APA News

Your Family is our Family!

CareCore Health is family owned and operated. We provide individualized care for our valued community and patients we serve. Excellent care is provided for those in need of rehabilitation services, as well as long-term care and specialty healthcare needs. Missy Fisher is CareCore's Regional Director of Business Development and has over 30 years experience in the healthcare field.

With nine locations throughout Ohio, CareCore  goes above and beyond to make the patient experience exceptional with a serving mission. We’re proud to serve the Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, Lima, Chillicothe, and Cleveland areas with nine locations: CareCore at Montgomery, CareCore at Lakeridge, CareCore at Meadows, Garden Park, CareCore at Mary Scott, CareCore at Lima, CareCore at Westmoreland, CareCore at Willowood and our newest family member, CareCore at Mentor.

There are so may exciting things happening in the CareCore family within the Ohio healthcare arena that will improve patient service and meet the healthcare needs. Total renovation of some of our facilities to provide up-to-date environments and service. In-house dialysis, non-invasive vent units, actual vent units, suboxone and methadone treatment with programming partnerships, secured dementia units. Behavior units are being enhanced, developed, and increased across the state as well.

Our dedicated team provides quality, personal, and comprehensive care for you and your loved ones. CareCore Health, Your Family is Our Family!

The winter edition of our quarterly newsletter is now available!

Catch up on upcoming APA events, as well as announcements and articles submitted by your fellow APA members.  

Click on the image to read the newsletter. 

If you would like to submit an article for consideration for future quarterly newsletters, or let us know of any newsworthy events, contact Mary Mendel at Mary@familybridges.com or Rob Jutze at rjutze@seniorimpact.com.

It's kind of silly to title this entry "Meet Tracey Collins," because Tracey is one of the most visible advocates for seniors in our community. The long-time former CEO of Cincinnati Area Senior Services has recently embarked on a new phase of her career. Beginning in January, she will be the president-elect of the APA Board of Trustees. Here is a little more about Tracey.

Tell us what you do and how you help the community.

I have worked in the nonprofit space for 38 years. For the past 22 years, I was the CEO of Cincinnati Area Services until the organization merged with Meals on Wheels of Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky.

My plan has always been to step down from a leadership role to return to my social work roots and passion of working directly with seniors. My second act career begins now with WellBe Senior Medical as their Master Social Worker. I am excited about their philosophy of bringing medical services to seniors with compassion and care. This fits my philosophy and values for a service delivery model overall better care. 

Tell us about your work career?

I started my career by working as a child protective investigator in Kentucky. I worked with Children and Families for 16 years before I began working in the aging community. I became a caregiver for my grandmother and my passion for advocacy began at that point. The system seemed too difficult to navigate. I love to hear the stories the seniors tell. If I can make their experience easier or a caregiver's experience easier, then I have done my job. 

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

To be honest, I am a homebody. We recently moved by the lake and love spending days out on the lake. My husband and I have decided when we travel  we would like to get in an RV and travel the backroads, stop and explore the shops, and mom and pop restaurants. 

Tell us a little more about you.

My husband and I live in Liberty, Indiana near Brookville Lake with our two dogs. I have two grown children and two grandchildren, ages five and 18 months – they call me Gigi. Our home is the family lake house where everyone gathers for all events and that is my passion. I like to entertain and host events. I read, garden and enjoy spending days on the lake in the summer. 

What is your go-to restaurant?

My husband and I love to cook together, and we live in the middle of nowhere so we really don't have a lot of choices. I do love all things Mexican. 

What do you love about the APA?

This is my second time on the Board and my favorite things are the networking and the relationships I have made over the years.

What would you do if you were not working?

I would spend more time with friends, hang out with my grandchildren, volunteer, and of course, spend lazy days on the lake. 

Seasons, located in the heart of Kenwood, has been serving Cincinnati area seniors since 1987.

Senior Director of Sales and Marketing, Elizabeth Bangel-Stehlin, has been involved with the community since it opened. Her grandmother was among the first residents to move in, as well the FIRST marriage performed at the community. Elizabeth has been employed by the CCRC since 2014.

With more than 100 of their staff members working here for at least five years, Seasons is able to provide expert care to all the residents living in Independent and Assisted Living, and those coming for Skilled Nursing and Rehab. The community provides extensive programming for all levels of care, and under the guidance of new Culinary Director, Chef Eli Stull, have incorporated themed and seasonal meals to the already extensive menu.

The Assisted Living of Seasons boasts seven levels of care with nurses on staff 24/7.  Seasons also is part of the Medicaid Waiver program, ensuring that the residents who have lived at the community for a designated number of years always have a home here, should they run out of funds.

In addition to residential living, Seasons has an on-site private duty division run by Director of Resident Services, Tricia Feitlinger. This additional care, such as medication reminders and companion care services, allows for members of the Seasons community to remain in their apartment longer and more successfully than they would without the support of these valued employees.

Seasons is a Platinum sponsor of the APA. Seasons is also proud to host the annual APA Awards Luncheon, scheduled for March, 2023!

Current APA (and Board) member Tiffany Santos is with Otterbein Senior Life, where she is a Healthcare Navigator. Here is a little more about Tiffany.

Tell us about what you do and how you help the community.
I am the Healthcare Navigator for Otterbein SeniorLife. We offer skilled and long-term care in a unique small house setting. We have locations in Springboro, Middletown, Lebanon, Maineville, Loveland, and Union Township. My role is to work with the hospitals and the community to help navigate all referrals. I love to be able to market our small house concept and educate providers and families on a different type of skilled nursing facility.

Tell us about your work career. How long have you been involved? What brought you into this work? What do you love most?
I have worked in SNF’s for the last 5 years. I have always had an interest in health care, but hate the sight of blood and am a fainter. I searched for many years for my path and a way to assist and actually fell into a role in a SNF admissions role and the passion grew from that day forward. Over the years I was able to advance from an internal role to an external marketing role and love to be able to educate the community on what Otterbein has to offer. 

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would it be?
I would love to visit the Maldives.

Tell us about yourself and family.
I am originally from The Plains, OH and moved to Cincinnati in 2012. I have been married to my husband Shane for 7 years, I am a bonus mom to his 3 wonderful daughters ages 20, 17, and 12 and also a fur-mama to a 13 year old mutt and 4 year old English bulldog.  Our 12 year old plays travel softball, so most of my time is spent at the ball park,  I also enjoy working out and have a guilty pleasure of watching any reality TV show. 

What is your go-to restaurant?
Pretty much any pizza place will satisfy me.

What do I enjoy about being a member of APA?
I love the connections it has allowed me to make, and to know I am surrounded by amazing people who all share the same passions it just a great feeling.  

What do I do when I am not working?
If I am not working you will find me at the gym or softball fields, or I will more than likely be relaxing on my couch!! 

Our second quarterly newsletter is hot off the presses!

Catch up on events happening this fall, as well as announcements and articles submitted by your fellow
APA members.  

Click on the image to read the full newsletter.

The New Year edition in will be sent in January. If you want to submit an article for consideration or let us know of any newsworthy events, contact Mary Mendel at Mary@familybridges.com or Rob Jutze at rjutze@seniorimpact.com.

Majestic Care of Cedar Village is proud to be a Platinum Level Sponsor of the Association for Professionals in Aging. Mindy Ellis is the Director of Marketing and more than 20 years’ experience in the healthcare industry, devoting the last seven years to our beloved seniors in the community.

In addition, she has founded numerous organizations and boards such as the Visionary of Voices and Impact 100. To Mindy, her job is not just a job, it's her passion. Many years ago, she found herself navigating a search for a senior living community for her parents and now finds her joy by guiding and supporting families through their own transition. 

"Cedar Village’s focus is not only on enriching the lives of those we are honored to care for, but also on fulfillment of each Care Team member," said Mindy. "It is the heart and dedication of these Care Team members that creates the Majestic difference."

The community is established in providing unique features for each service line. Together, we develop a personalized treatment plan for each resident to help reclaim or maintain independence. We provide compassion, understanding, and respect in a warm and secure environment.

As part of the Majestic Difference, we are committed to providing person-centered care to residents, families, and Care Team Members. We feel privileged to provide care to our residents and are thankful to be a part of our journey.

If you or someone you know could benefit from living in a senior community, please reach out to Mindy Ellis at 513-635-2847.

Long-time APA member Rachel Hodesh is owner of Senior LifeCare Consultants. She has been serving Greater Cincinnati and Dayton since 1997.

Tell us about your what you do and how you help the community.

I am a Life Care Manager and owner of Senior LifeCare Consultants. We are a guide and advocate for seniors and their loved ones. Our role is to support and educate, providing care management to clients and their families. This may be through referrals, support with home care or during a doctor’s visit. We assist the community by supporting the senior, assisting to keeping them safe and providing them with referrals linking them to other professionals in the community. 

Tell us about your work career. How long have you been involved? What brought you into this line of work? What do you love most?

I am a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator with a Master’s in Health and Human Services Administration. I began my career in the activities department at Glen Manor in Bond Hill (I was a senior in high school). Since then, I have worked in Group Homes, Food Pantries, Housing, Adult Day, Home Health, Retirement Communities and now as a Life Care Manager. I miss the days of walking the halls, holding a hand, and singing with residents. I miss working late, running the “laundry machines” or “washing dishes.” Those were the moments when you felt like you made a difference.  

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go if money was no object?

Venice, Italy or Capri (Gulf of Naples).

What is your biggest inspiration in life or in your job? What do you enjoy most about your work?

My inspiration is to serve older adults by improving their overall quality of life. I enjoy the small meaningful conversations and impacts I have with working with my clients.

Tell us about yourself and family (kids, pets, other involvement in the community):

I have two sons: Noah is 18 and Aaron is 16. Noah will be starting at UC in the Fall and Aaron is a Junior at Sycamore. I have a partner of three years, Joey, and he has three kids (18, 16 and 15) so we are quite the spectacle when we go out! We “share” a dog – he has the cat (I am allergic). My family and I are very close which is great for my sons.

I am the VP of Development for the Wyoming School Foundation, active with 55 North on their Marketing and Soiree Committee. Most recently I have become involved with SAAG (Cincinnati Senior Advocacy Action Group) which has been great!

Where is your “go-to” restaurant in Cincinnati?

That is tough. When I lived in Wyoming we would go to Tela. Since I moved to Pleasant Ridge, I am learning new spots. If I had to choose a “place to meet” most people know I love First Watch – there is something for everyone. 

What do you enjoy most about being involved with the APA?

Learning from my colleagues.  The vast experience of professionals in this group is astounding, so the monthly events are something I always enjoy attending. 

What do you enjoy doing when not working?

Working on my new home, taking walks in the neighborhood and spending time with my nieces.

What is the last book you read?

Anna The Biography by Amy Odell. 

Zaire Sims is with Meals on Wheels of Southwest Ohio and Greater Cincinnati. She is also a current APA Board member and a past recipient of our annual scholarship! Here's a little more about Zaire.

Tell us about your what you do and how you help the community.

I am currently a service coordinator with Meals on Wheels of Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky. I am a direct contact for older adults in low-income housing. I provide educational, health, and social programs to the residents. I also assist with referrals to community resources and benefit comprehension as needed.

Tell us about your work career. How long have you been involved? What brought you into this line of work? What do you love most?

I am Licensed Master Social Worker. I graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2020 with a Master's Degree in Social Work and from The Ohio State University in 2017 with a Bachelors of Sciences in Social Work. I have 5 years of experience in the social work field ranging from outpatient and inpatient mental health, and service to older adults. I have had adversity while growing up and learned the importance of helping others. I enjoy being an advocate for older adults and their needs. 

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go if money was no object?

I would love to backpack across Europe.

What is your biggest inspiration in life or in your job? What do you enjoy most about your work?

My inspiration is to serve older adults by improving their overall quality of life. I enjoy the small meaningful conversations and impacts I have with working with my residents.

Tell us about yourself and family (kids, pets, other involvement in the community):

I am a fur-mama. I have two cats, Fari and Zoe and a dog, Coco. I am an inaugural ASA Rise Fellow Graduate. 

Where is your “go-to” restaurant in Cincinnati?

I hate to add fuel to the Cincinnati Chili debate, but my significant other has converted to root for the Skyline side. We eat skyline every Friday.

What do you enjoy most about being involved with the APA?

I enjoyed the community APA has. It is nice to be around professionals who share a similar passion for advocating for older adults. I love how APA supports students who are interested in the field of aging.

What do you enjoy doing when not working?

Definitely, sleeping in my hammock or flowing down a river in a kayak.

What is the last book you read?

Becoming by Michelle Obama.

Long-time APA (and Board) member Yvonne Scheiderer is a Realtor with Huff Realty. She is a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), and has been serving Greater Cincinnati residents since 1998.

Tell us a little about your work and career:
I've been a licensed Realtor since 1998. Prior to that I was the administrator of a Substance Abuse Prevention Program that served adults whose children were enrolled in the Head Start Program. I was later the recipient of an award presented by former Governor George Voinovich for my work in launching the "Getting A Head Start Against Drugs" initiative. Later that same year I bought my first home and was immediately intrigued by the real estate profession.

What do you love most about your job? 
The people I meet (literally from all over the world), identifying a need and working toward the solution, the satisfaction in being part of a truly life changing process, the many friendships I've made over the years!

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go if money was no object?
I would go to Australia and to New Zealand.  So far, I've visited all 50 states, as well as 14 foreign countries. In 2018 I traveled to Italy (Florence, Vatican City, Rome, and Venice) all by myself!

What is your biggest inspiration in life or in your job?
I'm a helper. I learned that from my mother, but I didn't realize the impact she made on my career until after she passed away at age 57. She had been an activities director in a nursing home (that's what they were called back then) when I was little and she absolutely adored the blessing of spending time listening and learning, and enhancing the quality of life for those she served. When she couldn't find a guest speaker or entertainer, she'd wake my dad (who worked the night shift) and have him bring his guitar to her community, and he'd sing and play music (quite often)!  She loved making a difference and lightening their spirits.

Tell us about yourself and family (kids, pets, other involvement in the community):  
My son just graduated with honors from Ohio University with a Bachelors in Business Administration. He started his career as a data analyst just a few days later. I also have a daughter and a son-in-love. They met at (THE) Ohio State University in 2008 and will celebrate their 7-year wedding anniversary in June. She works for a healthcare advertising agency and her husband is in risk management with a major bank. Everyone currently lives locally (and I love that so much). I have an 18-pound poodle named Bella and an 85-pound Bernese/Australian Shepherd mix named Elvis. 

I am in my 6^th year with the APA.  I also hold a designation as an SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) and a designation as an ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative). Last month I completed Fair Housing Officer Training.  I served on the Realtor/Lawyer Forum through the Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors until 2020.  I've also had the great fortune of receiving multiple sales awards over the years. I previously spent time on the air at Cincinnati Association For The Blind and Visually impaired. 

What is your "go-to" restaurant in Cincinnati?
I'm always up for trying new restaurants, but my favorite food is Mediterranean.  My favorite drink is coffee....I mean I seriously love good coffee!

What do you enjoy most about being involved with the APA?
I have met some of the most incredible people with the most loving hearts through the APA! I love watching people tirelessly working together for one common goal. For the past several years, I've been on the committee that chooses the APA educational scholarships, and year after year I'm in awe of the applications we receive. It's so difficult to choose who receives the scholarship money because there are so, so many heaven sent angels among us! The people I meet through APA are definitely what I enjoy most about APA!

What do you enjoy doing when not working?
I started running a few years ago and before I knew it was running half marathons. I have a big birthday this Fall and I'm making plans to complete a full marathon....we'll see how that goes. I'm a season ticket holder at The Cincinnati Playhouse In The Park. I come from a family of 5 active daughters (and a boatload of relatives), so there's rarely a dull moment.

What is the last book you read?  
My bible from cover to cover (it took me almost two years)!