Meet the Team

Shellie joined the Homewatch CareGivers team in 2020. She graduated from Western Connecticut State University with a BA in History. She has a background in managing programs and coordinating services for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Shellie considers it a gift to be able to contribute to someone’s life in a meaningful way. “I like seeing people happy and living their best life,” she says. “Whether it is helping a senior who has been in the hospital to recover and return to their own lifestyle or setting up daily help for someone with medications, food prep, or exercising. I have seen in-home care make all the difference for people” she says.

Matthew Peterson is the owner of Homewatch CareGivers. Prior to buying the business, he spent 25 years as a top investment management consultant for high net worth investors. Matthew is well known as a thought leader in the investment industry and is credited with being the first to adapt quantitative modeling for mitigating portfolio risk. He earned a JD-MBA at the same time from The University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University and also has a BA from UConn. “Being responsible for the assets of major US businesses, the generational wealth of families, CEOs, tech titans, pro athletes, universities, and pension plans - helps me keep perspective,” Matthew said. “I am proud of the quality of our staff and our caregivers. I know we are taking care of someone’s most precious, irreplaceable asset: their mom or dad.” Matthew prefers to meet with face-to-face with his clients. “Many times,” he says, “we’re talking about how to honor a parent’s desire maintain their dignity and independence. “I spend a big chunk of every day helping people grow and cope with so many life and aging challenges,” he said. “I’m giving our clients a sense of direction, and with it a chance to out-maneuver many of predictable pitfalls of aging,” Matthew said. “Giving their families peace of mind is an invaluable gift.”

Mary Elizabeth is the co-owner of Homewatch Caregivers and serves as Director of Marketing & Community Outreach. She has BA from UConn in journalism, a background in investment marketing and excels at digital content and marketing strategy. “After life changing brain surgery in my 20s,” she says, “I left my job as a VP of marketing for a national brokerage and went to art school to pursue my first love of painting.” Her timing was a bit off when upon finishing school she gave birth to twins! “I had the privilege of being able to raise my kids as a full time mom,” she says “as they grew I found more time to pursue my art.” Today her paintings are available online, in galleries and are by Pottery Barn and William Sonoma Home. In 2017, Mary Elizabeth had a second brain surgery and suffered strokes as a complication. “Recovering from the first brain surgery took two years,” she says, “coming back from the stroke was far more difficult and I really had doubts about returning to painting let alone my life as a wife and mother.” When away from the office, Mary Elizabeth paints from a factory studio space in New Haven. To view her art, visit: www.maryelizabethpeterson.com

Mary Ellen LeViness, Care Manager for Homewatch CareGivers of New Haven, has worked in the medical field for 30 years as a practice manager and medical assistant in health care centers, private medical practices, and home care agencies. She brings a wealth of experience to us on both a personal and professional level. Clients love that Mary Ellen can fully relate to their situation.

“I truly understand the needs of the elderly,” Mary Ellen said. “I personally cared for my mom in my home while she struggled with dementia. The compassion, comfort, and empathy I gave her brought me valuable insights into the needs of my clients.”

Mary Ellen is also a strong public advocate for the aging. “I am very proud to have co-founded the Central Connecticut Senior Network,” she says. It is a group made up of healthcare professionals, whose primary goal is to improve the lives of seniors through education. "We meet monthly for presentations and discussion about the issues facing seniors and their caregivers... from exercise therapy, diet, and nutrition to the latest advances in infection control and even fraud prevention. If it has to do with seniors, we cover it."

As a care manager, Mary Ellen strives to make the best fit between caregivers and clients for positive, empowering, and productive outcomes. “I pride myself on helping ordinary people achieve exceptional results in caring for seniors in our community. Home care is really where my heart sings,” she said. “I am always excited to help people figure out their care needs and find that perfect blend of services from our team.”

Natalia assists with human resources, scheduling, and day-to-day administrative tasks in the office. She has deep experience across the spectrum of aging care services. Most recently she served as the nursing coordinator for a 100+ resident senior care facility. “I enjoy meeting and helping people,” Natalia said. “I find it very satisfying to know my work has made a tangible difference to someone — whether it be the client, their family, or one of our caregivers. Sometimes it is just a smile and a kind word that makes all the difference.”

Olivia joined her talented sister, Natalia, at Homewatch CareGivers in January 2022 working to build relationships with community partners, past caregivers, and current caregivers to create recruitment opportunities. "I enjoy meeting new people who are eager to work and make a difference," Olivia said. "What drew me to the home care business was the satisfaction of helping. To know I have impacted someone's life in the littlest way is a joy to me."