Meet Jermona “Mona” Duty
Payroll and Employee Services Specialist, Human Resources
Jermona “Mona” Duty likes to joke that a big part of her job is “people watching.” With her years of HR experience, combined with her own caregiving background, she’s able to spot job applicants who have the personality and heart to make a difference.
Cambridge Caregivers is a people business – which means it’s critical to hire, retain and train good people.
“My part of that is people watching,” she said. “My colleagues call me ‘eagle eyes.’ I can observe and say, ‘Hey, that person’s going to be a good fit for this company,’ or ‘This person’s skills are a good match for that client.’ It’s kind of like matchmaking.”
Mona, whose title is Payroll and Employee Services Specialist in Human Resources, joined Cambridge Caregivers in 2023. She started out on a part-time basis as a member of the caregiving team, working a few shifts in addition to the administrative job she held at the time with another company. She already had more than 20 years of experience in human resources and health administration, along with a bachelor’s degree in health administration, but she felt drawn to caregiving work.
“I enjoyed caregiving, and I needed a little extra money, but more importantly, I just knew that Cambridge Caregivers was an excellent company, and I wanted to be a part of it,” she said. “I love this company.”
Her passion for caregiving goes back to her childhood, when her younger sister was diagnosed with spinal meningitis. “She’s highly functional and lives with my parents, but she’s not able to be fully on her own,” Mona said. “As a child, I always wanted to make sure she was okay. I would comb her hair or help her with little things. Over the years she learned how to cook, wash her clothes, and do many things on her own, but she needed guidance from that person next to her. That experience made me want to help.”
That desire to help grew even stronger when Mona cared for her brother during his battle with cancer. She stepped away from Cambridge briefly to spend weekends with him before he passed away in October 2024. “I wanted to spend as much time as possible with him,” she said. “That was so important to me.”
Afterward, she returned to Cambridge, working a few more caregiving shifts before moving into her current HR position. She says her time as a caregiver makes her better at her job. “Having that background enables me to support our caregivers more knowledgeably and empathetically,” she said. “I understand the work they do, and I can help make sure they have what they need.”
“Mona is an active and supportive listener,” added Tammy Hooker, who is Cambridge Caregivers’ Chief Listener/Human Resources. “Anytime someone needs help, she is present for them and an advocate. I’m so proud to have her on the team.”
Today, Mona manages the caregiver training program, a system originally developed by Tammy Hooker. While she doesn’t usually lead sessions, she’s certified and ready to step in whenever needed.
“I love training,” she said. “I love educating staff as well as clients on ways to keep homes safe or ways to better care for their loved ones. Training is another way I can support caregivers, and I really enjoy it.”
At home, Mona stays just as busy with her family. She’s a mom to three boys, ages 21, 17 and 13.
Whether at home or at work, the motivation is the same: caring for people.
“Whether I’m caring for family, for a client, or for our caregivers, I want to make sure people feel supported,” she said. “That’s what makes this work so meaningful.”