Nancy Kessler has a passion for working with seniors and started collecting stories at a very young age when she frequently visited her 90 year old neighbor Mrs. Blanchet. Her interest in oral history and folklore blossomed and she eventually pursued a career in historical museums. After graduating Skidmore College and the Cooperstown Graduate Program, she was a Curator at the Museum of the City of New York. In addition, she was the Therapeutic Recreation Director for Atria Rye Brook (independent living facility) and Greenwich Adult Daycare (Alzheimer’s Adult Day Care). Nancy is on the Board of Directors of the Women's Enterprise Development Center (WEDC) and is the founder of the WEDC Senior Providers' Network. Nancy Kessler is a frequent speaker for civic organizations and teaches Memoir Writing at the Scarsdale Adult School. http://www.memoirsplus.com

Joan Nimmo, LCSW has been working with people with dementia and their caregivers for over 20 years. She began this journey with her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, when she first sought out the help of the Alzheimer’s Association. She received her MSW from NYU and practiced in New York City before moving to the Berkshires, where she had a private for 12 years working with elders and caregivers in their homes. During that time, she worked with the Alzheimer’s Association training both professional and family caregivers. She was also an adjunct professor at Berkshire Community College. She has also worked with elders in the community, assisted living and nursing home milieu. Presently, she is a care consultant and director of professional education for the Hudson Valley chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. alz.org/hudsonvalley

Karen Caccavo Personal Money Manager, holds an MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.She is in her ninth year as a daily money manager, also known as a financial organizer. Her clients, located in Westchester, Rockland, and Manhattan, are primarily seniors and the disabled. http://PersonalMoneyManager.net

As a daily money manager, Karen describes herself as “part bookkeeper, part organizer, part social worker”-- all skills that are required when working with seniors and their paperwork, their finances, and their families. Karen is a volunteer leader with the National Association of Professional Organizers, heading their Working with Seniors SIG, and President of the GNY Chapter of the American Association of Daily Money Managers. She has presented to a variety of professional and community organizations including the Financial Planning Association of the Greater Hudson Valley and Professionals in Aging Network.

Joanne Taylor owns the Senior Helpers Westchester office and leads all aspects of the business. Senior Helpers is an international non-medical home care network. Joanne knows firsthand how difficult it can be to serve as caregiver, advocate and loved one at the same time. After navigating the senior care market to provide and choose care for two of her family members, Joanne was moved to make a career change from financial services. She knows firsthand how difficult it can be to serve as caregiver, advocate and loved one at the same time. Joanne honed strong operations and management skills as a COO, analyst, management consultant and commercial banker. She is passionate about providing the highest quality care possible to Westchester's seniors and supporting and training caregivers and other staff. Joanne strives to provide the best possible care to extend her clients' desires to age in place and remain independent at home. She holds a B.S. in finance and marketing from Georgetown University and a M.B.A. from New York University's Stern School of Business.

http://www.seniorhelpers.com/newyorkwestchester-ny/about-us/local

Allison Jaffe NYS Licensed Real Estate Broker Seniors Real Estate Specialist As a NY State Licensed Real Estate Broker, Allison Jaffe is a sole practioner who gets the best terms possible for Seller and Buyer clients while providing essential services to facilitate their transactions from start to finish. Key Real Estate Services also enables legal, financial, and eldercare advisors to offer value-added services to their clients with real estate concerns. Key Real Estate Services covers the broad New York City metropolitan area in order to serve multi-generational families who have dispersed from upper Manhattan throughout the Bronx and surrounding suburbs. As a Certified Seniors Real Estate Specialist, Allison works with older homeowners and their families to facilitate the sale of a long-time home when it is time to find a residence to accommodate the needs of later life or to settle an estate.

http://www.keyrealestateny.com

Susan Ross is the founder/owner/publisher of Westchester Senior Voice magazine, www.westchesterseniorvoice.com a publication connecting ages 55+ with the local businesses, services and professionals that serve Westchester County's boomers and seniors. Inspiring readers to celebrate life and enrich the journey ahead, WSV also delivers relevant and meaningful information so they can age wisely. 

Susan has spent her entire career in media and publishing. In her mid-20s, she co-founded and was the long-time publisher of several local parenting publications including New York Family, Westchester Family and The Baby Guide. She also co-created Family Marketing Network, an agency representing over 100 local parenting magazines across the country in advertising sales. After selling these properties, she worked in online digital advertising, including a stint at the Conde Nast site Epicurious.com. 

Susan holds an MBA from Cornell University and is a Certified Senior Advisor.

www.westchesterseniorvoice.com

Susanne Leary Shoemaker is the founder and chief executive of Undercare Inc.  The company’s cleverly designed product line offers dignity and independence to individuals who struggle with limited mobility.  Susanne came up with the idea to design specialty, patented underwear that does not require one to bend, balance, or stand on one leg in order to get dressed.  Instead of placing one’s feet and legs through a leg opening, you simply wrap and fasten your undergarment with soft and flexible Velcro.  Once on, Undercare looks, feels and functions like traditional underwear.  The product line will also include swimwear and athletic wear soon. Whether one has chronic or acute mobility impairment, Undercare can help.  It is helpful to caregivers as well.  

http://www.undercare.com

Karen Ganis Program Director, RideConnect has been working with older adults in various capacities since 1999, when she lost her father to Alzheimer’s Disease.  She is an active volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association, and was most recently the First Vice Chair, and Chair of Development for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Board of Directors.  In addition, Karen is the founder and Director of RideConnect, an information, referral and volunteer transportation program that has been providing transportation services to older adults throughout Westchester County since 2010.  Karen holds a BA in Environmental Science from SUNY Albany,  and a MBA from Pace University.

http://www.rideconnectwestchester.org

Sue Groppe has over 35 years of experience in the field of Geriatrics. Over 15 years ago she opened her practice as a Geriatric Care Manager, serving families in Westchester and Rockland County.

She has worked with hundreds of individuals helping them to live more independently even as they suffered from debilitating illnesses.

After obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree from Syracuse University in Occupational Therapy, Sue received her MS degree in Community Health Administration with a specialty in Geriatrics from Long Island University.

Sue provides assessments to her clients in their homes and sets up short and long term goals to obtain safety. Some of the tasks that are completed during the assessment are home safety and recommendation of appropriate adaptive equipment, coordinate services that might include hiring home health aides, coordination of doctor’s appointments and medication management.

When appropriate, Sue facilitates and recommends appropriate placement in assisted living communities and or nursing homes.

Sue does a full review of financial status to determine what level of care is affordable and will complete Medicaid applications and pool trusts as indicated. She works closely with elder care attorneys in the community.

914-779-0031

www.elderservicesny.com

Adria Gross, founder of MedWise Insurance Advocacy, is a New York State-licensed insurance broker and consultant, uncovers discrepancies in diagnostic or procedure coding, finds loopholes through which insurance companies attempt to deny claims, and helps attorneys, individuals and families resolve medical claim matters. Ms. Gross worked for two insurance companies denying claims and now she used that knowledge to save clients big money--sometimes over 90% of their bills and millions of dollars per year. She has achieved extraordinary results for her clients by working out highly beneficial arrangements for those that have exhausted all other options. Ms. Gross is the co-author of “Solved! Curing Your Medical Insurance Problems” and “Multi Payer Medicine Nightmare Made in the USA,” endorsed by Ralph Nader

medicalinsuranceadvocacy.com

Abby Rosmarin, Esq., LMHC is a family mediator, conflict coach and group facilitator. She draws on her training and experience in law, conflict resolution and mental health to mediate a wide range of disputes and help people who feel they are misunderstood, ignored or dismissed resolve conflict. She is both an attorney and a licensed mental health counselor who has specialized training in Medical Bioethics. For more information about Abby, please see

https://www.rosmarincoaching.com and https://www.berkbot.com/attorney-profiles/abby-p-rosmarin/

Jessica Seidel, LCSW is passionate about helping older adults age in place and supporting them through the emotional process of aging. She received her M.S.W. degree from Hunter College School of Social Work in 2004 and her LCSW license in 2007. She has extensive experience working with home-bound older adults within the field of mental health and aging. Her practice is designed to support older adults and their families and/or caregivers, as well as to empower them within their navigation of the aging process.

JessicaSeidelLCSW.com

Mara Perlmutter, has been a leader and expert in the design, development, and distribution of luxury and contemporary fashion jewelry and accessories for over 30 years. Beginning her career as a Buyer for Saks Fifth Avenue, to Group President at the Jones Jewelry Group, Mara has led merchandising, marketing and design for global brands including Givenchy, Anne Klein, French Connection, Laundry by Shelli Segal, Judith Jack, 9West, Isaac Mizrahi and Christian Siriano. Her vast experience fueled her Mom's request 4 years ago to develop fashionable emergency alert devices after she refused to wear the unattractive stigmatizing plastic ones. Mara addressed this need and founded Trelawear (Trela is alert spelled backwards) to provide Safety with Style solutions for women who want to maintain their independent lifestyle, age in place at home, and enjoy peace of mind. Learn more by visiting https://trelawear.com/

Daryl Moss the owner and founder of Mission to Wellness, LLC, a company dedicated to helping its clients on the path to a healthier, happier, less-stressed life. She is a Certified Holistic Health Counselor, and received her training at the Institute for Integrated Nutrition in New York City, with an additional certificate in health counseling from Teachers College at Columbia University. Her specialties are weight loss, digestive issues, and gluten-free living. Daryl works one-on- one with most of her clients, and also does group programs and cooking workshops. In addition, Daryl runs a two week whole food based cleanse, The Synergy3 Cleanse and Wellness Program, with two colleagues. http://missiontowellness.com

Laura Rotter, CFA, CFP is the owner of True Abundance Advisors, a heart-centered, values-based financial planning firm based in New York. After a successful career managing money for institutional investors including Citicorp and Para Advisors, Laura discovered mindfulness practices and was drawn to guide professionals facing a big life change to achieve both financial security and life satisfaction. Since making her shift, she has been featured in CNBC, the Wall Street Journal, and Westchester Senior Voice, is on the advisory council of Impact100 Westchester, a women’s group giving organization, and volunteers with My Money Workshop, teaching financial literacy to underserved communities.

TrueAbundanceAdvisors.com

Gianna O. Corona, Esq., is an estate planning and estate settlement attorney at Shamberg Marwell Hollis & Laidlaw, PC in Mount Kisco, New York. Gianna is admitted to practice law in both New York and Connecticut. She is a member of the New York State Bar Association Trusts and Estates Section, Westchester County Bar Association, and Westchester Women's Bar Association. Gianna graduated magna cum laude from Concordia College New York where she majored in Business Administration, was a fellow in the honors program, and played NCAA Division-II basketball. While at Concordia she was selected to be featured for a Profile in Excellence and received the Borgen Prize business award. She graduated cum laude from Pace University School of Law where she was Executive Editor of Pace International Law Review

www.smhal.com

Debra Lang, Owner of Seniors Helping Seniors of Westchester and Putnam Counties

Several years ago, while I was helping a 92 year-old member of my church community pack up his apartment after his wife passed away, I was truly inspired by his stories…as together we looked at the photographic evidence of a full and well-lived life, I gained keen insight into the challenges and changes that come as we transition through life’s stages. It was also at that time that it became clear how important it is for seniors to have strong support…and who better to provide that support than another senior who understands the aging process firsthand!

In February of 2013, Debra opened her Seniors Helping Seniors franchise, a unique non-medical home care agency, serving Westchester and Putnam Counties, which pairs active, skilled, local senior caregivers with senior clients who need practical, cost-effective help with day-to-day things or companionship to help cope with feeling isolated or lonely. Our senior caregivers provide respectful, compassionate, one-to-one support to help seniors enjoy life to the fullest while remaining independent in their own homes. seniorcarenorthwestchester.com

Lynn Lavender, CLTC, is an insurance professional protecting the lifestyles and assets of both individuals and employees. She specializes in Life Insurance, Disability Income Insurance and is well known in the area of Long Term Care Insurance.

In addition to working with her private clients, for several years she was the Regional Business Development Business Manager for the second largest Long Term Care insurer in the U.S. She was responsible for sales and supporting financial advisors at the major investment firms in the New York Metro area. Lynn was also selected by one of the largest unions in New York State to work with its members to educate and help them choose the most appropriate Long Term Care coverage. In addition she has conducted employee information meetings at major corporations introducing Group Long Term Care benefits.

Lynn has extensive business experience. Her corporate background includes positions in technology sales and administrative positions with IBM, Western Union and NYNEX.

914.478.7640

LLavender@GuideINS.com

www.GuideINS.com

Molly Olivia Roffman, PT MA CEEAA

Owner and Director

StepWISEnow Balance Fitness & Fall Prevention

Molly is a New York State licensed physical therapist specializing in fall prevention and balance fitness.

Molly’s experience in the rehabilitation of patients who sustained fractures and other fall-related injuries inspired her to develop StepWISEnow Balance Fitness, a comprehensive balance training and fall prevention practice offering progressive, evidence-based programs for adults of all ages and skill levels.

Molly combines her background in dance, physical therapy, movement science and her love for teaching in providing each of the StepWISEnow programs.

“It’s wonderful to be able to reach so many people at once with programs that have been proven to be effective.The knowledge that falls CAN be prevented and that these programs can make a difference is cause for real optimism.”

Credentials, Training Certifications and Programs offered by StepWISEnow

stepwisenow.com

molly@stepwisenow.com

914.486.8125

Sheri Hametz is the founder of Peak Executor Solutions LLC. She holds an Economics degree from Brown University and a law degree from New York University School of Law. She is a former litigator who practiced complex commercial and insurance recovery litigation at top New York City law firms for a dozen years, providing counsel to Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies in multi-million and billion dollar litigations, battling insurance companies and piecing together lost or incomplete insurance policies for her clients. She has served as the Treasurer of a not-for-profit corporation and as the Executor of multiple estates. She is a member of the Estate Planning Council of Westchester County Inc., a select group of professionals who focus on estate planning and estate settlement. Sheri is a business professional who brings an unparalleled depth of experience and sophisticated understanding, the ability to deal with complex details quickly and effectively, and a sensitivity to her clients’ needs and confidences.

http://www.peakexecutor.com