Deborah Tinsley is a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Tyler. When Deborah opened the doors of Exceptional Home Care in 2002 with Owner David E. Tinsley, BSN, RN, her vision was to make a difference not only for the families of special needs children, but also for the nurses who worked for them. It was Deborah’s belief that EHC could deliver quality medical services in a capable, honest and trustworthy manner, meet the needs of the patients, families and employees, and ultimately become a successful business. Deborah’s dream became a reality. Today, Exceptional Home Care provides pediatric home healthcare to clients residing in North Central and East Texas.
David Tinsley is a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Tyler. David became a certified Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nurse in 1998 and in 2003, he became certified as a Wound Specialist. His nursing career in home healthcare also includes several years as an administrator/owner of an adult home health facility where his practice focused on wound care programs specifically tailored for his clients. In his discussion regarding EHC’s business model, David says, “EHC nurses are here to set the standard for the industry by giving the best service possible to the patients. If you do what’s right for the patient, the rest of it will fall in line. When you recruit nurses and office staff that ultimately look at what’s right for the patient, then you can’t help but be successful.”
Gail McCarty has dedicated more than sixteen years to the nursing profession. Her nursing career includes six years pediatric nursing at Christus St. Michael’s in Texarkana and additional nursing experience as a field nurse, Case Manager, Director of Pediatrics, Assistant Director of Nursing and Director of Nursing. Summarizing the mission of Exceptional Home Care, Gail says, “EHC provides the vehicle that carries a child home to their family and supports the most current, skillful care and treatment possible while maintaining a personal and professional bond. Our nursing professionals have made life-long commitments to service the medical needs of others and improve the quality of life for our patients and their families.” Graduating with presidential honors, Gail received an associate degree in nursing from Texas A&M/Texarkana College and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa. She is certified as a PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) instructor of infant CPR, and is chairman of the Texas Association for Home Care & Hospice Nominating Committee, and also serves on the Clinical Practice Committee and the Pediatric Committee.
Audra Whitton joined Exceptional Home Care on November 9, 2002, four days after the newly formed pediatric home care provider opened for business and admitted the first patient. Reflecting on her nursing experience, Audra says, “My past experiences range from newborn care in a hospital setting to geriatric home health. I have witnessed healthcare needs in all walks of life, and I enjoy every aspect of caring for people of any age. But, my heart is drawn to care for children.” Audra received an associate degree in nursing from Tyler Junior College.
Amanda Weems joined Exceptional Home Care in November 2006 with a life-long commitment to serve the medical needs of others. “I truly believe that pediatric home health is a calling,” she says. “To some it may seem sad, but to me it is the most rewarding field of nursing. I am excited about my new promotion. I believe that my past work experience with EHC as a staff nurse, case manager and QAPI supervisor will be beneficial to me as the ADON. I hope to use my past experiences to advocate for the patients, nurses/staff and families of EHC.” Finding inspiration from her patients and their families, Amanda says, “I continually strive to make improvements that will help to keep our patients safe, healthy and at home with their families.” Amanda received an associate degree in nursing from Trinity Valley Community College.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER VICKIE REED
Vickie Reed has been working in the healthcare field for 28 years. As Chief Financial Officer for Exceptional Home Care, Vickie brings to her position the knowledge and experience gained from working at Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, Medicaid, two physician offices, and three hospitals. “Serving in many different capacities has allowed me to have the knowledge of how insurance companies work,” Vickie says. “Each place of employment helped me gain the knowledge and experience with several different computer systems.” Defining enjoyment in her current position, Vickie says, “I have a wonderful staff; working with them each day makes my job enjoyable. They make me look good. Knowing we are helping children every day makes it all worthwhile.”
Tammy Cates joined Exceptional Home Care in 2008 as Human Resources Coordinator with 17 years experience in geriatric home health for a multi-national retirement community management firm. Her home health experience also includes seven years as Activities Director and 10 years working for and then owning a private pay company. In September 2011, Tammy was promoted to Human Resources Director at EHC. “As the H.R. Director, I am both protector and advocate for our company and its many employees,” Tammy says. “EHC as a whole has become my extended family. Keeping God first in my life, maintaining the practice of strong ethics, and having the knowledge that I am doing what is right and just motivates me to give my best efforts in helping to find positive solutions to the challenges that come up on a daily basis, both in the office and in life.”
Mary Rerich joined Exceptional Home Care in 2004 with seven years communications and advertising experience from an international metals company and a private country club. “I have always wanted to work in a communications and advertising role in healthcare, and Exceptional Home Care opened the door for me to fulfill this life-long goal,” Mary says. “In my position, I have many opportunities to communicate our services, write about the dedication of our employees and know that I’m making a difference.” Mary received a bachelor of science degree in Journalism from the University of Texas at Tyler.
Kathy Kite has been working as a nursing professional in home care for the past 14 years and serves as the Director of Personal Attendant Services at EHC. Learning about nursing came at a very early age for Kathy. She was by her father’s side through many years of medical care as an insulin dependent diabetic. “There is no greater satisfaction when you have helped someone to stay in their home,” she says. Kathy received a licensed vocational nurse certificate from Northeast Texas Community College, and later received an associate of science degree. She is currently completing coursework for her bachelor’s degree.
Melanie Leach joined Exceptional Home Care in 2005 with 11 years extensive marketing experience and a desire to learn all aspects of the intricate healthcare system, specifically pediatric home care. “Working for EHC is truly a blessing, and I hope that this shows in my work,” Melanie says. “Marketing is my choice of careers, and I think God has put me on this path for a purpose. I enjoy meeting new people and hope to simplify their everyday workload in any way I can to make their day easier.” Melanie received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Texas at Tyler.
