reactive behavior, improves communication, and ultimately leads to better outcomes for both clients and caregivers. It’s not about perfection – it’s about intention and reflection before action.
HHCN: What gives you optimism about the future of this industry, despite its challenges?
Valerio: What gives me optimism is that I see compassionate, meaningful care happening every day. Despite the challenges, the heart of this industry is still very much alive. I know we can – and must – do better as a society, but the foundation is already there. I see it in caregivers, in families, and in moments of genuine connection. That’s what gives me hope for where this industry is headed.
To view the entire Frontline Honors Class of 2025, visit https://frontlinehonors.com/.
