Meet The Team
Since taking on our first clients in 2007, our North River family has grown substantially. We currently have over 15 office staff and more than 250 home care aides, including skilled nurses and social workers.
Located in Norwell, MA, we care for clients throughout South Shore and MetroWest Massachusetts.
We invite you to read about and get to know some of our passionate and caring team at North River Home Care.
Founders
North River Home Care was founded in 2007 by Heather Kenney, her husband, Liam Kenney, and her mother, Laurel Lawson. After several experiences with private home care for their own family members, they felt a call to open a “boutique” home care agency that serves the seniors and their families in their local community. Heather & Laurel provided the direct care for their clients for the first few years, which gives the leadership team a unique perspective on the service they provide – they have experienced home care as clients, caregivers, managers and agency owners.
Today North River Home Care employs more than 250 dedicated, compassionate caregivers and managers. Laurel retired in 2014. Liam and Heather continue to manage the agency with heartfelt gratitude to all their talented, kind and hardworking employees.
Jen Davis
Director of Client Services
Years in the Industry: Over 20
Start Date at North River: 2015
Jen joined the North River team in November of 2015. Previously, she worked at South Shore Hospital, Norwell VNA, and as a private care manager for various families across the South Shore. Jen received a Bachelor’s Degree from Villanova University where she studied Nursing and Sociology, and went on to pursue her Master’s in Geriatric Management from UMass Boston. During her graduate studies, Jen focused on Hospice Care and Alzheimer’s Disease and later became a Certified Dementia Practitioner in 2017.
Jen lives with her husband, Mike, two daughters, Emma and Maggie, and their dog, Rollie, in Norwell. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, tennis, and traveling with her family.
Julia Hawkins
Care Advisor
Years in the Industry: Over 10 years
Start Date at North River: July 2019
Julia has had a career dedicated to providing compassionate care to seniors and helping enhance their quality of life. She is a licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant who brings experience gained from working in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, and VNA care.
She joined North River Home Care in 2019 where she continues with her commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of seniors. Outside of her professional role, she enjoys engaging in outdoor activities and spending time with her son and family.
Kristy Lee Nelson
Community Relations Manager
Years in the Industry: 16 years
Start Date at North River: March 2024
With 16 years of experience in the healthcare industry, including 8 years as a Case Manager Specialist at South Shore Health System, Kristy brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her current role at North River Home Care. Starting as a CNA during her high school years, she later transitioned into finance before realizing her true passion for helping others. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, boating, and relaxing at the beach.
Kistry is dedicated to providing compassionate care and support to those in need and is thrilled to be back in a field that brings her so much fulfillment.
Colleen York
Care Coordinator Manager
Years in the Industry: 20 years
Start Date at North River: December 2021
Colleen currently works within our scheduling department. Colleen brings over 20 years of experience to the North River Home Care team and has been serving in a managerial role as Care Coordinator Manager since 2021. Balancing family life with 3 kids, a husband, a tortoise, 2 bearded dragons, a turtle, and 2 fish she is also an avid pet sitter.
Caitlin Ogar
Human Resource Manager
Years in the Industry: Over 2 years
Start Date at North River: June 2023
Caitlin currently works in our Human Resources department and boasts a diverse background including roles as a Client Service Manager, Restaurant Manager, and Substance Abuse Counselor. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, she resides in her hometown of Hingham with her two teenage boys Derek and Colin. Caitlin enjoys reading, taking vacations with her two boys, and spending time with her pup Koda.
Alison Weathersbee
Payroll Specialist
Years in the Industry: Over 17 years
Start Date at North River: November 2007
Alison was employee #1 at North River Home Care in 2007, coming on as their payroll specialist. Before coming to North River Home Care, Alison worked for Bayer Pharmaceuticals. Alison received her Masters’s Degree from New York Medical College majoring in Pathology and Biochemistry. Alison has lived in Norwell since 2001 with her loving husband Ted and her two daughters Brooke and Courtney. Alison and her family enjoy traveling the world visiting national parks and making memories. When Alison has time to relax at home she enjoys spending time with her pooch Pippa.
Brenda Smith
Accounting & Billing Specialist
Years in the Industry: Over 11 years
Start Date at North River: May 2013
Brenda is a member of our Accounting department and is responsible for working with our clients, third-party institutions, and team members for billing and accounts receivable information. She also helps to facilitate documentation to Long Term Care Insurance providers and the Veterans Administration for clients who require assistance. A graduate of Bentley University, Brenda lives in Scituate with her husband and two children.
Alex Petersen
Community Relations Manager
Start Date at North River: 2024
Alex is a compassionate and dedicated leader in the sales and marketing field, with a deep commitment to improving the lives of seniors and those in need of home care. With an MBA and a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Salve Regina University, alongside a Certification in Long Term Care Planning, Alex combines business acumen with a heart for service, focusing on creating meaningful relationships that enhance the well-being of clients and families.
Alex has quickly made a difference by building trust with clients and their families, ensuring that each person feels supported and valued. In previous roles, Alex worked closely with caregivers, referral partners, and healthcare professionals to foster a supportive and compassionate environment for clients. Alex’s efforts included hosting educational and community-building events that provided families with the resources they needed to make informed decisions about care. Throughout his career, Alex has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to helping others, not only by meeting the needs of clients but also by going above and beyond to ensure they feel cared for and respected. His leadership is driven by empathy and a desire to create positive, lasting impacts in the lives of those they serve.