SYNERGY HomeCare Announces 2024 Network Award Winners

TEMPE, Arizona—SYNERGY HomeCare, a homecare franchise, announced the latest award winners in the franchise’s network during the SYNERGY HomeCare Annual Franchise Meeting held in Scottsdale, Arizona, from March 31–April 2. Among the award recipients were SYNERGY HomeCare of Knoxville, SYNERGY HomeCare of Santa Monica, SYNERGY HomeCare of Billings, SYNERGY HomeCare of North County, SYNERGY HomeCare of Oklahoma City and SYNERGY HomeCare of Mid Penn.

Owners Yvonne Coffey and Caitlynn Ball of SYNERGY HomeCare of Knoxville were named the recipients of the National Partners Excellence Award. The National Partners Excellence Award recipient consistently works with a wide array of national partners, health plans and third-party payers to create a highly diversified referral base and extend services to a greater pool of clients.

“At SYNERGY HomeCare of Knoxville, we believe character is everything,” said Coffey. “Our National Partners trust us to provide compassionate, reliable care, and that means the world to us. This award is truly an honor, but more than anything, we’re grateful for the incredible partnerships that help us make a difference in the lives of families throughout Knoxville.”

“I’m so proud to receive this award and to be part of the SYNERGY HomeCare family,” said Ball. “Working closely with our National Partners means everything to us because, together, we’re able to bring real support and peace of mind to families. We look forward to continuing these partnerships and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need care.”

Joseph Williams, owner and operator of SYNERGY HomeCare of Santa Monica, was recognized as Newcomer of the Year. The award is reserved exclusively for the franchise that earned the highest monthly income in its first year of operation.

Williams’ leadership, combined with the dedication of his team, has propelled SYNERGY HomeCare of Santa Monica. They surpassed $1 million in revenue in their first year. Beyond business success, they’ve also provided support to their community during challenging times, including the Southern California wildfires.

“I am driven by a passion to help others,” said Williams, and “SYNERGY HomeCare’s mission aligns perfectly with that. Delivering top-notch care, preserving independence and enriching lives—that’s what it’s about. When we can make someone’s life a bit easier, it’s incredibly rewarding, and it’s what’s fueled our progress over the last 12 months.”

Shanna Tourtlotte of SYNERGY HomeCare of Billings in Montana has received the Paul Avona Compassion Award. The award is named in memory of Paul Avona, who dedicated 12 years of his career as chief corporate officer of SYNERGY HomeCare and played a significant role in building the SYNERGY HomeCare network.

The Paul Avona Compassion Award recognizes a franchise company that goes above and beyond the call of duty. Tourtlotte is a standout leader within the SYNERGY HomeCare network, known not only for her deep compassion but for the hands-on support she brings to every aspect of her work.

“Paul’s legacy inspires so many of us in this organization, and I’m grateful to be part of a network that values both heart and hustle,” said Tourtlotte. “At SYNERGY HomeCare of Billings, compassion is the core of everything we do—from the way we treat our clients to how we support each other as a team.”

SYNERGY HomeCare of North County based in Carlsbad, earned the award for “Most Engaged Marketer.” The company is owned and operated by Jeb Butler, a Navy veteran and leader with 30 years of experience in the medical device industry.

In 2024, Butler and his team have invested considerable time, resources and energy into local marketing efforts, social media promotion and increasing awareness of the homecare industry in Southern California. Butler also maintained a strong internal referral network, empowering caregivers to actively participate in marketing and networking efforts.

“It’s such a great honor to receive this award,” said Butler. “Marketing is an integral part of running a business, and it’s amazing to see our hard work and efforts pay off.”

SYNERGY HomeCare of Oklahoma City has received the Founders Cup Award, which recognizes the franchisee who most embodies the spirit of SYNERGY HomeCare by displaying the company’s core values, which include compassion, commitment, joy, drive, inclusion and integrity.

The owner, Weama Kassem, and her team of dedicated caregivers stood out among more than 500 locations nationwide. In 2024, the franchise achieved more than $1.5 million in year-over-year revenue growth, expanded its caregiver base with 95 net new hires, maintained high employee retention and earned a Google rating of 4.92 stars.

“This isn’t just about business metrics, it’s about impact,” said Kassem. “Every client and caregiver we work with is a relationship built on trust. That’s the foundation of everything we do, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to lead a team that values that just as much as I do.”

SYNERGY HomeCare of Mid Penn in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, brought home the national franchise system’s most prestigious award earlier this month. Ashley Montgomery, a former medical professional turned caregiver, has been with the company for three years and was named Caregiver of the Year.

Each year, local owners are invited to nominate exceptional caregivers who work consistently in their offices, go above and beyond for their clients and exemplify SYNERGY HomeCare’s core values of compassion, dedication and joy in their care for clients. Montgomery—revered by her team and clients as a hero—was nominated by Michelle Lisk, the owner of SYNERGY HomeCare of Mid Penn.

“Ashley is a one-person joy machine,” said Lisk. “When you meet Ashley, she’s bubbly, she’s caring, and you can tell she was made to be a caregiver. She does so many little things for her clients, and it means so much to me when I hear about it from them. Ashley is always there for whoever needs her—myself included—and I couldn’t be more thankful for having someone like her as part of our team.”

“I don’t look at this as a job—to me, this is getting to spend time with friends, share chit-chat, and help out where I’m needed,” said Montgomery. “My clients constantly remind me that this is the right job for me. They make me feel like family and they do just as much for me as I do for them. SYNERGY HomeCare means so much to me. It’s my vehicle to provide help, compassion and understanding to those who need it.”