Welcome to HBI, Stella Afonya!
October 14, 2025
At Homeward Bound, we’re thrilled to welcome Stella, our new Director of Nursing (DON). With a deep-rooted passion for person-centered care and a leadership style grounded in empathy and accountability, Stella brings both heart and experience to her new role.
A Journey Shaped by Compassion
Stella’s nursing journey began close to home. Caring for her mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and inspired by her sister’s own nursing career, she discovered early on the profound importance of reassurance, positivity, and companionship in care.
“No matter a person’s diagnosis or abilities, every individual deserves to be met with dignity, respect, and joy,” she says.
That philosophy has guided her through every stage of her career—from hands-on care to leadership. Even now, she measures success by something simple but powerful: the smile on a client’s face.
Why Homeward Bound?
When asked what drew her to Homeward Bound, Stella’s answer was immediate: the mission.
“Our guiding principle of person-centered care, paired with inclusivity, captured exactly the kind of community I wanted to be part of,” she explains.
For Stella, Homeward Bound’s model—creating care plans that truly reflect each client’s needs and preferences—perfectly aligns with her belief that “no one shoe fits all.” She’s eager to use her voice to ensure every care plan reflects excellence and individual dignity.
Leadership Grounded in Communication and Collaboration
With years of leadership experience, Stella’s management style is centered on three pillars: safety, communication, and clear expectations. She believes strong teams are built when every member understands their value and their role in achieving a shared goal.
“From LPNs and RNs to DSPs and student DSPs, everyone has a vital part to play,” she emphasizes. “Mentorship and transparency help us move forward together.”
She also highlights the essential partnership between nursing, program managers, and operations administrators, all united in the mission of delivering exceptional care.
Looking Ahead: Innovation and Accountability
As she steps into her new role, Stella’s priorities are clear—continuing to strengthen Homeward Bound’s care model through technology, training, and teamwork. She is particularly focused on leveraging systems like Therap for accurate data tracking and compliance, improving onboarding processes, and fostering a culture of accountability.
Stella’s collaboration with HBI’s Vice President of Operations and Training is already creating efficiencies across communication and scheduling. She’s also leading efforts to reduce overtime by 50% through strategic scheduling and budget management—ensuring both quality care and operational health.
A Leader Who Lifts Others
Above all, Stella leads with compassion and integrity. She takes pride in identifying and strengthening areas of growth rather than assigning blame.
“We’re only as strong as our weakest link—but at HBI, we don’t point fingers. We lift each other up,” she says. “That’s how we build excellence.”
Beyond the Role
When she’s not at work, Stella finds joy and grounding in time with loved ones, recharging so she can continue giving her best to the people she serves.
Welcome to the Homeward Bound family, Stella.
We’re honored to have a leader who embodies our values, strengthens our mission, and inspires all of us to deliver care with compassion, respect, and excellence.
