"I really feel seen," Michelle Gaboury, 2025 Aide of the Year.

This year, the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts brought our Annual Business Meeting and Our Time to Shine Awards ceremony together into one powerful gathering—a day that was more than a celebration. It was a reminder of who we are and why we do this work.

The morning’s business session reflected the progress the Alliance has made—on policy, on programs, and in partnership. But it was in the afternoon, as we honored caregivers, clinicians, and innovators, that the heart of this community really shone. We didn’t just recognize achievement—we made space for people to feel valued. Seen. Heard.

There’s real power in that.

We honored individuals, but the day was about all of us—the strength we draw from one another, the compassion that runs through this field, and the quiet courage it takes to show up every day in service to others. As Board Chair Renee McInnes said, we rise together by lifting each other up.

Our team left feeling grateful, motivated, and reconnected. I hope you did, too. The work ahead won’t be easy. But I believe in this community, and I believe in what we can do when we move forward together.

Cheers to that,

Leslie

View and Post Photos to the Event Album 

Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts Honors Caregiving Excellent and Industry Leaders at Annual "Our Time to Shine" Awards

On June 11, 2025, the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts celebrated the exceptional contributions of individuals and organizations at its 40th annual "Our Time to Shine" Awards. The event, held in Marlborough, recognized leaders in the home care sector for their dedication to advancing patient care, staff well-being, and operational excellence.

Among the honorees were recipients of the Star Awards, including the Aide of the Year, Clinician of the Year, Manager of the Year, Home Care Champion, and Advocate of the Year. The Innovation Showcase also honored groundbreaking initiatives that have positively impacted the industry. 

Melissa Hernandez, Manager of the Year, spoke about the leadership that has shaped her journey. "At Chanda Care we truly have leadership that believes in people."

Jake Krilovich, Executive Director of the Home Care Alliance, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “This celebration transcends recognition; it is a moment to honor the individuals whose work ensures the highest standards of care at home.”

The evening's festivities were hosted by Mike Page, meteorologist at WCVB News Center 5. The "Our Time to Shine" Awards serve as a reminder of the dedication and compassion that form the foundation of the home care industry.

Innovation Award Winners:

South Shore VNA’s Home-Based Outpatient Rehabilitation Program
Accepted by: Erin Gill and members of the team

Aberdeen Home Care’s The YIKES Desk
Accepted by: Annalise Botticelli

Care Central VNA & Hospice’s “Can We Talk?” program
Accepted by: Eric Hackenson & Ashley Kaminski

Star Award Winners:

Clinician of the Year:

• Barbara Canuel, Registered Dietician at Community Nurse Home Care

Manager of the Year:

• Melissa Hernandez, Care Lead and On-Call Manager at Chanda Care

Aides of the Year:

• Michelle Gaboury, Care Central VNA and Hospice
• Angela Fountain, Seraphic Springs Home Health

Advocate of the Year:

• Kristin Mattson and Ricardo Muchiutti, Care Central VNA and Hospice

Home Care Champion of the Year:

• Vikki Levine, Director of Client Services at Ezra Home Care