Kind Words From Kind People

     I am honored to live with my 88 year old mother who is also my dearest friend. Her safety is my priority every day. At the same time, I dream of getting out there and seeing the world. As a 54 year old woman, my body reminds me that time isn’t waiting for me. But how? How can I take a trip and not worry about Mom? I learned the hard way that traveling is a waste of my energy, time, and money if all I do is worry about Mom. How can I balance both of our needs and happiness? I was discouraged in my quest to find a trustworthy caregiver. Who could I leave my precious mother with for a week at a time?

     And just like that, it came to me. I knew the perfect person, Kari Roller. We had the privilege of knowing Kari in her role as a manager of a day program for individuals with cognitive and physical impairments that my aunt attended for many years. Kari had an outstanding reputation and was an exceptional leader. I reached out to her and was over-the-moon delighted and grateful that she agreed to oversee Mom so I could travel for 10 days. Kari gave me the biggest gift! The gift of time. Time to find my own bliss in my travels while knowing Mom was in good hands. It was nothing short of life-changing. 

     Kari is extremely responsible, capable, knowledgeable, helpful, caring, professional, and all around wonderful. Mom and I feel like we hit the jackpot each time Kari is available to provide her services. Mom is safe while I explore. The ultimate gift for both of us! 

~ Susanne Boston, San Diego 

     I had the pleasure of working with Kari for over two years at L’Arche Greater Washington DC, a residential service provider and community for people with and without intellectual disabilities. Kari and I were both House Managers and she was the most supportive co-worker I could’ve asked for. Not only did she regularly check-in and provide me with support, she also was fantastic with supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

     Kari is kind, warm, empathetic, person-centered, and extremely competent. She is exactly the kind of person I would want to care for my loved ones, or myself. I cannot recommend her enough.

Anna Fox, L'Arche USA

     Kari Roller provided respite care for my sister, who has Down syndrome, for several years, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. Kari is an incredibly caring, kind, and compassionate person who truly connects with the people she supports. She is responsible, trustworthy, and consistently attentive to my sister’s needs, always treating her with patience, dignity, and genuine warmth.

     Knowing my sister was in Kari’s care gave our family complete peace of mind. Kari has a natural ability to make people feel comfortable, valued, and safe, and her empathy shines through in everything she does. Anyone who has the opportunity to work with Kari will be incredibly fortunate.

     I wholeheartedly recommend Kari Roller as a respite care provider.

Stephanie Isaia, San Diego 

     My name is Elissa Beard. I was born with cerebral palsy. I met Kari Roller in sixth grade at Calvin Christian school.   

     Kari would help me with math, reading and other subjects. I remember one time we were reading this book called Charlie and The Chocolate Factory and Kari would tape chocolate candies on the walls so, as we were reading it, it felt like the book came to life and we were eating Mr. Willy Wonka’s chocolate.

     After I graduated from Calvin Christian school, I went to a public school. That school was not the best fit for me so, I decided that I wanted to go to another Christian school called Maranatha Christian Academy. I still needed one on one support, so Kari Roller followed me through my high school years until I graduated.

     I believe that Kari is a creative, fun, adventurous friend to have in your life. We became lifetime friends throughout our journey together and we even go on some trips together, which is awesome.

Elissa Beard, Kari's former student and current friend 

     Testimonial 

Denise Costello

     I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Kari and witnessing the incredible compassion and dedication she brings to individuals who need personal care support. She treats every person with dignity, patience, and genuine respect, always going the extra mile to ensure they feel valued and cared for. Our professional relationship has grown into one built on deep trust and respect, and I truly admire the kindness, integrity, and commitment she brings to her work every day.

     Kari makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those she supports, and anyone who has the opportunity to work with her or be cared for by her is truly fortunate.

Ty W., Senior Service Team Leader for 

L'Arche Greater Washington, D.C.

     I had not met this Job Coach, yet. I was hearing a lot about this person who was newly-hired and was already becoming a most-talked about Job Coach with the Participants in the southern district of the company I worked for. When I finally met Kari Roller, it was clear why I had heard such glowing reports about her!

     To her core, Kari was fully devoted to each of those in her care. She thoroughly enjoyed being with them and listening to them! If those in her care wanted to be outdoors, Kari took them to experience the outdoors, for which San Diego is known. If they preferred indoors, bowling, museums, enriching field-trips were always planned. And goodness knows, Kari could sing! The way to the heart of most of the adults in our program was through song. And how they loved how Kari could break out in song!  How their spirits soared as a result!

     It was because Participants spoke so enthusiastically to their folks & friends about their day with Kari that brought the word about Kari’s unique talents to company attention! Six months after she started, Kari was promoted to Program Facilitator! I was of the opinion that our non-profit company found a way, through Kari, to teach positive behavioral skills to Job Coaches throughout the company! 

     It was no wonder that Kari then became a wonderfully effective Program Manager! At this point, Kari was absolutely beloved not only by program Participants, their families and friends; but, now, with the other employees throughout the company! Each person had the previous 4 years to learn how best to incorporate what they learned from Kari into their own set of skills.

     Kari loves her life taking care of people. What she offers is desperately needed in today’s world. How I would think of Kari when I’d hear of someone needing help or live-in care without able family members around who were able to care for them for any length of time.

     After witnessing Kari’s God-given love & dedication, strength, energy, personal skills, humor - everything that has consistently impressed me about her - it came as no surprise when she told me that she was considering starting her own company: offering respite care for special needs adults and for the elderly. Such a natural fit!

     In fact, I can’t imagine a family member doing a consistently better job than Kari!  How lucky is anyone or family who hires her!! Kari is a Blessing!

Anne Donahoe, former coworker at Options For All, vocational day program for adults with developmental dsabilities