From Direct Support to Leadership: The Inspiring Journeys of Helena Patt and Dana Dampier

At Leading Home Care, exceptional care begins with exceptional people. Every day, our team members show compassion, commitment, and professionalism—supporting clients, families, and one another.

This month, we’re proud to highlight Helena Patt and Dana Dampier, two remarkable leaders whose journeys reflect the heart of Leading Home Care: growth through service, and purpose through care.

Helena Patt: A Journey of Growth, Compassion, and Leadership

Helena Patt joined Leading Home Care on July 23, 2013, as a Direct Support Worker (DSW). She cared for two sisters in a residential home, an experience that shaped her love for caregiving. “That role deepened my commitment to caregiving and laid the foundation for my passion in this field,” she says.

Helena joined the company to continue supporting clients she had grown close to. She was also drawn to Leading Home Care’s positive reputation and strong, family-oriented culture.

Her career grew quickly. She advanced from Staffing Coordinator to Client Care Manager, and later to Director. Helena credits her growth to her mentor and supervisor, Courtney Citizen, who encouraged her to keep learning and take on new challenges.

“Courtney was an exceptional supervisor throughout this journey,” Helena says. “My eagerness to learn and willingness to listen have been key to my continued growth and success.”

Today, Helena leads a team of eight employees. She builds lasting relationships with clients, families, and staff, and values the opportunity to make a daily difference.

Her journey has also been personal. While working full-time and raising her child as a single parent, she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Those achievements, she says, represent her drive and resilience.

“Stay committed, remain open to learning, and take advantage of every opportunity,” Helena advises. “With compassion, integrity, and hard work, you can build a truly fulfilling career here.”

Dana Dampier: Turning Compassion into Advocacy

Dana Dampier began her caregiving journey in May 2014, working with her client Rose. What started as a job soon became a mission. When she discovered her client’s finances were being mismanaged by another provider, she gathered proof and helped Rose move to Leading Home Care in February 2015.

The transition was difficult. As a single mother of three, Dana went months without pay but never left Rose’s side. “She had become more like family than a client,” she says.

Dana continued working as Rose’s DSW until December 2017, when Roger Bradford offered her a position in the office as Staffing Coordinator. The new role challenged her but also gave her a voice and confidence she hadn’t realized she had.

“It was one of the most challenging jobs I’ve ever had,” Dana says. “But it taught me to be assertive, confident, and that my voice matters.”

During her time in the position, Dana worked through hurricanes, ice storms, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic. She also advocated for fair pay increases for her team, always standing up for others.

In July 2022, she became a Client Care Manager, and by July 2025, she stepped into her current role as Client Care Advocate. The position fits her perfectly.

“I’ve been advocating for clients from the very beginning,” Dana says. “This role allows me to make an even greater impact.”

Dana continues to inspire her coworkers and clients every day. Her message to new team members is simple: focus on the people you serve. “Look beyond the hard days,” she says. “Watch how your clients’ faces light up when they see you coming. That’s what this work is all about.”

Empowering Growth, Inspiring Purpose

Helena and Dana’s stories capture the spirit of Leading Home Care—where compassion creates opportunity and hard work leads to growth. Their journeys show that caregiving is more than a career; it’s a calling.

At Leading Home Care, we’re proud to provide a workplace where employees can grow, lead, and make a lasting impact. Helena and Dana’s dedication continues to inspire us all and reminds us why we do what we do.