BY YOUR SIDE CARE MANAGEMENT - Key Persons


Benjamin Johnson

Job Titles:
  • Care Manager
Care Manager | Intake Coordinator | Marketing Liason Benjamin graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee with a degree in Psychology. He has been working in Case Management for 9 years in multiple capacities. Benjamin's background consists of working with those with Persistent Serious Mental Illness, homelessness, children with Developmental Disabilities and Autism Spectrum, specializing in Mental Health. Ben's positive attitude, caring demeanor, and enthusiasm are a true asset to By Your Side.

Betsy James - Founder

Job Titles:
  • Co - Founder
Betsy obtained her Bachelors in Secondary Education - Broadfield Social Science with an emphasis on psychology and sociology at the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh. She completed her studies as a Professional Patient Advocate at the nationally recognized Professional Patient Advocate Institute. Betsy has spent her life in service to others - as a teacher, volunteer, and community outreach organizer for seniors. Her deep conviction that age should not influence the quality of care that an individual receives, her caring nature and compassion, and her motivation not only to fulfill but surpass expectations makes her a valuable asset to By Your Side Care Management.

Carolyn Mahan

Job Titles:
  • Care Manager
Care Manager | Care Management Training Specialist | Medicaid Specialist Carolyn joined By Your Side Care Management in 2022. Carolyn is an experienced Care Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the care management industry. Carolyn is skilled with various social services, having worked as a Certified Information and Referral Specialist for the Racine County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). Carolyn is very knowledgeable in assisting clients with Medicaid applications including all follow up procedures. Carolyn's detail-oriented nature has enabled By Your Side to obtain a 100% approval on all of the applications she has assisted with. Carolyn also has experience working with those with developmental disabilities. Carolyn obtained her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Beloit College.

Cheryl Stephan

Job Titles:
  • Director of Nursing
Cheryl has worked as the Director of Nursing at two local skilled nursing facilities for over 25 years prior to joining By Your Side Care Management. Cheryl's nursing knowledge, communication, and leadership skills make her a strong natural advocate for her clients. Cheryl has a tremendous knowledge of skilled nursing and assisted living regulations. Cheryl obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from Concordia University.

Christina Nielsen

Job Titles:
  • Level 3 Occupational Therapist
Christina has worked as a Level 3 Occupational Therapist in the area for over 25 years and is highly experienced in the hospital and health care settings. Christina obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy (OT) from Mount Mary University. Christina combines her experience in healthcare, her organizational skills and problem-solving skills to deliver outstanding customer service to her clients.

Dr. Michael Brin

Job Titles:
  • Consulting Physician
  • Medical Director at Ascension Columbia St. Mary 's Ozaukee Emergency Department
Dr. Brin is currently the Medical Director at Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Ozaukee Emergency Department. He has also served on the Columbia St. Mary's Foundation Board, served as medical Staff President and Chief of Staff. Dr. Brin works with By Your Side Care Management in a consulting capacity reviewing documentation as needed for insurance appeals and assisting clients to obtain other needed benefits and services.

Jackie Lasage

Job Titles:
  • Care Manager
Jackie works part time for By Your Side and assists with PT evaluations to help create documentation for insurance appeals, as well as assess client function and status to determine level of care. Jackie currently is employed full time in patient access for a pharmaceutical company.

Jenni Cialdini

Jenni obtained her Bachelor's Degree at St. Norbert College in both Sociology and Psychology. She is works part time with By Your Side and full time as a Long Term Care Specialist for Northwestern Mutual. She is highly passionate in working with Elders and brings immense knowledge and experience regarding Long Term Care to the By Your Side team.

Jessica Saler

Job Titles:
  • Care Manager
Jessica has earned her Bachelor's of Social Work degree from Marian University in Fond du Lac. Jessica started her career working as a CNA and then continued her passion of working with seniors as a Social Worker for over 10 years. Jessica has a background in Skilled Nursing, Home Care, Geriatric Care, Dementia and Aid and Attendance benefits through the Veteran Affairs Department. Jessica has a wide knowledge base to assist clients with a variety of needs.

Joyce Carrol-Deer

Job Titles:
  • Care Manager
Joyce has a background in psychiatric nursing as well as correctional nursing for over 30 years. Joyce's calm demeanor and care for her clients helps enable them to get the services and care they need. Joyce joined the By Your Side Care Management team in 2023.

Lydia Rivera

Job Titles:
  • Insurance Specialist
Lydia joined By Your Side in 2023. Lydia brings a background in working for CMS (Centers for Medicare Services) monitoring calls for quality assurance and regulation verification. Lydia assists By Your Side Care Management with insurance appeals for various services, and also long term care insurance activation and follow up.

Lynsey Stefanko

Lynsey has extensive case management experience and obtained her Master's in Nursing from University of Arizona and her Bachelor's in Nursing from Marian University. She has also obtained her Certified Case Manager Certification. Lynsey works part-time for By Your Side and is a strong and persistent advocate for the clients she works with.

Molly Warner

Molly has worked as a CNA for over 30 years in the home care, assisted living, and nursing home settings. Molly helps support the By Your Side team behind the scenes to ensure business operations run smoothly and clients always hear a friendly voice when they call.

Rachel Kaehny-Frank

Job Titles:
  • Quality Assurance and Support Unit Supervisor for the WI Department of Health Services
Rachel currently works as a Quality Assurance and Support Unit Supervisor for the WI Department of Health Services. In addition, she has worked as the ADRC Director for Milwaukee County as well as for local ADRC's and MCO's. Rachel's upbeat and kind disposition, along with strong work ethic and knowledge are a huge asset to By Your Side.

Teresa Sukkert

Job Titles:
  • Social Work Care Manager
Teresa graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater in Social Work, and obtained her Master's of Gerontology Social Work from the same school. Teresa began her Geriatric career volunteering at the local Senior Center, which opened the door to Social Work. Most of her Social Work experience is in the Long Term Care setting.