On a Mission to Truly Care for People
We’re driven by the goal to keep older adults in their homes and give peace of mind to the ones who make crucial care decisions on their behalf.
The path to excellence
Our Story: Meet Jeffrey Grossman
Inspired by his mother’s battle with cancer and his father's work as a hospice medical director, Jeffrey Grossman graduated law school with hopes to honor his personal ties to caregiving. After working closely with other home care services, however, Jeffrey quickly realized the system rarely bred quality. Instead, care services prioritized profit at the cost of caregivers, clients, and their loved ones, amplifying the stress and uncertainty of those in vulnerable situations.
Jeffrey founded Commonwise as an antidote to chronic industry shortcomings. He worked to build an infrastructure built upon more than good intentions—one that didn’t just dispatch caregivers, but hired them meticulously, trained them thoughtfully, and supported them robustly. He created a structure in which caregivers aren’t just aides, but warm hosts, assisting clients in their homes with dedication and grace.
Today, Commonwise stands as strong as its roots, outshining industry standards and setting new benchmarks in caregiving.
Amber Best Roberts
Chief executive Officer & Co‑founder
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Amber Best Roberts, an accomplished registered nurse with a background in business operations, discovered her calling for change amidst the challenges of corporate healthcare. She joined forces with Jeffrey Grossman, laying the foundation for Commonwise.
Amber’s transformative impact extended to crafting meticulous hiring and training protocols, rising above common industry shortcomings. Her unwavering dedication led to the creation of Commonwise’s RN Care Management framework, addressing the rapid changes in clients' needs and providing crucial support for the Care Team.
Amber’s leadership remains the cornerstone, continuing to set the gold standard of excellence that defines the team today. Empowered by Amber’s leadership, the Commonwise team is driven to stand resilient against industry standards, upholding the mission: Truly Care for People.
Blair Kelly
Executive Chairman
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Blair Kelly's journey with Commonwise Home Care began as an early investor, believing deeply in the company's mission. Today, he lends his expertise and commitment as the Executive Chairman, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the organization, overseeing its strategic direction and finance functions.
Outside of Commonwise, Blair is a seasoned entrepreneur with a track record of founding and leading successful businesses across various sectors. As Co-Owner of Charlottesville Publishing Group, he has impacted local journalism, and as Managing Director at Kelly Baker Partners, LLC, Blair showcases his acumen in venture capital and private equity. His ventures include the founding of Eye Response Technologies, acquired by DynaVox Inc., and Cornerstone Networks, Central Virginia's first ISP, later acquired by Ntelos. Committed to community service, Blair has been a dedicated Board Member at organizations like the United Way-Thomas Jefferson Area.
Jonathan Baker
Partner & Advisor
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Jonathan Baker’s role at Commonwise stands as a testament to his depth of experience and keen business insights. As a strategic advisor, he provides invaluable expertise, ensuring that Commonwise benefits from his vast industry knowledge and deep understanding of startup dynamics.
His perspective, shaped by over two decades of investing experience, has been instrumental in guiding the Commonwise vision and operations.
Beginning his career in the late '80s with management consulting, Jonathan quickly showcased his prowess in business development. His efforts significantly contributed to the growth of the Corporate Executive Board, leading to its successful IPO in 1999. This transitioned into a prolific phase as he pivoted to startup investing in 2001. From renewable energy to SaaS and consumer goods, Jonathan's diverse portfolio of investments demonstrates his ability to identify potential across sectors.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jonathan's commitment to community and global development shines through. He has been active in mentoring entrepreneurs in Ethiopia and has been involved in child welfare initiatives in the former Soviet Union. Through every endeavor, Jonathan Baker exemplifies a rare blend of business acumen and genuine concern for global betterment.
Alex Ternate
Operations Manager
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Alex plays a multifaceted role, supporting the growth of our new markets, & ensuring new clients are onboarded and can seamlessly begin their Commonwise journey. Alex also manages relationships with our community partners who provide invaluable, comprehensive resources to our clients and their families.
Arianna Castillo
Community Engagement Manager
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Arianna serves as the welcoming face and voice of Commonwise! As the primary point of contact when you reach out or visit our Charlottesville office, her warm demeanor and understanding nature makes her a perfect first contact. In addition, Arianna thoughtfully manages our new client intake process, ensuring every family feels supported and guided from the very first conversation.
Danielle Cormier
HR & Care Coordination Assistant
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Danielle supports payroll, compliance, and benefits in support of our HR department & also thoughtfully matches Caregivers with clients in Care Coordination. Her dedication ensures both smooth operations and compassionate care.
Kayla Sisk
Caregiver Ambassador
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As a Caregiver Ambassador, Kayla fulfills a vital role by equipping Caregivers with the necessary tools to care for their clients, ensuring they are prepared and supported during their shifts, and assisting in the scheduling and coordination of care.
Nadia Blackwell
Caregiver Ambassador Lead
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As Lead Caregiver Ambassador, Nadia fulfills a vital role by equipping Caregivers with the necessary tools to care for their clients, ensuring they are prepared and supported during their shifts, and assisting in the scheduling and coordination of care.
Sharon Taylor
Human Resources Manager
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Sharon oversees the daily operations of payroll, compliance, and benefits, while also managing partnerships with Long Term Insurance companies on behalf of our clients. Her leadership and dedication enhances our ability to fulfill the Commonwise mission.
Clay Conner
Director of Operations
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Clay provides leadership, strategy, and guidance to various departments. Her innovation and creativity are what fuel the caregiver engagement events we host at Commonwise
Emma Lechner
Senior Recruitment & Engagement Manager
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Emma is instrumental in recruiting top-notch Caregivers in our South Carolina markets, thanks to her astute talent for identifying individuals who demonstrate compassion, empathy, and a steadfast commitment to caring for older and disabled adults.
Macy Drey
Senior Recruitment & Engagement Manager, New Market Specialist
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Macy is instrumental in recruiting top-notch Caregivers, in our Virginia markets, thanks to her astute talent for identifying individuals who demonstrate compassion, empathy, and a steadfast commitment to caring for older and disabled adults.
Polly Seymore
Care Coordination Manager
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As our Manager of Care Coordination, Polly excels in matching exceptional Caregivers to clients and families. With a knack for problem-solving, Polly works to fill every shift seamlessly and plays a vital role in ensuring top-notch care delivery.
Cordara Harmon
Care Coordinator Lead
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Cordara is our skilled Care Coordinator, known for her exceptional ability to pair Caregivers with clients and families. Cordara’s compassion and intuitiveness help ensure that every shift is filled and every client is cared for.
Julie Smear
Executive Director
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Julie, an experienced RN serves as our Care Manager for the Charleston area, and conducts comprehensive assessments for new clients and then creates care plans for Commonwise Caregivers to implement. She maintains a personalized, ongoing collaboration with Caregivers and families to ensure we are evolving with your care needs of care.
Michelle Jepson
Executive Director
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Michelle, an experienced RN serves as our Care Manager in the Richmond and Williamsburg markets, and conducts comprehensive assessments for new clients and then creates care plans for Commonwise Caregivers to implement. She maintains a personalized, ongoing collaboration with Caregivers and families to ensure we are evolving with your care needs.
Riana Brennan
Director of Business Development
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As our dynamic Director of Marketing and Business Development, Riana’s primary focus is fostering meaningful connections with our community partners. Riana also leads a variety of educational programs and events aimed to ensure our services reach those who need it most.
Cary Wyatt
Business Development Director
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As our dynamic Director of Business Development, Cary’s primary focus is fostering meaningful connections with our community partners. Cary also leads a variety of educational programs and events aimed to ensure our services reach those who need it most.
Debbie Miller
Director of Finance & HR
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Debbie manages both our Finance and Human Resources Departments, ensuring compliance, advocating for our Caregivers and assisting families with their long-term care insurance policies.
Lisa Brownell
Director of Clinical Operations
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Lisa, an experienced RN serves as our Care Manager, and conducts comprehensive assessments for new clients and then creates care plans for Commonwise Caregivers to implement. She maintains a personalized, ongoing collaboration with Caregivers and families to ensure we are evolving with your care needs.
Ivy Roberts
Programs Manager
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Ivy supports caregiver recruitment, education, recognition, and communications. Her work helps ensure both our caregivers and clients receive the highest level of support.
Patricia Miller
Caregiver Ambassador
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As a Caregiver Ambassador, Patricia fulfills a vital role by equipping Caregivers with the necessary tools to care for their clients, ensuring they are prepared and supported during their shifts, and assisting in the scheduling and coordination of care.
The people who make it happen
Our Dedicated Team
Our team doesn’t just raise the bar, it redesigns the bar using far better materials. Living in Charlottesville, Richmond, Williamsburg, and Charleston, Commonwise team members are a community of dedicated coordinators, visionary business leaders, and tenacious caregivers.
In Their Words