Senior Care Insights Podcast

For my first interview, Mark Stiles, who is the Director of Marketing and Events for the Orthopedic Rehab Specialists discussed treatments available to seniors to help keep them independent. Currently, as the Director of Marketing and Events with Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists, Mark loves having the opportunity to tell the amazing stories of courageous patients overcoming obstacles while achieving a new lease on life through effective physical therapy. “They get to take pride in their own accomplishments, and it is amazing to see that smile on their faces as they tell him about how much they can do again that they could not before.”

My second interview was with Stefanie St. John, the Business Development Manager of The Care Team who will be discussing her position as a community health educator and resources she provides to the senior community. Stefani St. John is a passionate Business Development Manager and dedicated Volunteer Community Health Educator representing The Care Team Home Health & Hospice which provides services such palliative care, nursing care, and hospice. Her previous experience includes dementia care approaches and de-escalation techniques. She has also developed comprehensive staff training and educational programs. In addition to her professional career, Stefani extends her outreach to the community, educating individuals on understanding and navigating senior benefits.

In my final interview, I interviewed Tom Judd, the Executive Director of the Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council who spoke about brain injury advocacy and the Michigan No-Fault Auto Law implications. Tom Judd is the Executive Director for the Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council (MBIPC). Tom has over 15 years of experience providing direct services to people living with a brain injury, organizational leadership, and public policy advocacy.

After nearly 25 years in the employee benefits industry, Howard “Jack”” Weyers decided to go back to school to pursue his dream of becoming an attorney. During this time, he had the privilege of being a primary caregiver for his mother as she struggled with Alzheimer’s Disease. Additionally, a close friend was working with dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. Witnessing the struggles of patients and their families, both financially and emotionally, ignited a passion in him to help those in need during family illnesses. He believes these experiences inspired him to pursue a career in estate planning and elder law, with a specific focus on helping families plan for and endure in times of need.

Dr. Ronald Bishop is a Board Certified Emergency Physician with years of experience in emergency care, Family Medicine and now Urgent Care Medicine. He teaches at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and is an Associate Professor at the College. Dr. Bishop currently sits on the Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners and Surgeons for the state of Michigan. He was chosen Top Doctor in the state of Michigan in 2022 .He has served on the board of the Hospital where he works. Memorial Healthcare in Owosso Michigan.

Marcy Rzepka, founder and Executive Director of the MARK Advocacy Group is passionate about helping people. An MSU alumni she graduated in 1990 with a degree in telecommincations. She has worked in sales for almost 34 years, 26 of which were in media. In 2015 she lost her brother Mark, who was her best friend, only to find out 6 weeks later she had kidney disease. These two events were the catalyst for the creation of the MARK Advocacy Group. 501(c)(3) since 2021, MARK strives to support people battling kidney disease and diabetes by providing advocates for medical appointments and other much needed resources for people facing these battles. When Marcy isn’t advocating for people she is supporting them in growing their business and themselves through her role as a Senior Member Relations Manager of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. When Marcy isn’t working she enjoys time with her family, friends, her dog Ruxin and cat Mabel and writing poems and singing.

Barry S Cargill, CAE is President & CEO of the Michigan HomeCare & Hospice Association (MHHA). MHHA is the umbrella organization for the Michigan home care industry advocating for the interests of in-home medical and personal care services, including home health, hospice, palliative care, pharmacy infusion, private duty, and home medical equipment. Home care is a growing industry that contributes significantly to reducing health care cost and improved quality of life for disabled, injured, and seniors choosing to stay in their home longer. Barry has 40 years of government affairs policy, lobbying, and industry association experience.

Quinn Mahoney is a dedicated Development Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association, specializing in non-profit development. Motivated by a commitment to serving the Lansing community, Quinn is passionate about increasing Alzheimer’s education in the local area. Currently overseeing the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Lansing and managing fundraising initiatives, Quinn plays a pivotal role in the fundraising efforts needed to fund the research and support programs needed in the Lansing community.

Amy Wilczek understands the challenges of transitioning and relocating. She and her husband, Matt, have relocated with their two children several times, moving cross-country and back six times. Each move brought new friends and experiences, and they look back fondly on those opportunities. In 2016, they returned to Michigan, settling in Okemos. They love living in Mid-Michigan and are inspired by the communities they live and work in. They have been fortunate to travel the world, experiencing wonderful cultures across Europe, South Africa, and Asia.

Before starting Oasis Senior Advisors Mid-Michigan, Amy accumulated over 16 years of experience leading various charitable organizations and community groups, including MOMs Club International, The Girl Scouts, and various local educational and youth sports organizations.

Amy is a proud graduate of the Leadership Lansing class of 2021, a Certified Tourism Ambassador for Lansing, and serves as the Secretary of the National Association of Career Women (NACW) Lansing. She is also a member of The Lansing Women’s Forum, Greater Lansing Chamber of Commerce, Athena WIN, and Greater Brighton Chamber of Commerce.

Amy has served as the Marketing Committee Chair for the Lansing Walk to End Alzheimer’s and is a proud sponsor of Rockin’ for ALZ since 2020. Additionally, she is a Nationally Certified Senior Advisor and Certified Dementia Practitioner.

Karen Gallagher is a licensed Master of Social Work and has been in practice for over 35 years. Karen owns a group mental health private practice, called the Wellness Institute of Michigan with two locations, one in Okemos and one in Jackson. Karen’s clinical group has 33 clinicians and a team of professional employees who operate the practice with her. Karen is also a member of the WLNS crew and represents the “Peace of Mind”.
Karen believes that stress and personal challenges affect everyone at some point in their lives. The mission of the Wellness Institute of Michigan is to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and improve education and advocacy for those that suffer with mental health concerns.
She believes that mental health is health.

Heather Vida, CFRE, started her fundraising career as an undergrad at Northern Michigan University, working with annual giving programs in the development office. Upon leaving NMU, Heather joined the staff and students at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) where she held the position of director of the 45-station UCLA call center and then promoted to the Director of Chancellor Associates.
In 2008, Heather was nominated and awarded the Distinguished Young Alumni Award from her alma mater, Northern Michigan University. This award was in recognition for her services, accomplishments and expertise as a professional fundraiser and young alum. After UCLA, Heather joined the RuffaloCODY team as Vice-President and Consultant for Religious and Educational Fundraising Services for 10 years of service.
Since 2013, Heather has worked as the Director of Fund Development for Hospice of Lansing, Ionia Area Hospice & Stoneleigh Residence and has recently be name Interim Executive Director. She is a proud and active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), serving as the current Board President. Heather is also an active member of Mid-Michigan Business Partners (MMBP) and has been recognized for her efforts in higher education.

Darcy Santos is a Life Enrichment professional who has been serving the senior population for over a decade. She joined American House Senior Living in 2019 and has had the honor of working with their tremendous residents and team members for over 4.5 years. Prior to American House, Darcy was the Director of Entertainment and Lifestyle at the Boca Raton Waldorf Astoria in Florida and has had an extensive career in entertainment on cruise lines and stages across the U.S.

Darcy lives with her family in Tennessee and enjoys the outdoors, traveling the national parks, and spending time with her family and friends. She is honored to be on the American House team serving the most wonderful population of seniors and is excited about the future of senior living with such a remarkable company.

25 year retired Army Veteran and 14 years experience in assisting veterans with VA benefits. Director of Veteran Services, manages 23 veteran service officers throughout the state.

Matt Paxton is one of the top downsizing and decluttering experts in the country. He is the host of the 2-time Emmy nominated series Legacy List with Matt Paxton on PBS and was a featured cleaner on the hit television show HOARDERS for 15 seasons. Matt is also the author of the best-selling book, Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff. Paxton started cleaning out houses after his father, step-father and both grandfathers died in the same year and is the reason Matt has been working with families struggling with hoarding and downsizing for 20 years. Matt appears regularly as a public speaker, television guest, and radio personality helping families and companies find the upside of downsizing. He lives in Atlanta, GA with his wife and 7 kids. Yes, 7 children.

Dr. Shafer was born and raised in Seattle. He has lived in Seattle, Maryland, and Texas. He completed his Ph.D. at the University of North Texas. He is the director of Neuropsychology for Sparrow Medical Group. He is the creator and president of the Greater Lansing Care Foundation.

Lisa Regan, Owner of Honor Tree Eldercare Consulting. The foundation Honor Tree Consulting was built on came from Lisa experiencing  firsthand the struggle to understand the healthcare world of eldercare and recognizing the gaps in finding resources. This is what drove her to become an advocate for families as they navigate an unfamiliar time in life. She is passionate about providing families with accurate, quick information, so they can make confident decisions with clarity