Zlata was born with SMA Type 3, in former Yugoslavia. Her family moved to the United States in 1996, during the turbulent peak of the civil war taking place in their home country. Zlata’s parents had a goal when they came to this country as refugees: to give their daughter a better life. Due to the conflict, Zlata started high school over in the U.S. at age 17; her drive and perseverance led her to finish in just two years.
After finishing high school, Zlata began her studies at the University of Nevada. In only three years, she graduated with a dual Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and Psychology. Her dream was to go to law school, and she was accepted into the prestigious Berkeley School of Law. Unfortunately, her mother and sole caregiver passed away suddenly from a stroke at age 53.
Facing this life changing event while mourning the loss of her beloved mother, Zlata had to figure out how she would survive on her own. Over the next year, she tediously researched the different programs and care options available to her. She found that there were many opportunities to stay in her home, through home care and a caregiver who could visit and assist her with the basics of daily living.
Much to her dismay, Zlata’s home care was a detriment to her life at that time; she had trouble holding a job and living independently because her caregivers were not reliable. Thankfully, she was able to rely on the help of family, and with their assistance, she was able to stabilize her life once more.
For the next five years, Zlata worked in the mental health industry, as the general manager of the South Mountain Counseling Agency. She was under the guidance of Dr. Maxwell Manning, working directly with clients, including children, and using the skills she honed over the course of her life and during her studies. At the end of her 5-year employment with the agency, Zlata was responsible for five different locations, and had developed a deep proficiency as to business and people.
Her five years working with Dr. Manning had a great impact on her life, Zlata decided not to go on to law school. Instead, she wanted to tackle a mission close to her heart: creating an unmatched, quality in-home care agency that would assist seniors and people living with disabilities build an independent life.
Independent Life Home Care was founded in 2009. Zlata’s agency would provide care that seniors and those with disabilities could count on. Seniors who needed assistance in the home could lead an active, fulfilling retirement, and younger disabled persons would have access to the services they rely on to work, have an active social life, and most importantly, function normally without their disability hindering the process.
Today, Independent Life Home Care operates three locations in Nevada. The process is in motion to bring Independent Life Home Care locations to residents in California, Utah, and Arizona.
Zlata brings a lifetime of understanding and experience to Independent Life Home Care; her dedication has positively shaped the lives of many. Her experiences as a disabled person who relies on a wheelchair gives her a unique insight as to what many of her clients are experiencing. She understands them in a way many others are incapable of.
In addition to providing dedicated and reliable home care services through Independent Life Home Care, Zlata serves as an advocate to her clients and others. She helps them seek out and apply for programs which can improve their quality of life, just as she found herself doing 15 years ago. Her personal cell phone number is always available to her clients:
Mary was born in Corvallis, Oregon. She received her in degree in Respiratory Therapy from Carrington College.
She has been a Certified Nursing Assistant since 1986, and has worked at Independent Life Home Care for seven years.
Mary understands the logistical challenges associated with home care. She is available to help you with all paperwork and billing issues.
You can reach Mary at (702) 871-2273
