Kathleen Rivera in Palm Coast, Her journey from The Bronx to Palm Coast, Fl.

Palm Coast Local Tenth Business Insider Features Kathleen Rivera, a Palm Coast Resident and Senior Care Liaison for Right At Home. Read her journey from the Bronx to Palm Coast, Florida. If you want to tickle Kathleen pink, let her know you read her story and watch her face light up. Here's to you Kathleen, we all celebrate your tenacity and continued success.

Kathleen Rivera’s path to caregiving was never just a career choice—it was a calling woven through her life, shaped by love, responsibility, and the quiet strength that comes from showing up when it matters most.

Her journey began in the Bronx, where she was born and raised. After graduating high school, she stepped into the world of nursing, driven by an instinct to help others. It was during this early chapter of her career, while working at a local nursing home, that she met Ray—her future husband and someone who shared her dedication to care. Their connection blossomed in the hallways of compassion, and in 1995, Kathleen and Ray were married.

As the years went on, Kathleen continued to grow in her profession while also raising two daughters, Natalie and Kimberly. Balancing the demands of motherhood and a career in healthcare wasn’t always easy, but Kathleen gave both her all. Her home was filled with love, purpose, and a deep belief in service to others.

But Kathleen’s story doesn’t just start in New York. It’s also deeply tied to Palm Coast, Florida.

Her mother had lived in Palm Coast for many years, raising her family there. Kathleen and her own family visited often while enjoying vacations, holidays, and weekends filled with laughter and love. Those early memories made Palm Coast feel like a second home. But beneath the joy, Kathleen carried something else: a quiet awareness. Her mother had suffered a stroke at a fairly young age, and Kathleen knew deep down that one day, her mom would need her help.

That moment came in 2019. Her mother could no longer care for herself, and Kathleen didn’t hesitate. She packed up her life in New York and moved into her mother’s home in Palm Coast to care for her full-time.

“Caring for my own mother made me realize the difference one person can make,” Kathleen shares. “My mother had no one to care for her in her time of need. I’m grateful I could do that for her.”

For Kathleen, that time was more than a personal sacrifice, it was a gift. The late-night conversations, the quiet routines, the shared moments of strength and vulnerability—those memories now live in her heart.

In 2020, Kathleen’s mother passed away.

The loss was profound. In the stillness of moments that followed, Kathleen and Ray made a decision: they would stay in Palm Coast.

“Reflecting back,” Kathleen says softly, “I’m grateful I had the experience to help my mother. You hear people say one person can’t make a difference, I can tell you that’s not true. One person can make a huge difference in one life, or even many. That’s how I live my life now: to make a difference.”

And she does. Every single day in every moment she can.

If you know Kathleen or encounter her out in the community, you’ll quickly notice her jovial laugh and warm smile—genuine, never pretentious. She’s a social spark, making the rounds at events and building meaningful connections both personally and professionally. You’ll often find her with her hair casually pulled up, carrying one of her signature colorful handbags, adding a pop of joy to every room she walks into. She makes people feel instantly at ease, and that’s no accident—it’s who she is.

Life’s challenges never seem to pause, and once again, Kathleen has stepped into the role of personal caregiver—this time for her beloved husband, Ray, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. It’s a deeply personal journey, and one that fuels her commitment to supporting others facing similar paths. Kathleen is an active part of a local caregiver support group and is passionate about helping raise awareness and money for Parkinson’s through local charity events and fundraisers. She reflects on their personal journey with the disease, explaining to Palm Coast Local "Ray had signs before we even noticed that they were not normal or due to aging," she says, taking a deep breath before continuing, "Parkinson's has many symptoms, and each person reacts differently, so neither Ray nor I thought anything of it—until it progressed."

When Kathleen is not busy helping others, she and Ray make time for themselves, keeping a cherished tradition of Saturday date nights. They love exploring different restaurants across Palm Coast and Flagler County, savoring local flavors and discovering new favorites. At home, their hearts (and laps) are often full with their beloved pets—Chewy, a Cairn Terrier adopted from the Flagler Humane Society who completely won Kathleen’s heart, and Sterling, a charming cat who chose their home as his own and never left. These little moments of joy and companionship are part of the fabric of their lives, grounding them through everything. Kathleen is also enjoying precious time with her first grandchild, who she admits has sparked a new joy in their lives, bringing giggles into their home. "I just love him to pieces," she says with a beaming smile.

When you see Kathleen out at an event, or you're just meeting her for the first time, she hopes you’ll join her in celebrating the joys of life, not focusing on the imperfections or challenges. It’s this spirit of gratitude, light, and love that defines her.

Today, Kathleen serves as a Community Liaison for Right at Home, a Palm Coast-based agency that provides in-home care for seniors and adults with disabilities.

When telling Palm Coast Local about her current role, Kathleen becomes animated—you can tell she loves what she does. “Our staff are employees, not independent contractors, and when I interview a potential client, I match them with the right caregiver—and that goes both ways,” she explains. “In home health care, often both client and caregiver form a bond. That bond often helps our clients and veterans in accepting the help and care we’re here for.”

Serving veterans in their time of need is also a strength Kathleen is proud of. Her previous history working with veterans has given her insight into the importance of the right match and individualized care. Right at Home is a Veteran-Approved In-Home Health Care provider, and Kathleen ensures that each veteran receives the respect, care, and support they need and deserve.

With over 30 years of healthcare experience and the personal perspective of someone who’s lived the role of caregiver, Kathleen brings unmatched empathy to her work. Whether it’s helping families navigate care options, providing emotional support, or simply being a reassuring presence, she shows up with her whole heart.

Her impact extends beyond her clients. Kathleen serves on the Board of Parkinson’s of Flagler County—a role especially meaningful as she supports her husband through the challenges of Parkinson’s. She advocates, educates, and uplifts others walking similar journeys because she understands that sometimes, the smallest gestures mean the most.

She also gives her time to community initiatives like 'Be a Santa to a Senior,' making sure local seniors feel remembered and loved during the holidays.

From the Bronx to Palm Coast, Kathleen Rivera’s story is about what happens when someone chooses to love deeply, serve selflessly, and live intentionally. It’s about the power of one person changing lives—not through grand gestures, but through consistent compassion, unwavering presence, and the courage to show up when it’s needed most.

And if you ask her, she’ll tell you: making a difference doesn’t require perfection—it just takes heart.

Leave Kathleen a comment below to support her, or just say hello.