The most important people in our team are the caregivers who you let into your home. They are the ones that care for and tend to our clients from day to day. Behind them is a dedicated staff of Care Managers, Nurses, medical professionals and management to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Jason Pluto

Administrator

Jason is a Southern Califonia native, born and raised in San Diego. He attended UCLA and North Texas Central University, where he studied Paramedicine. He worked for the Lewisville Fire Department before turning to homecare. Jason enjoys golf, softball, hiking and spending time with his two beautiful children.

Kishoree Keislar

Scheduling Manager

Kishoree was born and raised in the Bay Area. She moved to Santa Barbara in October of 2011 and loves it so far! She has been in homecare since she was 16, when she began working as a caregiver during her summer vacations. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, cooking and exploring Santa Barbara.

Marcella Young

Registered Nurse - Director of Patient Care Services

As Director of Patient Care Services, Mrs. Young is responsible for general oversight of the Company’s care program.  Mrs. Young works directly with Astera Care’s Nursing Supervisor to ensure that home care services are being administered properly and in the best interest of the family.  She further ensures that the company is in compliance with the California Department of Health Services and with Astera Care’s Policies & Procedures.

Since 1989, Mrs. Young has worked as a Registered Nurse in various capacities, with the majority of her experience in Acute Care and Surgical Departments.  Prior to Astera Care, Mrs. Young was employed as Director of Quality Improvement and Infection Control at St. Francis Medical Center in Santa Barbara and was Director of Case Manager/Utilization at Goleta Valley Hospital.

She holds certificates in Total Quality Management Program and in Association of Practitioners for Infection Control issued by the University of California at Santa Barbara.  Mrs. Young received her Associate Degree in Nursing at Rhode Island Junior College.

Email: marcella@asteracare.com

Our Board of Directors

Babji Mesipam
M.D. - Medical Director & Chairman of M.A.B.

Dr. Mesipam has had an Internal Medicine Practice in Santa Barbara since 1995. He currently has a flourishing practice located in Montecito, California. Prior to establishing his own practice, he was the Chief Resident of Internal Medicine at Cottage Hospital. Dr. Mesipam completed his Internship at Cottage Hospital in 1993.

Daniel Jessee

Co-Owner / Counsel

Private equity investor Dan Jessee is one of Astera Care’s owners and plays an important role in assisting the company. He has an MPA (Health Care Administration) from the City University of New York and holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business.  Mr. Jessee has over 20 years of private equity investment experience in the middle market. He is on Astera Care’s Board and is a valuable counsel.

Other Members:

·  William Koonce, MD

·  Denis Baker, MD

·  Philip Delio, MD

·  Anthony DeFrance, MD

·  Margaret Echt, MD