About Me

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker Geriatric Mental Health Specialist 
Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager
Member of the National Association 
             for Social Workers.  







Joan began her career with seniors providing music therapy services in retirement homes and skilled nursing facilities. She obtained a Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Washington in 1995 and subsequently worked in geriatric psychiatry, home health, hospice and private practice.

In addition to  guiding many families through the complex terrain of senior planning and care, Joan has experience facilitating caregiver support groups, facilitating family conferences, giving presentations to community groups on topics of caring for the caregiver, and providing education to patients and their families about issues of dementia, depression and anxiety.  

Since you have found this site you may want more information, resources and support for planning for the care needs of yourself or a loved one.   You may be concerned about an elder in your life who is struggling emotionally, or who is needing more assistance.  Because of the diverse needs that can occur in later life along with the many available resources, you may find yourself not knowing where to begin. 

Joan can set you on the right path to accessing services.  When the time is right for you, Joan can provide consultation to help guide sensitive conversations about planning for future needs.  If needed, Joan can  arrange and monitor services when family members are unavailable or unable to assist due to distance and/or time constraints. Whatever your situation Joan can help you create a plan to better meet the needs of the older person in your life. 


 
   

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