As operations manager, Padilla oversees pediatric private-duty nursing services, helping connect families with nurses who are the best fit for their child’s medical and personal needs. Her responsibilities include interviewing and onboarding nurses, meeting with families, learning about each child’s routines and care requirements, and guiding both nurses and families through the placement process. The goal is to create lasting relationships that support children not only at home but also at school, therapy sessions, and medical appointments.
Caster serves communities across northern and central Illinois, including the Sauk Valley, Quad Cities, Rockford, Springfield, Peoria, and parts of the Chicago suburbs. Padilla explained that there is a significant need for home nursing services in the region, particularly for children with complex medical conditions who often rely on specialized medical equipment. Home nursing allows parents to receive additional support while ensuring children can remain in familiar surroundings and continue participating in everyday activities. Overnight nursing services are also available, allowing caregivers to rest while knowing their loved one is receiving professional care.
Beyond her professional role, Padilla shared how her personal experiences inspired her to create a caregiver support community. Her daughter was diagnosed with Hurler syndrome as an infant, leading the family through extensive medical treatment, including a stem cell transplant. More recently, her significant other experienced a stroke, adding another caregiving role to her life. Those experiences revealed a lack of support specifically for adults in their 20s through 50s who unexpectedly become caregivers for children, spouses, parents, or siblings.
To address that need, Padilla launched Sauk Valley Caregiving in the Middle, an online Facebook group designed to provide a safe, judgment-free space where caregivers can connect, share experiences, and exchange resources. Her long-term vision is to expand the group beyond social media by organizing regular in-person meetings where caregivers can discuss both the rewards and challenges of their roles while learning from one another’s experiences.
Throughout the conversation, Padilla emphasized the importance of education and awareness. She noted that many local families are unaware that home nursing services are available in the area until they are suddenly faced with a medical crisis. Caster works with families who have private insurance as well as those who qualify for state-supported programs, helping them navigate the process and determine what services are available. She encouraged families not to let financial concerns prevent them from seeking information, explaining that the organization works closely with the Division of Specialized Care for Children and other resources to help eligible families access care.
Padilla also stressed that even when Caster cannot directly meet a family’s needs, the organization is committed to helping connect people with other local resources. She described the commitment as part of Caster’s broader mission to be a comprehensive home health solution provider.
In addition to pediatric home nursing, Caster offers geriatric nursing services, home medical supplies, non-emergency medical transportation, and training programs including CNA, CPR, and phlebotomy courses. The organization aims to provide a wide range of services to help individuals receive quality care while remaining at home whenever possible.
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