About Us

Meet the Founder: Lisa Robins, RN, BSN, CMC

Lisa Robins is a Sarasota native with a deep-rooted passion for patient advocacy and
nursing excellence. A cum laude graduate of the State College of Florida, she earned
her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and has dedicated her career to serving the
healthcare needs of Sarasota County.

Her clinical experience spans high-acuity nursing at Sarasota Memorial Hospital as well
as leadership and educational roles within premier skilled nursing facilities throughout
Sarasota and Venice. This diverse background has equipped Lisa with a
comprehensive understanding of the healthcare continuum, from acute care to post-
acute and long-term support.

The Inspiration Behind Hand in Hand Care

Hand in Hand Care was founded at the intersection of two powerful experiences that
revealed a critical gap in senior healthcare.
While working in acute rehabilitation, Lisa observed the “revolving door”
phenomenon—patients would work hard and make meaningful progress, return home,
and then be readmitted shortly thereafter due to a lack of coordinated, professional
support.

Simultaneously, Lisa was navigating the complexities of caring for her own mother
during a battle with stage IV breast cancer. As her mother faced liver, bone, and brain
involvement, Lisa experienced firsthand the overwhelming challenges families
encounter while trying to manage medical care, logistics, and daily living needs.

“Watching these situations unfold simultaneously was eye-opening. I realized that even the most determined seniors cannot manage without a proper support system in place. I felt called to bridge that gap.”

Your Local Advocate

Driven by this mission, Lisa founded Hand in Hand Care to provide what she describes
as “a professional relative”—a trusted advocate who ensures every aspect of care is
thoughtfully coordinated.

As both a local native and experienced Registered Nurse, Lisa brings a unique blend of
clinical expertise and personalized, community-centered care. Her approach is centered
on helping seniors in Sarasota and Venice age in place with dignity, safety, and
confidence.

Professional & Community Involvement

Lisa is an active member of the National Association of Certified Care Managers and
the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, and serves on the PTO Board at Laurel
Nokomis School. She remains deeply committed to both her professional community
and the families she serves.

Personal

Outside of her professional work, Lisa enjoys boating and fishing, spending time with
her husband and children, and actively supporting her local community.

Meet Barbara, RN

Originally from upstate New York, Barb earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Arts with a minor in Psychology from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh in
1990. She later pursued her passion for healthcare, earning her Associate Degree in
Nursing (ADN) from Wake Technical Community College in North Carolina in 1997 and
obtaining her Registered Nurse’s license in 1998. Barb relocated to Florida in 2012 and
currently maintains multiple state nursing licenses.

Barb joined Hand in Hand Care in August 2023, where she is recognized as a flexible,
motivated team member with a strong professional work ethic and a patient-centered
approach. Throughout her career, she has built collaborative relationships with
physicians across multiple specialties, clinical teams, patients, and other healthcare
professionals.

Her clinical experience spans a diverse range of settings, including surgical care,
obstetrics, pediatrics, clinical education, remote telephonic roles, HEDIS data
abstraction, and legal nurse research. This breadth of experience has equipped her with
strong skills in direct patient care, communication, and care coordination across
complex healthcare environments.

Outside of her professional work, Barb is a proud mother of three and grandmother to
one beautiful granddaughter. She holds her Florida real estate license and enjoys the
Florida Gulf Coast lifestyle. Barb is a Bayside Church parishioner and volunteer, serving
as part of the church’s E-Care medical response team. She can often be found
watching Sarasota’s sunsets, playing tennis, spending time with friends, and traveling
on cruises.

Meet Rachel, RN

Rachel earned her Bachelor of Science in 2018, majoring in Biology with a minor in Psychology. Following the loss of her father to cancer in 2020—a profoundly impactful experience during which she played an active role in his care—Rachel was inspired to pursue a career in nursing. She returned to school and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Keiser University in 2022.

Her academic foundation in both biological sciences and human behavior support her
holistic approach to patient care and care coordination. Rachel is an active member of the American Nurses Association and maintains her professional standing with the Florida Board of Nursing, demonstrating her commitment to upholding high standards of practice and ethics.

Since September 2023, Rachel has served as a Care Manager with Hand in Hand
Care, where she collaborates closely with patients, families, and healthcare providers to
ensure seamless coordination and delivery of high-quality care. She is recognized for
her strong communication skills, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication to the
well-being of those she serves.

Outside of her professional work, Rachel and her husband, Dominic, enjoy exploring the
natural beauty of their community, volunteering with local conservation organizations,
and spending quality time with family.