AGINGWISELY - Key Persons
Alex has a strong background of academic and practical experience in sales, marketing, administration, and leadership. He received his B.S. in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University. Alex enjoys applying his skills to create innovate practices in the field of home health, with the focus on the best ways to serve clients.
Alex started his career with Easy Living leading Business Development and now handles overall operations, strategic planning, and overseeing staff. The ability to apply his business and interpersonal skills to making a difference in the lives of clients drives Alex's passion for his work. Alex was named a Tampa Bay Business Journal "Up and Comer" in 2009 and Clearwater Chamber's Davinci Young Professional of the Year in 2013.
Alex strongly believes in the philosophy that the caregivers working directly with clients come first and works hard to provide them the tools and support they need, knowing that this is the way clients receive the best care. He believes in the power of the professional services Aging Wisely and EasyLiving provide to ensure a better quality of life for elders and an easier time for family caregivers. His philosophy and constant focus on mission has helped put Easy Living and Aging Wisely at the forefront of the industry with an award winning team.
Alex has lived most of his life in Pinellas County and takes an active part in community life. Alex serves on the Leadership and Membership Committees for the Skip Cline Young Leadership Society of Morton Plant Mease Foundation. He is involved in the Copperhead Charity Group and the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce's Board. Alex is an Executive Member of the Clearwater Young Professionals Group and was instrumental in the start up of that group. He serves on the Palm Harbor University High School Medical Magnet Advisory Board and volunteers with St. Paul's School and the Town of Bellair's Historical Committee. Alex enjoys sailing, golfing, movies and spending time with his wife enjoying all that the Tampa Bay area offers.
Job Titles:
- Director of Community Relations
Beth has over seventeen years experience in sales, marketing and management in service-based organizations both for profit and non-profit. She enjoys serving as a resource to clients and families as well as the broader community. Beth is passionate about educating our community about the options available in healthcare and senior care. Beth has previously held positions at an assisted living community and with a home healthcare company in Pinellas County and has been actively involved with local senior organizations.
Beth currently serves on the board for Abilities Guild and serves on the membership committee for the Belleair Country Club. Beth is a member of Better Living for Seniors of Pinellas and Pasco counties, Women in Philanthropy and Greater Belleair Young Women's Society.
Beth is a third generation Floridian, and grew up in Orlando where she met her husband Rick Chesler. They moved here in 2004 and both are golf enthusiasts and enjoy traveling to major golf tournaments and have volunteered for several US Open tournaments.
Are you a professional who wants to learn more about working with Aging Wisely and EasyLiving? When you want the best for your clients, give Beth a shout to set up a meeting. Our team can offer so many resources for you and your clients and we love collaborating!
Carole has an extensive background in social services and case management, working with a wide variety of populations. Carole received her B.A. from Georgia State in Psychology and Sociology and then went on to complete her Master's Degree in Community Counseling there. Carole is a Certified Care Manager (CMC) and a Department of Defense Recovery Care Coordinator.
Carole's early work experience included case management for the Department of Family and Children's Services, community mental health counseling, drug and alcohol treatment planning and crisis response counseling. Through this varied experience, Carole demonstrated her proficiency in managing a variety of client needs and sharpened her assessment and counseling skills.
Carole has always felt that elders deserve the utmost care and respect. Assisting her Mom navigating the dementia care system further reinforced Carole's passion for helping elders. Upon moving to Florida, Carole began working as Director of Social Services and Admissions at a long-term care facility. There she had the opportunity to be involved with many aspects of resident care: managing admissions, assessments, care planning, handling resident complaints, and discharge planning. She worked cooperatively with the care team and also built relationships in the community to provide care continuity. Carole gained additional community-based experience doing in-home assessments and managing a caseload for a state-run elder services program.
Carole spent the last few years working as a Wounded Warrior Advocate/Recovery Care Coordinator at MacDill Air Force Base. This role enabled Carole to further hone her skills in case management, navigating benefits and complex systems to ensure the best outcomes for wounded veterans. She particularly enjoyed being able to enhance quality of life by providing advocacy and ongoing follow-up. This experience taught Carole a great deal about VA benefits and programs to assist with home modifications and at-home care.
Carole was born and raised in Atlanta, GA and lived many places on the east coast as a military spouse before settling in Florida in 2008. Carole has two boys, and a golden retriever that is as big and eats as much as a third child! Carole enjoys the beach, amusement parks and travel.
Job Titles:
- Professional Member of the ALCA
Julie graduated from Utah State University with a B.S. in Family and Human Development. She has worked in a variety of settings, and across the lifespan. She has vast experience working with children with disabilities and creating intergenerational programming. An advocate wherever she goes, her career has been dedicated to the human services. 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.
Julie is our senior care manager, serving over 14 years with Aging Wisely. She has achieved the designations of Care Manager Certified (CMC), Certified Case Manager (CCM), and Certified Patient Advocate. Julie keeps up-to-date on aging issues, policy and resources through continuing education and strong research skills. She has completed Veterans Benefit training and Advanced Alzheimer's training as certified by the state of Florida.
Julie feels that quality care management allows individuals to make appropriate choices early to prevent undue stress 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 can help prevent a crisis or minimize disruption during and after the crisis has passed." Julie brings great compassion, creativity, and attention to detail to coordinating care for clients. She excels at assessing needs, evaluating the available support system and resources and putting together a plan of care to help families navigate their path with greater ease. Clients express delight in Julie's ability to find unique solutions for them and empower them in the process.
Some of Julie's specialty areas include: care management assessments for complex and disputed cases (guardianships, family conflict, complex medical needs, personal injury cases, etc.), Medicare analysis and insurance/benefits assistance, Veterans' benefits, Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, medically complex cases and end of life care. She has experience managing clients with extreme hoarding, as well as with advocating for victims of exploitation and financial abuse.
Julie is an advanced professional member of the ALCA -Aging Life Care Association (formerly the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers) and the Florida Chapter of ALCA. She is the winner of The Dorland Health People Awards (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, crafting and other artistic endeavors. Julie enjoys spending time with her two Boston Terriers, Sophie and Cous Cous, who some of her clients have enjoyed meeting as well.
Juliet has been with Aging Wisely since 2003 and holds dual credentials as a Certified Care Manager (CMC) and a Certified Case Manager (CCM). She is identified as an advanced professional member of Aging Life Care Association (formerly, National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers). She also is a member of the Case Management Society of America. Juliet has received extensive continuing education relating to her clients, 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 care coordination. Families and professionals often remark on her attention to detail and skill while advocating for her client's needs. She is able to navigate through the health care system while avoiding potential pitfalls. Her focus remains on her clients' well-being during particularly challenging transitions such as discharge from a hospital, moving to an assisted living or skilled nursing facility, or simply adapting to losses and declining health. She is a skilled client advocate who keeps her focus on client-centered goals. As one client's daughter states best and all of Juliet's 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 because of her resourcefulness, diligence and commitment. She has a gentle nature that is calming to her clients and has been especially successful working with clients who have Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
She 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.
Want to ensure quality of life for you or your loved one? Schedule a time to meet with Juliet today.
Job Titles:
- Care Manager Clinical Trainer
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 the same compassion and patience to her supervisory work at Aging Wisely as she did to helping her clients. She acts as an advocate for clients and a support system for the care management team. She is passionate about helping to ensure the best possible care for clients. Karuna serves as a mentor and coach to the geriatric care management staff, while also helping to develop processes and training. She reviews documentation and does case reviews for continuous quality assurance. Her extensive experience navigating the healthcare and social services systems and expertise in Veterans' services make her a great resource for other care managers as they encounter different situations with clients.
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.
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.
In 1998 Linda founded Aging Wisely, providing comprehensive care management and consultation. 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. Linda serves on the Board of Directors of the Clearwater Free Clinic. 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.
Job Titles:
- 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 has been active in community education and awareness, 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. As a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, she served on the Editorial Committee of their publication and the Florida Geriatric Care Managers Association's Public Relations Committee. 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 developed and taught a course on Eldercare at Eckerd College's Program for Experienced Learners. Shannon has presented on eldercare and healthcare topics 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 aging and caregiving, 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 and currently live abroad, affording them the opportunity to explore new cultures. Shannon works as a mobile employee and manages communications for Aging Wisely and EasyLiving Home Care.
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.