When Elaine Conroy first joined Celtic Angels Home Health Care in 2007, she thought it would be a short-term position – just a few months helping out in the office while her children were older and more independent. Nearly two decades later, Elaine is one of the heartbeats of the company – a trusted confidant to families, a compassionate listener to clients, and a mentor to new caregivers.
Born in England to Irish parents and raised in Dorchester, Elaine came to the United States at age 12 along with her three sisters. She attended St. Gregory High School and later studied communications at Quincy College before working in downtown Boston as a personnel and HR manager. After marrying and raising her two children, Jenn and Thomas, her path took an unexpected turn that would shape the next chapter of her life.
“I met Maria Burke back in 2007,” Conroy recalls. “I thought I was going to be a home health aide working nights, but Maria asked me to help in the office. I never thought I’d still be here 18 years later. I absolutely love what I do.”
At Celtic Angels, Conroy serves as a client care manager, handling many of the company’s client intakes, including hospice care. Her approach blends professionalism with deep personal empathy.
“We’re a team of strong women with a purpose,” she said proudly. “We get things done, no matter what it takes. I know each of my clients, and I check in with them weekly. I cry with them, laugh with them, and celebrate their milestones.”
Over the years, Conroy has continued her education at various colleges, including Boston University and Northeastern University, studying communications and human resources.
Her favorite moments are the ones filled with joy and recovery.
“When someone gets discharged from rehab or starts feeling stronger, it makes me so happy,” she said. “That’s what this job is all about – helping people get better.”
Yet Conroy doesn’t shy away from the emotional side of her work.
“Some days are hard,” she admits softly. “When I know someone is nearing the end, I always say a prayer on my way to see them. I just ask that they don’t suffer.”
Outside of work, Conroy finds joy in simple pleasures: Weekends spent with her husband, Kevin, antiquing up Route 1 in Maine, visiting seaside towns, and sampling lobster rolls along the way. She also cherishes her two grandchildren, Maeve and Shawn, who fill her weekends with laughter and love.
“My life is full, between my family, my clients, and the amazing people I work with,” Conroy said. “Helping others is almost selfish because I get so much satisfaction from it. When people are upset, I can calm them down, and they’re so grateful. It’s incredibly rewarding.”
Asked what advice she would give to anyone considering a career in home health care, she doesn’t hesitate: “Dive right in. There’s nothing more rewarding than helping people. It’s fulfilling on every level.”
As she celebrates 18 years with Celtic Angels, Elaine Conroy has no plans to slow down.
“I can’t believe how fast the years have gone,” she said. “As long as I love what I’m doing, I’ll keep doing it – maybe another 18 years!”