Next-gen: Familiar name steps up at HOMES

WOBURN, Mass. - Lauryn Estrella, who was recently named executive director of HOMES, is the first person to say she has big shoes to fill. 

She began her career at the association working alongside her mother, Karyn Estrella, who held that role for 21 years before passing away in 2019. 

“I could never really fill her shoes, but I could still have that passion and excitement in the industry,” said Estrella. “But I just express it in a different way. I can still advocate just as hard and be just a good leader on my own. I’m ready to hit the ground running.” 

Estrella, who most recently served as director of membership outreach at HOMES, and serves as executive director of TexMEP, spoke with HME News about her path in HME and what it takes to be a leader. 

HME News: You stepped away from HOMES for several years. How has that prepared you to take the reins now? 

Lauryn Estrella: When my mom passed, I knew right off the bat I was not ready to step into that role. I was excited when they brought Jason Morin in, but at the same time, I wanted to take what I had learned and spread it to other associations that might need help. It was really necessary. Then finding TexMEP – they welcomed me with open arms and that really allowed me to find my place in HME. 

HME: Association directors wear many hats. What strengths do you bring to the role? 

Estrella: Right now, my strengths are more on the membership side vs. advocacy, but I’m growing into the legislative piece. But it really is everything: It’s advocacy, its meeting with legislators, it’s organizing our committees, it’s marketing and it’s event planning. 

HME: In your experience with membership outreach, what is the challenge of bringing providers onboard? 

Estrella: It’s tough. Any time we get a win, that’s when everyone wants to jump on the wagon, but it’s hard to get those wins without everyone already on the wagon. People are hiding their talents out there, and we’ve got to dig in and bring them out. 

HME: What do you see as a top challenge for the HME industry right now? 

Estrella: I feel like we need to refocus our messaging. It’s always on reimbursement, when really, what we’re here for is protecting quality care for patients and how that impacts people in their daily lives. We need to continue educating legislators about what we do because we go into the meetings and they have no idea what DME is or what we do for patients.  

• Related: Lauryn Estrella named executive director of TexMEP 
• Related: Karyn Estrella was honored as the 2019 Van G. Miller Homecare Champion