Allison Espinosa is the first Care Pro we hired in our Dallas office, and it’s easy to see why she’s such a special part of our team. It’s not just her 13 years of professional caregiving experience, but the way she genuinely connects with others that sets her apart. To everyone who meets her, she’s not just Allison – she’s Alli. Her warm, caring approach has made her beloved by all her Nano clients. We are thrilled to have her on our care team.
1. What about your family or background makes you especially passionate about caregiving?
It’s deeply personal. My younger sister had her first surgery when she was minutes old—she’s had 69 surgeries in total. Growing up, I thought all families spent weeks in the hospital, and I was always surrounded by doctors, nurses, and patients. It felt like a second home. Additionally, my great-grandmother, who had Alzheimer’s, lived with us, and I was responsible for keeping her company. She taught me how to peel potatoes, and every time I hold a potato now, I think of her. My parents had to place her in a care facility when I was young, and I instinctively knew it was the right decision—even at just six years old. This shaped my passion for caregiving and my drive to support others who are experiencing similar journeys.
2. How did you get into being a caregiver?
It all started with a life-changing experience. When I went into premature labor, my labor and delivery nurse, Rachel, displayed an incredible amount of patience and compassion. She was pregnant at the same time as me, and we’ve remained friends for over a decade. Although my baby didn’t survive, I believe her care showed me my true calling: to be there for others in their time of need. I think my baby was meant to guide me toward caregiving—to teach me empathy and to direct me toward helping people, just like Rachel helped me.
3. Why did you choose Nano?
I was drawn to Nano immediately when I saw the app. I’d worked in several nursing facilities, but they were often restrictive and lacked the personal connection I craved. It was chaotic, and you could barely spend time with the people who needed you. After meeting Kathryn from the Dallas office, I realized that Nano was different. They weren’t just looking to fill positions; they wanted caregivers who genuinely love what they do and care for others with their whole hearts. That resonated with me, and I knew I had found the right place.
4. What do you love most about being a professional caregiver?
It may sound cliché, but I truly love making a difference in someone’s life. When families take on caregiving, they often stop being spouses or children—they become caregivers themselves. I love being able to step in, take care of the things nobody wants to do, and allow the family members to return to their roles. I get to give people back their loved ones, and that feels incredibly rewarding.
5. What’s your greatest challenge in this work?
Most of the time, my experience guides me through the challenges without much thought—like a reflex. However, one thing that truly bothers me is when people lack empathy toward those with Alzheimer’s. It’s heartbreaking to hear someone ask, “Why don’t you understand?” or “I just told you this an hour ago.” Watching people struggle without understanding can be difficult, but it strengthens my desire to provide compassionate care to those who need it most.
6. What’s the secret to a great relationship between a caregiver and a client?
Complete honesty and mutual respect are the foundations of any strong relationship. Clients can sense if a Care Pro is not truly invested in their role. If a caregiver loves what they do, the connection will be felt. Being honest, transparent, and treating clients as real people fosters trust and creates a positive, caring environment.
7. Can you share a rewarding moment you’ve had as a Care Pro?
A particularly touching moment occurred when I was helping a bed-bound man with a challenging task. After an hour of hard work, he silently looked at me and said, “Thank you.” That simple expression of gratitude made all my effort worthwhile. Moments like these remind me why I do what I do—they feed my soul and motivate me to keep going.
8. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of caregiving, you’ll find me at the gym, always working out. I run obstacle course races, and I also enjoy knitting, crocheting, and spending time with my little girl and friends. I try to catch up on sleep when I can, too!
9. Name one thing about you that might make people say “WOW!”
Many people don’t know that I’m actually quite skilled with a bow and arrow. While it might not be what people expect, I’m a pretty incredible shot. It helps me relax, concentrate, and even feel meditative as I practice at the range. It’s a unique hobby that keeps me focused and grounded.
10. What do you collect?
I absolutely love coffee mugs. Whenever my friends travel, they bring me back a mug from their trip, and the only rule is that they must have actually been there—not just passed through. So far, I’ve collected around 150 mugs. It’s my little weakness!
We’re grateful to have Allison Espinosa as part of our team. Her compassionate approach and professional caregiving experience make her an exceptional asset to the Nano Care Team, and she continues to bring comfort and support to all of her clients.
If you or a loved one is in need of caregiver services, whether for home care or assistance with Alzheimer’s care, contact us today to learn more about how our professional caregiving team can help.
