Redefining compassionate care in Northeast Florida: Elizabeth Graham of BrightStar Care Ponte Vedra / W. Jacksonville (Courtesy of the Jacksonville Business Journal) — When Elizabeth Graham (pictured above) opened BrightStar Care of Ponte Vedra / W. Jacksonville earlier this year, she wasn’t just launching a home healthcare business– she was setting out to raise the standard for compassionate, community-centered care across Northeast Florida.
A lifelong Jacksonville resident and disabled U.S. Army veteran, Graham brings a rare blend of discipline, empathy, and business acumen to her work. Her path to entrepreneurship was shaped by years of personal caregiving and professional service. After completing her military service, she built a successful career as a certified financial planner, helping local families achieve stability while raising her three children. But it was caring for her elderly aunt that changed her trajectory– and ultimately inspired her to open her own healthcare business.
“Through managing my aunt’s caregivers, I realized there was a better way to deliver care – one that treats people with dignity and respect,” Graham says. “That experience inspired me to build a business where compassion and quality go hand in hand.”
After researching several franchise models, Graham chose BrightStar Care for its reputation for excellence, operational infrastructure, and accreditation by The Joint Commission. The franchise’s ability to provide both skilled and non-skilled care also aligned perfectly with her vision to serve a wide range of needs within the community.
As owner and operations lead, Graham takes a hands-on approach to every aspect of her business. She personally interviews each caregiver before they join the team, ensuring they share her commitment to empathy and professionalism. Many of her employees are veterans or members of military families, a reflection of the shared values that define her leadership.
BrightStar Care of Ponte Vedra / W. Jacksonville serves clients throughout Northeast Florida to meet the region’s growing demand for in-home services. The agency’s nurses and caregivers provide everything from wound care and medication management to companionship and personal assistance – helping clients remain safe, independent, and comfortable in their own homes.
“We’ve shown that complex care typically provided in a facility can be delivered safely at home,” Graham says. “That’s life-changing for families who want their loved ones surrounded by familiarity and care.”
Beyond the business, Graham remains deeply involved in the Jacksonville community. A lifelong mentor and advocate for youth development, she made local history as the city’s first female football coach and has spent decades coaching baseball and football. She continues to see her leadership on the field and in her business as deeply connected. “Whether it’s coaching or caregiving, it’s all about helping people reach their potential and feel supported,” she says.
Graham’s commitment to service also extends to fellow veterans. As a veteran-owned and -operated business, BrightStar Care of Ponte Vedra / W. Jacksonville has become a trusted resource for veterans seeking care from professionals who understand their unique experiences. The team’s work has even led to collaborations with national programs focused on improving healthcare access for former service members.
Looking ahead, Graham hopes to continue expanding BrightStar Care’s reach across Northeast Florida while deepening its partnerships with hospitals, veteran organizations, and community groups. “This work is about more than healthcare – it’s about making people feel human again,” she says.
Photo courtesy of BrightStar Care of Ponte Vedra