INDEPENDENTLY - Key Persons
Amy Ullman, MSW, LCSW-C, received her Master's Degree in Social Work from Temple University in 1996 and has practiced social work for nearly twenty years. Amy has worked primarily in the field of home health services, both with Homecall, Inc. and Medstar Visiting Nurse Association (formerly Montgomery General Community Health). Most recently, she worked for U.S. Renal Care, providing social work services to patients receiving dialysis. Additionally, she has experience working in rehabilitation and long-term care facilities, where she performed discharge planning and social services to long-term care residents. In her spare time, Amy loves spending time with her family, scrapbooking and reading.
Andy Robbins, BA, is a native New Yorker who came to Washington DC to attend American University. Andy graduated with a double major in education and business. He taught for two years in the local Montgomery County Public School system. After teaching, he found his true passion and began a career in the automotive industry. He sold vehicles on a retail level and then worked in automotive finance with both Ford Motor Credit Company and Volkswagen Credit. His business career helped him develop strong interpersonal and communication skills. During this time Andy made a commitment to volunteerism and has been a Hospice and Transitions volunteer with Jewish Social Services Agency, JSSA since 2007. Andy wanted to give more of his time, since retiring, to supporting families whose needs include spending time with an elder family member. Andy has two adult daughters. Since retirement, Andy fills his time with his enjoyment of music, attending concerts, film, and reading.
Bree Baldwin, MS, earned her BA from Colorado State University. After living abroad, she received her Master's degree in Gerontology from Oklahoma State University, returning to an interest in working with aging adults that began early in life. Bree has experience in dementia care, creating and administering social day groups for seniors with memory loss, environmental gerontology (aging-in-place), and caregiver support groups. Her work as a Memory Activity Specialist in a Continuing Care Retirement Community setting was commended by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities & Continuing Care Accreditation Commission (CARF-CCAC). Bree is our WellSenior Program Coordinator. In her spare time she enjoys reading, walking, singing and travel.
Job Titles:
- Director of Administrative Services
- Director of Administrative Service
Carole Watson, Director of Administrative Services, has over 25 years professional experience as an office administrator in charge of technology, human resources, facilities management, finance and administration.
Carole Watson, Director of Administrative Service has over 25 years professional experience as an office administrator in charge of technology, human resources, facilities management, finance and administration. In addition to her work with Aging Well Eldercare, Carole is a Maryland and DC licensed Real Estate Agent with Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc and a Certified Senior Housing Specialist. She enjoys interior decorating, entertaining and vacationing in Negril, Jamaica, her favorite travel destination.
Christina Kontaxis, PHR, SHRM-CP, Billing & HR Manager , has over a decade of experience in the senior living industry. Prior to joining Aging Well Eldercare (formerly Debra Levy) team, she supported the pre-opening operations of a continuing care retirement community that opened in 2017 by serving as Business Office Director. She also worked as a Resident Care Coordinator for another senior community, providing oversight of all direct care staff in the assisted living neighborhood. Christina was an active volunteer with Therapy Dogs International for five years and made hundreds of visits to older adults in the community, as well as regularly participated in the "Read to a Dog" program at a local library. Christina and her husband love going on adventures with their rescue dogs, Sophia, Sloane, and newest addition to the pack, Slater. She holds degrees in Gerontology & Aging Services and Human Resource Management from University of Maryland. She enjoys spending time with her family, volunteering, and taking her dogs on nature trails or to the beach.
Claire Grabowski, BS, grew up on Long Island and earned a BS in Education at the Franciscan University of Steubenville (OH). She has worked as a teacher, a math tutor, an administrative assistant, a nanny, and a companion for older adults. She is also an author and speaker at national and local conferences on family issues and a regular guest on a national radio show. Claire has five adult children and is expecting her third grandchild. In addition to enjoying her own family, she and her husband have worked together for over twenty years preparing couples for marriage and have led a marriage enrichment ministry in their church for the last eight years.
Job Titles:
- Debbie 's Angel Director
- Director of Debbie 's Angels
Darcy Newell, BA, MS, is from the Midwest. She received her Master's Degree in clinical psychology from Fort Hays State University, located in Hays, Kansas. Darcy has lived in the D.C. area for over 12 years, with the exception of a two year stint in Cambodia. She has worked as a child and family therapist, a clinical care reviewer, and was a community liaison officer for the U.S. State Department while living in Cambodia. In addition to her role as Debbie's Angels Coordinator, she also helps with client intakes and administrative work in the business office. Darcy's interests are exercise/running, sports, reading, and volunteering as a co-facilitator for a grief support group.
Debra Levy, (1953-2012) dedicated over 30 years serving the elderly and disabled in home health care, adult day care, nursing home and hospital settings. She founded Debra Levy Eldercare Associates in 1988 and was one of the area's longest practicing Professional Geriatric Care Managers.
Debra started DLEA as a solo practitioner working out of her home office while raising her young family. She built her business, practice and referral sources one client at a time. She joined "head and heart" to combine expert knowledge with caring and compassion for older adults while building a warm, competent staff and supportive work environment.
She received her BA in Psychology (Magna Cum Laude), a Master's Degree in Social Work and a Master's Certificate in Aging, all from the University of Maryland. She was certified by the National Academy of Geriatric Care Managers. She served for many years on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. In 2011, Debra was awarded the Adele Elkind Award, a distinguished award given to one member each year for extraordinary contributions of service and commitment to the profession of geriatric care management and the NAPGCM. Debra was appointed to the Professional Advisory Board of the University of Maryland School of Social Work and served on the Professional Advisory Council of the Jewish Hospice.
Her mission to provide families and seniors the best in caring, individualized and effective support as they face the challenges of aging will continue through the work of the dedicated Debra Levy Eldercare leadership and staff. Our Debbie's Angels program was named in her memory and honors her desire for the best quality of life possible for clients. Our Angels carry on her passionate work of love and service to the community by improving the lives of older adults and people with disabilities through social engagement and companionship.
Erica Hanson, RN, BSN, LCSW-C, CCM, received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work from Syracuse University, School of Social Work. After graduation she studied at the Universidad Complutense in Madrid where she received a Diploma in Spanish Studies. She then received her Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration.
Erica enjoyed a twenty-five year career as a social worker working primarily in medical settings such as hospitals, clinics, home care and hospice. She completed many training programs at the Washington School of Psychiatry and the Washington Center for Psychoanalysis, which informed her treatment of adults and couples in her private practice.
After caring for her elderly mother, Erica was inspired to pursue a career in nursing. She graduated from George Washington University School of Nursing and has worked in Behavioral Health and Case Management. She is a Certified Case Manager by the Commission for Case Management Certification and is fluent in Spanish. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, spending time on the beach in Rhode Island with her family and friends, watching movies and reading.
Glenna Lewis, RN, graduated from Shepherd College with a Bachelor of Science degree before embarking on a nine-year career as a flight attendant with Eastern Airlines. Her career trajectory took a new direction when she returned to Northern Virginia Community College, earning a Nursing degree, with honors, in 1996. Glenna's journey in healthcare led her to serve as an Assistant Nurse Manager in a memory care unit before honing her focus in on psychiatric nursing. With experience spanning all age groups, from children to geriatric patients, she has held diverse roles in various settings, including hospital staff nurse, care manager, community ACT team nurse, and admissions RN supervisor. Glenna's personal connection to the challenges of aging emerged when her mother developed dementia, increasing her empathy and understanding of loss and grieving. Glenna finds joy in crafts, outdoor activities, and the company of her pets. She cherishes moments with her two grown children and four grandsons.
Joel Minton, MA, a native of Maryland, graduated from UMBC in 2003 with a master's degree in teaching English as a foreign language (ESL/Bilingual Education). He became a licensed teacher and taught in Maryland, Virginia, South Korea and China. He has been working as an instructor of gentle fitness for the elderly and homebound for the last few years. Joel's interests are varied and include fitness, mindful meditation, foreign languages, international cuisine, stamp collecting, and learning new things.
Kate McCulloch, RN, BSN, earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Delaware. She started her nursing career in the operating room and then transitioned into homecare. It was as a homecare nurse that Kate found her passion providing support to clients facing challenges of aging. She strives to make a positive impact with her empathetic touch and desire to help clients maximize their quality of life. In her spare time, Kate enjoys cross training, running, reading, and spending quality time with her children and their dog.
Kendra Parham, MSW, LMSW, is a native of Washington, DC. She earned her BA from Marymount University in psychology and her MSW from Columbia University. She has worked at The Children's Inn at NIH and the Metropolitan Jewish Hospital System in NYC, providing hospice services. She has served in a variety of positions assisting seniors. Kendra enjoys reading, movies, helping out at her church, and spending time with friends, family, and her cat.
Kim Picca, RN, BSN, CDP (Certified Dementia Practitioner) began her career with a BS degree in Horticulture, specializing in horticulture therapy. She assisted seniors in various settings to experience the joys of gardening, and also worked as an employment coach with developmentally disabled adults. Kim enjoyed working with these populations so much that she pursued a second career in nursing. Kim earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with High Honors from the University of Maryland worked as a medical-surgical nurse at a local hospital. Kim joined Aging Well Eldercare (the former Debra Levy Eldercare Associates) staff in 2003 as a nurse care manager and has served as our Director of Nursing since 2013. Kim is dedicated to working with our staff to provide high quality, client centered care leading to optimal outcomes and client satisfaction. She and her husband stay very active with their two young sons and she enjoys spending time outdoors, reading and cooking.
Laura Miller, BS, was born in Miami, FL but has lived in the Washington, DC area most of her life. She received a BS in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of MD. She had the privilege of working with a wide range of patients at the National Institutes of Health until her second child was born. Over the years she has worked at The Word Among Us magazine, Mother of God School, and ran a summer camp at her home for neighborhood children for many years. She and her husband have 5 children and 4 grandchildren. Her faith is an important part of her life. She also enjoys sewing, quilting, reading, cooking, walking, and spending time with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Asst Director of Debbie 's Angels
Lucy Ferris, BS, grew up in Maryland, but lived for many years in Florida. She moved back to this area in 2017. Lucy earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Maryland and went on to earn a Primary Montessori Teaching Certificate from the Washington Montessori Institute. She taught for over 25 years both as a preschool and elementary teacher in several Montessori schools. Lucy enjoys reading, cooking, live music, arts and crafts and helping others.
Michael DeSarno, RN, BSN, earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Scranton. His experience is primarily in geriatric care, including long-term care and sub-acute rehab. He also has experience working with individuals with severe and profound physical and intellectual disabilities, as well as acute medical-surgical experience. After starting his career in his home state of Pennsylvania, Mike and his family relocated to Maryland after three years in New York City in order to be closer to family. In his spare time, Mike enjoys reading, knitting, cooking and quality time with his family.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Administrative Services Manager
- Assistant Administrave Services Manager
Paola Ramos, Assistant Administrative Services Manager, is currently a senior studying at the University of Maryland, graduating in May 2023 with a B.S. in Information Science. At the University of Maryland, she volunteers as a peer mentor, helping first-year Latine students transition to college. Prior to joining the AWE Team, she worked at a local senior living community for four years providing hospitality services. She also served as a Program Facilitator at Liberty's Promise, a non-profit organization that serves underprivileged youth. She has a passion for helping to ensure quality care and support is provided to those who need it. She enjoys cooking, listening to podcasts, and watching movies during her free time.
Renee Fuller, LMSW, discovered her passion for working with older adults while assisting her beloved grandfather in the later years of his life. Frustrated at how challenging she and the rest of the family found it to connect him with much needed resources, she realized she had a calling to help seniors and their families who found themselves in similar situations. Renee graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) in 2020 and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky in 2023. Previously, she spent 4 years as a Care Coordinator at Warman Home Care agency and in doing so developed a keen understanding of the nuances of providing care in the home. She really enjoys getting to know older adults, and especially loves hearing stories about their lives and connecting over shared passions and hobbies. Renee is also a self-confessed bookworm who adores classic films and Broadway showtunes. In her spare time she loves to spend time with her husband and young son, hiking, swimming, skating, and trying out new recipes in the kitchen.
Richard Bozof, JD, MD, grew up in Maryland. After undergraduate studies at Dartmouth, he earned an MD degree from Yale. He then attended law school at UC Berkeley to pursue his interest in becoming an environmental attorney. After law school, he utilized his legal/medical background as a lawyer-scientist with the Office of General Counsel of the U.S. EPA in Washington, D.C. Following his tenure at EPA, he moved West to join an LA law firm to work on a wide range of environmental and related public health matters. After over 11 years in California, Richard moved back to the D.C. area to be closer to family, practice law and do a pro bono stint advocating for environmental justice. Richard retired early from his law practice so that he could provide full-time assistance and care for his elderly mother. In his spare time, Richard enjoys classical and other genres of music, reading, classic movies, nature, discussing politics, and spending time with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Certified Social Worker - Clinical
Robin Udell, LCSW-C, began her work with older adults in college, as an in-home caregiver. Realizing she wanted to follow a path that would allow her to better advocate for this population, she graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work in 2011 and completed her Master's degree in Social Work at the University of Michigan in 2012. Since then she has worked in long term care, memory care, assisted and independent living, and short-term rehab settings. Most recently she worked as a case manager at the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington with Charles E. Smith Life Communities, working on discharge plans following short rehab stays. She has a passion for helping people make informed decisions about their care and enjoys creating person-centered plans with her clients. In her spare time, Robin enjoys spending time with her husband and their many pets, cooking, hosting movie nights for friends, and working in her vegetable garden.
Robin Udell, LCSW-C, graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work in 2011 and completed her Master's degree in Social Work at the University of Michigan in 2012.
Ruby Zavala, Assistant Billing Manager, started working with Aging Well Eldercare (formerly Debra Levy Eldercare Associates) in 2010 when she was a junior in high school and has now joined our staff as our office coordinator.
Ruby Zavala, Assistant Billing Manager, started working with Aging Well Eldercare (formerly Debra Levy Eldercare Associates) in 2010 when she was a junior in high school and has now joined our staff as our Assistant Billing Manager. What she has enjoyed most about her work in different office settings is the opportunity to help people-whether it is our clients or our care managers. Ruby also completed a veterinary assistant program at Montgomery College and has volunteered at VCA Columbia Animal Hospital as a vet assistant. In her spare time, Ruby enjoys being outdoors, training her puppy, attending sporting events and traveling with friends and family.
Scott Brown, MA, completed his Master's degree in anthropology at George Washington University, Washington, D.C., with a focus on human evolution and museum studies. After graduation, he worked at the Smithsonian's Natural History Museum as a museum exhibit researcher and also helped repatriate Native American skeletal remains back to indigenous tribes. In 1991, he began a career as a medical journalist. In 2006, he stopped working to care full-time for his elderly mother, helping her remain active and engaged for the last 10 years of her life. That experience made him keenly aware of the need for eldercare services to decrease isolation among the elderly. Scott volunteers with his church to feed the homeless and is involved with his local community "village," part of a nationwide effort to help seniors age in place. In his spare time, he enjoys music, computers, hiking, and being with family.
Sophia Malone, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW, graduated with a Master's degree in Social Work, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of Michigan, with a focus on adult mental health. Her passion is providing guidance and care to aging adults and their families, most recently as a geriatric care manager at Magellan Health and geriatric social worker at Saint Elizabeth's Hospital, where she also held the position of Deputy Director of Social Work. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). In addition to her social work career, Sophia served as a Peace Corps volunteer and Adjunct English Professor in Morocco from 1999-2001. In her free time, she enjoys international travel, exploring area hiking trails, and spending time with family and friends.
Susan's 30-year social work career has specialized in addressing the issues faced by older adults and their families. Previous positions include director of social services for a long-term care and sub-acute rehabilitation facility, director of a medical adult day program and director of geriatric care management services for a non-profit geriatric center. She is an Advanced Professional member of the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA) and a member of the National Association of Social Workers. Susan recently moved to Maryland from New Jersey to be near her two daughters, son-in-law and two toddler granddaughters. She enjoys swimming, hiking, museums and socializing with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of Care Management
Susan Lilly, LMSW, C-ASWCM, received her Master's in Social Work from Smith College School for Social Work. She obtained a Post Master's Certificate in Aging from Hunter College - Brookdale Center on Aging.
Job Titles:
- Owner
- Owner, Care Manager
Susy Elder Murphy, BA, CMC joined Aging Well Eldercare (formerly Debra Levy Eldercare Associates) in 1993, and helped build the practice in her long-time role as Director of Care Management. She assumed day-to-day responsibilities for running the business in the summer of 2012 and full ownership of the practice on June 1, 2013.
Susy is a Certified Care Manager, accredited by the National Academy of Certified Care Managers. She is also a member of the Aging Life Care™ Association and served as an at-large Board Member of their Mid-Atlantic Chapter from 2013 - 2015 and as President in 2016 and 2017. Currently, she serves a member of the National Board of Directors of the Aging Life Care Association. She also served as co-chair for their regional conference in 2014. Susy is also a member of the American Geriatric Society and co-chair of programming for the metro Washington, DC chapter. She is an active member of the boards of various organizations serving the needs of local seniors, including a hospice.
Susy's first job working with older adults was as the Nutrition Director for a federally funded nutrition program in Hailey, Idaho. She was also the founding coordinator of JCA's Connect-A-Ride program and a volunteer coordinator for the Family Friends program.
She attended Oberlin College and graduated with Honors from the University of Michigan. In addition to working with our clients, she enjoys baking for her family and exploring different cuisines and cultures with her husband and two adult children and their spouses. She recently became a grandmother for the first time and enjoys spending time with her precious granddaughter.
Suzanne Levin, BS, earned her Bachelor's degree in Family Studies at the University of MD in College Park. She has worked with people in many stages of life - as a preschool teacher, with children in a domestic violence shelter, counseling women in reproductive health clinics and in the later part of her careerworking as an activities assistant in Independent Living, Assisted Living, LTC and Memory Care units. Up until the COVID 19 Pandemic she volunteered at The Washington Ear where she read and recorded newspaper articles for the visually impaired. Suzanne lived in Phoenix, AZ for 16 years where her son still lives. She came full circle when she moved back in to her childhood home in Silver Spring to live with her elderly father after her mother's passing. Since her fathers' death she has been enjoying slowly redecorating the whole house. Suzanne also enjoys live music, dancing, playing volleyball, discussing politics and spending time with friends.
Job Titles:
- Director of Care Management
Teresa Boring, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW, earned her Master's degree in Social Work with a specialization in Gerontology from SUNY Albany, after graduating Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Psychology, also from SUNY Albany. She began working with aging adults while an undergraduate and was accepted into the Internships in Aging Project during graduate school. This project, which is part of the national Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education, allowed her to participate in internships, seminars, and coursework pertaining to the aging population and people with disabilities. Teresa has had experience working as a caregiver for aging adults, an instructor for children with disabilities, and running support groups for people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. Teresa is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). In her spare time, Teresa loves cooking, being outdoors, and spending time with her friends and family.
Uvonne Andoh, MS, earned her Bachelor of Arts in Management of Aging Services from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). While at UMBC she did extensive research as a McNair Scholar, where she partnered with the Information Systems department to design assistive technologies for older adults. She also received her Master of Science degree in Gerontology from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). As her passion for working with older adults grew and she determined that this was the career path she wanted to pursue, she was offered an internship position at AARP, while still at VCU, working on the GeroTrifecta/Age Wave initiative in the Greater Richmond area. She is the Assistant Director of our WellSenior Program. In her spare time, she loves to travel and cook.