My work sits at the intersection of aging, community, and innovation. Over the past 15+ years, I’ve partnered with organizations, caregivers, and communities to design programs and solutions that help people feel supported, connected, and valued as they age.
The path here wasn’t linear — it started with a deeply personal experience that continues to shape how I approach my work today.
Why This Work Matters
Like many people, I didn’t plan a career in aging or caregiving — I found my way into it through life. When my father was diagnosed with dementia, he moved in with me, and I became his primary caregiver for four years. Suddenly, I was navigating unfamiliar systems, coordinating support, and learning firsthand how overwhelming caregiving can feel for families simply trying to do the right thing.
My father had been an Oregon physician specializing in mountain rescue medicine — an adventurer, problem-solver, and someone who approached life with humor and curiosity. As dementia progressed, I realized that what he needed most wasn’t just care, but connection, purpose, and moments of joy. Helping him continue to live fully became the spark that ultimately shaped the work I do today.
When Caregiving Becomes Personal
Turning Experience into Action
What started as a personal caregiving experience grew into a career focused on creating programs and partnerships that support older adults, families, and caregivers in meaningful ways. I worked closely with individuals and their support networks, collaborating with community organizations, healthcare providers, and state agencies to expand access to resources, engagement, and opportunities for connection.
Leading initiatives that included Medicaid-supported services and caregiver-focused programs gave me a deeper understanding of how systems, relationships, and coordination intersect. I saw firsthand that lasting impact comes not just from services themselves, but from strong partnerships and thoughtful program design that meet people where they are.
What Guides my Work Today
Today, my work is grounded in a simple belief: people thrive when they feel connected, supported, and understood. Whether working with families, community partners, or organizations designing new solutions, I focus on helping systems feel more human and easier to navigate.
The experience of caregiving reshaped how I see aging — not as a challenge to manage, but as a stage of life that deserves creativity, dignity, and community. That perspective continues to guide the programs I build, the partnerships I foster, and the work I choose to pursue.
Let’s Chat!
I welcome conversations about community programs, caregiving innovation, partnerships, and opportunities to work together. Feel free to reach out — I look forward to connecting.