The Best
Home Care
Services in
Baton Rouge

My name is Shonda Boudet. I started Always Best Care Senior Services after seeing my grandparents struggle with their aging journey and desire to stay at home. I grew up in Port Allen, LA and graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in Baton Rouge. I graduated from University of Louisiana Monroe with a BA in psychology, and I graduated from nursing school from Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University. I opened Always Best Care of Baton Rouge in May 2010 along with my husband, Bryan who served as the company’s CFO. Together we had two sons who are now students at Catholic High School. My husband and I were married for 18 years before he passed away. My passion for helping others intensified while becoming my husband’s primary caregiver after his diagnosis with cancer. My husband lost his battle with cancer in July of 2018. Since that time, I consider it a mission to continue the company we started together by offering the support and assistance for those that need care.

My name is Shannon McClendon. I have a bachelor’s in nursing and have worked in the medical field for over 23 years. I am the Administrator for Always Best Care of Baton Rouge and I have to say this is one of the most rewarding jobs of my career. Taking care of senior needs is a passion of mine and I am glad to be a part of this service. I have 10 grandchildren who keep me on my toes, and I enjoy every single second of my time with them. When I am not with the grandchildren, my husband and I enjoy hiking and motorcycle riding.

My name is Cynthia Leonard Salazar, CDP, and I have been working for Always Best Care (ABC) since October of 2013. I am married to a wonderful guy named Jason and we have two fur babies. My husband and I love to cook, and we love going to the beach. I have a master’s degree in exercise physiology, and before my career at ABC, I was the director of two health clubs in the Baton Rouge area.  Until April 2020, I had also been a personal trainer for over 25 years.  I received my dementia practitioner certification in 2024. I am the billing coordinator/operational assistant at ABC.  I assist clients through the billing process and work directly with the Administrator in operations management.  Working closely with ABC clients since 2013, I understand families’ difficulty navigating the senior care process, specifically on the financial side of providing care.  Many families need clarity and assistance in understanding the available payment options and how to access them. Helping families through that process is a big part of my job.

I am the former owner of Always Best Care Senior Services in Wake Forest, NC, and now provide consulting, bookkeeping, billing, and payroll services to Always Best Care franchise owners nationwide. Before owning Always Best Care, I spent more than 20 years working in both public and corporate accounting.

Originally from Eastern Kentucky, I moved to North Carolina to attend Wake Forest University, where I earned my accounting degree, and have spent most of my life here ever since. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family, kayaking, boating, playing cards, watching movies, and cheering on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.

My name is Paula Manzke. I have been the Senior Care Coordinator with Always Best Care since 2017 and I oversee the Client Service Department. I have been a licensed social worker since 1982, and I am a certified dementia practitioner. I graduated from the University of Mississippi and did postgraduate work at the University of Tennessee in Memphis, TN. Over the span of my career, I have worked predominantly in the field of medical social work with an emphasis on geriatric care and concerns. This included working in nursing homes, an acute care hospital as a case manager and discharge planner, a mental health center as a caseworker, and a hospice and home health as a social worker. I have one son, Andrew, who lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and a twin brother who is an oncologist; he works as a professor at the University of Mississippi, where he teaches medical students about oncology. In the years I have worked with ABC, I have helped hundreds of families navigate the senior care process, develop care plans that address their needs, and assist them in finding the appropriate resources. It has been my honor to work with the elderly and their families over the past 40 years when they have needed it the most by providing direction, support, and kindness during some of their most difficult struggles.

My name is Karen Marioneaux, and I am a Care Coordinator. I assist families in designing individual care plans and supporting clients and families during the care journey. I recently completed my training as a Dementia Practitioner and am in the process of receiving my certification. I earned my Bachelor of Social Work in 2015 from Southern University and A&M College and my Master of Social Work in 2016 from Louisiana State University, with a concentration in Gerontology.

Since then, I’ve built a career dedicated to supporting individuals and families through some of the most important transitions in their lives. My social work experience includes working in nursing homes, Palliative and Hospice care, hospital case management, and advanced care planning. Over the years, I’ve met with hundreds of families to provide resources, help them navigate their health journey, and assess the appropriate level of care to ensure their loved ones are safe, supported, and empowered.

I’ve been married for 19 years, and I’m a proud mom of three sons who motivate me every day. I am truly looking forward to this next chapter and the opportunity to serve more families with compassion, guidance, and respect.

Jodi Seals began her nursing career in medical-surgical care before transitioning into hospice, where she discovered her true passion. She has a deep commitment to serving the elderly and values the opportunity to listen to their stories, learn from their experiences, and provide compassionate, patient-centered care during some of life’s most meaningful moments.

Jodi is excited to serve in her role as Nurse Coordinator with Always Best Care and is grateful to be part of such a dedicated team.

Outside of work, Jodi is a proud mom to a competitive dancer, and much of her free time is spent traveling to dance events. She also enjoys cheering on the LSU Tigers, listening to music, and relaxing at the beach.

My name is Sarah Gamble. I was born and raised in New Orleans and began my nursing career as an infant and toddler Med-Surg nurse at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. My husband and I later moved to Baton Rouge to raise our family, where I stayed home with our four children. During that time, I enjoyed volunteering in our community, including assisting and substituting with the school nurse and participating in retreats and activities at our parish church. I have always had a passion for caring for others, both the young and the elderly, and I am excited to now serve my community as one of the RN Coordinators at Always Best Care Senior Services, focusing on supporting our veterans in the greater Baton Rouge area. When I am not working or spending time with my family and friends, I enjoy playing Mahjong, reading, and going to the gym.

My name is Deshanne Posey, I grew up in Baton Rouge, LA, where I graduated from McKinley Senior High School in 1990. I come from a large family with 13 siblings. My father was in the Air Force, so we traveled a lot while growing up. Prior work experiences before coming to Always Best Care (ABC) in January 2019 include a supervisory role as an Operational Manager at Walmart and working in the hospital field. I began my journey with ABC as a caregiver, transitioning into the role of a Client Service Assistant.  I assist our caregivers with hands-on training and mentoring to enhance care for our clients while enhancing our caregivers’ knowledge and expertise. I find joy in helping others bring out their potential. Having been a caregiver to my own mother with dementia and other family members, I have authentic empathy, knowledge, and compassion for what it takes to be a caretaker. What makes me smile the most is when others feel the joy within themselves and know they are loved and appreciated. I am married to Reginald, and together, we have three children and one grandchild. In my spare time, you will find me in the kitchen cooking for the community or attending church events. I also find purpose in volunteering at the United Methodist Church, where I assist in feeding the homeless and ministering to church members in need. I love naps, movies, and especially quality family time.

My name is Nikeysha Christmas, and I have been working for Always Best Care since 2017. I am from Maringouin, LA, but have lived in Baton Rouge for the last 15 years. My passion has always been providing care for those in need. I enjoy making others smile. I love to cook, listen to music, and be around my family. My children are the shining stars of my life, and I love doing activities with them.

My name is Karlisha Varmall. I was born and raised in Baton Rouge, La. I enjoy caring for others which is how I was first introduced to Always Best Care in 2015. I started at ABC as a PCA and now I have joined the Client Services Assistant (CSA) Team. I have 1 daughter and I am the oldest of 5 siblings. I enjoy reading, listening to music and spending time with my family.

Dukes works closely with our caregivers as an onboarding trainer, mentor, and training facilitator — helping educate, train, and strengthen the quality of services delivered to our clients each day.

Duke is a Louisiana native, born in Franklin and raised in Houma. With both parents serving as educators, stepping into a training and mentoring role is especially meaningful to him. Duke began with Always Best Care in March 2020 in metro Atlanta, where he earned both the Caregiver of the Year award and the prestigious National Caregiver of the Year for 2020.

He holds a nursing degree from Pensacola State College and has also worked as a licensed massage therapist in Louisiana and Florida. Duke brings not only experience and skill, but also a deep love and respect for aging adults and a passion for helping them grow older with grace and dignity.

When he is not working, Duke enjoys LSU sports, spending time at the beach, fishing, cooking, and gardening.

My name is Trudy Haygood. I am a part-time Community Liaison at Always Best Care Senior Services, where I bring compassion, experience, and a deep understanding of healthcare to my role. I am a Registered Respiratory Therapist with over thirty years of healthcare experience, I hold an active license, although I no longer practice respiratory therapy in the clinical setting. In 2007, I transitioned into liaison and marketing roles within the healthcare industry, combining my clinical knowledge with a passion for connecting people to the resources they need. At Always Best Care Senior Services, I find fulfillment in working with a team that values quality care and the well-being of every senior they serve.

My name is Pilar and I am the receptionist for Always Best Care. I have greatly enjoyed working with others in many capacities; I have had experience working as a publicist, client services representative, sales agent, and more. I really like interacting with people, so I really enjoy my job helping and learning every day.  Three words that define me are resilience, passion, and empathy. My love language is acts of service. The best role of my life is being a mother. I have three exceptional daughters, and they are the most beautiful blessing in my life. I enjoy spending time with the people I love, traveling, and writing.

My name is Tayshara Harvey. I have been with Always Best Care of Baton Rouge since May of 2020. I started with the company as a caregiver and successively worked my way up to an on-call staffing coordinator as well as a strategic recruiting specialist. I am engaged and have 3 amazing children, two girls and a boy, and love to spend my free time doing whatever makes them happy. I also have five younger sisters and one brother that I must be a role model for. I am a very family-oriented person and love to travel when able. My passion has always been to provide care for those in need and ABC has given me the opportunity to showcase my skills, while being able to grow within the company.

My name is Nancy Mumphrey, and I am a new Virtual Recruiter with Always Best Care. I have over 18 years of experience working in the healthcare and staffing industries. I am excited to join the ABC team!

I am originally from Connecticut and moved to Louisiana in 2001. Having lived here for half of my life, I am a Southerner. I have lost all of my “northernisms”, except for the way I pronounce words like fog, hog, and log. I am married, have 3 children, and one fur baby (she really should count as two). I hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology and enjoy working in a role where I can make a positive impact in the world. My motto is “Be the change you want to see in the world” by Gandhi. My free time is spent mainly with my family, and I also enjoy reading or getting lost on YouTube.

Hi, my name is Traniqua Rogers. I am the receptionist at Always Best Care, and I am excited to be the first smiling face you see. My previous work included administrative and customer service roles in the medical field at clinics and pharmacies. I’m from Baton Rouge, LA; however, growing up, I spent a lot of time with my grandparents in Port Allen, LA. I come from a large, close-knit family, and we often spend a lot of time together. I am a mother of two beautiful girls and one handsome boy. My hobbies include sewing, crafting, and reading. My free time is mostly spent with my family and creating memories with my children.

My name is Kim Harper, and I have a true passion for serving others, which is what led me to the home care industry. I love building relationships and being part of a field that makes a meaningful difference for families, caregivers, and the communities we serve.My husband and I spent 20 years living across the United States and Japan during his time as an active-duty Marine, giving our family a deep appreciation for service, connection, and community. We have three amazing boys who we absolutely adore.Outside of work, I enjoy serving at church, cooking, gardening, traveling, attending concerts, and watching ALL sports.

My name is Beth Ayers. I have a bachelor’s from both UAB & The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL. I’ve been in the home care field for a little over 8 years. I am a scheduler for Always Best Care of Baton Rouge and I love the connections I get to make with both our clients and our caregivers. As someone who was a caregiver for both of my parents before they passed, this industry has a very special place in my heart. I have 3 children, one son & twin girls who are always on the go. When I’m not working or chasing children, my husband and I are very involved in our local church.

My name is Kate Whitaker and I have been working in the home care industry since 2021 where I’ve found passion for scheduling and ensuring our clients and caregivers are a perfect match. I’m originally from Mobile, Alabama. I enjoy laughing, crocheting and spending time with my sweet kitties.