As I reflect on the month of May, I am filled with gratitude.
This month marked a deeply personal milestone in my own journey. After years of balancing family, leadership, entrepreneurship, and countless late nights of studying, I officially graduated from the University of Southern California with a Master of Science in Gerontology. Walking across that stage was more than receiving a degree. It was a reaffirmation of something I have always believed: that our older adults deserve professionals who never stop learning, growing, and striving to serve them better.
While this achievement is personal, it also belongs to the entire Care Indeed family. Every lesson learned, every research paper written, and every insight gained will ultimately help us provide better care and advocacy for the seniors and families who place their trust in us.
Growth has also been evident throughout our organization.
Our CI Institute of Nursing (CI-ION) Certified Nursing Assistant Program has now welcomed its third cohort of students. One of the greatest joys of this season has been returning to the classroom as an instructor. Watching future healthcare professionals develop not only clinical skills but also compassion, empathy, and purpose reminds me why this work matters so much. At Care Indeed, we believe that technical skills can be taught, but character, integrity, and genuine care are what truly transform lives.
This month, we also launched a new caregiver development training focused on one important question: What makes a caregiver truly unforgettable? The conversations were inspiring. Together, we explored the qualities that make caregivers trusted, respected, and highly sought after—not only professionalism and reliability, but also adaptability, resilience, communication, and the ability to make another human being feel seen, valued, and safe.
Beyond our internal programs, we continued to strengthen our relationships within the healthcare community. Our team attended the Professional Fiduciary Association of California (PFAC) Conference in Sacramento, reconnecting with many long-standing partners and colleagues. PFAC holds a special place in our history, as some of its members were among the first professionals to believe in Care Indeed when we were just beginning our journey.
We also continued our investment in leadership development through our ongoing work with Teresa Howard and participated in the ACMA Conference in Lake Tahoe, where we connected with healthcare leaders dedicated to improving outcomes for older adults and their families.
Perhaps what I am most proud of this month, however, cannot be measured by certifications, conferences, or milestones. It has been the opportunity to spend more time directly with our clients, families, caregivers, and team members. Through intentional communication, collaboration, and hands-on involvement, we have helped navigate several complex situations and provided support during some of life's most vulnerable moments. These experiences continue to remind us that our work is about far more than schedules and care plans. It is about people. It is about trust. It is about showing up when families need us most.
As we move into the summer months, I remain inspired by the dedication of our caregivers, the resilience of our clients, and the commitment of our team.
Together, we are doing more than providing care.
We are creating dignity, preserving independence, supporting families, and helping build a world where aging is met with compassion, respect, and purpose.
Thank you for being part of that mission.
With gratitude,
Vanessa "Vee" Valerio, RN, MSG, CMC, CHCA
Co-Founder & CNO, Care Indeed
