Linda R. Chamberlain ~ Liz Barlowe ~ Shannon Martin ~ Diane Morse ~ Dena Manis
Lisa Cusumano ~ Robin Dunlap ~ Karuna Eppsteiner ~ Juliet Lewis
Sue Lewis ~ C.J. Long ~ Julie Scott
Sharon Creveling ~ Pat Bickel ~ Dotti Fischer
Linda R. Chamberlain, J.D., CMC
President
Linda R. Chamberlain is a Board Certified Elder Law Attorney who has practiced in the Clearwater area since 1991. Her areas of practice in Elder Law include Medicaid Planning, Medicaid Applications, Medicaid Fair Hearings and Appeals, Long Term Care and Disability Issues, Qualified Income Trusts, Special Needs Trusts, Asset Protection, Retirement Planning and Estate Planning. During 1998 Linda founded a comprehensive care management and consultation company “Aging Wisely, Inc.” She currently serves as President of Aging Wisely. In 2005, Linda founded a non-medical private duty home care company “Easy Living, Inc. and serves as President. Prior to practicing law she was the Director of Social Services at Lancashire Hall Rehabilitation Center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a Field Services Director of the Area Agency on Aging in Kirksville, Missouri, and a Discharge Planner at Doctors Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
She received her BA degree in Social Work from Oral Roberts University and JD degree from the University Of Cincinnati College Of Law. Linda has an AV®* rating from Martindale-Hubbell. In 1998 she was selected as a Leading Florida Attorney in the area of Trusts & Estates. Linda is a 1997 graduate of Leadership Pinellas, a 1988 recipient of the University of Cincinnati College of Law Merit Scholarship, and in 1989 named Who’s Who Among American Law Students.
Linda currently serves as Chair for the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar. She has served on the Executive Committee of the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar since 2003. She served as the Co-Chair and Chair of the Elder Law Committee of the Clearwater Bar Association from 2005-2007. She has served on the Gulfcoast Legal Services Board of Directors from 2004-2007 and on the Clearwater Bar Foundation Board during 2006. She served on the Clearwater Yacht Club Youth Sailing committee from 2002-2004. She served on the Board of Directors of Partners in Self-Sufficiency from 1998 - 2003 and served as Board President from 1999-2001. She previously served seven years of service on the Board of Directors of St. Paul’s School, and has served as a liaison for Youth Leadership Pinellas and Leadership Pinellas Board of Directors.
Professional memberships include the Florida Bar, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Florida Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar, Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar, Clearwater Bar Association, Elder Law Committee and Probate Committee of the Clearwater Bar, National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers and the Florida Council on Aging.
Publications include:
The Florida Bar Administration of Trusts in Florida (2d ed. 1999, 3rd ed. 2001 and 4th ed. 2005) “Medicaid Trust Administration” Chapter, co-authored with Attorney Charles F. Robinson.
Florida Banking Association magazine article “Client Capacity Issues,” co-authored with Shannon Martin.
Presentations include:
Tampa Bay Financial Planning Association continuing education presentation in August 2008 on “Taking Care of Mom and Dad.”
Florida Bar Elder Law Section continuing education presentation at the Fundamentals of Elder Law in April 2007 on “Qualified Income Trusts: Preparation and Administration.”
Tampa Bay Financial Planning Association continuing education presentation in March 2005 on “Financial Planners and Elder Care.”
Florida Bankers Association Wealth Management Conference continuing education presentation in August 2006 on “Ethical Quandaries When Client Capacity May be in Question.”
Tampa Bay Financial Planning Association continuing education presentation in May 2006 on “Ethical Quandaries When Client Capacity May be in Question.”
Florida Bar Elder Law Section continuing education presentation at the Elder Law Certification Review Course in January 2006 on “Incapacity Planning.”
Florida Bar Elder Law Section continuing education presentation at the Fundamentals of Elder Law in April 2005 on “Qualified Income Trusts: Preparation and Administration.”
Medical Educational Services continuing education presentation on “Medicaid and Medicaid Planning in Florida” each year in September 1999 - 2004.
Florida Bar Elder Law Section continuing education presentation at the Fundamentals of Elder Law in April 2004 on “Qualified Income Trusts: Preparation and Administration.”
Florida Bar Elder Law Section continuing education presentation at the Elder Law Certification Review Course in January 2004 on “Incapacity Planning.”
National Academy of Elder Law Attorney’s 2002 Symposium in April 2002 on “Doing Well by Doing Good.”
Linda’s love and compassion for older adults began at a very young age when she helped take care of her grandmother. Her grandmother fell and broke her hip when she was 76 years old in 1971, unfortunately due to the lack of available rehabilitation and financial assistance her grandmother never walked again and was maintained in her own home by her husband and family for 5 years prior to passing away. Helping people through the journey of the aging process has been a life long passion. Linda enjoys many outdoor activities and spending time with her husband and three sons.
*”CV, BV and AV are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies.”
Chief Operating Officer
Liz is a native of Pinellas County and has spent most of her professional career assisting senior members in our community. She earned a Masters Degree in Gerontology from the University of South Florida and a Bachelors Degree in Social Work from Western Carolina University . Liz has completed the requirements for the CMC (Care Manager Certified) certification which involves demonstrating she has met academic and direct care qualifications, as well as passed the national certification exam. Liz has been employed by Aging Wisely since 2000.
Liz serves as President of the Florida Geriatric Care Managers Association and serves on several committees, as well as with the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. Liz is also a member of the American Association of Daily Money Managers. She is also a past leader of the Tampa Bay Unit of the Florida Geriatric Care Managers Association. Liz is an alumnus of Leadership Pinellas and was recently featured in the March issue of Maddux Business Report. She has provided numerous public education presentations, most recently at the Florida Council on Aging Annual Conference in Orlando.
Liz has held various local positions in Assisted Living, Adult Day Health Care, Mental Health, and Home Health Care. Most recently she opened an Assisted Living facility specifically designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related memory impairments. As the Executive Director of the Henderson County Council on Aging in Hendersonville , NC , Liz managed various programs to assist seniors to remain in their homes, including Meals on Wheels, transportation services, and friendly visitor programs. She also developed and implemented a successful care management program. Appointed by the Governor of NC, Liz served on the North Carolina Council on Aging Board of Directors.
Liz feels her compassion for older adults, professional experience, and resourcefulness are her best contributions to Aging Wisely and our clients. Liz serves as a strong advocate for families and believes strongly in helping families negotiate the human service and healthcare arenas and providing guidance and professional advice during what can be very emotional situations.
Liz enjoys most, the time she spends with her young son. They enjoy outside activities especially camping, sports, and going to the beach. She is an active member of her church and volunteers at her son’s middle school.
Director of Community Relations
Shannon received her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Sociology from Wake Forest University. She then went on to complete her Master’s in Social Work and graduate gerontology certification from the University of Georgia in 1997. Shannon has been with Aging Wisely since 2002 and has achieved the Care Manager Certified (CMC) designation.
She has a passion for working with older adults and became interested in the many issues facing older adults and their families through a college course and volunteer work. While attending graduate school, Shannon coordinated activities for residents with dementia at a local nursing facility and conducted research on caregiver and grief issues. After receiving her M.S.W., Shannon served as social services director and admissions coordinator in an assisted living/skilled nursing facility. Shannon also worked as a social worker and volunteer coordinator for a large hospice in Atlanta, GA and managed programs for a non-profit educational organization in Nashville, TN.
Shannon feels that the biggest contribution she can make to care management is to educate professionals and the public about the excellent benefits of this service. Combining her love for older adults and years of experience in gerontology with her marketing and training background, Shannon hopes to expand the role of Aging Wisely in the community to further help seniors.
Shannon takes an active role in community education and awareness by participating in numerous organizations and committees. Shannon has served as co-chair of the Florida Coalition for Optimal Mental Health and Aging-Suncoast Chapter and the Pinellas Partnership for End of Life Care. Shannon graduated from Leadership Pinellas, Class of 2006. She is a member of the Dunedin Committee on Aging and serves as Vice Chair of the Better Living for Seniors Information and Assistance Committee. She serves on the board of The Pinellas County Estate Planning Council. Shannon is a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, the Florida Geriatric Care Managers Association and Tampa Bay Financial Planning Association.
Shannon provides education throughout the community on elder care issues and has served as a resource to numerous professional groups as an eldercare expert.
Presentations include:
“Eldercare for the Professional Serving Seniors” presented to the Tampa Bay Financial Planner’s Assoc., 2005.
“A Private/Public Partnership: Care Management as Part of the Aging Network” presented at the FL Conference on Aging, 2005
“Dementia: Behaviors and Communication” presented at several Assisted Living Facilities and as training for home health staff
“Eldercare and You” provided to local businesses for employees
“Geriatric Care Management for Paralegals” presented to St. Pete College paralegal’s probate and guardianship course
“Ethical Quandaries When Dealing with Client Capacity Issues” presented to the Tampa Bay Financial Planner’s Association, the Florida Banker’s Association and the Florida Conference on Aging, 2006
Publications include:
“What is Geriatric Care Management?” for Optimal Aging newsletter
“Driving Issues and the Elderly” for numerous publications
“Parents and Finances” for Senior Link newsletter
“Building a Successful Team to Serve Aging Clients and their Families” and “Client Incapacity Issues” for FL Banking magazine
“Senior Disaster Preparedness” for numerous publications.
Shannon feels fortunate to call Pinellas County home and enjoys all that the area has to offer. She and her husband participate in many community activities, including Clearwater Jazz Holiday and The Skip Cline Young Leadership Society of Morton Plant Mease. Shannon spends free time reading, exercising, going to the beach and traveling with her husband.
Diane Morse, CMC
Director of Client Services
Diane has worked with Aging Wisely since 2000 and has lived in Pinellas County for over 18 years. She has had an enormous financial influence on several community agencies in our community by leading their fundraising events. She has been active with the American Cancer Society, Morton Plant Hospital, and the Children’s Home Society. Diane is a past member of the Board of Directors of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, the largest Hospice in the world, and St. Paul’s School of Clearwater. She led our community in building the largest playground and service center in the area for developmentally disabled.
Diane earned her Bachelor of Science degree at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York. Diane has worked as an Educational Coordinator for a nursing home conglomerate developing training and guidelines for nursing staff in nationwide facilities. She has had a great deal of personal experience caregiving and currently assists her in-laws with the challenges of aging. Diane has achieved the Care Manager Certified (CMC) designation and is a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers and the Florida chapter- Florida Geriatric Care Managers Association. Diane first served as an Aging Wisely care manager and was recently promoted to Director of Client Services, overseeing the care management staff and ensuring top quality service for our clients.
Diane feels her most important attributes are her creativity, organizational skills and problem solving abilities. Diane is an avid reader and loves to sail. She enjoys most, spending time with her family.
Office Administrator
Dena, like many other Florida residents, relocated to Florida for the beaches and warm weather. Before moving to Pinellas County in 1996 she was a resident of Oklahoma City, where she lived for the first ten years of her professional career.
Dena graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a B.A. in Mortuary Science, and continued her educational path by obtaining a M.Ed. in Gerontology from the same university. In 1986 she became licensed as a Funeral Director and Licensed Embalmer in the State of Oklahoma, where she worked as a Funeral Home Director. Dena continues to maintain these licensures, and has been licensed in Florida as a Funeral Director and Embalmer since 1996. Dena also has an M.B.A. in Business Administration, which she obtained in 2004 from Florida Metropolitan University.
Dena has 10 plus years of management and administrative experience and has continued to work directly with clients and their families for the past 21 years. Dena also has experience in Care Management, Job Development and Coaching, and Supportive Group and Individual Therapy with Geriatric Clients.
Before joining the Aging Wisely team Dena worked for Moss Feaster Funeral Homes as a Manager and Funeral Director. She managed their Palm Harbor Chapel for one year and their Dunedin Chapel for 8 years.
Lisa Cusumano
Care Manager
Lisa has enjoyed a varied career and has traveled and lived extensively throughout the world. She received her BA in Human Development from Eckerd College and is currently on a leave of absence while completing her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, with a concentration in Aging out of the area. Lisa is also in the process of obtaining a certification in contemplative end of life care. Lisa has volunteered throughout the community, with Pinellas county schools, refugee services at Gulfcoast Jewish Family Services, Eckerd Youth Alternatives, and The Haven domestic violence shelter. Lisa has worked as a tutor, mentor, and teacher’s assistant within the local schools, and has particular experience in behavior modification techniques.
Lisa brings to Aging Wisely a wealth of experience, from her volunteer work and jobs in the school system working with emotionally disturbed children, to her many years of experience managing businesses and working overseas. Lisa holds a special place in her heart for elders, developed from an early age through her relationships with grandparents, and her work as an aide in a nursing facility. She feels she can bring her abilities to manage and coordinate multiple tasks and her dedication to health and healing to the clients of Aging Wisely. Her appreciation for culture and her life experiences enable her to appreciate the diverse life experiences of clients, and to better understand their needs.
Lisa is a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers and the Florida Geriatric Care Managers Association as well as the American Society on Aging and the Gerontological Society of America. Lisa enjoys cooking, gardening, reading, and hiking. She is currently taking a leave of absence from Aging Wisely.
Care Manager
Karuna received her Master’s in Social Work from University of South Florida and her B.A. in Comparative Religious Studies from Guilford College. During her studies, Karuna interned at the Bay Pines VA, in a variety of areas, assisting veterans. Karuna worked in several programs including substance abuse treatment, mental health, and hospital dialysis. Her experience includes conducting psychosocial assessments, performing case management and discharge planning, facilitating group therapy, overseeing treatment plans, and conducting assessment and case management for a mental health program. Karuna has also worked for Big Brothers Big Sisters and for Lutheran Services of Florida in child protection.
Karuna brings compassion and patience to her work at Aging Wisely and enjoys serving as a resource to clients and their families. She acts as an advocate for clients and a support system to family caregivers. She is passionate about helping to ensure the best possible care for clients.
Karuna was born in New York, but is practically a native Floridian, residing here since age 5. A unique fact about Karuna is that she has a twin brother. Karuna enjoys gardening, bike riding, yoga and traveling abroad, in addition to spending time with friends and family. She has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters and served as volunteer tutor at a Cambodian Refugee Center in Greensboro, NC. Karuna is a member of National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
Care Manager
Robin has over 20 years of experience in social services and geriatrics, in settings ranging from nursing homes and assisted living facilities, to counseling and crisis intervention programs. Robin received her B.S. in Psychology from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and went on to receive her M.S. in Applied Psychology, with an emphasis in clinical services. A native of Oklahoma, Robin relocated to Pinellas County eleven years ago and enjoys the many amenities the area has to offer.
As a native of Oklahoma City, one of the events that most impacted her life was her experiences with the Federal Building bombing. Robin volunteered during the immediate crisis and was appointed to a FEMA crisis intervention team assisting victims and their families in their recovery process.
Robin has managed adult day health and care management programs, and has extensive experience with individuals with dementia. A well-rounded person, Robin is also a mixed media artist who obtained her B.A. in Fine Art from Eckerd College. Robin’s combination of creativity and extensive knowledge and skills make her well-suited for the field of care management. “I am happy when I can assist someone with the quality of their life. Quality of life is an essential aspect of happiness. Each person deserves to make choices about their life and to strive for a life which he or she defines as being of good quality”.
Robin is a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers and the Florida Geriatric Care Managers Association.
Outside of work, Robin enjoys spending time with her dogs, family and friends.
Care Manager
Juliet Lewis has lived in Pinellas County since 1976. She earned a B.S. degree from Miami University in Ohio and a M.A. from University of South Florida. In 1992, Governor Lawton Chiles appointed her to the Florida Board of Psychology as a public member. She served two terms and continues to serve on a committee as a former board member.
Her employment history has afforded her the opportunity to work directly with the disabled elderly population. This has provided her with an understanding of the enormous challenges faced by individuals during the aging process especially those experiencing age-related handicaps. While caring for elderly friends and relatives, she coordinated services that met their physical and medical needs and ensured that they had continued access to social and recreational activities. Juliet has achieved the Care Manager Certified (CMC) designation and has been with Aging Wisely 4 years.
Juliet is a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, the Florida Geriatric Care Managers Association and assists on the Public Policy committee with vital issues to the profession.
“Aging Wisely performs a much needed service in our area. Our mission statement is reflective of our commitment to obtain the highest possible quality of life for each of our clients.” Juliet’s background in both formal and informal settings gives her the necessary experience that makes her an effective team member of Aging Wisely. She has a gentle nature that is calming to her clients. Families and professionals often remark on her attention to detail and skills in coordinating and advocating for various client needs.
Care Manager
Sue has been with Aging Wisely for over 4 years and has achieved the Care Manager Certified (CMC) designation. She has lived in Pinellas County since 1992 and brings to our organization a wealth of experiences covering three countries. She is always available to give a helping hand and negotiate life’s challenges at difficult times. She has an ability to put people at ease and assist them in their choices and options.
Sue has a business background, graduating with an O.N.C. from Mid Cheshire College of Further Education in England. She has worked in the health care industry in Toronto, Canada, and owned her own business for over 10 years in Clearwater. She has also served on the Board of Directors for a number of community associations.
Sue initially moved to Pinellas County to assist her family in the care of her mother, during her progressive illnesses. She negotiated hospitals, medical personnel, medication concerns, and finally through to the care under Hospice. Sue brings to the role of Care Manager a wealth of personal experiences. She is a good listener offering directions and making recommendations when needed. She has an ability to think clearly in a crisis and assist the client in understanding the options available.
Sue is a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers and the Florida Geriatric Care Managers Association.
Sue enjoys the company of her two adult children and her extended family in the community, and enjoys her time deep-sea fishing, cooking and gardening.
Care Manager
C.J. brings a variety of professional and personal experience to benefit her clients at Aging Wisely. C.J. received a B.A. in Sociology from Western Kentucky University and her Master’s in Education from University of Louisville, where she majored in teaching emotionally disturbed children. In addition, C.J. has done graduate work in Clinical Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute in CA.
Early in her professional career C.J. worked as a teacher and counselor in the school system. However, many years were spent working in the administration of retirement communities. She has managed the independent living, home health and nursing facilities components as well as served as trainer and quality assurance manager for a continuing care corporation that included four facilities. C.J. then started doing psychotherapy with nursing home residents and used her clinical psychology education in counseling positions. After 25 years in Denver, C.J. and her family relocated to the Tampa Bay area.
Beyond her extensive professional experience, C.J. has been involved in caregiving for her father who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. As an out of state caregiver, she experienced the many rewards and challenges that can be involved with this role. Her personal experience has added to the compassion and patience C.J. brings to her work. C.J. also acknowledges the importance of humor and uses it to bring a smile to her clients’ and families’ days.
C.J. enjoys reading, spending time at the beach and travel. She is married with one daughter and has been involved in various political and school activities over the years. She has served on her town’s planning board and was President of the Colorado Association of Homes and Services for the Aging.
Care Manager
Julie graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Human Development. She has worked in a variety of settings, and across the lifespan. Julie and her husband have been on Florida’s west coast since 1989.
Julie’s interest in the welfare of people in general is what brings her to the care management field. She has vast experience with children, youth, and intergenerational programming. An advocate wherever she goes, it is not unlike her to speak out while walking through any setting if it is in a person’s best interest.
Julie has worked with Aging Wisely for six years and has achieved the designation Care Manager Certified (CMC). Julie keeps up-to-date on current issues and research on aging by attending conferences, workshops, and training sessions, as well as through her strong research skills. Julie has first hand knowledge of the benefits of care management; having first been a consumer of Aging Wisely’s services for her mother in law and then joining the team as an employee.
Regarding care management, Julie feels that allowing individuals the opportunity to make appropriate choices early will prevent undue stress and anxiety during a crisis. “We all want to be in control of our future as much as possible, and planning ahead allows for that to happen. Being proactive before a crisis means less disruption during and after the crisis has passed.” Julie brings great compassion, organizational skills, and attention to detail to overseeing her client’s needs. She excels at assessing complex situations, putting together a plan of care and helping families to navigate difficult paths towards solutions.
Julie is a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers and the Florida Geriatric Care Managers Association.
Julie has many talents outside of work, including baking and creating custom charm bracelets. Julie enjoys spending time playing with her two Boston Terriers, Sophie and Cous Cous, who some of her clients have enjoyed meeting as well.
Benefits Specialist
Sharon received her B.A. in Psychology, with a concentration in substance abuse counseling, from Cedar Crest College in Pennsylvania. Sharon’s combination of education and professional experience makes her a true asset for the clients of Aging Wisely. Sharon worked in the insurance industry and can help clients navigate their insurance choices, file paperwork correctly, file appeals, and manage the many issues related to insurance and government benefits. She brings the knowledge of the insurance industry along with her experience as a legal assistant and mortgage processor to help clients with various benefits and programs. She has received specialized training in Medicaid, VA Benefits, and Social Security Disability.
Sharon feels her role at Aging Wisely best allows her to use her past work skills combined with her education, compassion, and creativity. She has excellent problem solving skills and the necessary attention to detail and organizational/record keeping skills to manage a variety of issues for clients. Clients enjoy Sharon’s personality and kind, patient nature.
Sharon grew up in Pennsylvania and continues to visit her close family there. She relocated to Florida in 2006 and enjoys spending time at the beach and does not miss the cold weather. Sharon enjoys reading, painting, crafts, meditation, and spending time with her friends and her pets (a cat, iguana, and chinchilla) during her free time.
Daily Money Manager
Pat graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a business degree. She spent most of her career assisting her husband’s Certified Financial Planning business. Pat worked in social services for many years including the Red Cross and the YWCA.
Since retiring, she enjoys her four children and seven grandchildren most. Pat is involved in many volunteer experiences such as Neighborly Care Network, Stephen’s Ministries, Heritage Village demonstrator, and a local food pantry. Pat brings the right combination of experience and efficiency to this position.
Bookkeeper
Dotti has been assisting Aging Wisely with its bookkeeping and accounting tasks from our start. She plays an integral role in the business and appreciates the opportunity to support the team as they provide services to clients and families.
Dotti received her B.S. in Accounting from York College in Pennsylvania and worked as a cost accountant for several companies. Dotti has been an active volunteer, contributing a lot to the community in which she lives. She was active in her children’s schools, including serving on the St. Paul’s School board of trustees and acting as treasurer for the Berkeley Prep School Parents’ club. She also served on the Board of Directors for the Florida West Ballet and the Clearwater Free Clinic. She has been involved with the Assistance League of St. Louis and the Caring Times Committee for Morton Plant Mease Foundation. Dotti is a member of the Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin and Junior League of St. Louis.
Dotti and her husband, John, currently split their time between Tampa Bay and St. Louis, MO and have 2 children, Patrick and Kristin, in college.
Mission Statement