Management/Administrative Team
Linda R. Chamberlain ~ Shannon Martin ~ Dena Manis ~ Jeannine Hodges ~ Dotti Fischer
Care Management Staff
Sue Chaffman ~ Robin Dunlap ~ Amanda Fullmer ~ Juliet Lewis
Sue Lewis ~ C.J. Long ~ Nicole Ousley ~ Val Palla ~Karuna Reiff ~ Julie Scott
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 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.”
Director of Communications
Shannon serves as Director of Communications for Aging Wisely, LLC and EasyLiving, Inc., handling public relations, community education and communications via various channels including the web and social media. 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 achieved the Care Manager Certified (CMC) designation.
Shannon became interested in the many issues facing older adults and their families during her college career 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.
Shannon feels that the biggest contribution she can make is to educate professionals and the public about the resources available to help family caregivers and older adults. Bringing together her gerontology background and communications skills, Shannon hopes to ensure families know where to turn when help is needed.
Shannon takes an active role in community education and awareness by participating in numerous organizations and committees. She has served 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 served on the Editorial Committee of their publication and the Florida Geriatric Care Managers Association where she chaired 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.
Shannon is an adjunct professor at Eckerd College, where she developed and taught a course on Eldercare. Shannon provides education throughout the community and has presented to groups such as the Tampa Bay Financial Planner’s Association, the Florida Banker’s Wealth Management Conference, the Florida Conference on Aging, The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, St. Pete College Paralegal program, and numerous professional and civic organizations. Shannon has authored many articles on topics related to eldercare and aging, for publications such as Forbes.com, Florida Banking Magazine, Trust Talk Newsletter, Clearwater and St. Pete Bar Association magazines, and numerous websites.
Shannon enjoys reading, exercising and spending time with family and friends. She and her husband enjoy traveling, as well as participating in many Tampa Bay activities including several years of being involved in Clearwater Jazz Holiday’s Jazz Force.
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.
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 the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning of Tampa Bay) and a board member of the Pinellas County Estate Planning Council.
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.
Care Management Staff
Sue Chaffman, MA, CCM, CRC, CDMS
Care Manager & Certified Case Manager
Sue offers an extensive background in medical care management, rehabilitation, and discharge planning to assist families navigating these complex systems. Sue has her M.A. in Gerontology, with honors, from University of South Florida and her B.A. in Psychology from Auburn University. Sue has worked for several years as a geriatric and rehabilitation care manager with West Florida Care Management and as a Rehabilitation Counselor for Florida Bureau of Rehabilitation and Re-Employment. Additionally, Sue has worked in sub-acute settings, cognitive rehabilitation and hospital case management.
Sue chooses to work as a care manager because she is passionate about helping older persons and those who are vulnerable in our society to understand their options and get through difficult life experiences and choices. Sue excels at problem solving and finding solutions for diverse client situations and medically complex cases. Her clients benefit exponentially from her extensive experience and knowledge of community resources and the medical system. She has special expertise in disability management, helping clients with head injuries, stroke, and chronic, progressive conditions. Sue has served as an expert witness and provided consultation for families in crisis.
Sue carries many professional accolades. She is Certified Medical Case Manager (CCM), a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and a Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS). Sue is Past President of the Southwest Florida Chapter of the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals. Sue belongs to the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (member since 1998) and the Florida Geriatric Care Management Association.
Sue is a long-time Pinellas County (Seminole) resident and is married with two children, one of whom is serving in the U.S. Air Force. She enjoys attending her son’s wrestling matches and has been involved as a Boy Scout volunteer. Sue is an avid cyclist and enjoys traveling. In the past, she traveled and worked in a geriatric hospital in New Zealand.
Certified Care Manager, Family Mediator
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.
Robin has managed adult day health and care management programs, and has extensive experience with individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia. Robin has completed a family mediation training program (which meets standards set by the Florida Supreme Court and statutes for certified family mediators), to better assist families in conflict. With increasing calls from families and professionals about caregiving and relationship conflicts, Aging Wisely is proud to offer this unique expertise, combining the mediation process with geriatric and disability care experience.
Robin chose to use her extensive clinical skills in the field of care management because, as she states, “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 and has achieved the Care Manager Certified Designation (CMC). Robin completed advanced training on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders certified by the State of Florida.
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.
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. Robin relocated to Pinellas County over eleven years ago and enjoys the many amenities the area has to offer. Outside of work, Robin enjoys spending time with her dogs, family and friends.
Certified Care Manager
Amanda attained her Master’s Degree in Gerontology from University of South Florida and her Bachelor’s in Sociology from University of Florida. Amanda has a broad range of experience in a career dedicated to serving seniors and caregiving families.
Amanda began her career working for the New York Foundation for Senior Citizens and continued on to work in social services in skilled nursing facilities in the Tampa area. She has assisted with support to seniors and their families in all aspects of long term care, from care planning to navigating the Florida Medicaid process through discharge planning and recommending community services
In the last several years, Amanda has gained additional experience in community care for the elderly while being involved in the long term care diversion program (also known as the nursing home diversion or long-term care waiver diversion program). Working for long term care diversion service providers, Amanda has acted as an elder advocate, created care plans, performed client assessments and evaluated ongoing member needs. Amanda performed records reviews for compliance and also served as supervisor to a team of case managers. She has helped elderly members gain access to long-term care services and ensured appropriateness and cost-effectiveness of medical, home health and assisted living services. Amanda has extensive knowledge of the eldercare support services in the Tampa Bay community.
Amanda enjoys working one-on-one with older adults with the goal of improving quality of life. Amanda’s expertise benefits her clients as she assists in navigating the healthcare system, government benefits, financial assistance for seniors and the many community resources for Florida elders. Amanda’s knowledge of insurance/Medicare/Medicaid helps her clients and families as they look at the best and most cost-effective options. Amanda has received additional specialty training in Alzheimer’s disease, elder abuse and leadership effectiveness. With her experience in a wide variety of eldercare settings and programs, Amanda can provide peace of mind and relieve families’ anxieties through quality geriatric assessment, advice and recommendations.
Amanda was born and raised in Florida and is a big Florida Gators fan. In addition to watching college football, she enjoys music and dancing and spending time with her daughter.
Certified Care & Case Manager
Juliet’s employment history has afforded her the opportunity to work directly with the elderly population and those with disabilities. Additionally, 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. She is passionate about helping people maintain quality of life, freedom and individuality no matter what their physical or mental health challenges. Using her passion, skills and extensive experience, she helps clients and families more smoothly navigate these challenges.
Juliet has been with Aging Wisely since 2003 and has achieved the Care Manager Certified (CMC) designation and certification as a Case Manager (CCM). 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. Juliet has received extensive continuing education on various issues of importance to the clients she serves, including completing advanced training on Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders as certified by the state of Florida.
Juliet’s organizational skills and careful oversight provide her clients with high quality continuity of care. Families and professionals often remark on her attention to detail and skill coordinating and advocating for various client needs. As one client’s daughter states best and all of her clients would echo, “Every time I would speak to Juliet she would always make me feel that I was the top on her list of priorities–what a gift”.
Juliet’s clients acknowledge that their lives have improved remarkably due to her resourcefulness, diligence and commitment. She has a gentle nature that is calming to her clients and has been especially successful working with many clients with mental illness or dementia. As Juliet states, “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 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.
Certified Care Manager, Patient Advocate
Sue has been with Aging Wisely since 2003 and has achieved the Care Manager Certified (CMC) designation. Sue is a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers and the Florida Geriatric Care Managers Association. Sue is also a member of the Professional Patient Advocacy Institute, where she has received specialized patient advocacy training and been profiled as one of their featured members. Sue has completed Advanced Training in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders from the state of Florida.
Sue is an experienced patient advocate. She has helped many families compassionately through complex medical situations, end of life care and family conflicts around the care of a loved one. As the son of one of Sue’s clients states, “it was Sue who provided me the clarity and support I needed to deal with the doctors and family members”. Through Sue’s advocacy, families benefit from improved coordination of care, clarity about medical decisions and improved family relations. Professionals in the community value Sue’s assessment, expertise and clear information. Sue also shares her expertise by providing training for her colleagues on issues like medical advocacy and case reviews in end of life care.
Sue has lived in Pinellas County since 1992 and brings a wealth of experiences covering three countries. Sue has a business background, graduating with an O.N.C. from Mid Cheshire College of Further Education in England. She worked in the health care industry and a large hospital system 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 Pinellas County community associations.
Sue initially moved to the Clearwater area to assist her family in caregiving for her mother during her progressive illnesses. She negotiated hospitals, medical personnel, medication concerns, and finally hospice care. Sue’s clients benefit from the compassion gained through her personal experiences, as well as her extensive experience advocating for elder clients. She has an ability to think clearly in a crisis and help negotiate life’s challenges at difficult times. She is an excellent listener and has an ability to put people at ease and assist them in navigating their choices and finding the best options.
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. Sue is also involved in planning for several local charitable organizations.
C.J. (Cheryl) Long, M.Ed., CMC
Certified 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 Degree 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. C.J. completed all work prior to dissertation for her PhD in Clinical Psychology.
Early in her professional career C.J. worked as a teacher and counselor in the school system. She then spent many years working in the administration of retirement communities. She has managed the independent living, home health and nursing facility components at various communities. C.J. served as a trainer and quality assurance manager for a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) corporation that included four facilities. She then started doing psychotherapy with nursing home residents and used her clinical psychology education in counseling positions.
C.J.’s many years of experience in care communities especially benefit clients in transition–making decisions about retirement communities or care facilities, reviewing options and contracts and preparing for and facilitating a positive move to a new home when appropriate. C.J. recently attended the National Association of Senior Move Managers’ conference to gain further education and resources for assisting clients in transition. C.J. is a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers and the Florida Geriatric Care Managers Association. C.J. completed the state of Florida’s Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias advanced training.
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.
After 25 years in Denver, C.J. and her family relocated to the Tampa Bay area. 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
Nicole has three family members living with Alzheimer’s disease and has dedicated her career to helping other Alzheimer’s caregivers. Nicole has a Bachelor’s degree in Gerontology from University of South Florida (U.S.F.) and has worked as a program coordinator for the Alzheimer’s/Dementia unit at a local assisted living community. While there, she gained valuable experience implementing programs to meet the specific needs of a vast variety of residents in different stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. She values the importance of person-centered care and improving quality of life for older adults with personalized care plans.
Nicole has completed numerous continuing educational courses and eldercare certifications including:
• Therapeutic Approaches to Dementia course
• Assisted Living Facility Alzheimer’s Training, Level 1 and 2, approved by the Florida Dept. of Elder Affairs
• Do Not Resuscitate Order training/certification
• Resident Rights Training, certified by the Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
• Abuse and Neglect Training, certified by the Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
• Advanced Training in Alzheimer’s Disease and related disorders certified by the state of Florida
Nicole completed the Alzheimer’s Association Support Group Facilitator training and started a successful support group for dementia caregivers at her assisted living community. In an effort to continue to advocate and serve those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias, Nicole plans to begin a support group for Aging Wisely and Easy Living clients, families and caregivers in the coming months.
Nicole’s incredible work ethic and passion for advocating for older adults benefit her clients and team at Aging Wisely. As Nicole states, “I knew there had to be an easier way for patients and families to seek help and assistance in finding proper channels for care. Seeing the struggles my family went through caring for my loved ones made me want to use my knowledge and passion to help others.” Nicole brings a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to her work, which is readily apparent to those she serves. She has strong communication skills and families comment that her composure and trustworthiness help them to feel reassured during challenging situations. She helps clients and families navigate their options so that they might have a smoother path through the eldercare/caregiving journey.
Nicole was born in New York, raised in West Palm Beach and came to the Tampa area to pursue her degree in Gerontology at the U.S.F. She met her husband here and they both enjoy calling the area home. They enjoy spending time with their Shih-Tzu, Lexi, and taking advantage of all the Tampa Bay area offers, including boating, restaurants, and football. Nicole is learning how to scuba dive and also enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family. Nicole has also been involved in charitable causes, including the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk and volunteering at Metropolitan Ministries.
Care Manager
Val holds her Master’s Certification in Geriatric Care Management from the University of Florida, as well as a certification in Gerontology from St. Petersburg College. She has her Bachelor of Science degree from Northwestern University. Val has experience managing senior homemaker companion services and developing care plans for elderly clients. Val has worked with both families and elder clients assessing their needs as well as supervising staff to ensure the best services for those clients.
Val brings her organizational and business skills, with many years in medical practice management, to help her clients and families better navigate the healthcare system. She is passionate about advocating for seniors and helping provide options so that elders and family members can make informed decisions. Val knows that with good eldercare advice and patient advocacy, clients can focus on what they desire in regards to quality of life and end of life choices. In addition to her background and skills, clients enjoy working with Val because of her kind and compassionate nature.
Val currently serves on the Pinellas County Better Living for Seniors Information and Assistance Committee. She has been actively involved as a volunteer for many community organizations, from Ronald McDonald House to the St. Petersburg Free Clinic and Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. Val has coached and managed softball and swimming teams. Early in her career, Val received her certification as an E.M.T. (Emergency Medical Technician).
Val was born and raised in Chicago and she and her partner of more than 30 years relocated to Tampa Bay in 1998. She enjoys all the Florida lifestyle has to offer, especially kayaking, golfing and gardening.
Karuna Reiff, M.S.W., LCSW, CMC
Certified 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 Veterans Administration, in a variety of areas, assisting veterans. Karuna worked in several programs providing case management and social work assistance, 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 care management 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. Her extensive experience navigating the healthcare and social services systems and expertise in Veterans’ services provide great benefit and comfort to her clients and families.
Karuna has achieved the designation of Care Manager Certified (CMC) and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Karuna is a member of National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Karuna also completed advanced training in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders certified by the state of Florida.
Karuna was born in New York, but is practically a native Floridian, residing here since age 5. Two interesting facts about Karuna are that she has a twin brother and her name represents compassion in Buddhism. 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.
Certified Care & Case 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’s interest in the welfare of people in general is what brings her to the care management field. She has vast experience with youth, intergenerational programming and children with disabilities. An advocate wherever she goes, her career has been dedicated to the human services.
Julie has worked with Aging Wisely since 2001 and has achieved the designation Care Manager Certified (CMC). Julie is also a Certified Case Manager (CCM). 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. She has completed Veterans Benefit training and Advanced Alzheimer’s Training as certified by the state of Florida. 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 is the winner of The Dorland Health People Awards for 2010, a nationwide award honoring professionals in healthcare who make significant impacts. Julie has been a featured speaker on eldercare issues to groups of consumers and professionals, as well as playing an integral role in developing processes and training at Aging Wisely. Julie contributed to a chapter on disaster preparedness in a widely used care management textbook.
Julie and her husband have been on Florida’s west coast since 1989. 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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