Meet Our Team

We’re a group of medical professionals who provide compassionate caregiving for our neighbors in the Miami Valley — in the comfort of home.

OUR CAREGIVING TEAM

We're Professionals.

Our team invests not only in our clients, but also in themselves. All of our staff carry their own liability insurance. Our team has completed background checks, fingerprinting and current CPR certifications. This allows our staff to take ownership in what they do and the services they provide.

  • Our caregivers are detail oriented and ensure high-quality personal care to our clients including bathing, grooming and dressing
  • We love to learn about our clients to help them continue to do things they are passionate about, whether that’s going for walks, baking cookies, journaling or painting, to name a few. 

OUR PROFESSIONAL / WELLNESS TEAM

We have a wide variety of clinical experience in many medical settings. Our professional staff offer wellness, insight to provide modifications to your home, family caregiver education and client advocacy. 

  • Because of our vast experience and clinical knowledge, we’re able to keep clients safe at home and prevent falls and hospitalizations.
  • We frequently anticipate problems and notify doctors and family members of small changes to get early treatment for urinary tract infections.
  • We pride ourselves in taking our clients to engage in community activities or shopping outings that they are unable to do on their own as a result of poor mobility or decreased vision. 
  • We offer resources to support seniors in their homes to ease the burden of daily living by becoming involved in organizations such as Silver Sneakers, grocery delivery services, pharmacy delivery services etc. 
  • We can ease the transition from a hospital stay to home to help get home health services started or communicate with physicians or other members of your healthcare team.

COTA/L, Owner

Carrie Nicholas

I am the owner of Functional Lifestyle Solutions. I have great supportive caregivers and partners that have the same goals that I have for this company. I have been a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant for over 20 years. I have worked in Home Health Care, nursing homes, Independent and Assisted Living facilities. This is my true calling – Helping people get back to their normal daily life or being able to maintain their life in their own home. There have become more insurance limitations during rehabilitation and therapists have been unable to provide the best service. I want to provide a higher standard of care with more experienced caregivers and/or licensed professionals.
 
I’ve been married to my supportive husband for almost 20 years. We have 2 kids. A boy and a girl. My son loves sports, and my daughter loves dancing. We also have a mini sheepadoodle, Cassie. I love to read, watch tv and spend time with my family. I also love to travel and try out different local restaurants to support small businesses

PT, MSPT, CDP

Andrea Rush

I am a physical therapist with more than 20 years of experience working with skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics and for home health providers, and have a passion for helping people live with comfort, independence and dignity. I also specialize in home modification — finding simple, cost-effective ways to make homes safer and more functional — as well as helping caregivers find ways to provide effective support while maintaining their own energy and quality of life.

In addition to my work, I love cooking, gardening and landscaping, singing, home decorating, and spending time with my husband, six children, and two cats.

COTA/L, STNA, CHPNA

Melanie Taylor

I am a natural caregiver and have worked in many settings as one. I was blessed to be able to raise my 4 children and then start my career in the medical field. I did private home care and loved it so much that I got my certification as an STNA and CHPNA and a degree as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. I have worked at a rehabilitation hospital and currently work at a hospice as an educator. I am passionate about helping people have quality of life in whatever stage of life they are in.

I enjoy spending time with my family and puppy. You will often find me at the gym or doing outdoor activities like hiking, camping or snowboarding. I love learning about health and wellness and sharing it with others.

Business Development

Kimberly Newton

I have been taking care of others since I was 17 years of age in one way or another.  From taking care of elderly loved ones to raising 2 children.  I went to school to obtain Certified Nursing Assistant certification and worked in home care and facility settings.  I have a great deal of knowledge within the hospital setting from personal experience and taking care of loved ones for so many years.  Taking care of others is natural and a way of life for me and it is where I find the most satisfaction, to make sure others are taken care of no matter what age and time of their lives.

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my kids, grandbabies and significant other.  I have an extreme passion for hockey.  I also enjoy crocheting items for loved ones.  When I am not doing one of those I am working on planning events for my new non-profit community outreach club that I just started this year.