I am a professional caregiver with a passion for helping family caregivers figure out the puzzle of caregiving by providing information, assistance and direction in understanding and connecting to needed resources from a complex and often confusing social service system.  In 1992 I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work.  I have worked for 4 different hospices in my 15 years of providing hospice care.  As a hospice social worker, I was responsible for helping family members connect to needed resources in the community and provide emotional support for the complex emotions that come with end-of-life challenges.  16 years ago, I left hospice work to become the Lead Care Manager for the Family Caregiver Support Center at the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging.  The program supports family caregivers by helping them connect to needed resources and obtain respite care through a voucher program.  In my work I developed “The Caregiving Puzzle” which is a model to help family caregivers connect to needed resources.  I also developed a voucher program that provides free care in the home or at a Day Care facility allowing the caregiver to experience a break from their caregiving responsibilities. In addition, I provide workshops and seminars to raise awareness of the unique challenges family caregivers face when caring for an older family member.  

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