Owner/President
Renee Derenne
It has been my true pleasure to serve the needs of others for the past 28 years. During this journey, I have had the privilege to serve many people with a variety of needs (those with cognitive disabilities, mental health issues, young, elderly and everyone in between!) I have worked in hospitals, nursing homes, home care and primarily residential group home settings. I believe that it is so important to choose a career that inspires you to be a better person. This career has been a true calling and my mission to help others! The benefit to helping others has been more gratifying than I could ever have imagined. I believe I was meant to lead staff to find their passion in helping others. My philosophy is to create work environments where staff truly love what they do. In turn, they are passionate about providing the best possible service to you. Your satisfaction is paramount to us! We will work diligently to enrich your life, not just “come in to do the job”. This mission is personal to me and our relationship with you and your family needs to be too. We are a small company so that we can create a personal connection! We believe you will prefer it that way!
Area Director - Brown County
Gina Christenson
With over thirty years of professional experience, I am a dedicated and accomplished leader in business, deeply committed to enhancing the lives of the elderly. As the Brown County Area Director, I am passionate about providing a range of services designed to promote the well-being and independence of our cherished senior clients.
My approach is centered on truly understanding the unique needs of each client and crafting personalized care plans that prioritize their safety, comfort, and happiness. I believe in empowering our dedicated team of caregivers through continuous training and support, ensuring they can deliver the highest standard of care with compassion and respect.
At the heart of my work is a commitment to treating each client with dignity and respect, striving to build meaningful relationships that positively impact their lives. By enhancing our care programs, introducing new wellness initiatives, and streamlining our operational processes, I aim to lead our organization in providing the best possible elderly home care.
Join us in our mission of Putting Life Back Into Living for our beloved seniors!
Area Director - Door & Kewaunee Counties
Kelly Kostka
Kelly attended the University of Wisconsin Stout where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. After 20 years of teaching at the elementary level for the Diocese of Green Bay, and raising her three successful daughters, she is loving her new career with Jay’s Legacy Home Care. Helping others has always been a priority in Kelly’s life, but recently helping elderly neighbors and family members has influenced her decision to change her path in life.
Administrative Assistant - Human Resources
Ian Villafranca Itig
Hello, I’m Ian! Born and raised from the beautiful Philippines, I recently made a significant career shift from the travel and tourism industry to pursue my true passion in healthcare, particularly home care. With a degree in Hospitality Administration and a wealth of experience in the travel industry, I’ve cultivated a deep understanding of service and hospitality. My heart beats for making a meaningful impact on the lives of others, especially the elderly.
But beyond my professional endeavors, I’m an avid explorer at heart. I find joy in unraveling the mysteries of new places and cultures, always seeking fresh perspectives and experiences and I’m thrilled at the prospect of joining Jay’s Legacy and contributing to its mission!
Assistant Area Director - Door & Kewaunee Counties
Peggy Behringer
Hi! I’m Peggy, Assistant area director for the Door/ Kewaunee area. I have worked part-time with Jay’s Legacy for 3 years and have recently gone full-time. I am a compassionate and dedicated caregiver who provides excellent care for our elderly clients. I also assist the area director for our area in whatever capacity I am needed. My goal is to go to work every day with a smile, and maybe a little humor! I love to laugh, it makes the day so much brighter!
Area Director - Manitowoc County
Becky Wasurick
Hello, my name is Becky Wasurick, Area Director with Jay’s Legacy Home Care. I began my journey in healthcare over 25 years ago and have never turned back. My career began with person’s with special physical and intellectual abilities and mental health diagnosis. It has been the past few years that I have been given the opportunity to now support my community’s seniors. I believe that all people have the right to dignity, respect, kindness, autonomy, empathy and compassion. I am excited to support Jay’s Legacy Homecare as we offer supports that will feel like “extended” family to you and yours. I want all of my community to be supported in the way I would want my very family supported as they age.I am proud to offer Jay’s Legacy staff the support they need to be the best caregivers to you and your family. I believe that by taking care of my staff they are better equipped to take care of you and/or your loved one. I am grateful to be on this journey with you all, and humbled to have the opportunity to support my community to continue to live out their golden years with peace of mind, and the highest quality of life possible.
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Assistant Area Director - Manitowoc County
LeAnne Loveless
Hi! I’m LeAnne and I’ve been working as a caregiver for 15+ years. While I’ve obtained degrees in Social Work, I always come back to caregiving because it’s what I absolutely love to do. I enjoy helping and advocating for others. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, and going for drives to visit and explore state parks. I also love trying out new cookie recipes and sharing them.
Assistant Area Director - Manitowoc County
Kristin
Hi I’m Kristin. I am an Area Assistant Director for Manitowoc County. I have 25+ years experience in Health Care. I specialized in Alzheimer’s and Dementia care for years.
I enjoy the one on one time we spend with our clients providing the best care possible and getting to know them and understanding their needs and expectations. I will take care of your loved one like they are my own family.
Assistant Area Director - Manitowoc County
Sydney Schmatz
Hey everyone!
I’m Sydney, and being a caregiver is something that has always come naturally to me. I went to school for my CNA years ago and look forward to furthering my education. In my spare time I love spending time with my daughter and family, traveling to new places and learning new things and of course, my house plants. 😊
I am so thankful I get to be a part of Jays Legacy because everyday I’m reminded in some way that I am a part of a team who genuinely cares and always has the best intentions for our clients and each other.
Lori
Lori has the great ability to connect to anyone. Her “down to earth” approach seems to put most people at ease. She has a very caring attitude which allows others to see that she genuinely cares.
Paula
“When you can have your cake and eat it to. Some days my job can be tough but most days it’s rewarding. I worked in healthcare for the last 38 years . I’m worn and tired most days but when you can take your client out and put the living back into life thats exactly what you do. Today we soaked up some sunshine and enjoyed burying our feet in the warm sand, ate snacks and smiled and laughed watching the kids play. My heart melted knowing at 94 years old you can still enjoy life. It started to get chilly for her thin skin so we wrapped in a blanket to keep warm, then anxiety stepped in so that was my Q to head back to the one comfort place she calls home. She ate her lunch. It was then nap time, as I tucked her in for her afternoon nap she took her hands and placed them on my face telling me how much she enjoyed the sand on her feet and how much she loves me. This woman has won my heart 
and no matter how tired, how sore, and achy I am I’ll always be there to love and comfort her. This is why I love my job. it’s people and families like hers that keep me keeping on.”
Linda
Linda has the ability to get things done. She will often take on projects that need to be done and is very self sufficient to see what needs to be done and do it. Her attention to detail and the willingness to go the extra mile is first-rate.
Carol
Carol was the first of our staff to complete two of our training programs through Home Care Pulse. She became certified as an Alzheimer’s Association recognized Alzheimer’s Specialist and a Palliative Care Specialist.
Training for Staff
Jay’s Legacy Home Care believes in our staff and sets them up to succeed. Here at Jay’s Legacy Home Care, we invest in our caregivers to be the best they can be. We offer instructional training to become specialists in Alzheimer’s and dementia care, infection control, behavioral healthcare, preventing readmissions, restorative care, and palliative care and much more.
