About Us

Laurie Miller
Laurie was born and raised in Dallas, Texas.  She graduated from The Greenhill School and The University of Texas in Austin.  After receiving a BBA in Marketing, she moved back to Dallas and went to work in her family's 78 year old business.  After 20 years, she decided it was time for a career change.  Laurie knew she wanted a career that would make a positive impact on other people's lives, and, after much research, came to the conclusion that "Eldercare" was the industry for her.  She remembered how her grandparents had enjoyed the freedom and happiness that comes from living in one's own home and on one's own terms.  They had round the clock care from caregivers who assisted them with activities of daily living, which allowed them to experience independence without having to rely on their children.  This allowed them to stay in their own home until they passed away.  In 2006, along with her mother, Joyce Friedman, a licensed and board certified social worker, they formed Apple Care And Companion.  The philosophy for the company then, which still holds true today, is to provide affordable, competent and loving care while granting peace of mind to the families involved.
 
Amanda Cunningham
Amanda was born and raised in Portland, Oregan.  She moved to Dallas in 2006 to futher her education and take advantage of better career opportunities.  Her passion for seniors was developed while being raised by her grandparents.  She grew up around seniors and learned how to appreciate how wonderful they are.  She has experience with caring for Alzheimer's patients and planning activities for skilled nursing facilities.  She has also coordinated programs where volunteers from local schools came to visit the elderly.  Amanda has been a caregiver in residential care homes, nursing facilities, assissted living facilities and home health agencies.  She currently has her CNA license, is trained in dementia and mental health, as well as fundamentals of caregiving.  She is currently pursuing her Associates Degree of applied science, majoring in Business Administration and will transfer to UNT to pursue her BBA.  She has been employed with Apple Care and Companion since March 2007, starting as a caregiver.  As the company has grown, her responsibilities have grown with it, and she is now the Alternate Administrator.  Her philosphy is "What can I do today to make it the best possible day for our Clients!"
 
Sharyn Fein
Sharyn Fein was born in Queen’s New York and was raised in Commack Long Island. She attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee and returned home to take care of her mother completing her studies at CW Post of Long Island University. Upon graduation she obtained a BS in Marketing. Sharyn spent most of her young married life living and working in New York City for The New York Foundation for Senior Citizens as a bi-lingual case manager for home bound elderly. Sharyn and her husband Eric, then moved to Westchester, New York where she continued working in the same field for Tender Loving Care, a private home care agency. In 1987, the couple relocated to Dallas, Texas where Sharyn worked part time as a pre-school teacher for Solomon Schechter Academy, brought an independent line of jewelry called ”Lucy Ann” to the Southwest region and worked as a substitute teacher for RISD for the last ten years while raising her three children.
For the past 23 years, Sharyn has been a community volunteer in many capacities and is most proud of the healing group she founded in her Synagogue; Congregation Anshai Torah called Mahsah Nafshi.  Sharyn’s decision to return to the world of home care comes from her understanding of the need for good caretakers for the gerontological population in Texas.
Sharyn Fein considers herself fortunate to be part of the growing community of professionals at Apple Care and Companion who put respect and quality care above the national standard.  Sharyn holds the positions of Hiring Manager and Marketing Manager.
 
Sally Unger
A Chicago native, Sally graduated from the University of Illinois with a BS in Elementary Education.  After moving to Oklahoma City with her family, she pursued her teaching career while raising her 2 children and actively volunteering in the community.  Sally transitioned from teaching to a career in Real Estate.  After earning her Broker's license, she served as a Broker-owner of Group One Real Estate in Oklahoma City, a company she formed with three colleagues.  In 1989, Sally was named the Oklahoma City Realtor of the Year, a highlight of her lengthy career as a Realtor.  The award, a result of her superior marketing and "people skills", was a tribute to her service-oriented nature.  Since moving to Dallas in 1992, she has had a meaningful impact on the community by volunteering for various projects including Caring Congregation, a group which provides a wide range of services to senior congregants.  Sally joined Apple Care and Companion as Marketing Manager in 2008.  She enjoys working with the senior community and brings a lifetime of valuable experiences, along with a passion for service, to this position.
 
Beth Ryan
Beth Ryan was born and educated in Queensland, Australia.  She trained as a Registered Nurse and Midwife following high school graduation and has worked in the medical field ever since then.  In 2005, she met and married Richard, a native of Louisiana, and moved to the U.S.A.  She lived on St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands before moving to Florida where she volunteered extensively for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).  She moved to Texas in 2009 and began work with Apple Care and Companion in Decemebr 2009.  Beth holds the position of Scheduling Coordinator with Apple Care.
 
Kirsten Needley
Kirsten was born in Oxford, England and moved to the United States in 1996.  She attended high school in Alabama and soon after, she moved to Florida where she received her Associate's Degree in criminal justice.  During her studies, Kirsten's aunt was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease and was placed in a nursing facility.  Kirsten became a big part of assisting with her care.  After some unfortunate events, Kirsten realized during this time that she wanted to work with Alzheimer's and Dementia patients, specifically in preventing elder abuse. Kirsten stayed in Florida for another two years and then moved to Arkansas where she started working professionally with the elderly.  She worked at White River Medical Center in the inpatient rehab unit and the psychiatric ward.  In 2006 she moved to Dallas and began working in the surgery department of a hospital.  She enjoyed the new experience but her heart was not in it and she applied with Apple Care to be a caregiver.  She is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in psychology and remains passionate about devoting her career tp geriatrics.  Kirsten is the Administrative Director with Apple Care.