Meet Our Team

Throughout her professional life, Margie Orth has been looking for ways to take care of people and pay her blessings forward. Joining the team at Home Instead in 2018 provided her with the opportunity to truly live her mission of service to others. Now, as President and Co-Owner, Margie leads by example as she nurtures Home Instead’s culture of gratitude among the staff and Caregivers. Before joining the team, she spent 30 years in the home safety industry, where she ran the day-to-day operations of a Cleveland-based security company. In her free time, Margie volunteered with various nonprofit organizations such as Cornerstone of Hope, which further encouraged and fueled her passion for helping others. She grew up in Brecksville-Broadview Heights and still calls the area home to this day. She attended the University of Toledo, and recently graduated from the Goldman Sachs 10K SMB program.

Nothing is more important to Margie than her family and serving the greater Cleveland community. She believes, quite simply, that there is no greater gift you can give or receive than to honor your calling.

Maria graduated from Cleveland City Schools with high honors, thereafter pursuing a career with the Cleveland Clinic Foundation from 1988-2002. Furthering her passion for helping seniors she joined Home Instead in 2002. Maria was very fortunate to be hired by and work closely with Betty Bowers, the founder of our local franchise office, for many years. She has close to 30 years of experience in the healthcare field. She loves the satisfaction in knowing that she is making a positive difference in the lives of seniors and their loved ones.

In her personal life, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and son-in-law. As a family, they often engage in volunteer work helping individuals learn more about their Bibles.

With over 20 years of experience in the long-term care industry, Bob Pontius is passionate about helping seniors and their families navigate aging successfully. He has worked with small companies to amplify their voices and large organizations to improve care for communities, while also fostering senior care coalitions and organizing health drives to raise awareness.

A former Adjunct Professor at the University of Akron and Mount Union University, Bob is a highly regarded speaker known for his engaging and novel presentations. He holds a BA in Organizational Communication from Cedarville University and an MA in Interpersonal Communication from the University of Akron.

Bob also serves his community as a member of the Stow Planning Commission and on the boards of The Grief Care Place and Stow Parks & Recreation. His dedication to senior care and community service makes him a trusted advocate and leader in the field.

Rachael started with Home Instead in 2013 and is the current Director of Operations and Human Resources.  Being with Home Instead for 10+ years in a variety of roles has allowed her to grow both professionally and personally. She has a degree in business management and most of her professional background is in office administration.  Rachael is proud to work for Home Instead because of the difference we make in the lives of the aging community and their families. 

In her free time she enjoys volunteering at her children’s school and being with family and friends.   

April has been in the senior healthcare field helping, counseling and educating caregivers and their loved ones for close to fifteen years and in the marketing and sales field since graduating from college.  As a Certified Dementia Practitioner, she utilized her education of dementia to also help professionals understand the disease through multiple educations. April is a volunteer speaker for the Alzheimer’s Association, a trained volunteer for the Lewy Body Association, the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration and the Tourette’s Association.  She is a Certified Trainer of the Virtual Dementia Tour and currently serves on the board of the Westside Healthcare Organization. 

Her greatest joy comes from the family she built with her husband Richard of six children, two daughters-in-law, one son-in-law and three granddaughters who call her Kuku.  She is an artist, a flyer fisherwoman, a golfer and an avid reader. 

Marny has been our Director of Business Development since 2009. She is responsible for bringing the message and mission of Home Instead into the community, working with local facilities, organizations and professionals throughout Lorain County. Marny provides education about senior issues, and makes sure that local professionals are always aware of the full scope of care and services available. Marny holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green Ohio.

Marny is on the board of directors for North Ridgeville Community Care. She enjoys spending time with her significant other, Jeff and her college-age children, Julia and Gabriel.

Caitlin graduated from Kent State University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She has 15 years of experience working in Assisted Living with seniors. She is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and enjoys spending time and being an advocate for those navigating the disease process. She believes that the best care we can provide begins with finding dedicated, empathetic care pros, as they are the essential foundation of the services we provide. 

Caitlin and her boyfriend, Andy, have a spoiled fur-baby, Salsa. They enjoy hiking the Metroparks together and spending time outside in their garden. She enjoys cooking, crafting, and antiquing in her spare time.

Essance brings the heart of a teacher and the mindset of a coach to her role as Scheduler at Home Instead. With a background in early childhood education and athletic coaching, she’s spent years fostering growth, building trust, and creating structure—skills that translate naturally into coordinating care and supporting both clients and Care Pros.

A proud graduate of Shaker Heights High School, she attended Central State University and is continuing her education at Lakeland Community College, where she’ll also join the volleyball coaching staff for the 2025–2026 season.

She’s also an avid traveler and one of eleven siblings, always surrounded by family and adventure.

Amanda brings a wealth of compassion, leadership, and experience to our Home Instead family. With a strong foundation in health and human sciences, Amanda studied Nursing at Ursuline College and earned her degree in Health Sciences and Psychology from Cleveland State University, with a special focus on Gerontological Studies.

Her career spans over 15 years in customer service and team management, along with a decade of hands-on experience in long-term care and home health. Amanda has also served as a Childcare Director and has a commitment to community involvement as a Girl Scout Troop Leader, Service Unit Coordinator, and an active volunteer with PTA and CO-OP leadership teams.

Outside of work, Amanda is a proud mom of three and enjoys hiking, camping, reading, gardening, and cooking, but COFFEE FIRST!

Lisa began her career with Home Instead in June of 2015.  She serves as both Care Professional and On Call Coordinator.  Lisa loves being able to help her clients stay in their homes and making a daily difference in their lives.  Home Instead has the best clients! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her 2 daughters, gardening, cooking and being outdoors. 

Carissa started her relationship with Home Instead in January of 2018 as a Care Professional, and in 2023 took on the role of On-Call Service Coordinator. Carissa enjoys helping and caring for our clients. She loves making them smile every day! In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with family and friends, watching movies, camping, bowling, reading a good book, and baking. Carissa has a Fiancé, Chuck and a 13-year-old daughter, Kimber.

Our CAREGivers encourage, assist and stimulate our clients in a variety of daily activities that improve their quality of life and help them maintain their independence. They are the backbone of our company! Our staff is available 24/7 to support them. All of our CAREGivers share a common desire to make a difference in the life of a senior.