VIVALYNX - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Member of the Board
• Member of the BOARD of DIRECTORS
• Member of the Ellis Medicine Board

Mr. Gersuk has been a member of the Ellis Medicine Board since 2004 and served as its Chair from 2006-2009. His career has spanned 25 years in the private sector, primarily in the field of finance From 2007-2012, Mr. Gersuk was the executive vice president and CFO of AngioDynamics, Inc., a leading provider of innovative medical devices used by interventional radiologists, surgeons, and other physicians for the minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment of cancer and peripheral vascular disease.

Job Titles:

• Physical Therapist
• Vice President of Client Services

Diane, a Physical Therapist, completed her undergraduate work at Russell Sage/Albany Medical College School of Physical Therapy, and received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2006 from Rosalind Franklin University. Her career journey began in New Hampshire, working in an acute care hospital. From there she returned to New York State continuing to work in acute care. She embarked on traveling PT adventure, where she gained a diverse experience working in various settings in West Virginia, Alabama, Florida, and Illinois. In 1988 Diane opened a private physical therapy practice in Catskill, NY, serving the residents of Greene, Columbia, and Ulster counties for nearly 20 years. Since then, she has also been active in long term care management, leading rehabilitation, and care teams in several regional Skilled Nursing Facilities. In 2011 Diane joined the Eddy Visiting Nurse Association and held a leadership role in their Chronic Disease management and Quality/Performance Improvement programs. She left that role in early 2023 to join EverHome Care Advisors as Vice President of Client Services. Diane has a keen interest in education, in both professional and community programs. She has served as an Adjunct Instructor at Russell Sage College, as well as a frequent guest speaker at many community organizations. She received certification in Home Based Integrated Chronic Disease Management and provides training in Motivational Interviewing. As an active member of her professional association (APTA New York) , Diane has served in various roles including, Secretary, Vice President, and Delegate to the National House of Delegates. She is currently a member of ALCA (Aging Life Care Association). Diane strives to work to honor all individuals past, present (and future) who have taught her about choosing your own path, and to age with strength and conviction!

Job Titles:

• Social Worker
• Life Care Coordinator

Gina, BSW, is a Life Care Coordinator (LCC). Gina is a social worker with more than 20 years of experience in long term care, sub-acute rehabilitation, and assisted living facilities. Gina has extensive knowledge with Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of Dementia. For several years, she was a trainer with the Alzheimer's Association as well as a support group leader. As a member of EverHome Care Advisors, Gina will assess and identify the needs of individuals who are in need of short-term care or chronic care. She assists clients and families by advocating for services and helping them navigate the ever-challenging health care system. Her guidance and support for clients and their loved ones allows for individuals to have the best quality of life possible. Gina is a lifelong resident of the Capital Region. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Siena College.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Board
• Member of the BOARD of DIRECTORS

Mr. Baackes brings more than 30 years of health care experience. He is CEO of L.A. Care Health Plan, the nation's largest publicly operated health plan serving more than 1.9 million members and $6.4 billion in revenue.

Job Titles:

• Operations Manager

Karen, SHRM-CP, PHR, is our Operations Manager. Karen has over 20 years experience in talent attraction, retention, and business development. She works closely with the team to make sure they have what they need to best assist our clients, business collaborators and community partners. Karen has worked in the fields of developmental disability, workforce development, economic development and Veterans and brings a wide range of experience to the team. Karen has nearly two decades of experience in an executive leadership role on the Workforce Development Board, along with other nonprofit boards including Job Service Employer Committee, Rural Health Network, Various Chambers of Commerce's, Rotary and numerous Veteran organization committees. Karen grew up in Hudson, NY and now resides in the Albany area.

Job Titles:

• Chairman of the BOARD of DIRECTORS

With more than 35 years of experience as an elder law attorney, Louis created VivaLynx to respond to the gaps in care and communication in the home care setting that he observed with countless clients and with his own parents.

Job Titles:

• Chief Financial Officer
• Member of the Board
• Member of the BOARD of DIRECTORS

Robert Yingling is an experienced chief financial officer and board member. He has served in senior financial leadership roles across a range of industries including public entities and nonprofits. He is a trustee at the Harding Land Trust and chaired the Audit Committee at Gleacher & Co. A Certified Public Accountant, he began his career at Arthur Andersen.

Job Titles:

• Life Care Coordinator

Susan, LMSW, is a Life Care Coordinator (LCC).She is a member of NASW and has been a social worker for over 20 years. As a social worker she has worked in the fields of foster care, physical rehabilitation and medical social work. As a member of the EverHome Care Advisors team she works closely with families to navigate the complex health and long-term care systems, providing a range of services including a comprehensive in home assessment, development of a personalized care plan to address short and long term needs, as well as advocate in a crisis situation. With EverHome, Susan is able to identify appropriate services, evaluates the possible need for alternative living options, and coordinate services for an improved quality of life for you or your loved one, while eliminating uncertainty and reducing stress.