Meet the Family
- Meet the
Meet the Family
When you partner with Home Care Assistance of Jefferson County, you’re not working with a faceless agency. You’re working with a family who has lived this experience—and built something better because of it.
Herman Ortiz
Owner | U.S. Air Force Veteran, E-7 Master Sergeant
Herman is the heart of Home Care Assistance of Jefferson County. Where Darlene brings the strategy and drive, Herman brings the soul—the deep, unwavering love that makes this company feel different from the moment you walk in. His military career as an Air Force E-7 Master Sergeant shaped him into a leader of integrity, discipline, and unshakeable commitment. He led teams under pressure, made hard decisions with clarity, and never left anyone behind. He carries those same values into every caregiver hired and every family served. But behind the business is something even more personal—a love story between a son and his mother. Herman adored her deeply, and when she needed care, he saw firsthand how much it mattered to have someone who truly showed up. This company is his legacy. It is the fruit of his labor, built in her honor, so that every family who walks through our doors receives the same love, dignity, and devotion he wished for her. Home Care Assistance of Jefferson County is not just what Herman does—it is how he keeps her memory alive.
Darlene Ortiz
Co-Owner & Operations Manager
If Herman is the heart, Darlene is the brains—and together, they are unstoppable. Darlene is the energy, the strategy, and the spark that keeps Home Care Assistance of Jefferson County moving forward. With a background in human resources, operations, and entrepreneurship, she has built her career around people—understanding them, elevating them, and creating systems that allow genuine care to scale without losing its soul. Her mission is deeply personal, rooted in her grandmother’s journey and fueled by a faith that reminds her daily why this work matters. She is also the voice behind The Nourish Network, where she shares insight on home care, aging, and community. Beyond the office, Darlene is a woman who needs to see the world—to stand in the mountains, feel the wind, and be reminded of God’s beauty and creation all around her. That reverence for life is what makes her leadership feel less like management and more like a calling. A proud mother of two daughters, she shows up every day with authenticity, sparkle, and an unshakeable belief in becoming the person you were created to be.
Donelle
Client Care Manager
Donelle is a passionate advocate for families navigating the home care journey. As a proud mother of four, she brings both professional expertise and a deeply personal understanding to her role. Having walked this road herself—caring for her grandmother and her husband—she knows firsthand what it means to place your trust in someone to care for the people you love most. That experience is the foundation of everything she does. Donelle believes that strong leadership in home care means more than managing services—it means building genuine relationships, fostering trust, and ensuring that both families and caregivers feel heard, supported, and valued. She leads with empathy, communicates with consistency, and holds herself to the same standard of care she would want for her own family. Her goal is simple: every family that works with Home Care Assistance of Jefferson County should feel the same peace of mind, dignity, and reassurance she would want for her own loved ones.
Ally Woodside
Business Development
Ally brings over 15 years of home care experience and a genuine love for the work to her role in Business Development. Her journey in this field has been anything but linear—she began as a caregiver, moved into administration, served as a field supervisor, and ultimately found her calling in marketing and business development. Each role shaped her understanding of what families, caregivers, and partners truly need. What she loves most about her current position is the ability to be a steady, calming presence in moments of chaos and change—showing up for families when uncertainty feels overwhelming and helping them find the right path forward. A five-year member of the Home Care Assistance of Jefferson County team, Ally is deeply invested in the company’s mission and the people it serves. Outside of work, she’s a movie enthusiast, an avid gamer, and the devoted companion of two cats and one very spirited little dog who firmly believes she belongs in someone’s pocket.