Our Team
Ruth Johnson
Owner and President
As the owner of Assisting Hands® Dana Point, Ruth is dedicated to providing clients and their families with exceptional caregiving services and support. With a strong commitment to making a positive impact and enhancing the quality of life for seniors, Ruth leads a dedicated team providing compassionate, high-quality home care in South Orange County. She is passionate about empowering seniors through education and support, ensuring they have access to essential resources as they navigate the complexities of aging in place. Ruth’s approach is characterized by a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by seniors and she collaborates closely with families to create personalized care plans. According to Ruth, “many families who contact us are overwhelmed in their current situation and are seeking information and advice. They may not even know what questions to ask. For some, progression to their current situation has been a slow creep. For others, it is brought on by a sudden crisis. Whatever the reason or circumstance, we want to be a trusted resource for families.”
Ruth’s home care experience began with the personal challenges faced as she sought to navigate caring for aging parents from afar. She truly understands what many of her clients go through. Ruth is passionate about helping others and brings more than 25 years of experience as a corporate executive to Assisting Hands® Dana Point. Additional experience from her work in not-for-profit fundraising, hospitals and research administration, fuels Ruth’s desire to provide a positive, client centered approach to care, leveraging strong communication, collaboration, empowerment, and operational excellence to the evolving needs of her clients. Ruth serves on the board of Oak Valley College, and together with her husband, Marshall is a member of several community groups.
Marshall Northcott
Owner and Operations Manager
Marshall brings over 25 years of experience in sales, quality training, and customer service to his leadership role at Assisting Hands® Dana Point. With a deep passion for professional development and a history of coaching and mentoring, Marshall’s ability to cultivate relationships, influence outcomes, and exceed expectations has been a hallmark of his career. His extensive background in process improvement, client relations, and business operations ensures that Assisting Hands® Dana Point operates with the highest levels of professionalism, reliability, and transparency.
Marshall’s skills extend beyond sales and marketing and developing personalized training programs. His dedication to refining processes align with his commitment to ensuring that each client receives exceptional care. In his role, he works closely with families to understand their unique needs, manage expectations, and create customized care plans that offer peace of mind. His leadership is reflected in the agency’s dedication to hiring and training compassionate caregivers who meet rigorous standards, ensuring that clients are treated with the utmost respect and dignity.
With Marshall at the helm, Assisting Hands® Dana Point is more than just a caregiving agency—it’s a trusted partner for families seeking quality, non-medical care for their loved ones. His attention to detail, strategic vision, and dedication to client satisfaction make him a trusted advisor, guiding families through the complexities of in-home care with confidence and ease.
Florence Dawson
Office Manager
Florence brings a wealth of experience in managing operations, administration, and human resources that is crucial to the successful daily functioning of Assisting Hands® Dana Point. With her background in overseeing administrative processes, Florence ensures that all tasks related to client care, caregiver coordination, and compliance with California’s state licensing regulations are meticulously handled. Her ability to manage both the client-facing and internal aspects of the business allows the agency to deliver seamless, reliable, and personalized care for seniors.
Florence’s extensive background in customer service and human resources makes her particularly adept at supporting clients and their families. She is often the first point of contact for those inquiring about caregiving services, and her professionalism and empathy help build trust with clients. Florence is responsible for matching caregivers with families, ensuring that each placement aligns with the specific needs and preferences of the senior receiving care. Her focus on quality and attention to detail means that families can count on Assisting Hands® Dana Point to provide consistent, compassionate service.
For caregiver candidates, Florence’s role is equally important. Her experience in recruitment and training helps maintain a team of highly skilled and dedicated caregivers who meet the high standards expected by the agency. Florence oversees the hiring process, ensuring that all caregivers are not only qualified but also a great fit for our culture. Her dedication to creating a supportive work environment for caregivers allows them to thrive in their roles, providing exceptional care to clients and ensuring long-term satisfaction for both staff and families.