Learn More About Cheer Home Care

Meet our team of compassionate professionals delivering concierge-level care to families across San Diego County.

Cheer's Mission

To win the respect of our clients, care providers, and colleagues by serving our community with integrity, to provide exceptional quality care, to enjoy the beauty in small moments, to laugh often, and to know one life has been enhanced because Cheer has been a part of it.

Brooke Martindale

CEO & Founder

Providing quality care and peace of mind for seniors and their families is a way of life for Brooke Martindale. When her Grandma Verna suffered a stroke at only 53, Brooke saw her family’s struggles to find supportive, trustworthy home care and dependable caregivers, as well as the cost of managing her grandmother’s finances.

Inspired by her family experience, Brooke began her career with Merrill Lynch as a Financial Advisor and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor for seniors. Knowing that finances were only part of the picture, Brooke decided to start her first home care company in 2009 at age 27.

What Sets Us Apart

Customized & Cheerful Approach

Our unique suite of innovative services addresses clients’ practical needs, fosters high-level social and intellectual engagement, and complements each client’s specific lifestyle.

Proactive, Never Reactive

Our knowledgeable Cheer professionals specialize in recognizing potential client care needs before they become a problem, which can mean avoiding a dramatic life change, or a serious event. From home safety to health concerns, we can minimize potential undesirable outcomes.

Cutting-Edge Technology

We use cutting-edge technology to maximize efficiency and strengthen connections with clients. Our Cheer team smartphones include a HIPAA compliant homecare app so caregivers and clients can stay connected 24/7.

Elite Professionals

We hire only the finest professionals, in all caregiving categories, only employing 2% of Traditional Caregivers who apply. After our exhaustive vetting process including three separate interviews, the last question we ask ourselves before we hire a caregiver is, “Would I want this person working with someone close to me?”

A Liberating Approach

Cheer can provide assistance that allows people to continue the activities and lifestyle they are accustomed to. Whether clients want to go to the office, attend a theatre performance, play a musical instrument, or go to a local café for a coffee and lively discussion, we can help them live their best life.

Family-owned & Operated

Brooke and Terrance own 100% of the company and continue to work full-time. Along with the Cheer team, they are dedicated to providing superior care to their clients… care they would only want for their own family.

Meet the Cheer Home Care Team

Amy Bailey

Marketing Manager

Barry Howland

Care Case Manager

Heather Peterson

VP of Human Resources & Compliance

Gail Hofileña

Scheduling "Matchmaking" Manager

Gisselle Cardona

Executive and Compliance Manager

Lennon Blair

Administrative Assistant

Kelsi Ostenson

Director of Patient Care Services

Kimberly Mathis

Care Case Manager

Kimberly Mathis

Receptionist

Michelle Wile

Director of Care

Monica Chavez

On-Call Manager

Salomi Galodamu

Assistant Care Case Manager

Suzanne Wright

Finance Director

Brooke Martindale
CEO & Founder

Providing quality care and peace of mind for seniors and their families is a way of life for Brooke Martindale. When her Grandma Verna suffered a stroke at only 53, Brooke saw her family’s struggles to find supportive, trustworthy home care and dependable caregivers, as well as the cost of managing her grandmother’s finances.

Inspired by her family experience, Brooke began her career with Merrill Lynch as a Financial Advisor and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor for seniors. Knowing that finances were only part of the picture, Brooke decided to start her first home care company in 2009 at age 27.

Her company grew rapidly based on Brooke’s strong commitment to quality care, excellent customer service, and highly qualified caregivers. The company’s impeccable reputation brought several suitors to its door, and in 2020, she decided to sell and move her family from snowy Boston to the sunny weather of San Diego.

Upon arrival to San Diego, she met many individuals in the aging care industry who shared the need for a quality concierge home care company in the area. Brooke has recruited an elite office staff and the most highly qualified professional caregivers to serve La Jolla and San Diego. 

She named the company Cheer to reflect the joy and optimism she offers both her clients and her team of caregivers. Cheer was founded to represent a vision of what the gold standard in aging services can be, where the office team is valued as professionals but can feel like one of the family, and clients and caregivers alike are treated with the dignity, respect, and integrity they deserve. When that happens, anything is possible.

Cheers!

Amy Bailey
Marketing Manager

Meet Amy Bailey, an individual with a passion for communication and a heart for community impact. After a cultural exchange program in La Jolla in 2020, Amy fell in love with the vibrant coastal surroundings and lively community, igniting a return trip where she met Brooke last year. 

Amy’s journey is as diverse as her interests. After graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce in Corporate Communications from IIE Varsity College in South Africa in 2019, she embarked on a freelancing journey, collaborating with various brands to elevate their various marketing needs. Currently residing in South Africa, Amy brings her global perspective and unwavering dedication to her role as the newest addition to the Cheer Home Care family.

At Cheer Home Care, Amy’s mission is clear: to create lasting impressions through her skills and dedication. Her interests span far and wide, from travel and volunteer work to health and fitness. As a self-proclaimed coffee snob and beach enthusiast, she finds comfort in the simple pleasures of life, fueling her drive to bring warmth to all her endeavors. 

Join us in welcoming Amy Bailey to the Cheer Home Care family!

Barry Howland
Care Case Manager

Cheer Home Care is excited to announce the addition of Barry Howland as Client Case Manager. Barry comes to the Cheer team with over 11 years of Home Care experience working in different capacities.  He finds the most joy in working directly with seniors in their home setting, helping them maintain their independence, and getting the care and support they need to live their best lives. 

After graduating from San Diego State University with a degree in Business Management and Marketing, Barry embarked on a career in Publishing. However, he realized his true passion was working with seniors, and he has worked with seniors since 2012.  He worked for his own home care company first and then Home Care Assistance and The Key. We are excited to have Barry join the team and learn from him.

Barry is passionate about caregiving largely because of his great-grandmother, Ruth, his dearest friend and the most inspirational person in his life. Ruth lived to be 104 years old, died of “old age,” and was a great role model for the aging population. When he’s not working, Barry enjoys spending time with his daughter and grandson, hanging out with friends, listening to live music, and watching football. Barry is often told that his smile lights up the room, and his compassion for seniors and the caregivers who care for them is unequivocal.

Heather Peterson
VP of Human Resources & Compliance

At Cheer Home Care, people are at the heart of everything we do and Heather Peterson is proud to support that mission as Vice President of Human Resources and Compliance. With over 19 years of Human Resources leadership and compliance experience across healthcare and a variety of highly regulated and mission-driven industries, Heather brings a strategic yet deeply human-centered approach to shaping the organization’s people, culture, and compliance practices.

She is inspired every day by the opportunity to support dedicated caregivers and team members while building thoughtful systems that ensure exceptional, personalized care for clients and their families. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that the best care comes from teams who feel heard, respected, and connected to a shared purpose. Heather works to cultivate a supportive, family-like culture where every team member is empowered to do their best work.

Throughout her career, Heather has led workforce strategies, organizational change initiatives, and employee experience programs that not only meet business objectives but also center compassion, inclusion, and integrity. At Cheer, she champions transparency, high standards, and a values-driven approach that uplifts both the team and the broader community.

Originally from Wisconsin, Heather and her husband, who works in education, relocated to California to embrace new adventures with their two children. They share a love of travel and the outdoors and are passionate about sharing new, diverse experiences with their children. Outside of work, Heather enjoys hiking, discovering hidden gems across our beautiful state, and cheering proudly from the sidelines at her kids’ volleyball, basketball, and football games.

At her core, Heather believes that true leadership is rooted in service. She is committed to creating an environment where caregivers can excel, knowing that their dedication not only enhances the lives of our clients but also strengthens the communities they serve.

Welcome, Heather!

Gail Hofileña
Scheduling "Matchmaking" Manager

Gail has been a driven and compassionate Home Care Professional in San Diego County for over eight years. Her career started after she graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from San Diego State University, opening up various career pathways for her to use her skills and passion for helping others in her community. As a family caregiver to both her mother and late father, Gail understands the importance of quality and dignified care for all people, especially seniors who are ill or disabled. She cared for her father for 5 years while he had cancer, using her knowledge and expertise to advocate for his wishes and best care options with his medical providers, as well as provide hands-on personal care for him until he passed away. 

Gail is passionate about creating and building meaningful relationships with her colleagues, clients, and community. She has worked as a Staffing Manager for Home Care Assistance in La Jolla for three years, matching professional caregivers with clients who needed non-medical care in their home. She thrives when she can create these unique and special relationships between care providers and their clients, helping caregivers advance their skills, while giving the clients a dignified and joyous experience as they age and during the end of their life. Gail then joined the Gary and Mary West PACE facility in San Marcos, a non-profit organization that provides an array of aging-in-place support services. As the Personal Care Supervisor, she led CNAs, MAs, and Caregiving staff, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Home Care division and ensuring quality care services were provided to participants in their home or clinic setting. In 2023 she and the team she led were awarded Silver Status for Best of North County Home Care Agency. 

While working with the PACE program was rewarding, an opportunity arose that she couldn’t pass up, offering her the ability to return to her roots of staffing and managing caregivers directly while building and creating a new home care agency in La Jolla. She joined forces with Brooke Martindale and Gabrielle Pumpian at Cheer Home Care as the Recruiting and Scheduling Manager in June 2023. She is thrilled to be working with a team (who she considers like a family) of home care professionals who share the same love and compassion for caregivers and seniors as she does. She can’t wait to help caregivers find meaningful work, while giving them support to advance in their career and accomplish their goals of continuing their education or making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Gisselle Cardona
Executive and Compliance Manager

Meet Gisselle, a dedicated member of Cheer Home Care, bringing a wealth of experience and genuine warmth to the team!

Gisselle embarked on her rewarding journey with Cheer Home Care in October, bringing with her a heart full of compassion for people and providing support. Her path led her to us through Indeed, where she discovered a company committed to providing exceptional care in the heart of La Jolla. Prior to joining Cheer, Gisselle accumulated valuable administrative experience. Her skills in this field ensure a seamless and well-rounded approach to meeting the needs of our clients and caregivers. In 2018, Gisselle became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and further earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from Fresno State University in May 2023. Her academic journey included practical clinical experience, further enhancing her knowledge and skills. Gisselle’s passion for the healthcare industry started at a young age; she aspires to contribute to the well-being of others, whether through practical caregiving or administrative support. Gisselle chose Cheer Home Care as the perfect entry point for her career due to the friendly environment and the beautiful workplace nestled in the community of Bird Rock. The welcoming atmosphere aligns with her values and creates an ideal space for her to grow and excel in her role. Having recently moved from the Central Valley to San Diego, Gisselle is eager to explore the diverse range of restaurants that this vibrant city has to offer. As a fitness and health enthusiast, she excitedly embraces the sunny San Diego lifestyle.

Gisselle holds her family close to her heart and values the relationship she shares with her parents and two siblings. Her upbringing in the close-knit community of the Orosi located in the Central Valley instilled in her a sense of connection and appreciation for small-town values. Gisselle made the move to San Diego in pursuit of work opportunities and to immerse herself in new rich experiences.

At Cheer Home Care, we are privileged to have Gisselle’s blend of administrative expertise, healthcare knowledge, and dedication to family values which makes her an invaluable asset!

Lennon Blair
Administrative Assistant

We are excited to welcome Lennon Blair as the newest member of our Cheer Home Care family! Lennon joins us as an Administrative Assistant and is eager to contribute to our mission of providing compassionate care to seniors.

Lennon recently graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in business marketing and is pursuing a supply chain management certification. His background includes impressive internships in sales operations at Builders First Source and supply chain and digital marketing at Coastal Cruiser Bikes. These experiences have given him a strong foundation in logistics, customer service, and operational efficiency – all valuable skills as he steps into his new role at Cheer!

What drew Lennon to Cheer Home Care was his appreciation for the impact of caregiving. Having witnessed firsthand the difference a caregiver made in his grandfather’s life, Lennon respects the role of a caregiver. 

Beyond his professional experience, Lennon brings an upbeat personality and positive attitude to our team. His e-commerce, business operations, and marketing background showcases his adaptability and problem-solving skills. He looks forward to learning more about our systems, like AxisCare, supporting our team in any way he can, and growing within the company.

Originally from the Bay Area, Lennon was drawn back to San Diego after he studied for its vibrant culture, diverse experiences, and restaurant scene. When he’s not working, you can find him snorkeling in San Diego’s beautiful waters or enjoying a game of pick-up basketball. La Jolla’s Bird Rock office is now his home base, and he especially loves spending time in Del Mar and Encinitas.

Lennon looks forward to making a meaningful impact and learning as much about the home care industry as possible. Please join us in welcoming him to the Cheer Home Care team!

Kelsi Ostenson
Director of Patient Care Services

It’s our pleasure to welcome Kelsi Ostenson to the Cheer family as our new Director of Patient Care Services. With more than 15 years of nursing leadership experience, most recently as the Director of Ambulatory Care at Sharp Grossmont Hospital, Kelsi brings an impressive track record in program development (ambulatory and cardiac care), post-hospital and chronic care management, and a commitment to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care.

Originally from Minnesota, Kelsi’s journey in healthcare was inspired early on, as her mother was a nurse, and from a young age, Kelsi knew she was meant to follow that path. After relocating to San Diego in 2009 as a bedside nurse, she quickly became a standout leader, spearheading innovative initiatives in population health and managing multidisciplinary teams across ambulatory and cardiovascular service lines.

Kelsi joins Cheer with a strong vision: to elevate the client experience by integrating skilled nursing into our already outstanding home care model. She is passionate about ensuring our nurses are equipped with comprehensive training and clear standards before they ever walk into a client’s home. This next chapter will include launching care initiatives under Cheer Health, defining clinical quality standards, and developing nurse recruitment and onboarding strategies, laying a strong foundation for the future of Cheer Health! 

Kelsi connected with Brooke through mutual friends and was immediately taken by the warmth and collaborative spirit of the Cheer team. She often says the office culture “defines the name Cheer” – friendly, open, and team-oriented.

Outside of work, Kelsi is a devoted mom of two active children, a lover of running and Pilates, and a fan of exploring San Diego’s natural beauty with her family and their dog. She makes time for music and concerts (including nights at The Rady Shell!) and embraces the sunshine.

Kelsi’s leadership style is rooted in inclusion, empathy, and high standards. She is aligned with our mission to support clients with dignity, elevate care quality, and make a lasting difference in the lives of families. Her presence is already energizing our team, and we can’t wait to see what we’ll build together!

Kimberly Mathis
Care Case Manager

At Cheer Home Health Care, we believe every client deserves care that feels personal and tailored to their needs. That’s where Kimberly Mathis, our Care Case Manager, shines. With a license in Occupational Therapy, Kimberly brings a holistic approach to home health care. She takes the time to meet with each client, listen to their story, and understand what matters most to them. From her initial assessments to ongoing check-ins, she works closely with families and caregivers to ensure every care plan is both practical and meaningful.

Her passion lies in making daily life easier for older adults, whether that’s simplifying everyday tasks, supporting mental and cognitive health, or encouraging clients to stay engaged with the people and activities they love. For Kimberly, care isn’t just about meeting needs; it’s about helping clients feel capable, confident, and engaged in their daily lives.

Before joining Cheer, Kimberly earned her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from San Francisco State University, which provided clarity about her passion for physical health and a foundation that took her from researching wheelchair provision to working in nursing homes, where she gained insight into how environment, support, and thoughtful care can transform quality of life. She was trained as an Occupational Therapist in Ireland, where she provided advanced wheelchair skills training to clinicians working within accessible technology spaces to support service delivery improvements from the bottom up. She also worked in rehabilitative settings, where she began to understand that her passion lies in creating interventions that address not just physical needs, but also people’s cognitive, social, and emotional needs. She not only built her career abroad but also explored much of Europe before returning to her hometown of San Diego. Today, she brings that same curiosity and joy for life to her role, constantly asking: “How can we contribute to not just meeting our client’s needs, but improving their quality of life?”

In addition to her role as Care Case Manager, Kimberly serves as an Adjunct Professor at Point Loma Nazarene University, where she develops and delivers graduate-level courses in mental health and occupational therapy. This teaching experience enhances her work at Cheer, allowing her to not only guide clients but also support our caregivers and collaborate with other occupational therapists. Her ability to educate and empower others ensures that the high-quality, compassionate care she values is shared across the Cheer community! 

For those who may benefit, Kimberly also offers Occupational Therapy evaluations, yoga sessions (chair yoga, restorative yoga, and yin yoga), and support to make daily tasks easier, whether for the client or the caregiver, so that life at home feels more comfortable and fulfilling.

Welcome to Cheer Home Health, Kimberly!

Mary Montgomery
Receptionist

When you step into Cheer Home Health Care, one of the first warm smiles you’ll see belongs to Mary, our receptionist. Born and raised in San Diego, Mary brings with her not only a love for her hometown but also two decades of professional writing experience that reflects her natural gift for communication. Writing remains a personal passion, and when she finds time outside of work, she still enjoys capturing stories and perspectives (something that has shaped her ability to connect meaningfully with people from all walks of life).

Mary believes there’s never a dull moment at Cheer! She helps caregivers, families, and visitors feel at ease the moment they arrive, ensuring everyone is guided through the process with kindness and clarity. For Mary, the receptionist role is far more than administrative; it’s about uplifting others and reinforcing the critical role that communication plays in home and healthcare.

Her journey to Cheer began in a uniquely genuine way: while walking by, she was curious about the office and decided to step inside and inquire. She values the opportunity to support caregivers, nurses, and therapists as they begin their orientation and to help families during what can often be a difficult time. For Mary, making a difference in these small yet powerful ways is what makes the work so fulfilling!

Outside of the office, Mary treasures time with her family and enjoys the beauty of her La Jolla neighborhood – whether it’s swimming at the Cove, soaking up the sun, or walking along Windansea Beach, all steps from her doorstep.

Her goal at Cheer is simple: to reinforce the company’s already strong culture of communication, ensuring every person who walks through the door feels welcomed and a part of something special. So, next time you stop by Cheer Home Health Care, don’t forget to greet Mary – you’ll leave with a smile!

Michelle Wile
Director of Care

Cheer is excited to announce Michelle Wile, MSW as a member of the Cheer Team. Michelle joins Cheer with over 10 years of experience in Geriatric Health Care. Driven by a passion for providing person-centered support for older adults experiencing chronic health issues, Michelle uses creative approaches focused on connection first at the heart of every interaction with clients.

Like many in the field of home care, Michelle’s -Why- is rooted in a childhood spent watching her grandparents take in and care for family and community members across generations. Inspired by their legacy, Michelle has worked across the country supporting Older Adults and gaining a wealth of experiences along the way. Starting out in New Orleans, Michelle worked as an Inpatient Social Work Intern at a large acute care hospital while completing her Master’s Degree. She moved on to work as a Family Support Specialist in the Greater Boston area leading support groups and providing one on one education and consultation to Family caregivers who were taking care of their loved ones who had neurodegenerative diseases such as Dementia or Parkinson’s.

After one too many blizzards Michelle and her family moved to sunny San Diego where she spent the last 7 years working with TheKey (formerly Home Care Assistance). During this time Michelle spent 3 years developing and implementing a one on one and group activities-based program designed to focus on bringing joy and purpose into the lives of individuals experiencing cognitive changes. Seeing the light in client’s eyes when they once again felt the pride of mastering a new challenge tailored to their abilities, the joy of being able to share a special accomplishment from their life with guided conversation or the soothing effect of singing along to a song from their past was endlessly exciting and sparked a new passion in Michelle. She later moved into a Care Management role that allowed her to build out teams of direct care staff who were navigating the care needs of older adult clients with Dementia, Parkinson’s, ALS, Cancer, Post-Stroke, Mental Health and end of life care needs.

Michelle’s educational background, earning a Bachelors of Science in Social Work from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s of Social Work from Tulane University, have prepared her for taking a empathy driven, solution focused approach to collaborating with the multitude of systems client’s and their families need to navigate including healthcare systems, family dynamics and their direct care team. Combined with years of real-world application Michelle is excited to bring best practices in senior care to you and your loved ones.

Monica Chavez
On-Call Manager

We are pleased to welcome Monica to the Cheer Home Care Team as our On-Call Manager. In this position, Monica is responsible for handling all calls coming into the Cheer Office in the evenings and on weekends. To ensure comprehensive coverage after hours, she will be supported by a second Manager from our Care Management or Scheduling teams.

Monica has over two decades of experience in the medical field and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Throughout her career, she has held various positions, ranging from receptionist to surgery scheduler in orthopedic and spine practices. Monica has gained comprehensive insights into the medical community. She takes great pleasure in delivering top-notch care to clients and is thrilled to join the dedicated team at Cheer Home Care!

In her free time, Monica enjoys spending time with her family exploring San Diego, reading true crime novels, and planning her next trip to Puerto Vallarta.

Salomi Galodamu
Assistant Care Case Manager

Our office team is growing and we are pleased to welcome our amazing former caregiver Salomi Galodamu as the Assistant Care Case Manager. We love to promote from within and compliments on her personality, skillset, and drive kept flooding into the office so we knew she would be well-suited for the position.

Salomi was born in Fiji and raised with a solid family-centered approach. Her journey in caregiving started in high school, as her parent’s were caregivers themselves and involved her early in this field. She provided companionship to family members and, with time, transitioned to providing hands-on caregiving support. Rooted in the Fijian tradition of caring for elders, Salomi found it natural to dedicate herself to helping others, a passion she carried into her formal education and work experiences. She treats her caregiving work with the same respect and care she would want for her own family.

Salomi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from UC Santa Cruz and was a student ambassador and athlete at College of Marin before she transferred. These roles allowed her to connect with people from all walks of life.

Salomi discovered Cheer Home Care on Indeed while searching for an opportunity to advance her skills in a professional environment. As she starts her first formal office role, she looks forward to contributing to Cheer’s team and supporting various responsibilities, including recruitment, scheduling, and assisting Care Managers. With dreams of becoming a travel nurse one day, Salomi sees her role at Cheer as a valuable step on her career path.

Salomi enjoys the outdoors, be it camping, kayaking, hiking, or playing beach volleyball. She’s also an avid traveler who loves discovering new places, Big Sur being one of her favorites to date. Her adventurous spirit and love for connection shine through in all aspects of her life, both personal and professional.

Please join us in welcoming Salomi to the Cheer Home Care family!

Suzanne Wright
Finance Director

We are thrilled to introduce Suzanne as the newest member of the Cheer Home Care family. Suzanne brings a wealth of experience from her career working with emerging companies, where she has played both hands-on and strategic advisory roles. She has a proven track record of helping businesses develop, scale, and maintain effective accounting and finance operations.

Armed with an MBA from Babson College, Suzanne excels when collaborating with businesses and leaders who are dedicated to making a positive impact on their clients, team members, and communities. Her extensive background in financial management and a keen eye for detail make her a valuable addition to the Cheer Home Care team! 

Suzanne and her husband reside in Massachusetts, staying close to their families. Both native New Englanders, are passionate Boston sports fans, lovers of all things lobster, and aspiring home chefs who enjoy recreating and enhancing their favorite restaurant dishes.