What is your role at Aging Wisdom?
I am the Founder and Principal of Aging Wisdom.
What made you want to work in the field of aging?
My path into this work began with a very special relationship with my Grandpa. My mom was a teacher, and during the summers we spent a great deal of time with my grandparents in Portland while she took courses. My grandparents were often in charge of keeping me out of trouble—and I cherished that time. One of my favorite memories is playing Uno with my Grandpa. He would jokingly accuse me of changing the rules so I could win. 😊
That deep bond inspired me years later to volunteer in an assisted living community during high school as part of my Girl Scout Gold Award project. I formed meaningful relationships with several residents; experiences I still remember fondly today. Those early connections planted the seed for what would become a lifelong career working with older adults.
How has your job changed during your time at Aging Wisdom?
My role has evolved significantly over the past 22 years. For the first eight years of Aging Wisdom, I was a solo care manager working directly with clients and their families. In 2011, my dear friend and colleague Jullie Gray—who was also running her own solo practice—made the decision to merge our practices and grow something together that could serve even more clients. That decision was made over a Thai lunch, not long before!
Since then, Aging Wisdom has grown into a wonderful team, and my role has shifted from direct client care to supporting our staff and nurturing the business so they can do their best work.
What do you love about your job?
I love knowing that we make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day. We bring hope to situations that often feel overwhelming or hopeless, and we walk alongside families so they don’t feel alone as they oversee the care of their family members. We are privileged to work with incredible clients and families, and witnessing the compassion, skill, and dedication of our team is what truly keeps me going.
Tell us about a professional success story you’re proud of.
One of my earliest clients had no children and was widowed; her power of attorney was a niece living in Norway. Although that client passed away many years ago, I am still in touch with her niece today. The lasting relationships we build with families are something I feel deeply proud of.
Another memory that always makes me smile is when I unknowingly became a family “matchmaker.” I was working with two husbands whose wives were living with dementia. I had a strong feeling that if they met, they could be a meaningful source of support for one another. With their permission, I introduced them—and many years later, they remain very close friends, long after their wives have passed. Dementia can be an incredibly isolating journey, and helping create those connections has been profoundly meaningful.
What motivates you?
Our amazing team.
