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Meet the Team

Bart Wakeman – Owner

I’ve owned and operated Assisting Hands Home Care here in Polk County since 2019, and for me, this work is personal. I’ve always had a heart for helping people—my background is in education and I also spent several years in ministry. That experience taught me how important it is to truly listen, care deeply, and treat people with dignity—especially our seniors.

As a husband, father of five (two married), and proud grandfather, I understand how much peace of mind it brings when you know your loved ones are in good hands. That’s why I built a team of caregivers who are not only trained and reliable, but who treat every client like family. We support seniors with everything from daily tasks to companionship to personal care—all with the goal of helping them stay safe, comfortable, and independent in their own homes.

This community is home for me, and the people we serve aren’t just clients—they’re neighbors and friends. When you call us, you won’t get a call center or a corporate voice—you’ll get someone who truly cares.

If you’re looking for dependable care and personal attention, we’re here to help.

Erin Albrecht, RN- Administrator

Hello, my name is Erin Albrecht. I have been a Registered Nurse (RN) for over 12 years and worked with seniors in the medical field for 16 years. During this time, I have had the privilege of helping many older adults and their families find comfort and support, whether at home or in other care settings.

As the Administrator at Assisting Hands Home Care, I am responsible for overseeing our daily operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting our dedicated team to deliver compassionate, high-quality care.  I care manage our large number of Veteran clients and work to maintain good relationships with the three different Veteran branches that we work with. I am also deeply involved in staff development, training,  and quality assurance.

I truly enjoy working with seniors because I love making a positive difference in people’s lives. Helping seniors stay comfortable and independent at home is very important to me, and I am honored to support families through every step of their care journey. I believe in treating everyone with compassion and honesty, just as I would want for my own family.

Audra Kosensky, SW, CDP- Regional Director of Client Relations

Audra Kosensky is a senior healthcare specialist with over 20 years of experience serving Polk County and the surrounding areas. A lifelong resident of Polk County, Florida, she currently serves as the Director of Client Relations at Assisting Hands, where she oversees care coordination and ensures the highest standard of care for every client.

A Certified Dementia Practitioner and volunteer educator with the Alzheimer’s Association, Audra is deeply committed to dementia care, education, and advocacy. She facilitates caregiver support groups, provides community education, and works with the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement to promote policies that support those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Audra’s passion for home care is both professional and personal. She cared for her grandparents through Alzheimer’s and dementia, supported her mother during an eight-year battle with cancer, and received home care herself following surgical complications. These experiences give her a unique, compassionate perspective that guides her work with families.

Audra holds a degree in Social Work and is recognized as a trusted voice in the senior care community. She and her husband are proud parents of six children and four grandchildren.

Amanda Johnson, LPN, CDP- Director of Client Services

I’m a Licensed Practical Nurse with over 14 years of healthcare experience and a deep passion for supporting families through every stage of care. Since becoming a nurse in 2010, I’ve been committed to delivering compassionate, client-centered support—both at the bedside and within the community.

At Assisting Hands, I’ve led and managed our client care coordination function, worked directly as a care manager, and built strong relationships with local healthcare providers. My focus is on guiding families through home care options and ensuring that every client receives the highest standard of care.

With a clinical background and a solution-focused, approachable style, I strive to be a trusted resource for families and professionals navigating aging, health, and caregiving challenges. I believe quality care starts with strong relationships, open communication, and a true team approach—values I bring to every interaction.

Jessica Thompson- Human Resources Manager

I have over 20 years of experience in education, caregiving, and customer service, working with individuals of all ages across various settings. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and have spent the last decade honing my skills in Human Resources and office administration. I’m currently pursuing my SHRM Certified Professional credentials to continue growing in the HR field.

For the past four years, I’ve been with Assisting Hands Home Care, where I started as an Office Manager and now serve as the Human Resources Manager. In my role, I oversee recruiting, onboarding, and orientation—ensuring new hires are welcomed, informed, and supported. I also assist with employee relations, benefits, payroll, long-term care billing, and administrative oversight. I’m responsible for maintaining employee compliance with state and company standards, fostering staff retention, and supporting a workplace culture built on accountability, engagement, and compassion.

I genuinely enjoy working in the home care industry because it allows me to support others in meaningful ways. I’ve personally experienced the value of in-home care for loved ones and believe strongly in helping others age in place with dignity. This mission aligns closely with my passion for helping people and supporting them to reach their full potential.

Tabitha Mattison, CDP- Community Relations/ Account Manager

Many people see me as a marketer, but at my core, I am an educator and advocate. I earned my degree in Elementary Education and spent years homeschooling my three children and working in preschool. My passion for serving seniors began while helping care for my grandparents, two of whom had dementia and one who was a 15-year stroke survivor. Volunteering for my church’s Super 60s program further shaped my heart for senior care.

It felt like a natural progression to step into this field, working as a Life Enrichment Director in independent, assisted living, and memory care, earning my CORE certification along the way. I have also worked in home health and hospice, experiences that I now draw upon in my current role with Assisting Hands Home Care. I am an active volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association and recently became a Certified Dementia Practitioner. I am also a passionate advocate for veterans, working with the Polk County Veterans Council and Flight to Honor, and I serve on the board of Better Living for Seniors, dedicated to improving the lives of seniors in Polk County.

When my family and I were personally dealing with a loved one aging we had to figure out so much and stumbled along the way. I absolutely love being in a role that allows me to help other families navigate this often confusing journey.

Nicky Perez- Client Care Coordinator

I work as a Client Care Coordinator at Assisting Hands Home Care – Polk County, where I coordinate care and provide support where I can to both caregivers and clients. A key part of my role involves sppeaking regularly with families and staff over the phone to address any concerns, resolve issues, and ensure smooth communication between all parties involved in the care process.

With over 15 years of experience in the medical field, I’ve worked with both adult and pediatric patients, giving me a well-wounded perspective on healthcare needs across all ages. My passion for this work runs deep, not only professionally but personally. I have close family members living with dementia who rely on home healthcare, which gives me a firsthand understanding of the challenges families face. Because of this, I view every client as if they were my own family and strive to make sure they receive the compassion and respect they deserve.

Working in this field is more than just a job for me-it’s a calling driven by empathy, dedication, and a genuine desire to make a difference in people’s lives.

Pamela Doby – Client Care Coordinator

I’ve been with Assisting Hands since 2020, and I truly enjoy being part of a team that’s committed to making a difference. With more than 20 years of experience in home health care, I’ve worked in a variety of roles—from medical records and data management to office leadership and payroll—but scheduling is where I’ve found my true fit.

What I love most about this role is the opportunity to support both our clients and caregivers by ensuring the right match is made every time. It’s incredibly rewarding to know I’m playing a part in helping seniors remain safe, comfortable, and cared for in their own homes.

Being part of the Assisting Hands family has been a blessing, and I feel proud to contribute to a mission that truly matters in our community.

Erin Peralta – Client Care Coordinator

I’ve had the privilege of working in the healthcare field here in Polk and Highlands County for over 21 years. During that time, I’ve gained experience in a variety of areas, including Corrections, Home Health, and, most extensively, Critical Care. I’ve also proudly served as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) for the past 10 years.

As a lifelong resident of Polk County, I take great pride in caring for the members of our community—many of whom are friends, neighbors, or even family. I believe in treating every person I meet with kindness, compassion, and respect.

Currently, I serve as one of the scheduling coordinators for Central and Northeast Polk County. I’m conversationally bilingual in English and Spanish, which helps me support both clients and caregivers more effectively, especially when there are language differences.

What I love most about healthcare is the opportunity to help others. Whether it’s offering comfort during a tough time, lending a listening ear, or simply being present in someone’s final moments, I find deep meaning in this work.

One verse that inspires me in all I do is:
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.”
— Psalm 90:17

Theresa Hines – Recruiting Coordinator

My passion for helping others began at home—with my sister, who was disabled and eventually needed in-home care. Experiencing firsthand the impact that compassionate caregivers can have on a family gave me a deep respect for the home care field. I saw how the right support made all the difference, and how caregivers often became like family.

Though I once dreamed of becoming a paramedic or emergency room nurse, a strong fear of needles led me down a different—but just as meaningful—path. I became a school bus driver for special needs children and found immense fulfillment in serving those who needed extra care and attention.

Eventually, I found my true calling at Assisting Hands Home Care. I started as a Scheduling Coordinator and, after about a year, transitioned into my current role as Recruiting Administrative Assistant. Here, I’ve discovered that you don’t need to be at the bedside to make a meaningful difference. I’m proud to support both our clients and caregivers—ensuring we bring the right people together to provide compassionate, dependable care.

To me, our clients are more than just clients—they’re people whose lives and independence are extended through the dedication of our caregivers. I’m honored to be a part of that mission every day.

Cari M. MacConnell – Administrative Support

I’ve always been drawn to working with retirees. My journey began in the Financial Planning industry, followed by a rewarding role in Care Management. I later specialized in helping older adults transition into new living situations as a Certified Senior Move Specialist.

Today, I’m proud to serve as the Administrative Coordinator at Assisting Hands Home Care. One of my key roles is answering the phone, often being the first point of contact for clients and caregivers. I consider it a privilege to support individuals and families during such important times.

Our elders have paved the way with their stories, sacrifices, and strength. Now, it’s our turn to be there for them. I’m honored to be part of an industry that champions aging with compassion, connection, and community.