From Caregiver at Heart to Branch Manager Leader
Every home care Branch Manager journey is different, but Darla’s path stands out for one powerful reason: she has lived every role she now supports. From hands-on caregiving to administrative leadership, Darla’s story is rooted in compassion, advocacy, and a deep understanding of what it truly means to care for others.
Today, Darla serves as the Portland East and Gresham Branch Manager with Family Resource Home Care, but her journey into leadership began long before her title changed.
“I’ve always felt naturally inclined to care for people,” Darla shares. “I want to make sure everyone is safe and okay—especially those who can’t advocate for themselves.”
That mindset has guided her entire career.
A Foundation Built on Compassion and Real-Life Experience
Darla’s home care Branch Manager journey began right after high school, when a friend encouraged her to work at an adult day center supporting adults with developmental disabilities. It was there that she first witnessed the responsibility—and emotional weight—that comes with caregiving.
She recalls caring for a client with seizures and witnessing one for the first time. “I felt terrible and just wanted to know if he was okay,” she explains. A supervisor helped her understand that while seizures were part of his life, the day center existed to give him joy, enrichment, and dignity.
“That really stuck with me,” Darla says. “Quality of life matters.”
From there, Darla transitioned into in-home care, working with children with developmental disabilities and continuing to serve vulnerable populations who rely on others to help them live safely and fully at home.
Stepping Into Leadership: From Caregiver to Client Care Supervisor
After years in the field, Darla moved into an administrative role at a smaller agency, gaining experience behind the scenes. When she joined Family Resource Home Care at the Portland East and Gresham branches, she stepped into the Caregiver Manager role, working closely with leadership and supporting caregivers day to day.
During this time, she worked alongside Joanne and under Chelsea, who quickly recognized Darla’s leadership potential.
“Chelsea encouraged me to start leading meetings,” Darla shares. “She really saw my goals before I fully saw them myself.”
When Chelsea was promoted to Director of Operations, she encouraged Darla to apply for the Branch Manager role. At first, Darla hesitated but then she realized something important.
“I already knew the caregivers. I knew the clients. I had rapport with everyone at the branch. I thought—why not?”
That moment became a defining step in Darla’s home care Branch Manager journey.
Leading With Empathy: Supporting Caregivers and Clients Alike
What makes Darla’s leadership style unique is her ability to step into the shoes of those she supports. She’s been the caregiver in the field. She’s been the manager taking emotional phone calls. She’s been the supervisor balancing compassion with accountability.
“I’ve had caregivers call me crying,” she says. “Because I’ve been there, I can help them think through the situation instead of feeling overwhelmed.”
Darla believes in being kind and lenient while still holding caregivers to professional standards that protect clients and uphold quality care. She also values creating an office culture where work and fun coexist.
“Balance is important,” she explains. “You can be a supervisor and still be supportive. You can lead and still be human.”
That philosophy shapes her leadership and strengthens the entire branch.
Advice for Families New to Home Care
As part of her home care Branch Manager journey, Darla often helps families navigate the emotional transition into home care services.
“To families, I’d say it’s okay if giving up control feels scary,” she shares. “Home care exists for a reason. It’s a tool to support you—not take away your voice.”
She emphasizes transparency and communication, reminding families that caregiver-client relationships aren’t one-size-fits-all.
“If a caregiver isn’t the right match, we can always try again. That’s part of the process.”
A Message for Caregivers Considering This Path
For caregivers, Darla describes home care as one of the most rewarding careers imaginable.
“This work allows you to serve people who can’t serve themselves,” she says. “It’s different than being a personal assistant with a strict routine. You have the opportunity to truly improve lives.”
Her own home care Branch Manager journey is proof that caregiving can open doors to long-term growth, leadership, and purpose.
A Leader Shaped by Care
From caring for her younger siblings growing up to leading a local home care branch today, Darla’s path has always centered on advocacy, safety, and compassion.
Her home care Branch Manager journey reflects what’s possible when experience, empathy, and encouragement come together—creating not just a leader, but a trusted resource for caregivers, clients, and families alike.
At Family Resource Home Care, Darla continues to lead with heart, ensuring that both caregivers and clients feel supported, heard, and valued—every step of the way.
Join Our Compassionate Team – Culture Beyond Compare
If Darla’s journey has sparked your interest in the fulfilling world of caregiving, we invite you to embark on your own transformative path. Family Resource Home Care is always on the lookout for dedicated individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. With over 50 locations spanning across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, and New Mexico, there’s an opportunity waiting for you to join our compassionate community. Whether you’re an experienced caregiver or considering a career change, take the leap and explore the rewarding realm of caregiving with us. Discover the joy of creating meaningful connections and making a positive impact on the lives of those in need. Your journey begins here – join us in spreading warmth, care, and support.
