Maria and Jessica Aboyte: Mother-daughter duo answer the call to serve at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center

Burbank resident Maria Aboyote began working as a temporary file clerk at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center 41 years ago. Over the decades, her career grew alongside the medical center, and today she serves as a patient financial counselor, helping patients navigate Medi-Cal applications, payment plans and other financial resources—often during stressful moments.

Her daughter Jessica Aboyote, RN, grew up steps away from the hospital. In fact, they once lived down the street on the land that eventually became the Disney Family Cancer Center. As a child, Jessica remembers walking to the hospital to wait for her mom to finish work. Even then, she recalls thinking it would be nice to one day work at Providence Saint Joseph, too.

In 2015, that dream became a reality as Jessica got a job in patient registration. She later pursued nursing and is now a registered nurse in the Emergency Department. Today, she serves on the critical care transport team, providing compassionate, skilled care to patients during some of their most vulnerable moments.  

Both Maria and Jessica recently celebrated milestones at Providence Saint Joseph. Maria celebrated 40 years while Jessica celebrated 10 years of service. Jessica was also honored with the 2025-26 Values in Action award—the highest honor bestowed at Providence.

“It’s an honor and privilege to work with my daughter,” says Maria. “Working together has made us grow closer.”

The two sometimes cross paths during the workday and enjoy lunch together. On occasion, when Maria collects a patient’s belongings from the Emergency Department, caregivers greet her affectionately as “Jessica’s mom,” a reminder of the close-knit relationships that define our culture.

For Jessica, having her mother nearby is a source of comfort in a very busy emergency department.

“If I’m having a particularly demanding or stressful day, I’m grateful that my mom is only a few steps away,” Jessica shared. “We can grab lunch together or simply spend a few moments connecting.”

Although they have different roles, Maria and Jessica exemplify the compassion and dedication that define our ministry and ease the way of those we serve.