Tampa/Pasco/Pinellas County Aging Disability Experts

Linda R. Chamberlain
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 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. 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. 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 Substantive Chair for the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar. She also serves as the Co-Chair of the Elder Law Committee of the Clearwater Bar Association. She serves on the Gulfcoast Legal Services Board of Directors. 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. She is a 1997 graduate of Leadership Pinellas and is an active volunteer with Leadership Pinellas.

Professional memberships include the American Bar Association, Florida Bar, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Florida Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar, Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar, Clearwater Bar Association, Elder Law Committee and Probate Committee of the Clearwater Bar, and the Florida Council on Aging.

Publications include:

The Florida Bar Administration of Trusts in Florida (2d ed. 1999) "Medicaid Trust Administration" Chapter, co-authored with Attorney Charles F. Robinson.

Presentations include:

Florida Bar Elder Law Section continuing education presentation at the Fundamentals of Elder Law in April 2005 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 Bar Elder Law Section continuing education presentation at the Elder Law Certification Review Course in January 2005 on “Incapacity Planning.”

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.”

Florida Bar Elder Law Section continuing education presentation at the Fundamentals of Elder Law in February 2002 on “Ten Pointers on Qualified Income Trusts.”

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.

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Liz Barlowe
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 for over 5 years.

Liz serves as a board member of the Florida Geriatric Care Managers Association. 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. 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 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 elementary school.

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Shannon Martin, M.S.W.
Director of Community Relations

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 currently serves 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 Chair of the Better Living for Seniors Information and Assistance Committee. Shannon is a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers and The Pinellas County Estate Planning Council.

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.

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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 will begin pursuit of her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, with a concentration in Aging in Spring 2007. 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 American Society on Aging and the Gerontological Society of America. Lisa enjoys cooking, gardening, reading, and hiking

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Juliet Lewis
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.

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.

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Sue Lewis
Care Manager

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 enjoys the company of her two children, who are presently attending the University of Florida in Gainesville. She has an extended family in the community, and enjoys her time deep-sea fishing, cooking and gardening.

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Jena Midulla
Care Manager

Jena was born and raised in Tampa , Florida. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Gerontology from the University of South Florida. Recently, Jena completed an internship with the Florida Policy Exchange Center on Aging. With FPECA, she performed a case study on Medicare Part D.

Jena feels her education in gerontology, concern for the elderly, and problem solving skills are the best qualities she brings to Aging Wisely. Her professional mission is to impact the lives of the elderly. Jena 's grandparents are her inspiration and the reason she is dedicating her career to the elderly. In her free time, Jena takes pleasure in boating, exercising, and reading. Her favorite place is the beach. Above all, Jena enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

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Diane Morse
Care Manager

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 videos for caregivers. She has had a great deal of personal experience caregiving and currently assists her in-laws with the challenges of aging.

Diane feels her most important attributes as a care manager 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.

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Megan Quigley
Care Manager
Megan Quigley received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, from the University of Central Florida. She was born in Florida and has lived here all of her life. Megan has enjoyed traveling extensively throughout much of the world. She also is fluent both English and Spanish. She volunteers for the Pinellas County Schools and has also worked for the Department of Education. She also has experience in Exceptional Education and the issues surrounding individuals with Brain Injuries. Megan has previously held the position of Director/Coordinator for a private Adult Family Care Home. This afforded Megan the opportunity to be involved with Hospice, the Alzheimer’s Association, and various social services in her community.

Megan originally became interested in Elder Care when a family member was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. She has vast experience in dealing with the many progressive illnesses that affect individuals and their families.

Megan believes that her ability to understand the issues surrounding the aging community can enable her to be a successful Care Manager. She believes in the purpose of Aging Wisely to ensure quality care is given to every individual in need. She is committed to advocating for the elderly and helping their families through challenging times.

Megan enjoys being with family, traveling, shopping, and going to the beach. She feels spending time with others and interacting with people of diverse background enriches her life.

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Julie Scott
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 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."

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Jan Watrous
Consultant

Jan has lived in Pinellas County for 20 years. Her community involvement is extensive. From leadership and teaching roles in her church, children's schools and activities, to her volunteerism with the Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin, and serving the needs of the UPARC Clients through the annual Omelet Committee, Jan continues to give back. During her career in Development, Jan received National Awards for Sales and Leadership accomplishments.

Jan earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Georgia. She has received Advanced Training in the care of the Elderly. This training includes, but is not limited to, Partners in Care, Dealing with Difficult Families, Aging and End of Life, Legislative Changes Regarding End of Life Care, Nutrition Risk, Comprehensive Cancer Treatment of the Elderly, Interdisciplinary Care of Hospice Patients and Families, Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. Jan recently attended the program "Aging in the New Millennium: Controversies & New Directions" sponsored by The University of South Florida Department of Gerontology.

Jan is married, and the mother of two children in college. Family time is very important to her. Jan feels her biggest contribution to Care Management is the ability to listen, understand, and follow through with commitment. Each and every client has a special place in her heart.

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