Faces of Careforth: Kristina Santoro

Caregiving is deeply personal, and the way someone experiences support can make all the difference. That’s why the people who connect with caregivers first, and the care they bring to those conversations, matter so much. At Careforth, our associates bring their own perspectives to the work of supporting families.

That’s the experience Caregiver Coaching Enrollment Manager Kristina Santoro oversees. From her own family’s caregiving journey to her passion for helping others feel seen and supported, Kristina brings a personal perspective to her work.

What is your role and how long have you worked at Careforth?

I’m the Manager of Enrollment for Caregiver Coaching and joined Careforth in April 2026. I lead our Enrollment team, helping ensure caregivers have a positive and meaningful first experience with our program.

What inspired you to join our team?

I’ve spent much of my career in healthcare, but Careforth’s focus on the caregiver really stood out to me. So much attention is placed on the person receiving care, and I was drawn to an organization asking an equally important question: who is supporting the caregiver?

How do you support families and caregivers in your role, and why is it important?

My team is often one of a caregiver’s first connections with Careforth. I support our enrollment specialists in listening, building trust, and helping caregivers understand the resources available to them. Behind every enrollment is a real person who may be overwhelmed and looking for support.

Do you have a personal connection to caregiving that you’re comfortable sharing?

I grew up in a multigenerational Italian family where caring for our elders was simply part of life. When I was young, my grandfather was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer, and I watched my mother care for him while working and raising me. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve taken on a greater role in supporting my grandparents with their health needs. Those experiences have given me a personal understanding of both the love and responsibility that come with caregiving.

How does your work contribute to Careforth’s mission and values?

I think of enrollment as the front door to Careforth. We have an opportunity from the very first conversation to make caregivers feel seen, heard, and supported. Every caregiver we connect with our program is another person who has a support system behind them.

What’s something interesting about your job that people may not know?

There’s a lot of strategy behind enrollment! My day can include coaching, listening to calls, analyzing data, improving workflows, troubleshooting technology, and collaborating with teams and health plan partners. No two days are exactly the same.

How do you maintain a positive work-life balance in this field?

Family is incredibly important to me, and as a new mom, work-life balance has taken on an entirely new meaning. I try to be intentional about being present wherever I am.

When the workday ends, I try to truly shift my focus and be present with my family. Becoming a mom has made me appreciate that time even more and has reminded me that balance doesn’t always mean everything is perfectly divided—it means being intentional about where I’m giving my time and attention.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in healthcare?

Never lose sight of the person behind the process. Healthcare involves metrics, technology, and workflows, but behind every number is a person or family. Stay curious, be adaptable, listen, and always lead with empathy.

What is one fun fact about you that your colleagues may not know about?

I’m a spin instructor! I teach early morning classes, so I often start my day with a lot of energy, music, and a very loud playlist.

What is your favorite quote?

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou