Nurse-Led Senior Care Advocacy You Can Trust
Guiding Families Through the Complexities of Senior Care
Joy Care Management was born out of a deep passion for helping families navigate the overwhelming and often complicated healthcare system. Founded by Jo Alch, an experienced geriatric nurse with a vision to provide personalized support for seniors and their families, our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional care, advocacy, and guidance during life’s most challenging moments. With over 27 years of experience, our nurse-led approach ensures that seniors receive the highest quality care and that families are never left feeling alone.
Meet the Nurses
Jo Alch, R.N.
Jo Alch is a highly experienced Registered Nurse with over 27 years of expertise in Geriatric Nursing. In 2006, she founded Acappella in Home Care and successfully grew it into one of the top private duty home care agencies in the nation. After selling her agency in 2020, Jo shifted her focus to nursing advocacy, continuing her dedication to improving the lives of seniors.
Jo’s contributions to the nursing community are widely recognized. She has served on the board of the Texas Association for Home Care and Hospice and has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the Great 100 Nurses of DFW and receiving D Magazine’s prestigious Excellence in Nursing Award. In addition to leading Joy Care Management, Jo serves as Executive Director of Pajamas for Seniors, a nonprofit that raises awareness of the needs of low-income seniors in nursing homes.
Hope Self, R.N., CDP
Hope Self brings over 25 years of nursing experience, with a strong focus on Geriatric Nursing. Raised in New Orleans, Hope’s early exposure to nursing homes inspired her lifelong dedication to improving the quality of life for seniors. Her professional journey in the DFW area includes leadership roles in Private Duty Home Care, Assisted Living, and Acute Rehab.
In 2017, Hope received D Magazine’s Excellence in Nursing Award and has since become a Certified Dementia Practitioner and a Professional Member of the Aging Life Care Association. She also plays a significant role in the community, serving on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, including her current position as Secretary for Pajamas for Seniors.
Debbie Rote, RN, BSN
With over 28 years of nursing experience, Debbie Rote is a highly skilled Registered Nurse specializing in case management and senior care navigation. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from George Mason University and has spent the majority of her career helping older adults and their families remain independent and engaged in their communities.
Debbie’s background includes directing clinical programs, patient education, and managing transitions through the healthcare continuum. She is also experienced in relocation management, assisting families as they prepare for their loved ones’ next stage of care. A professional member of the Aging Life Care Association, Debbie is passionate about providing personalized, high-quality care to each senior she works with.
Marianne Megarity, RN, BSN
Marianne Megarity, a Registered Nurse with over 30 years of experience, holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Texas at Austin. Specializing in Cardiac Nursing and Home Health, Marianne has spent much of her career in both staff and leadership roles within Cardiac Critical Care units and private duty nursing. Her experience extends to managing home health clients, ensuring they receive the highest standard of care while navigating complex medical systems.
Marianne is deeply committed to improving patient outcomes and has dedicated much of her career to helping adult and geriatric patients live healthier, more comfortable lives.
Valarie Ramirez, RN
Valarie Ramirez has over 10 years of hands-on nursing experience, primarily in neurology. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor. Throughout her career, Valarie has been a key team member at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, where she worked as a staff nurse and later as a nursing supervisor on a medical/surgical unit. Valarie’s expertise in acute stroke and epilepsy monitoring has earned her recognition, including the CEO Award and the Fab 50 honor.
Valarie’s dedication to her patients is evident in the compassionate care she provides, helping seniors and their families navigate the complex healthcare environment with confidence.
Allison Byrd-Haley, LVN
Allison Byrd-Haley has nearly 30 years of experience as a Licensed Vocational Nurse, specializing in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, wound care, urology, and diabetes management. Her extensive healthcare background is matched by her passion for patient advocacy, especially in educating individuals about optimal health insurance coverage.
Allison’s dedication to making a difference in the lives of others is evident not only through her professional work but also through her charitable endeavors, where she lends a helping hand to those in need.
Allison Little, CNMT
Allison Little holds a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology with a specialty in Nuclear Medicine from Louisiana Tech University. With over 25 years of experience in cardiology and oncology, Allison has dedicated her career to working with geriatric patients. Her compassionate approach to care stems from her personal experience caring for her father during his battle with cancer, which further fueled her commitment to providing high-quality, personalized care.
Outside of her professional life, Allison enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her two college-age children and a variety of pets, reflecting her passion for animals and a love for adventure.