Ex-home health aide sentenced to probation for sexually assaulting Pittsburgh client

A Pittsburgh woman took a deep breath from her motorized wheelchair as she prepared to describe the impact of being sexually assaulted last year by her home health aide.

“I was once a vibrant and outgoing person,” the victim said in court Wednesday. “I would not wish this on my worst enemy.”

The victim first met Vanessa Callender when the nurse was placed at her home by Bright Star Care of Southwestern Pennsylvania, based in Castle Shannon, to help care for her. Callender arrived that night at the woman’s apartment to help get her ready for bed. It was then, the victim said, that Callender sexually assaulted her.

Callender pleaded guilty in March to institutional sexual assault of the victim, whose physical disabilities prohibit her from walking and require home care for 16 hours each day.

On Wednesday, Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Elliot Howsie sentenced Callender, 31, of Dormont, to four years of probation and 120 days of electronic monitoring. Her probation will require special restrictions for sex offenders, as well as treatment for mental health or sexual issues.

Rachel Crosby, Callender’s attorney, requested rehabilitation rather than incarceration, pointing to Callender’s intellectual disabilities.

Callender lives with her father and is his primary caregiver.

Callender has no history of criminal conduct and prior to the assault held a consistent job, according to Crosby.

“She is very vulnerable and very impressionable,” Crosby said while Callender dabbed her eyes with a tissue. “She does this because she thinks she’s pleasing people.”

Crosby said that Callender believed she was helping the victim.

The judge stated that he did not see how “of all the things” Callender could have done to help the victim, she made the decision to harm her.

TribLive does not name victims of sexual assault.

As part of the plea agreement the prosecution agreed to not recommend prison time.

Callender is currently enrolled in therapy to help treat her post-traumatic stress disorder and sex addiction, Crosby said.

Callender has been remorseful, her attorney continued. Crosby said that she doesn’t believe her client is a predator.

“It does not look like that is this case,” Howsie said, seemingly frustrated by Crosby’s statement.

Callender admitted to needing help. She took small breaks to collect herself during her statement.

“I apologize for my actions. I know it was wrong,” Callender said. “It’s just not, it’s not me.”

While taking Callender’s history into account, the judge referred to her actions as “destructive.”

“It’s concerning. It’s disturbing,” Howsie said.

The victim remained calm during her statement but she said she wanted the court to know how the action has left emotional scars.

“I do not feel safe … around people, even my family,” she said.