Cassandra Laverty
Branch Manager, Nova Leap Home Health, South Hadley, MA
Growing up in the inner city in a single-parent household, life was anything but easy. From a young age, I learned that hard work, determination, and perseverance were essential to succeed. I watched my mom face countless struggles, overcome obstacles, never give up, and ultimately make her dreams come true. Her strength and resilience had a profound impact on the person I became. My mother always told me that I could do anything I set my mind to, and that belief has stayed with me throughout the years.
For as long as I can remember, I've had a passion for helping and caring for others. During high school, I began volunteering at Yale New Haven Hospital, which gave me a firsthand look at the medical world and sparked my interest in healthcare. College brought me to Western Massachusetts, where I was accepted into the accelerated nursing program at the College of Our Lady of the Elms.
However, my journey didn’t start in a typical way. On the first day of classes, I was in the hospital, giving birth to my daughter via cesarean section. I was discharged on Friday and sat in class on Monday, despite my doctor’s orders to rest. I told my doctor that if I was going to be sitting at home, I would rather be sitting in class. Armed with the values my mother instilled in me, the support of my fiancé (now husband), and a newborn and a nearly two-year-old in tow, my nursing journey began.
While in nursing school, I sought to gain practical experience in the healthcare field. I applied for a caregiver position at Home Health Solutions (now Nova Leap Home Health), even though I had limited experience. Fortunately, they took a chance on me, and I’m forever grateful for that opportunity. Being a caregiver turned out to be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences of my life. I saw firsthand how much of an impact we can have on the individuals we care for during their most vulnerable times. It was truly a humble and impactful experience.
After graduating summa cum laude and earning my RN license, I explored different nursing roles while continuing to work with Home Health Solutions/Nova Leap Home Health as a staff nurse and an on-call manager. I was there for the company’s transition from Home Health Solutions to Nova Leap, and I chose to remain with them because they had believed in me from the start of my career. I, too, believed in the company and its vision.
Then, an opportunity for advancement arose: the director’s position was available. I knew I could make a difference and be an asset to the company. I took a leap of faith, applied, and got the position! Since then, I’ve witnessed firsthand how much Nova Leap cares about delivering the best quality care to the clients we serve, as well as ensuring that the staff we employ have the knowledge and training to excel in their roles.
My journey with Nova Leap has brought me to where I am today: in a position I truly value, one that I am deeply grateful for, and where I hope to inspire and serve as a role model to others who were or are just like me.


