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» Meet Our Team

Management/Administrative Team

Linda R. Chamberlain ~ Beth Potter ~ Shannon Martin
Dena Manis ~ Jeannine Hodges ~ Carol Sparks ~ Dotti Fischer

Care Management Staff

Pat Bickel ~ Robin Dunlap ~ Karuna Eppsteiner ~ Vicky Henderson ~ Juliet Lewis
Sue Lewis ~ C.J. Long ~ Sandra Orr ~ Julie Scott ~ Jean Walden


Linda R. Chamberlain, J.D., CMC 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 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 Immediate Past 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 on the Florida Bar BLSE Elder Law Certification Exam committee 2005-2009. 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 2009 on Aging America.

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”


Beth Potter, MBABeth Potter - COO Aging Wisely

Chief Operating Officer

Beth completed her M.B. A. at Rollins College and her B.S. from Stetson College. Prior to joining Aging Wisely, Beth enjoyed a successful career in retirement and financial planning. She also has more than a decade of senior marketing experience, managing teams through expansions and new product launches. Beth brings problem solving and strategic thinking strengths, coupled with a background in strategic marketing to help further Aging Wisely’s business goals and the quality of life of our clients. Beth highly values the opportunity to work with and support a team that believes in doing the right thing for the client and applying her skill set to create systems and processes that ensure that remains the focus.

Beth spent over a decade in product and business development at Achieve Global (and predecessor Kaset International), a leader in customer service, leadership, and team building training and consulting products. Beth applied her experience in customer focus to building her business helping individuals with retirement goals. This experience also provides Beth insight in to many of the issues facing Aging Wisely clients, as well as the professionals working with them.

Beth is co-founder and current Vice President of OneHere…OneThere—a charity working through college students to fund education for children in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to this work, Beth has served in numerous other volunteer capacities, including the Stetson University Alumni Board of Directors, the UF External Advisory Board for the Center of Excellence for Regenerative Health for Biotechnology, and Tampa Easter Seals Board. Beth has also been involved as a lay leader for her church and developed a leadership retreat for United Methodist Churches.

Beth was born and raised in Orlando, and after a couple of years in D.C. returned to Florida where she has made her home in Tampa with her husband and two daughters for over 25 years. Beth enjoys scuba diving and traveling, especially to attend the Kentucky Derby.

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Shannon Martin, M.S.W., CMCShannon Martin - Aging Wisely

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. She serves on the board of The Pinellas County Estate Planning Council and the Executive Committee of Morton Plant Mease Foundation Financial Counseling Services. Shannon is a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers where she serves on the Editorial Committee of their publication and the Florida Geriatric Care Managers Association where she chairs the Public Relations Committee. She is a member of the Tampa Bay Financial Planning Association and Better Living for Seniors. 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 past board member of the Dunedin Committee on Aging and assisted in founding the Pinellas County Falls Prevention Coalition.

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 has also served as an adjunct professor at Eckerd College, creating and teaching a course on Eldercare. 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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Dena Manis, M.Ed., M.B.A.

CFO

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.

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Jeannine Hodges

Community Liaison

Jeannine came to Florida from West Virginia in 1987 and has been active throughout the community, professionally and personally. Jeannine worked for many years for Morton Plant Mease Foundation, assisting individual donors and professional advisors in philanthropic efforts to support Morton Plant Mease Healthcare. Jeannine’s work has provided her with a great knowledge of the local healthcare and estate planning communities.

Jeannine most enjoys being able to contribute to the positive impact Aging Wisely can have on the local community and ensuring local professionals have the resources they need to help aging or disabled clients and their families. Jeannine sees Professional Care Management services as integral to the professional team and the toolbox advisors can offer to their clients as they face different challenges. Jeannine continues to be a liaison both to community professionals and the individuals and families seeking help. Jeannine is the friendly and helpful voice you will most likely connect with when you contact Aging Wisely and you will always find it was a worthwhile call to make as Jeannine truly listens to your story and connects you with the help you need.

Jeannine received a degree in Public Service from Morris Harvey College (now known as Univeristy of Charleston) in West Virginia. She relocated to Florida in 1987. Jeannine has been married for 29 years and has two grown daughters. Jeannine has been an active volunteer, coaching basketball and softball and as a member of the Rotary Club of Dunedin. Jeannine served as Secretary of the Tampa Bay Area Planned Giving Council (now Partnership for Philanthropic Planning of Tampa Bay) and a board member of the Pinellas County Estate Planning Council.

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Carol Sparks

Office Administrator

Carol brings over 30 years of administrative experience to her position running the Aging Wisely office. Carol served as an Executive Assistant at a Land Developer and also as a Bookkeeper and Office Manager at a technology company. Carol enjoys being able to apply her office skills to support the work of the care managers in the field and to serve Aging Wisely clients most efficiently.

Carol lived most of her life in the Colorado mountains, until relocating to Naples, FL to be nearer to her daughter and grandchildren and then to the Clearwater area. She enjoys spending time with her family, including doing arts and crafts with her 3 grandchildren. Carol also enjoys staying active bowling, playing pool, bicycling, hiking and camping. She likes to attend festivals and fairs, as well as go on road trips and check out flea markets and concerts. In quiet time, Carol likes to read and do beadwork/jewelry. Carol is a big sports fan and likes attending live sports such as hockey, football, baseball and NASCAR. Carol often volunteers at local SPCA shelters and volunteered with charity golf tournaments and a recycling center in Colorado.

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Dotti Fischer, B.S.Dotti Fischer - Aging Wisely

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.

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Care Management Staff

Robin Dunlap, M.S., CMC

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.

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Karuna Eppsteiner, M.S.W.Karuna Eppsteiner

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).

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Juliet Lewis, M.A., CMCJuliet Lewis - Aging Wisely

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 she was appointed to the Florida Board of Psychology as a public member by Governor Lawton Chiles. She served two terms and continued serving on a Board committee as a former member for several additional years.

Her employment history has afforded her the opportunity to work directly with the handicapped older population. This has provided her with an understanding of the enormous challenges faced by individuals during the aging process especially those experiencing age-related disabilities. 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 been with Aging Wisely since 2003 and has achieved the Care Manager Certified (CMC) designation. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, the Florida Geriatric Care Managers Association and serves on the Public Policy committees of both organizations.

“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.

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Sue Lewis, O.N.C., CMC

Care Manager

Sue has been with Aging Wisely since 2003 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.

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C.J. (Cheryl) Long, M.Ed.C.J. Long - Aging Wisely

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.

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Julie Scott, B.S., CMC

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.

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Vicky Henderson, M.S.

Care Manager Associate

Vicky relocated to the Tampa Bay area in 2008 and brings with her many years of social services experience in Maryland. Vicky served as a Senior Coordinator of Care Management for The Coordinating Center in Millersville, MD where she assisted clients with Medicaid eligibility, created care plans and discharge plans and provided client advocacy. Prior to her work with seniors, Vicky also worked with a county department of social services doing case management for diverse students and families, and served as an instructor at a correctional institution. Vicky was also a trained mediator with the Conflict Resolution Center in Maryland, where she assisted the State’s Attorneys Office in determining which cases might be resolved through mediation.

Vicky completed a M.S. in Management and a B.A. in Social Work and Sociology from University of Maryland. Vicky brings not only diverse experience and resourcefulness to her work at Aging Wisely, but also a caring and compassion nature and dedication to helping clients navigate the system and access services. She wishes to help people every day to contribute to their overall health and wellbeing.

Vicky has two grown children and two grandchildren. She enjoys the Florida sunshine and boating, swimming and working out.

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Sandra Orr, B.A.

Care Manager Associate

After an extensive career in management, operations, and customer service, Sandra felt called to enter the Human Service field to follow her passion for assisting people and providing guidance and comfort. Sandra therefore obtained her B.A. from Eckerd College in Human Development and while doing so, interned with Aging Wisely. Sandra is currently pursuing her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Argosy University.

Sandra’s prior work experience affords her the problem solving skills, collaboration and management that help her thrive in her current work. One of Sandra’s strengths is in handling a crisis while keeping the communication flowing, and providing a positive presence during stressful moments. Her calming presence as well as compassion, empathy and supportiveness are truly valued by the clients she serves. Sandra received a strong academic foundation at Eckerd in working effectively with people and appreciates the opportunity to help elders maintain the dignity and respect they deserve as well as to support their families.

Sandra serves as an Alternate Board Member on the Dunedin Committee on Aging and is a student member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Sandra is also an active volunteer in the city of Dunedin and served on the Youth Guild for 6 years.

Sandra was born in Delaware but has called Florida home for several years. Her mother lives nearby and Sandra shares her home with her Boxer, Kalie and Burmese cat, Max. Sandra enjoys biking on the Pinellas trail, gardening, kayaking and photography. She likes to take advantage of the Florida weather attending outdoor events, going to the beach and enjoying the sunsets.

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Jean Walden, M.A.Jean Walden - Aging Wisely

Care Manager Associate

Jean brings a passion for helping others to her work at Aging Wisely. This passion led to Jean completing her Master’s in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma to facilitate a career change after many years as a tax accountant. Jean’s many volunteer experiences and community involvement led her to this decision to switch gears with the goal of helping individuals and families through different challenges.

Jean has a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University. She worked for many years in estate and trust accounting, as well as on Senatorial disclosures. Jean’s strong business and organizational skills benefit her clients and team at Aging Wisely. Jean has also lived and traveled all over the world and enjoys meeting and relating to a wide variety of people. She enjoys talking with and learning from the vast experiences of Aging Wisely’s clients.

Jean has always been very active in all of the communities in which she has resided. She is currently involved at Clearwater High School, both on the project graduation committee and swim team fundraising. In the past, she was a Girl Scout leader, a Meals on Wheels volunteer, softball coach, and leadership committee member at her church.

Jean grew up in Florida and met her husband of over 20 years in Gainesville. Through his job with National Geospatial Agency (DOD) in St. Louis, Missouri and their years together, they have lived in various states as well as overseas. They have two children, one a student at University of West Florida and one at Clearwater High School.

Currently, Jean’s hobbies are sailing, fishing, tennis, attending plays, golf, reading, yoga and swim mom. Jean has been to the Florida State Tennis Doubles USTA finals twice; in 2007 her tennis team won the BMW 5.5 combo doubles adult championship. Jean and her husband have sailed and raced in clubs throughout Florida. Jean has sailed since she was a young girl and began racing catamarans in high school.

Clients and her teammates always find Jean willing and eager to help, with a passion for learning and growing in her work. Jean contributes a wide ranging skill set along with her compassion and professionalism as she assists the team at Aging Wisely.

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Pat Bickel, B.A.

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.

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Mission Statement

Our goal is to enable every individual we work with to live the most fulfilling life possible, with utmost dignity, focusing on their physical, mental, spiritual, family and financial wellbeing.