Melissa Murphy of Aging Advocates CNY and Sheila Ohstrom, CEO of Senior Home Care & Alzheimer’s Solutions, talk with Steve and Erik about the importance of supporting caregivers.
Melissa Murphy of Aging Advocates CNY and Sheila Ohstrom, CEO of Senior Home Care & Alzheimer’s Solutions, talk with Steve and Erik about the importance of supporting caregivers.
Care Manager
Ryan is a dedicated Care Coordinator with experience supporting adults who face complex medical, behavioral health, and social needs. He began his career at Helio Health, where he spent two years completing comprehensive assessments, developing person‑centered care plans, and guiding individuals through challenging life transitions. Ryan is known for his calm, steady presence and his ability to build trust quickly with clients and families who may feel overwhelmed or unsure of where to start.
With a strong foundation in care management, Ryan has supported people living with chronic health conditions, mobility limitations, and behavioral health challenges. He frequently collaborates with medical providers, community agencies, and family members to ensure each client’s goals remain at the center of their care.
Ryan holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, a background that strengthens his approach to care coordination, crisis support, and navigating complex service systems. He is passionate about empowering older adults to maintain independence, dignity, and quality of life. Ryan brings a thoughtful, organized, and compassionate approach to every case he manages.
Outside of work, Ryan enjoys golfing, spending time with his wife, and playing with their dog. It’s these moments that keep him grounded, recharged, and inspired to do the work he loves.
Care Manager Assistant/Concierge Companion
Kathleen brings a genuine passion for older adult advocacy rooted in both personal connection and professional experience. Her interest in working with older adults deepened during her time at Menorah Park of CNY, where she facilitated a weekly program for adults living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Kathleen went on to pursue her Master of Social Work at Syracuse University after spending two and a half years at FTI Consulting on a healthcare and life sciences team, where she built a strong foundation in health policy and systems-level thinking. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience and Psychology from the University of Chicago. Most recently, she completed a social work internship in the emergency department at St. Joseph’s Hospital, where she gained firsthand experience navigating complex care transitions for patients and families.
Kathleen is committed to ensuring that older adults can access the support and advocacy they need to live with dignity and independence. Joining Aging Advocates CNY feels like a natural next step in that work, and she is glad to be doing it in her hometown.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her dog, coaching youth sports, and reading. She is thrilled to be part of the team.
Care Manager Assistant/Concierge Companion
Matthew Mosconi’s passion for helping others drives both his personal and professional life. Over the span of nearly a decade, he built a career in healthcare marketing and sales, supporting at-risk individuals in maintaining safety and independence at home. During that time, he advanced to a regional Team Manager role with Life Line Screening, an organization dedicated to preventive health and proactive wellness. In 2018, he joined Advocates Incorporated, a nonprofit serving individuals with disabilities across New York State. Currently acting as Advocates’ Communications Manager & Recruiter, Matthew immediately became a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities upon joining the organization.
Outside of work, Matthew enjoys spending time with his wife, Shannon, and their two spirited dogs, traveling, following sports, exploring ornithology, playing golf and poker, and writing. He is the proud author of The Holy Grails: A Story of Perseverance and the Power of Positive Thinking – a work created to support people coping with loss or searching for purpose and direction in life.
Drawing from both personal and professional experiences, Matthew possesses a relatable personality and diverse skill set that allow him to connect with individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and life circumstances. Whether supporting people with disabilities or older adults, Matthew has dedicated his career to serving those who need assistance the most, providing compassionate guidance and meaningful support to improve quality of life.
Care Manager
Care Manager
Care Manager
Care Manager
Libby is a dedicated Registered Nurse with a strong passion for improving the quality of life in others. She began working with the older adult population in 2013, developing a deep respect for the unique needs of aging individuals and their families. Since becoming a registered nurse in 2018, she has provided exceptional care across a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, home care, skilled nursing facilities, orthopedic care and behavioral health.
Throughout her career, Libby has gained extensive experience not only in direct patient care but also in care coordination and management. She is adept at collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to ensure each patient receives individualized and compassionate support. Her goal as a Care Coordinator is to serve as an advocate for those who may not be able to advocate for themselves—helping to bridge communication, simplify care transitions, and promote the highest possible quality of life for every client.
Outside of her professional work, Libby finds joy in spending time with her family, including her husband and young daughter. Her compassion and dedication extend beyond her career—reflecting her belief that every person deserves dignity, understanding, and outstanding care at every stage of life.
Care Manager/Operations Support
Senior Care Manager
Alicia Kehoskie is a dedicated Care Manager who takes pride in helping older adults and their families feel supported, understood, and cared for every day. With nearly two decades of experience in social services and long-term care, she is known for her compassionate approach and unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of life for those she serves.
Throughout her career, Alicia has held leadership and case management roles, including serving as Director of Social Work in long-term care facilities and as a Case Manager in assisted living communities. She has led teams, developed individualized care plans, and collaborated closely with residents and families to ensure smooth transitions and personalized support. Her experience has instilled in her a deep appreciation for the power of empathy, communication, and teamwork in creating meaningful care experiences.
Alicia earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Nazareth College of Rochester. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially in the Adirondacks, where she finds relaxation and inspiration in the beauty of the outdoors.
Community Connection Specialist
Amanda Lamen is a Community Connection Specialist who believes deeply in the power of being seen, heard, and genuinely supported, especially during life’s more complicated or vulnerable seasons. At her core, she’s a people person in the truest sense of the word: grounded in connection, led by intuition, and fueled by meaningful conversation.
She began her career in the aging services field as an Aging Life Care Coordinator and has continued to grow within Aging Advocates of CNY, evolving into her current role. Along the way, Amanda has gained diverse experience across community outreach, marketing, business ownership, and operational support. Across every role, a consistent thread has remained: leading with heart and showing up for people in ways that honor dignity, individuality, and lived experience.
Her work with older adults has been shaped by hands-on experience in companion care, dementia education through Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care, and gerontology training. These experiences deepened her appreciation for the resilience, humor, and wisdom present in later life, and strengthened her dedication to supporting aging adults and their families with compassion and respect.
In addition to her professional care background, Amanda continues to expand her practice in holistic and integrative modalities. She is a Reiki Level I & II practitioner, certified Shamanic Practitioner, and sound healing practitioner, working with crystal alchemy bowls, chimes, tuning forks, and other vibrational tools. Her growing focus is supporting individuals through emotional transitions, stress, and end-of-life journeys using these complementary practices, while also supporting personal growth and helping individuals cultivate greater balance, grounding, and energetic well-being while always guided by sensitivity, respect, and a deep honoring of each person’s beliefs, values, and comfort.
Outside of her professional life, Amanda finds joy in music, nature, coffee-fueled walks, and exploring antique shops. She values balance, grounding practices, time with loved ones, and continued personal growth through both traditional and holistic learning. At the center of everything she does is a simple intention: to help people feel more connected, more supported, and more at peace in their experience of life.
Concierge Companion & Care Manager Assistant
Susan, a graduate of Niagara University, built a foundation in the health insurance field over eight years. Later, she dedicated her time to raising her two children, now grown, while also actively volunteering in several capacities. A key part of Susan’s volunteer work involved leading the Family Readiness Group for her husband’s Army unit, where she supported 150 families through multiple deployments. Her commitment to community also included thirteen years as an adult leader and planning committee member with her son’s Boy Scout troop. Additionally, volunteering at the Baldwinsville Volunteer Center and assisting seniors with transportation needs provided her with firsthand insight into the significant need for senior support in the community.
As her children grew older, Susan’s parents began to require more healthcare assistance. Initially, their needs were minimal, but her mother’s medical and personal care requirements quickly became overwhelming for them to manage independently, leading Susan to take over her care. Responsibilities such as driving to appointments, managing medications, understanding healthcare providers’ directions, maintaining the household, and ensuring they had nutritious meals had become significant challenges.
Assisting her parents in their increasing healthcare needs opened Susan’s eyes to the complexities of elderly care. This experience was instrumental in her learning about the challenges faced by other families and in acquiring knowledge of crucial resources such as Medicare benefits, legal documents, supportive organizations, and government programs.
Aging Advocates’ comprehensive support for families aligns perfectly with the needs Susan identified through her own experiences. She is now grateful for the opportunity to share her knowledge and assist other families through their services.
When not working, Susan enjoys gardening, cooking, adventures with her husband, and spending time with family and friends.
Our Dementia Support Group is held every Tuesday at 9 am, click here to join.
Director of Companion Management
Bernadette joined Senior Home Care Solutions in 2012. She is a Dementia Care Training
Specialist, schooled under Teepa Snow, the world’s renowned leading advocate in dementia care and the creator of the Positive Approach to CareTM.
Bernadette worked as an underwriter and claims adjuster for a personal lines insurance
company where she trained new employees for these roles.
In her free time, she enjoys being with her family, being outdoors and running trails with her friends.
Employee Relations and Finance Coordinator
Kristie is a mom of three girls. She started working with the elderly as a Beautician in a
nursing home. She was also a part-time caregiver for her grandmother who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.
In her spare time, Kristie loves baking, crafting, fishing and walking her dog.
PAC Trainer
Kelly joined the Senior Home Care Solutions team in 2019. She has a master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology with 25 years experience in communication disorders. Her passion comes from caring for her ailing mother who recently passed of Alzheimer’s Disease and Vascular Dementia. She is a certified PAC trainer and a certified Consultant who trains healthcare professionals and consults with families. She is on the planning committee for the annual Living With Dementia CNY conference.
Consultant
She is the previous owner of Senior Home Care Solutions, prior to the acquisition in 2025. Sheila opened Senior Home Care & Alzheimer’s Solutions in 2010 after having her own experiences with friends and family needing care. These experiences gave her the desire to find qualified people to help keep loved ones in their own homes for as long as possible.
Sheila is a graduate of Alfred University (’91) and has a wide variety of experience in various industries that makes her a truly unique provider.
She is involved in the Fayetteville Senior Center, Manlius Senior Center, Fayetteville-Manlius Chambers and WBOC (Women Business Opportunities Connection). She has experience teaching, care-giving, fundraising and is involved in her church.
Sheila is the co-founder and president of “Living With Dementia” CNY.
Care Manager Assistant/Concierge Companion
Juana Raneiri brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role as an aging life care manager. A graduate of Oneonta State University with a degree in Sociology and additional coursework in Social Work, Juana has dedicated her entire career to improving the lives of seniors. Her work has spanned decades as an Executive Director in Assisted Living, Independent Living, and Memory Care communities, earning her recognition as the NY Empire State Association of Adult Homes Administrator of the Year.
Juana is a Certified Adult Home Administrator and an Assisted Living Administrator licensed to work in Maryland, Vermont, Pennsylvania, and Queensbury, NY. As a Senior Executive Director and Executive Director Specialist, she has worked tirelessly to turn around struggling communities, ensuring residents receive the highest standard of care. Most recently, Juana served as the Resident Program Manager at Brookdale Summerfield, where she enriched residents’ lives through engaging programming.
Juana played a pivotal role in history of Aging Advocates, by hiring Melissa Murphy, founder and CEO, for her first role working with seniors. Juana has also worked with other members of the team; Jennifer Hoffmier, Executive Director, and Amberly Reinertsen, Director of Care Management, making this a uniquely strong team dynamic.
Outside of her professional life, Juana is a proud mother of twin girls and grandmother to two boys. She shares her home with her beloved Maltipoo, Cooper, and enjoys reading, dancing, and spending time at the beach. Her commitment to the well-being of seniors and her dedication to family make her an inspiring and invaluable addition to the team.
Outreach Specialist
Skip was born and raised in Central New York! He is a graduate of the Cicero-North Syracuse Central School District and the Central City Business Institute. Skip has over 30 years of experience in senior healthcare and housing. Prior to joining Aging Advocates CNY, he worked with Hearth Management as their Marketing and Outreach Specialist. In this role, he coordinated efforts with medical professionals, social workers, and community agencies to ensure his senior clients received the skilled care they needed.
His experience includes working closely with families as they transition their loved ones into senior care. Skip finds it deeply gratifying to guide families through the process of securing the skilled care their loved ones need while ensuring it aligns with their desired level of care.
Skip has extensive expertise in supporting clients affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. He initiated the first program connecting medical students with The Hearth, providing them the opportunity to learn the intricacies of elder care under Skip’s supervision, in collaboration with the University Geriatricians through Upstate Medical Center. Skip is committed to ensuring families and clients receive personalized care and healthcare options tailored to their specific needs. He is certified in Care Connect for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Staff Training.
In 2019, Skip was recognized as the National Hero for the Assisted Living Communities of America, an honor awarded for his excellence in leadership and advocacy for senior care.
When Skip is not assisting seniors and their loved ones in navigating healthcare options, he enjoys spending time with his husband, traveling, and cooking. He is also the proud dog dad to three (yes, THREE!) active dogs.
Executive Director
Jennifer Hoffmier is a seasoned Senior Living professional with over 25 years of experience in providing compassionate care, leadership, and strategic oversight in senior housing. Currently serving as Executive Director at Aging Advocates CNY, Jennifer specializes in creating safe, vibrant, and nurturing environments for older adults, ensuring that their physical, emotional, and social needs are met with respect and dignity.
With a background in senior housing, administration, and operations, Jennifer is passionate about improving the quality of life for seniors through personalized care plans, community-building activities, and a commitment to overall wellness. She has a proven track record in managing and expanding senior living communities, including independent living, assisted living, and enhanced assisted living.
In addition to overseeing day-to-day operations, Jennifer is skilled in team leadership, staff training, budgeting, and developing partnerships with healthcare providers, families, and local organizations. She is dedicated to fostering a collaborative and empathetic culture within the workplace and ensuring that families feel confident in the care their loved ones receive.
Jennifer holds a certification in geriatric care and is an active member of Community Living Advocates, and the Empire State Association of Assisted Living. She frequently participates in conferences, workshops, and continuing education to stay at the forefront of best practices in senior care.
Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys reading, vacationing with family/friends, chasing sunsets and a newfound interest in gardening. Jennifer is committed to supporting initiatives that promote aging with dignity and independence.
Concierge Companion & Assistant Aging Life Care Manager
E-mail: pam@agingadvocatescny.com
Pam Weigl has 30+ years of experience in the Wellness/Fitness Industry, specifically in the area of management, personal training, and group instruction. She has worked with people of all ages and abilities in Wellness/Fitness Centers and Senior facilities.
Additionally, she has performed countless fitness assessments, biometric screenings, and dietary analysis.
Her personal training certification is through NASM (National Academy Sports Medicine) and she also holds a certification in Cholestech-biometric screenings, blood pressure, and CPR/AED.
She believes regular exercise can help older adults stay independent and prevent many health problems.
It’s never too late to get started!
Aging Life Care Manager
Christina was born and raised in the Mohawk Valley. She received her RN license in 2009 and has continued to serve the greater-Utica community for all of this time. Much of her career she worked within the hospital system, caring for the acute and chronically ill adult populations.
Christina had a desire to shift from a sick-care health model and focus on supporting others in creating their most well-life; empowering individuals to define what health and wellness looks like, create goals for their life, and support them in an active plan to achieve their most optimal health. She is a Board Certified Nurse Coach and believes that health involves a whole-person, experiential approach; taking special attention to the mind-body-spirit interconnection.
In addition to her private coaching practice, Christina serves her county as an Assistant Forensics Death Investigator. She enjoys speaking to nurses and nursing students about infusing more holism in their nursing practice. Christina continues to live in the Mohawk Valley with her husband and four young children who keep her active and creative.
Registered Nurse
Kari is a registered nurse with a BSN from SUNY Plattsburgh. She brings many years of experience in home care and is a huge advocate of aging in place when possible.
Kari is from Syracuse, has 5 children, married to a police officer and has a huge heart.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT
Amy is a trauma responsive therapist, whose approach is grounded in understanding the science of connection and that the brain has the capacity to change and heal. She understands that the process of internalizing someone who is safe, connected, and coregulated, leads to growth in regulation. Her goal is to create a therapeutic relationship and environment in which goodness and worth are reflected.
Aging Consultant
E-mail: stefanie@agingadvocatescny.com
Stefanie was born and raised in central NY. She graduated from Liverpool High School and went on to earn her BA in Psychology and MS in Therapeutic Recreation. As a young adult, Stefanie discovered her passion for community service. She volunteered for several organizations including Vera House and on the pediatric unit at Upstate Hospital. Soon after graduating from SUNY Cortland, Stefanie began working for The Salvation Army where she provided family therapy to teenagers and their caregivers.
Stefanie was always drawn to working with the older adult population, so when a recreation director position became available at a CNY skilled nursing care facility, she jumped at the opportunity. For six years, Stefanie led a team delivering therapeutic programming for individuals in long-term care, as well as patients requiring rehabilitative services.
Stefanie believes in the power of connecting with each client on an individual level, and that each person should be treated with dignity and compassion. She is trained in Dementia Capable Care and Teepa Snow’s “Positive Approach to Care.”
In her spare time, Stefanie enjoys spending leisure time with her family. You can find Stefanie and her family hiking in the Adirondacks or traveling throughout the country any chance she gets. Her other passion is helping animals. Stefanie has spent over a decade volunteering in animal shelters and providing community education on a variety of animal welfare topics. She currently lives in Fayetteville with her husband, two boys, and a dog named Boulder.
Concierge Companion
Becky Olson brings a unique perspective to her role as an aging life care professional. While growing up, she helped care for her great aunt who was disabled from polio and later in life was the primary caregiver to her mother for 7 years. Her mom suffered from many medical issues and needed regular dialysis (an area of interest to Becky). She worked diligently to keep her mom living home with her but ultimately had to go through the process of placing her in long-term care. She understands first-hand the stress, frustration, and feeling like there is no one to help navigate through this journey. She wishes there had been an agency like Aging Advocates when caring for her mother, to help find resources and support in the community.
Becky has a fierce sense of humor and many hobbies including paddle boarding and swimming in Oneida Lake, long walks with her dog, and reading biographies.
Care Manager
Rachel has 17 years of experience caring for elders privately in their homes. She has worked with a wide spectrum of different levels of care over the years evolving from companion care, spinal cord injuries, dementia /Alzheimer’s, palliative care, hospice and end of life care.
Rachel is certified in Teepa Snow’s, “Positive Approach to Care” and holds a Personal Care Certification from the Institute for Professional Care Education.
“I was also a primary caretaker for my own father for 8 years who had Parkinson’s Disease. I have a strong understanding based on my own personal experience the endless time and specifics that are involved in caring for a loved one. I learned a lot through my own personal experiences, there is a need for high level elder care in our community. I am passionate about making a difference in assisting elders no matter what their current circumstances are.
I am committed to providing personalized care to ensure a loving and gentle experience. I feel our elders deserve compassion, respect, and dignity as they transition through the different stages they endure. I enjoy engaging both professionally and personally with clients their families, to foster a genuine connection to support diverse needs and provide the highest level of care with empathy and patience.”
Rachel was born and raised in Central New York. She graduated from West Genesee high school and holds and associates degree in Criminal Justice from Onondaga Community College. She also attended Syracuse University to pursue BA in Child and Family studies .
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her son attending live concerts and traveling.
Care Manager
Todd Savage, a Registered Professional Nurse, is an experienced and proven leader with the ability to understand and prioritize patient needs at all levels of care and settings. Todd brings a wealth of knowledge from over 30 years of healthcare experience to serve our clients and families as a care manager with compassion, empathy, and professionalism.
Prior to Aging Advocates CNY, Todd was a Health and Wellness Director with Brookdale Senior Living, having returned to the clinical setting after spending 25 years in the health insurance industry as a managed care professional. He began his healthcare career as a direct caregiver and quickly became a clinical leader in long-term and post-acute care settings. Throughout his career, Todd has had a particular interest in dementia care and developed his competencies through extensive experience working with patients, caregivers, and provider networks.
Todd’s personal experience as a family caregiver has significantly informed his approach to person-centered care. As a teenager, he helped care for his grandmother, who lived with dementia. And more recently, for several years Todd coordinated and managed care for his elderly in-laws, ultimately leaving his job to be his father-in law’s primary caregiver during the last year of his life. While he had gained valuable experience throughout his career in navigating the healthcare system from a provider and payer perspective, this experience gave him a firsthand view of the challenges faced by patients and families. And it re-ignited his passion for helping others by focusing on their caregiving journeys.
Todd was born and raised in the Southern Tier of New York and received his Nursing degree from the State University of New York. He and his family moved to Central New York in 2016, and he enjoys spending time with his family on their “homestead” in Skaneateles.
Physical Therapist – Home Safety & Fall Prevention Specialist
Advocate
Malory Drager is a dedicated Operations Coordinator and Assistant Care Manager. She is certified in Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care which she utilizes when working with many clients affected by dementia.
She has a passion for people, a knack for organization, and contagious energy. With a background spanning over 15 years in photography, specializing in capturing the beauty of weddings and family moments, Malory brings a unique perspective to her role. Her love for learning and easy-going demeanor makes her a natural at connecting with others, whether it’s clients, colleagues, or those she cares for.
Malory finds fulfillment in working with aging individuals, drawing from her experience caring for her own grandmother and great aunt. This hands-on involvement has instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility and compassion, qualities that shine through in her interactions with others.
Detail-oriented and organized, Malory excels in managing schedules, coordinating events, and ensuring smooth operations in her role as an executive assistant. Her outgoing nature and hard-working ethic make her a valuable asset to the team, always ready to take on new challenges and deliver results.
When Malory isn’t working, she spends time with her three children and husband. She loves to travel, especially to Disney.
Director of Care Management Services
Amberly Reinertsen brings 20 years of experience in the aging field, with expertise in Housing, Community Relations, Mental Health, Care Management, and Dementia Care. She is also certified in Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care dementia training. Throughout her career, Amberly has worked closely with elders, families, medical professionals, and legal advocates to facilitate appropriate placement and support.
Prior to joining Aging Advocates CNY, Amberly served as the Admissions and Community Relations Director at both Loretto Healthcare and Emeritus Senior Living. Her in-depth knowledge of senior housing communities and the various levels of care available ensures that older adults can remain in their preferred environments.
Amberly is a fierce advocate for her clients, acting as a problem solver to ensure they receive the highest quality of care and support. She understands the emotional complexities of decision-making for elderly family members and is dedicated to providing person-centered care that meets each individual’s unique needs.
Amberly’s compassion for older adults, professional experience, and resourcefulness make her an invaluable advocate for families navigating the human services and healthcare systems. She offers professional guidance during what are often challenging and emotional situations.
Born and raised in Central New York, Amberly graduated from Oneida High School and attended nursing school at OCM BOCES. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration. In her free time, she enjoys attending her children’s various sporting events, traveling, spending time with her husband, and caring for their three dogs. She is also a passionate advocate for homeless dogs.
Director of Business Development
Kimberlee is a native to the Syracuse area. She graduated from Liverpool High School and went on to receive her bachelor’s in Education at SUNY Oswego. Prior to working at Aging Advocates, CNY she worked with Brookdale Senior Living and Hearth Senior Living as the Admissions and Community Relations Director in varying levels of care. She found a passion working with those effected by dementia/Alzheimer’s and spent the majority of her six years while in the senior living environment focused on memory care communities. She is proficient in navigating the medical office environment and applies her knowledge by helping others.
Kimberlee is a proud member of the Aging Life Care Association and certified in Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Dementia Care.
Kimberlee feels great reward in helping seniors and their loved ones with overcoming the challenges that they face and helping them find their solutions. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, baking, and has recently started to learn about gardening.