In the heart of Boston Harbor, under the city lights and open sky, the home care community came together for an unforgettable experience: Evening on the Odyssey. Hosted by Ascension Business Solutions, with the incredible support of Grant Gaston and Adam Salter of EnkiScribe, LLC and Ravin Shah and Giovanni Balestrina of Hellohire as co-sponsors, this private event was more than just a dinner cruise—it was the kind of gathering that reminds us why connection, conversation, and collaboration matter so much in home care.
A Gathering That Brought Everyone Together
What made this evening extraordinary wasn’t the venue, though the Odyssey was stunning. It wasn’t the fine dining, the music, or even the views of Boston Harbor at night—though all of those details created the perfect setting. What made it extraordinary was the people.
Agency owners, industry leaders, innovators, and longtime partners filled the room. Some were familiar faces who have walked the home care journey together for years; others were brand-new connections meeting for the first time. Together, they created an atmosphere that was both celebratory and deeply meaningful.
Guests like Jeff Rigler, Joel Henning, Kevin Weldon, Ivan Payes, Julio Vazquez, Tanya Sutton, Jason Long, Alyssa V. & Quinn Valentine, Amy Petersen-Smith, Gil Atanasoff, Christina Atanasoff, Scott Fox, Chris Tompko, Jesse Yi, Cassia Yi, Maureen Mostella, Faith Sanders, Ruthanne Define, Steve Kowawake, Shelbee Knopf, Analaura Devary, James Devary, Rosca Sasu, Luz Santiago, were among the many attendees, but they were far from the only ones. The Odyssey was alive with voices from across the industry—people who may not always cross paths but share the same passion: building a stronger, smarter future for home care.
Stories, Laughter, and Ideas Worth Carrying Forward
Throughout the evening, the conversations carried more weight than any panel or breakout session ever could. People shared stories of challenges they’ve faced as agency owners, victories worth celebrating, and visions for what’s next. Laughter was as present as strategy, creating a balance that made the night both enjoyable and inspiring.
One theme kept surfacing in these conversations: the role of HomeCare Virtual Assistants in shaping the future of our work. Many attendees talked about the difference VAs are already making in their agencies—managing on-call coverage, handling caregiver scheduling, supporting recruiting efforts, and even contributing to sales and lead generation. Others expressed curiosity, eager to learn how this innovative support model could free up their time and reduce the stress of agency ownership.
What stood out most was the openness. People weren’t holding back their best practices or keeping their struggles quiet; they were sharing, learning, and connecting—because in home care, collaboration is the only way forward.
More Than Networking: A Community in Action
Yes, Evening on the Odyssey created opportunities for networking, but it felt like much more than that. It was a celebration of what happens when passionate leaders come together without an agenda, in a setting designed for connection rather than formality.
The result?
New friendships formed.
Partnerships began to take shape.
Ideas for innovation—especially around delegation and HomeCare Virtual Assistants—were exchanged freely.
And everyone walked away with something to carry into their own agencies, whether it was a practical strategy, a meaningful conversation, or simply the reminder that they are not navigating this industry alone.
A Shared Vision for the Future of Home Care
At the heart of the Odyssey evening was one vision: a future where home care agencies thrive by working smarter, not harder. For many, the event underscored the importance of embracing tools like HomeCare Virtual Assistants, which are no longer optional add-ons but essential partners in sustainable growth.
As we looked around the room, we saw not just colleagues but collaborators—leaders determined to redefine what’s possible in home care. From established voices to fresh perspectives, the event embodied what the future of this industry can be when we lean into connection, innovation, and shared purpose.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
We also want to take a moment to honor three incredible leaders from Senior Helpers including Jennifer Gunter, Kari Curotto, and Margueritte Mertz, who each serve as Franchise Operations Business Coaches. Their dedication to guiding home care owners, empowering teams, and advancing the standards of care inspires us all. Their presence at the event was a reminder that the future of home care is built on both innovation and leadership rooted in compassion.
Gratitude and Moving Forward
We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us aboard the Odyssey. To Grant Gaston and Adam Salter of EnkiScribe, LLC and Ravin Shah and Giovanni Balestrina of Hellohire—thank you for co-sponsoring this evening with Ascension Business Solutions and helping us create a night to remember.
To every leader, agency owner, and innovator who shared their stories, their laughter, and their ideas—thank you for being part of this community. Your voices and your presence made the Odyssey more than an event; you made it a movement.
The conversations we began that night are only the beginning. As we continue to revolutionize together, let’s keep building on what we started: a home care industry powered by innovation, supported by HomeCare Virtual Assistants, and strengthened by community.
At Ascension Business Solutions, we’re committed to supporting home care leaders with the tools, strategies, and virtual assistant services that help them thrive. If you’re ready to take your home care business to the next level, let’s connect.
