What is your role at Aging Wisdom? Director of Marketing and Communications
What made you want to work in the field of aging?
Like so many of my colleagues, I had the benefit of having my grandparents and other older adults in my life growing up. They all played a positive role in 
who I am today, especially my Grandma Hulda (that’s me, as a baby, on her lap, right).
My “baptism” into the field of aging happened serendipitously, thirty years ago, when I was hired by an architectural and construction management practice. I became part of the team that specialized in senior housing and long-term care design. That work provided a broad, solid foundation of understanding of aging from a biopsychosocial perspective. I want to thank my mentor Terry McLaughlin, AIA, for that opportunity.
I’ve worked in the field ever since, fueled and guided by the wisdom and pioneering spirit of others like Nora Gibson (Full Life Care emeritus), Charlene Boyd (The Mount), Steve Wattenbarger (Wattenbarger Architects), Dr. G. Allen Power (Schlegel Chair in Aging and Dementia Innovation), Patricia Hunter (WA State LTC Ombuds), Carin Mack and Cecily Kaplan (Greenwood Senior Center emeritus), Dr. Basia Belza (de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging – UW SON), Karen Winston and Irene Stewart (Aging & Disability Services emeritus), Sandy Sabersky, (Elderwise) to name a few.
How has your job changed in the time you’ve worked at Aging Wisdom?
Last August I celebrated ten years at Aging Wisdom. In that time, I’ve witnessed an interesting evolution: Adult children who engaged us for services and support for their parents are returning to plan for themselves; they’re Proactive Planners. They want to be proactive about their own aging journey and not reactive as changes happen. When clients are informed and prepared, they are empowered. It makes a profound difference.
What do you love about your job?
My colleagues. They are wise, caring, ethical, experienced. We are always learning. And we have a lot of fun too. I especially appreciate the collaborative and supportive culture at Aging Wisdom. No one works in isolation. A teammate is always a text message, call, or email away to help problem-solve and navigate challenges.
Witnessing the positive impact our guidance has on the well-being and quality of life of clients, their families, and friends. The work is truly transformative.
Tell us about a professional success story that you’re proud of.
Collaboration with the many kindred spirits with whom I’ve had the joy to work as a colleague and as a volunteer through the years – I’ve served on conference planning committees, advisory councils, and boards of directors for community organizations that support older adults. And I appreciate how our friendships and alliances continue beyond the volunteering.
I take pride in having been part of the founding advisory group that developed and launched the Creative Aging Program at the Frye Art Museum. I was working at a nonprofit organization at the time when I was asked to serve as the representative. Three nonprofits came together around a common mission and vision. That was 16 years ago. It’s been a joy to be part of a collective of like-minded people who want to bring meaningful dementia-inclusive and age-friendly engagement to our communities. I stepped down last year after 15 years. My colleague Katie Lamar, our Director of Creative Engagement, is now serving on the advisory committee. I love that these programs continue to thrive and grow.
What motivates you?
As a kid, I was deeply influenced by the work of Margaret Mead and carry this quote near to my heart in all I do: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Seeing that the work I have the privilege to do – writing, presenting, informing, supporting, encouraging, connecting, collaborating – has a positive impact on the well-being of others keeps me energized.
