Resumes of Program Graduates

The University of Michigan's Hartford Geriatric Social Work Scholarship program is part of a rich campuswide environment of gerontological research and training. Funded by a grant from the John A. Hartford Foundation, the scholarship program is one of six nationwide providing innovative training to master of social work (MSW) students who are interested in specializing in geriatric social work. Students receive intensive training around issues pertaining to older adults in health care and related settings through fieldwork rotations, a three-semester practice-based seminar, and instruction by internationally renowned faculty in gerontology. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to work in interpersonal practice, management of human services, community organizing, or policy and evaluation positions in a wide variety of environments including hospitals, hospices, adult day care centers, Area Agencies on Aging, Office of Services to the Aging, mental health centers, nursing homes, and senior centers.

The scholarship program began in the fall of 2000, and another cohort of scholars has graduated with their MSW degrees and a wealth of knowledge and experience in gerontological social work. These graduates are seeking to employ their specialized training and skills in agencies such as yours. Attached you will find a brief synopsis of these outstanding students and their job interests. As you and your agency (or those you network with) consider your staffing needs and learn of job openings, we encourage you to keep the graduates of the Geriatric Social Work Scholarship program in mind.

 

Michael Aguirre  Resume 
Michael Andrew Aguirre grew up as a Texas native, graduating from the University of Texas' School of Social Work program. Michael spent his internship working for Austin Travis County Mental Health Mental Retardation, where he worked in direct service practice. As a Service Coordinator Intern he provided case management to individuals with developmental disabilities, many of whom were dually diagnosed with mental health needs. During this internship, he collaboratively worked with fellow social workers to develop training material for new employees as well as a supportive intervention program for older adults with developmental disabilities entitled Friendship Link, creating the pamphlet used for marketing. Prior to graduating, Michael was offered and accepted a position with the organization that would provide an expanded role deemed appropriate based on his supervisors performance review. In this position along with his work as a Service Coordinator, Michael worked as an Intake Coordinator for the Development Disabilities unit as well as the Program Coordinator for the state funded In Home & Family Support Program. After 2 years of productive and efficient work, Michael was offered a new position, working as the first Community Living Options Information Process Coordinator in the Austin Travis County area. This work exposed him to Austin State School, a large campus-based intermediate care facility, as well as provided experience working with an Interdisciplinary Team.
The single most inspiring experience Michael had during his explorations of social work while in Austin was volunteering for five years with West Austin Caregivers. This community-based organization provided free services to older adults to maintain and improve their quality of life. It was when this relationship started in 2004 that Michael knew his passion would always be working with the older adult population. This passion led to Michael’s application and acceptance to the University Of Michigan School Of Social Work.
In the Geriatric Scholar Program, Michael was provided the opportunity to have three separate internship placements. With a major in management, the first two internships focused on building and expanding his macro skills. With the Turner Senior Resource Center, the UM Health Services' older adult community programming, Michael worked side by side with its Director. He explored financial management with a fundraising project, program evaluation working on a satisfaction survey and various program surveys, and developed and coordinated events at a volunteer recognition day. His second internship was at the Detroit Area Agency on Aging 1-A working with the Vice President of Community Services. In this role, Michael facilitated a staff work group aimed at exploring materials on healthy aging and wellness. As a result of the work prepared and presented to the executive staff, a proposed definition for healthy aging was created and the Healthy Aging Department was provided a new target population. Michael was also involved in the Request for Proposal process, providing technical assistance and support to those reviewing applications for funding. In his third and final internship Michael worked at Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital in the Hospice and Bereavement unit. Through this placement, Michael worked on his direct practice skills, meeting with family members who were grieving their loss as well as individuals who were going through the end stages of life.
Upon graduating Michael plans to pursue an entry level management position and continue building his administrative skills. His interests lie in providing older adults the opportunity to age in place and remain active in their community. He has aspirations for running a community services department at a public or nonprofit agency.

 

Laura Beard  Resume 
Laura Beard graduated from Hope College in 2008 with a Bachelor of Social Work Degree and a minor in Spanish. During her social work internship at a skilled nursing home, she developed her clinical skills by completing psychosocial assessments, geriatric depression scales, mini-mental state examinations, and discharge planning. She also completed a research project on the effects of music therapy on persons with dementia.
As an undergraduate student, Laura was very active on campus and abroad. Laura was a member of both the Social Work Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. She worked with a variety of populations including the Jamaican Deaf population and at-risk multicultural high school students, whom she tutored. She had the privilege of living abroad for two months in Mexico furthering her Spanish skills as well as teaching English to adults and children. While in Mexico, she also participated in neighborhood development through Habitat for Humanity. She demonstrated her leadership abilities by mentoring and teaching a small group of women in Bible Study for three years through Hope College Campus Ministries. Her involvement in the undergraduate SWORG (Social Work Organization) allowed her to participate in community events such as Relay for Life, raising money for cancer research, and the Point in Time Count, raising awareness about homelessness.
Her first MSW internship through the University of Michigan School of Social Work was at the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging in Lansing. Laura developed an understanding of the aging network and learned about decision making on a macro level by attending State House of Representatives and Senate hearings and by attending meetings with the Commission on Services to the Aging. She worked on a senior center survey project that helped to create a comprehensive list of senior centers. This list was later used to communicate with the senior centers each week about information relevant to seniors during the economic crisis.
Laura's second MSW field placement was at the Alzheimer's Association - Greater Michigan Chapter. She worked as a case manager for persons with dementia and implemented activities for them at the adult day center. Completing treatment plans and assessments were other skills achieved. She also presented information about dementia at two educational trainings and co-led two support groups - one for male caregivers and the other for those with early stage memory loss. Additionally, she worked on development and fundraising activities through the Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk event.
In December 2009, Laura will graduate with a Master of Social Work Degree with concentrations in Aging in Families and Society, Community Organization, and an Interpersonal Practice minor. She was a part of the Geriatric Scholarship Program. Upon graduation, she hopes to work at a nonprofit in Michigan that serves older adults.

 

Tina Berry  Resume 
Tina Berry graduated magna cum laude from Huntington University in 2006 with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in sociology. Pursuing her interest in working with older adults, she moved to Michigan to work in a large nursing home in Detroit as the Director of Activities. This experience of managing six staff members and an activities program for over 200 residents solidified her desire to work in long-term care.
Tina decided to pursue a Masters in Social Work degree at the University of Michigan to better equip her to meet the myriad challenges facing the long-term care industry. She has concentrated her time in the program to maximize crucial interpersonal and management skills. In order to further develop excellence in the crucial fiscal, legal, and medical areas of long-term care, Tina augmented the traditional social work curriculum with classes at the University of Michigan Law School, School of Public Health, the Business School, and several special studies courses.
Tina’s field placement internships at Presbyterian Villages of Michigan and the Area Agency on Aging 1B widened her understanding of the interconnectedness of the aging network. During these internships, she assisted in drafting a business plan, authored an evaluation report, completed and presented several data analysis projects, and served on multiple collaborative committees.
Having worked or interned across the aging spectrum in a senior center, subsidized housing, home and community based services provider, skilled nursing facility, and advocacy organization has prepared Tina to meet the unique challenges of an ever-growing aging population. She seeks to add value to her next place of employment through excellent communication and interpersonal skills; management experience; strong strategic planning and goal-setting; drafting and professional writing skills; knowledge of legal, business, and political influences on the industry; and an eagerness to continue learning about the complex field of long-term care.
In addition to her current Activity Director's certification, Tina is pursuing her clinical social worker's license and her nursing home administrator's license. She is seeking employment in administration or department management in a residential setting for older adults, with the long-term goal of being a nursing home administrator.

 

Jessica Carmien  Resume 
Jessica graduated from Western Michigan University in 2008, where she received a B.S. degree in Psychology, with a minor in Social Work and Holistic Health. While in school at Western Michigan University, she worked as a psychology practicum student and as an advanced practicum student at Alliance Senior Day Services. During her time there, she worked with participants who had problem behaviors. She helped to develop and implement behavior protocols, recorded and analyzed data, facilitated groups, and helped to teach and supervise new students. She also volunteered at the after school program at the Washington Writers Academy in Kalamazoo where she helped at risk inner-city youth with problem solving skills, violence prevention, reading and academic tutoring. Jessica was on the Dean’s list during all four years of her undergraduate career and graduated magna cum laude.
As a Geriatric Scholar at the University of Michigan School of Social Work, Jessica's concentrations were Interpersonal Practice with Aging and Families in Society. She planned her courses and internships to provide her with the skills necessary to be an effective micro practitioner with geriatric clients and their families. Her first internship at the Alzheimer’s Association of Northwest Ohio provided her with experience working on behalf of individuals with a diagnosis of dementia, their families and caregivers. Through this placement site, she became familiar with the operations of adult day centers and the state licensure requirements and obligations associated with them. She also gained experience in fundraising, created awareness of programs and provided educational outreach to communities. She answered helpline calls, facilitated support groups, and helped to connect families with resources. Her work with the Alzheimer's Association increased interest and passion for the issues effecting caregivers of individuals diagnosed with dementia
Jessica's second internship at Botsford Hospital's Geriatric Psychiatric Unit provided her with the opportunity to work with older individuals and their families in a medical setting. Her time spent on the unit taught her a great deal about working with individuals suffering from a mental illness in a wide variety of situations. She learned how to work as a part of an integrated treatment team with doctors, nurses, psychiatrists and other social workers. She conducted needs assessments for individual clients and helped to develop individualized treatment plans, facilitated psychotherapy groups, and provided support to family members as well. Working in a hospital setting helped her to become familiar with insurance procedures, Medicare and Medicaid. It also prepared her to work with a diverse group of professionals from a variety of concentrations.
Jessica is able to work effectively with diverse populations on a wide variety of issues. She has experience in both medical and social settings and has worked in both non-profit and for profit organizations. She has a strong understanding of and compassion for issues and concerns that are important to older adults and their families. Jessica is a member of Sigma Phi Omega geriatric honors society, and was elected to the position of Public Relations Co-Coordinator. She shared the responsibility for increasing student awareness of the organization, as well as bringing in new members. She has also
received a Specialist in Aging Certificate from the University of Michigan.
Jessica is eager to continue her career in Geriatric Social Work and looks forward to the many possibilities that geriatric social work has to offer. As a MSW, she is looking for employment in a micro social work position working with geriatric clients and their families. She would like to stay in Michigan but is willing to relocate throughout the United States if an opportunity becomes available.

 

Sean Dolan  Resume 
After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts from the University of Iowa, Sean Dolan pursued an acting career in the Windy City. While he sporadically dabbled in artistic endeavors, Sean found another passion, working with older adults. As a Life Enrichment Facilitator at a nursing home, he took residents on outings, threw parties, led a Glenn Miller cover band, gently slid shoes onto feet, and, above all, listened. During this time, Sean also witnessed the way in which we treat and provide care for our elders. His belief in the power of social justice was strengthened, though, by forging community partnerships, collaborating with local and national leaders on nursing home culture change, and strengthening outreach initiatives. The experience forever changed Sean's life and prompted him to obtain a graduate degree in social work.
At the University of Michigan, Sean gained an even greater array of perspectives on the implications of the aging process while exploring effective interpersonal and community organization methods, skills, and tools that will further aid his aspirations of becoming a geriatric social worker. An internship at Silver Club Programs allowed him to obtain skills such as group facilitation, grant writing, and evaluation. In addition, Sean had the opportunity to create a marketing committee that specifically sought to increase the organization’s visibility within underserved communities. He obtained additional skills in the areas of case management and program development while working at the Luella Hannan Memorial Foundation.
After graduation, Sean would like to work at a community-based organization that upholds the social work profession's dual responsibility to both individuals and the greater society. Such an ideal organization would also serve socioeconomically vulnerable and underserved older adults, preferably in an urban setting such as Chicago.

 

Alyssa Erickson  Resume 
Alyssa Erickson first discovered her passion for older adults and caregivers while spear-heading a nursing home volunteer program in high-school. It was during this effort that she became interested in the areas of mental health and neurodegenerative disorders. Alyssa graduated summa cum laude from the University of Minnesota in 2008 with her BA in Psychology and a minor in Family Social Science. She worked on multiple research projects during her undergraduate studies, including studying the neurological effects of binge drinking on students. For her honors thesis, she designed a research study on adult attachment relationships, which is being published in Psychological Science. As an undergraduate student, she demonstrated her leadership abilities serving as the elected Vice-President for the National Honor Society in Psychology and also her involvement as a mentor in a faith-based organization.
Alyssa is currently a Geriatric Scholar at the University of Michigan with a concentration in Aging in Families and Society and Interpersonal Practice. While interning on the adult inpatient psychiatric unit at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI, she had the opportunity to practice both clinical and macro practice skills. She participated in interdisciplinary care meetings, engaged in family sessions and performed clinical psychosocial assessments using the DSM-IV and other diagnostic tools. She demonstrated her ability to work with vulnerable populations, adults with mental illnesses, and older adults by co-facilitating group therapy sessions. Utilizing feedback from a multi-disciplinary staff team, Alyssa developed a comprehensive discharge manual that is currently being distributed to new patients who are being admitted into the unit.
At her second internship at the John D. Dingell Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Detroit, MI, Alyssa provided assistance on Medicaid and Medicare, durable power of attorney forms, and advanced care directives for families and veterans in hospice care. She provided time-limited therapy for individuals using evidence-based practice methods and developed treatment plans to meet the medical, emotional and social needs of veterans. Working with a gero-psychiatrist in the mental health clinic, she completed strength-based psychosocial assessments and documented computerized progress notes in medical charts.
Upon completion of her degree, Alyssa will graduate with her MSW and Specialist in Aging Certificate with plans on pursuing a career in mental health and older adults. She approaches social work using an empowerment and strength-based perspective. The elderly have been a lifelong passion of hers, and they will continue to shape her education and future career path.

 

Michelle Fucci  Resume 
Michelle Jeanine Fucci was inspired to pursue a career in geriatric social work after volunteering with older adults in Boston, Massachusetts. As a geriatric scholar, Michelle concentrated in Community Organization and Aging, with a minor in Interpersonal Practice. In addition to her Masters in Social Work, Michelle holds an MS from Boston College in Administrative Studies and a BA from Hamilton College in English Literature.
Through her internships, Michelle developed skills including community outreach, evaluation, case management and grantwriting. At the Luella Hannan Memorial Foundation in Detroit, MI, she implemented the Volunteering in Detroit: Seniors Keep the Motor City Running oral history project. Michelle organized oral history interviews, trained interviewees, and facilitated project team meetings. During the summer of 2009, as a Washtenaw County Public Health Department intern, Michelle planned, facilitated and evaluated four Senior Appreciation Days at the Downtown Ypsilanti Farmers’ Market, helping older adults access local fruits and vegetables. With Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels, Michelle visited program clients and engaged them around services such as Medicare and Food Stamps.
In addition to her extensive Community Organization, Interpersonal Practice, and Aging coursework, Michelle has also studied the intersection of law and social work, techniques of working with clients experiencing dementia, and the impact of sexuality on family relationships.
Upon graduation, Michelle plans to relocate to the Boston area to begin a career in geriatric social work.

 

Melista Genzink  Resume 
Melista graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work Degree from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. As she gained the knowledge and skills needed to be a competent social worker, her interests were focused primarily in medical social work. She pursued this interest at an internship at Spectrum Health Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan in general medicine.
Melista's pursuit of higher education and commitment to the field of Social Work was furthered through her studies in the MSW program at the University Of Michigan School Of Social Work. After years of work experience as a caregiver for the elderly and ill family members, she was inspired to study older adults in society at the interpersonal level. Melista enjoyed being able to build a rapport with older adults and is dedicated to advocating for the needs of older adults and their families.
Melista’s interest in the aging population within a healthcare setting has expanded as she has had the opportunity to intern in a variety of settings which serve older adults. She interned first in Botsford Hospital's Geropsychiatry Unit where she worked closely with an experienced interdisciplinary team of psychiatrists, therapists, nurses, and social workers. She worked closely with these team members in order to treat and support the geriatric patients admitted for psychiatric evaluations and stabilization. At Botsford Hospital, she was able to improve her skills in the areas of assessments, educating family members on voluntary and involuntary psychiatric admissions, legal processes related to the aging population, advocacy efforts, interviewing, and group therapies. Melista learned about dementia and mental illnesses that affect older adults and their specific needs as a result of these mental illnesses.
Melista has interned at Turner Geriatric Center where she performed new patient assessments and provided case management for geriatric clients. She also assisted older adults and their families in utilizing community resources. She conducted counseling interventions during home visits and at the clinic, and developed knowledge of a variety of different therapy interventions such as CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing. With other interns, Melista planned, coordinated, and co-facilitated a six week Caring for Aging Relatives Seminar.
Melista has also interned at the Silver Club program, a day program for adults with early and moderate stage dementia. She worked with staff in preparing and facilitating activities for the members, and also utilized her interpersonal skills. She assisted in developing individual care plans and ongoing assessments. She engaged members in discussion groups, art projects and memory games. This experience provided a wealth of knowledge about memory loss and the barriers faced by so many older adults.
The Geriatric Social Work Scholarship Program has played a significant role in fulfilling Melista's educational and long term professional goals. Melista is expected to graduate from the MSW program in December and plans to return to West Michigan and pursue a career in Geriatric Social Work.

 

Sondra Hulsether  Resume 
Sondra Hulsether received her BSW from the School of Social Work at Arkansas State University in 2008. During her time there, she was an active competing member of the NCAA women's bowling team. Her volunteer activities included helping set up, coordinate, and run geriatric senior proms. She also spent time encouraging children to become better bowlers through her coaching skills.
Her BSW field placements at the East Arkansas Area Agency on Aging and St. Bernard's Behavioral Health helped to strengthen and fortify her goals of working with older adults. She completed office and in-home-bio-psychosocial assessments in which the strength-based approach was used.Working with seniors and their families helped her to determine the clients' needs in order for them to successfully live independently. She also spent her time organizing and facilitating group activity therapy sessions which were found to be beneficial in developing social and participation skills while also promoting physical activity which might otherwise have been neglected.
At the University of Michigan School of Social Work, Sondra was selected as a Geriatric Scholar and will graduate in December 2009, receiving a Specialist in Aging Certificate and an MSW with a concentration in Management of Human Services. Her time at the University of Michigan has provided a unique opportunity to gain macro practice skills. While interning at the Blueprint for Aging of Washtenaw County, Sondra worked collaboratively with many partner organizations to improve available services and quality of life for older adults in the county. She focused primarily on community education about "aging in place" and evaluation of Phase II of the Transportation Pilot. The "aging in place" component involved creating and modeling a program for seniors where a system is used in which seniors help one another with various aspects of their daily life. She also created the evaluation tool for the Transportation Pilot, a pilot program designed to increase transportation options through vouchers to specified sites.
Her second practicum at Presbyterian Villages of Michigan in Southfield, MI offered opportunities to utilize her management skills in overseeing a new pilot project called My Story! My Legacy! and its employees. She successfully helped to craft and develop a video program to be used in senior housing. The purpose of the video program was to create a lasting memento of a senior residents' life and their stories. Sondra was also very diligent in organizing and researching data for cost certifications for multi-million dollar construction projects including IRS 501c3 tax exemption requests. Through these experiences, she has gained knowledge and skills in program evaluation and planning, program development, collaboration, and community outreach.
Upon completion of her graduate degree, Sondra hopes to use her newly gained knowledge and skills to work with and help advise the aging population. It is her goal to assist older adults through program management and evaluation, policy and advocacy, or development. She is open to relocation if necessary in order to delve into this mainstream workforce.

 

Alexa Lembert  Resume 
Alexa earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with high distinction from the University of Michigan. While earning her degree, Alexa worked as a resident assistant in a college dormitory. She enjoyed working and making relationships with fellow students. Recognizing her strong interest to incorporate work with people into her career path, Alexa chose to become a volunteer at Silver Club, an adult day program for individuals with dementia. She was impressed with the positive impact that the staff members had upon the members' and family caregivers' lives. Later she accepted a staff position at the Silver Club. These experiences ultimately led Alexa to pursue her Master's degree in Social Work at the University of Michigan.
Alexa was accepted into the MSW program as a Geriatric Scholar. Due to her strong interest in clinical practice, Alexa chose to study interpersonal practice in conjunction with her focus in geriatrics. Earning a degree in Social Work has allowed Alexa to develop clinical skills in a variety of settings that serve older adults. Alexa's first internship was at the Turner Geriatric Clinic, part of the University of Michigan Health Systems, where she was exposed to social work in an outpatient medical setting. Alexa performed psychosocial assessments and resource referral, while collaborating with an interdisciplinary team of medical professionals. She also provided emotional support to patients and their families. Alexa had the opportunity to develop her knowledge of evidence-based practices through her involvement in dialectical and cognitive behavioral therapy groups.
Alexa was thrilled to accept a second field placement at Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit. As a clinical intern at the agency, she had the opportunity to provide counseling services to individuals and their families from diverse backgrounds in an outpatient setting and through home visits. Alexa increased her skill in utilizing mental health diagnostic criteria, formulated individualized treatment plans, participated in regular clinical group supervision, and collaborated with other professionals within the agency to comprehensively address the needs of her clients.
Upon graduation, Alexa intends to seek a clinical social work position in a community-based or medical setting that serves older adults and their families.

 

Sarah Rakes  Resume 
Sarah Rakes graduated magna cum laude from University of Maryland in 2007, with a BA in Social Work. Throughout her undergraduate education, she worked as an activity consultant in group homes for older adults with dementia, and this is where she discovered her passion for working with older adults. During her undergraduate studies, Sarah served as president of the Delta Omicron chapter of Phi Alpha, the undergraduate social work honor society. She also served as the community service liaison for the Social Work Student Association. Sarah worked on campus as a Guided Study Session leader, facilitating group study sessions for the students currently enrolled in the social policy course. She completed her undergraduate internship at Shady Grove Nursing and Rehabilitation in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
This internship gave Sarah valuable experience which led to her employment as Director of Social Services at Kensington Nursing and Rehabilitation in Kensington, Maryland. At this position, Sarah was responsible for overseeing the social service department of an 140 bed nursing facility. Her job duties included: conducting new patient psychosocial assessments, discharge planning, attending quarterly care plan meetings, coordinating behavioral committee meetings, processing and ensuring adequate resolution of complaints, monthly quality assurance and complaint summary reports, and ensuring residents’ psychosocial needs were met.
In September, 2008, Sarah began her graduate career at the University of Michigan, as a recipient of the Geriatric Scholarship. Sarah’s concentration is Interpersonal Practice with Aging and Families in Society, with a minor in Social Policy and Evaluation. She is also pursuing her Specialist in Aging Certificate. She completed her first internship at Turner Geriatric Clinic, where she was able to provide individual counseling, utilizing cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral techniques, and implementing interventions to work with issues of grief and loss. Sarah co-facilitated a Caring for Aging Relatives workshop and a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy group. She also planned and developed the content for a support group for older widows and widowers, and co-facilitated the group.
Sarah is completing her second internship at Citizens for Better Care in Detroit. Citizens for Better Care is a non-profit agency which serves as the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program in southeastern Michigan. Sarah provides ombudsman services, including educating nursing home and home for the aged staff and residents about the ombudsman program, and advocates for quality services on behalf of long-term care consumers. Sarah has also been able to conduct research on policy issues, such as increasing licensure standards for assisted living facilities in Michigan.
In addition to internships, Sarah has served as the Project Coordinator for Sigma Phi Omega, National Gerontology Academic and Honor Society. Upon graduation in December, 2009, Sarah plans to seek employment within the state of Michigan. Her interests with older adults are expansive, and include: long-term care, health care, and
issues of grief and loss. She hopes to incorporate her interpersonal practice skills, and social policy and evaluation skills, into her future career.

 

Amy Sanford  Resume 
In May of 2008, Amy Sanford graduated with highest honors from Cedarville University with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. During the summer prior to beginning her undergraduate studies, Amy worked in the social recreational therapy department in her local nursing home. By working to improve residents' quality of life, Amy's passion for serving the elderly as a career was first sparked.
During her undergraduate studies at Cedarville University, Amy continued to work with older adults through social work internships at Elderly United and the Dayton VA Medical Center. In the course of her time at these field placements, Amy conducted psychosocial initial assessments; provided resource referrals, respite care, and advance directive education; and coordinated patient discharges to nursing homes. During her undergraduate studies, Amy also regularly visited a socially isolated elderly female as a friendly visitor volunteer for Elderly United. Because of her passion for serving older adults, Cedarville University awarded Amy with the James A. Smith Elderly Compassion Memorial Scholarship.
In the fall of 2008, Amy began her pursuit of a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan concentrating in Interpersonal Practice with Aging in Families and Society. At the University of Michigan, Amy was chosen to participate in the Geriatric Social Work Scholarship Program, thus giving her an additional opportunity to develop her knowledge of aging issues. At the graduate level, Amy gained experience in the aging continuum through her field placements at Jewish Apartments and Services, University of Michigan Health System's Hospital Elder Life Program, and University of Michigan Health System's Turner Geriatric Clinic. Through these field placements, Amy honed her assessment skills in medical and residential settings, developed material for and facilitated a weekly memory group, provided supportive counseling, and co-planned and co-facilitated a six week Caring for Aging Relatives Series.
Upon graduation in December of 2009, Amy seeks employment in Michigan in a medical or residential setting where she can continue to improve elderly clients' quality of life.

 

Amanda Stoveken  Resume 
In May of 2008 Amanda graduated from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina with a BS in Criminal Justice and a minor in English Literature. Her focus shifted from the legal recourses of abuse and neglect of the elderly to a more interpersonal approach. Her interest in geriatric social work was sparked when she held a position caregiving for an elderly community member. Amanda has been a member of Sigma Tau Delta, an English Honor Society based out of East Carolina University, and Sigma Phi Omega, the Gerontological Honor Society at the University of Michigan's School of Social Work. She is an active member of SPO and holds the position of Public Relations Co-Coordinator where she shares the responsibility for disseminating information about the group as well as recruiting new members.

In December 2009, Amanda will be graduating with a Masters in Social Work with concentrations in Interpersonal Practice and Aging in Families and Society. As a part of the McGregor Geriatric Fellowship Amanda held two internship positions. Her first semester was spent at Jewish Apartments and Services in Oak Park, Michigan. Here she learned to perform biopsychosocial assessments and evaluate the residential needs of clients. Amanda worked directly with the residents of the Anna and Meyer Prentis apartments building to educate on proper self-care, ensure adequate nutrition and address isolation and loneliness. She also worked on a project that determined knowledge of advance directives and what, if any, desire residents had to complete the necessary documentation relating to end-of-life care and wishes. One final, and especially meaningful, experience was when Amanda worked with a resident who, despite living legally in the United States for many years, had yet to obtain his citizenship. Working with this client was a particularly rewarding experience and Amanda continues to monitor his progress through the citizenship application process.

Her second internship was over the course of two semesters. Amanda was placed at Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Here she worked in the Older Adults Services Department focusing on geriatric case management. Amanda completed numerous intake and review assessments and became familiar with Avatar, the computer database utilized for inputting assessments, treatment plans and progress notes. By the start of the second semester Amanda was carrying her own caseload and worked with clients of diverse backgrounds to meet their needs, such as food and housing needs. She also provided support and guidance to those who needed help navigating government programs such as Medicare/Medicaid, Social Security, Section 8 Housing and Safelinks Wireless. Amanda also worked with clients with a variety of mental illnesses, especially mental illnesses stemming from the Holocaust. Jewish Family Service works with many Holocaust survivors and Amanda worked with that population in different capacities, from providing case management and supportive counseling to contacting the German government to ascertain the status of reparation claims. Jewish Family Service also provided Amanda with the opportunity to train in a variety of programs such as motivational interviewing, facilitation of focus groups and addiction counseling. Working at Jewish Family Service also allowed Amanda to work with many different agencies through Southeast Michigan such as Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, Area Agency on Aging and United Way.

Combined with a gerontology-intensive course load Amanda has acquired the skills necessary to be an effective practitioner in the interpersonal practice arena. Because she holds in high esteem the concepts of dignity and respect she is able to easily connect with older adults to get to the root of their problems and, together, navigate the journey that is the aging process.

Amanda's post-graduation plans include securing employment that will allow her to practice the interpersonal skills she has learned during her time at the University of Michigan while continuing to learn and grow as a practitioner. Her ideal placement is in an agency that will allow her to provide geriatric case management. She is looking to relocate to eastern Kansas.