Archive for the ‘People’ Category

Abitu Suma

Abitu Suma came to the United States in 1972 at a tender age of 22 to pursue a career in health care.  Abi attended classes, worked with several clients and joined SelectCare in 1996.  She has been described by the SelectCare supervisors as a dependable, kind and conscientious staff member.  Abi has a gentle and soothing way about her which has a calming affect on the most agitated clients. Abi has worked with the same client for 5 years and  has been a cornerstone of the client’s care.

Abi has a creative talent that we love to see! Abi is an accomplished seamstress and has made some of the most beautiful dresses for special occasions. Her other special talent is being very involved in her grandchildren’s lives: Zakiyyah, Azizah, Issa, Abi, and Foday.

Debra Williams

Debra Williams understands that listening is an art and she enjoys the stories her clients tell her.  Deb has cared for SelectCare clients for 11 years and for many years before on her home island, St. Vincent.  “Listening is a way of developing trust in a relationship; understanding the client’s need to show someone they were once vibrant, independent and responsible.”

When not caring for the elderly, Deb enjoys cooking, traveling and being with her grandchildren: Rajon, Raheem, Xekia, Angelina, Sernety and Nassir.  Deb believes in passing on the wisdom of her grandmother to her grands: “Always respect each other; manners and good behavior will take you through the world.”

Beverly Maynard

Beverly Maynard takes care of herself through exercise and healthy eating habits that help her bring positive energy and enthusiasm to her clients.  Beverly’s special nurturing qualities help the clients be as self sufficient and independent as possible.  Beverly believes that the most important thing she can do for the client is help them feel good about themselves, and look forward to feeling better.

Beverly has been a family caregiver for many relatives through the years including her grandmother who had Alzheimer’s Disease, an ill mother and relatives who were diagnosed with cancer.  Not only does she take great care of SelectCare clients, but she is the mother of two young men, Khary, 15 and Nathan 13.  On Saturdays, you will find Beverly attending classes for her LPN license through the NYC Board of Education.

Beverly and her client, Mr. Toren, are on the front page of our website and their photo was part of a show produced by Simon Biswas, son of our RN Field Nurse Supervisor, Joan Biswas.

Galzie Cardoza

Galzie Cardoza has been caring for SelectCare clients since she emigrated from Jamaica, May, 1990. Galzie learned about home care while volunteering with elders in Jamaica and continued her career in New York. Galzie said that she learned about caring for Alzheimer’s clients through on the job training and continuing inservices. Galzie has enjoyed working with our most challenging clients and treats them all with care, respect and gentle humor. Galzie is very proud of her 7 children, 24 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren and is very excited that her “babies” will see Grandma’s picture on the internet!!!