Meet Our Staff

Ricardo Rivera, Jr.

Staff & Education Development | CPR Instructor, Butler Rescue Hands, Inc.

With over 12 years of dedicated experience in the human services field, I have built my career around a deep commitment to empowering individuals and strengthening communities. My journey began in direct care, working closely with individuals to support their daily needs and help them achieve greater independence. This hands-on experience fostered a lifelong passion for advocacy, person-centered support, and community engagement.

As I progressed to the role of Program Manager, I led initiatives focused on supporting individuals living with mental health challenges and members of the aging population. These roles not only expanded my leadership skills but also deepened my understanding of the diverse needs within our communities.

In addition to my programmatic work, I contribute to Staff and Education Development at Butler Rescue Hands, Inc. as a Certified CPR Instructor. I am also the founder of R&R Skills, LLC, a training organization launched in October 2024 to provide life-saving certification and emergency response education. Through this role, I have equipped caregivers, team members, and community partners with essential CPR and first aid training—reinforcing our collective readiness and commitment to safety.

Throughout my career, I have remained grounded in the belief that every individual deserves respect, opportunity, and unwavering support. My work is guided by this principle, and I am honored to help develop and support the compassionate professionals who carry out our mission at Butler Rescue Hands, Inc.

Garrett Butler

Chief Executive Officer, Butler Rescue Hands, Inc. Veteran | Advocate | Community Leader

Garrett Butler is a dedicated veteran, entrepreneur, and advocate committed to serving those in need. As the founder and CEO of Butler Rescue Hands, Inc., he established the organization in response to the growing demand for non-medical home care and essential resources for veterans and individuals with disabilities. His mission is simple yet profound: “helping others find their way home.”

A veteran himself, Garrett understands firsthand the challenges that many service members and disabled individuals face when seeking care and support. Too often, veterans and those in need are unaware of the resources available to them. Butler Rescue Hands, Inc. bridges that gap by providing personalized care and assistance while collaborating with key partners to ensure every individual receives the support they deserve.

Despite operating as a non-governmental organization, Butler Rescue Hands remains steadfast in its mission to serve veterans and others in need. Garrett has built a compassionate, client-centered organization focused on assisting those at risk of homelessness, instability, or lacking proper care. Whether helping veterans remain in the comfort of their own homes or assisting those in need of housing alternatives and essential non-medical services, his goal is to improve lives—one individual at a time.

Garrett’s leadership, experience, and unwavering dedication drive the success of Butler Rescue Hands, Inc. His work continues to impact countless individuals, ensuring that no veteran or individual in need is left without the care, dignity, and support they deserve.

Beyond his work with Butler Rescue Hands, Garrett’s personal and professional journey took an even greater turn in 2015 when he met his wife, Xiomara Perez. Together, they have created a seamless care network, allowing clients to transition smoothly between private-pay services at Care Connect, LLC (Xiomara’s company) and state-funded programs at Butler Rescue Hands, Inc. Their joint efforts ensure that clients can continue receiving care from trusted caregivers while navigating financial and service transitions.

Garrett’s life’s work is a testament to his passion for service, advocacy, and leadership, ensuring that every veteran and individual in need has a place to call home and the care they rightfully deserve.

Xiomara Perez – Butler

Xiomara Perez – Butler is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the home care industry. She is the owner of Care Connect, LLC, a private-pay non-medical home care agency, and now serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Butler Rescue Hands, Inc., alongside her husband, Garrett Butler, who is the CEO. Her expertise spans both non-medical and medical care, allowing her to provide comprehensive, client-focused solutions.

Xiomara played a pivotal role in launching and managing a successful non-medical home care franchise for over eight years, refining her skills in operations, client care, and team development. Her tenure at a medical visiting nurse agency across multiple departments has given her valuable clinical insight, strengthening her ability to address the holistic needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities.

At Care Connect, LLC, she ensures high-quality, compassionate care across Fairfield and New Haven Counties. As a strong advocate for individuals with Dementia and Alzheimer’s, she partners with Second Wind to equip her caregivers with specialized training. Through this partnership, Care Connect offers the Virtual Dementia Tour free of charge, providing families, caregivers, and first responders with an immersive experience that fosters deeper empathy and understanding in caregiving.

Understanding the financial challenges some clients face, Xiomara has developed a seamless transition process for those who have exhausted private funds and need to transition into state-funded services. Care Connect collaborates closely with Butler Rescue Hands, Inc., which is state-approved, to ensure continuity of care. This allows clients to retain the same trusted caregivers while transitioning into Medicaid and waiver programs, minimizing disruption to their routine and well-being.

To maintain exceptional service, Xiomara has implemented a rigorous hiring process, ensuring that only the most skilled, compassionate professionals join her team. During the assessment phase, families are introduced to two to three caregiver candidates, allowing them to choose the best fit. She also prioritizes ongoing training and customized in-services to enhance caregiver expertise.

Quality assurance is a cornerstone of her approach. Through unannounced visits and regular check-ins, she ensures that her team consistently meets the highest standards of care. For insights, updates, and more information on the exceptional services offered, follow Butler Rescue Hands, Inc. on Facebook.

Elizabeth Vazquez

Field Supervisor, Butler Rescue Hands, Inc.

Elizabeth V. is a dedicated and experienced Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) with a strong background in caring for individuals with Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI). She began her journey in the healthcare field with Care Connect, LLC—our sister agency—and has consistently demonstrated a commitment to delivering compassionate, client-centered care.

With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by those living with ABI, Elizabeth focuses on promoting independence, dignity, and enhanced quality of life. Her hands-on experience and empathetic nature allow her to form meaningful connections with both clients and their families, ensuring care is always personalized and respectful.

As the Field Supervisor for Butler Rescue Hands, Inc., Elizabeth plays a key role in upholding the agency’s mission to provide exceptional non-medical home care services. Our agency is committed to supporting the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and veterans by delivering services that empower clients, preserve autonomy, and foster safe, nurturing home environments. Elizabeth’s leadership directly contributes to these goals through her oversight of care delivery, staff mentorship, and quality assurance initiatives.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Elizabeth is a proud mother of two boys who continue to inspire her drive and compassion. Her ability to balance a fulfilling career with her family life has shaped her into a resilient and thoughtful leader who values patience, empathy, and consistency.

Elizabeth remains steadfast in her commitment to making a positive impact—whether through assisting with daily living activities, providing emotional support, or advocating for her clients’ needs. She is passionate about building a culture of care that aligns with Butler Rescue Hands, Inc.’s core values: compassion, integrity, and community.

Helen Hernandez

Scheduling Manager

Helen Hernandez is a seasoned healthcare administrative professional with over 25 years of experience supporting medical offices, visiting nurse agencies, and community-based healthcare organizations. Based in Naugatuck, Connecticut, Helen is known for her exceptional organizational skills, strong patient-centered approach, and ability to manage complex schedules in fast-paced environments.

Throughout her career, Helen has held key roles including Medical Office Clerk, Scheduling Coordinator, Medical Records Clerk, and Customer Service Representative, where she consistently demonstrated expertise in medical scheduling, electronic health records, HIPAA compliance, transportation coordination, and front-desk operations. Her background includes extensive experience working directly with patients, caregivers, and clinical staff to ensure continuity of care, timely appointments, and efficient office workflows.

Helen previously served as a Scheduling Coordinator for a visiting nurse agency, where she managed caregiver and client schedules, filled open shifts due to call-outs, handled on-call emergency coverage, and maintained accurate scheduling systems. Her ability to solve problems under pressure and maintain clear communication made her a reliable point of contact for both staff and clients.

She is bilingual in English and Spanish, which allows her to effectively support diverse patient populations and strengthen communication across care teams. Helen is also highly proficient in EHR systems, medical documentation, insurance verification, and customer service best practices.

Helen is now proud to serve as the Scheduling Manager for Butler Rescue Hands, Inc., where she plays a critical role in coordinating services, supporting caregivers, and ensuring clients receive consistent, reliable care.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Helen is a proud mother of three children, balancing her leadership responsibilities with a strong commitment to family. Her dedication, compassion, and decades of hands-on experience continue to make her an invaluable asset to the home- and community-based

Ricardo “Rick” Caliz

Director of Services, Butler Rescue Hands, Inc.

Ricardo “Rick” Caliz is a dedicated human services professional with over 18 years of experience supporting individuals and families through home and community–based programs. He currently serves as the Director of Services at Butler Rescue Hands, Inc., where he provides oversight and strategic direction for all agency-approved services, ensuring programs are delivered in full compliance with state regulations while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and person-centered care.

Rick brings extensive experience in service coordination, staff development, and regulatory compliance. He works closely with case managers, families, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless communication, continuity of care, and positive outcomes for the individuals served. His leadership style is hands-on, collaborative, and rooted in accountability and consistency.

In his role, Rick supports a comprehensive range of services, including Personal Care Assistance (PCA), Independent Living Skills Training (ILST), Recovery Assistant Services (RA), Companion Services, Supported Employment, Non-Medical Transportation, and Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) installation. He is deeply committed to maintaining a reliable, well-trained workforce, ensuring staff complete ongoing education, state-mandated training, and service-specific instruction to meet and exceed compliance standards.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Rick is deeply invested in community service. He is an active member of Puerto Rico United, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and uplifting the Latino community. Through this work, Rick volunteers his time to assist individuals and families by providing advocacy, resource connection, and community support, with a strong focus on empowering underserved populations.

Rick is also a proud father of two boys, and family plays a central role in shaping his values and leadership approach. His passion for advocacy, service, and community-based care is driven by empathy, integrity, and a genuine commitment to making a meaningful difference both professionally and personally.

Rick’s experience, compassion, and dedication continue to strengthen Butler Rescue Hands, Inc.’s mission and reputation as a trusted provider within Connecticut.