Chris has been involved in the geriatric arena since 1990. A licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, she earned her BS in Kinesiology and Physical Education and MPA with an emphasis in Health Care Administration from Cal State Hayward (now East Bay).

Since becoming a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in 1990, her clinical physical therapy experience is in a variety of settings including outpatient, acute care, skilled nursing, and rehab centers. Her initial desire to be involved in sports medicine quickly became a career of caring for and serving seniors. She has had the good fortune of having strong relationships with her grandparents, which fueled her desire to do the work that she now does so passionately.

Nancy Hickman graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Ohio State University. She spent her early years as a Social Worker in Ohio involved in human service program development.

Nancy has served as a hospital Social Worker in many places helping patients with aftercare plans, grief counseling and referrals to community-based services. Nancy also was a member of a multi-disciplinary Geriatric Diagnostic Team at Medical University of South Carolina.

Nancy has been with Eldercare Services since 1995, most recently Director of Client Services. She was Care Manager Certified in 2003 and is a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.

Eileen received her BA in 1995 from John F. Kennedy University with an emphasis in psychology. She has 29 years of experience serving the geriatric population. She has been involved in healthcare and related fields all of her professional life. Eileen has been with Eldercare Services since 1993 and became a certified Geriatric Care Manager in 1997.

As one of our resident specialists in Alzheimer’s and dementia care issues, she provides extensive community education including instruction for the American Society on Aging. She also facilitates many support groups for the Alzheimer’s Association, Eldercare Services and many other organizations.

Nancy has an undergraduate degree in psychological social welfare from UC Berkeley and a Master’s degree in social work from San Diego State. She has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1984.

With more than 35 years of experience in geriatrics, Nancy has directed geriatric services for Jewish & Family Services of the East Bay, Satellite Senior Housing, and the Masonic Home for Adults. Nancy has supervised clinical staff and coordinated trainings with Psychiatrists and Clinical Specialists. Nancy became a Care Manager at Eldercare Services in 2000. She became a Care Manager Supervisor in 2001 and Care Manager Certified in 2003. Nancy has facilitated many Alzheimer’s support groups for Eldercare Services as well as serving on several Bio-Ethics and Aging Groups in Southern Alameda County

Juli received her Master’s of Social Work in 1976 and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Arkansas in 1982. She obtained her California license in 1990. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the Academy of Certified Social Workers. Juli has more than 22 years of experience working with seniors. Part of that experience includes Adult Day Care Programs both in direct patient care and as a program supervisor. Her background includes psychotherapy and clinical treatment. Juli joined Eldercare Services as a Professional Geriatric Care Manager in 2001.

Juli is musically inclined with beautiful piano and vocal abilities. Her environmental and social work interest combine in her volunteer efforts with inner-city youth.

John has an MA in gerontology from San Francisco State University, as well as an MA in journalism from Northwestern University and a BA from UC Berkeley.

Through his work, John helps older adults and their families, including many clients with multiple medical conditions and cognitive impairments attain maximum independence and quality of life. John joined Eldercare Services as a Professional Geriatric Care Manager On-Call in 2010. He became Care Manager Certified in 2010 and is a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM).

When not at work, John enjoys spending time with family and friends, tennis, hiking and drawing.

Sylvia received her Master’s of Social Work from UC Berkeley with a focus on Gerontology. Her undergraduate studies centered on Human Development and Sociology. She has spent several years with Hospice of the East Bay. Her background includes experience as the Director of Social Services of an independent living facility HUD subsidiary for seniors and disabled adults.

For 13 years, she taught in an environment that involved extensive work with children and their families. She participated in the development and execution of the Senior Fraud Fighters Forum. Sylvia has been an Eldercare Professional Geriatric Care Manager since 2003. She became a Care Manager Certified in 2006.

Anne obtained her B.A. degree from the University of California, Berkeley, her M.A. from San Francisco State University and Ph.D. in Health Service Administration from Columbia Pacific University. She is a State Licensed Marriage, Family and Child Therapist and holds a certificate in Neuropsychological Assessment from U.C. Berkeley. She became Care Manager Certified in 2003.

With over 30 years of experience serving the senior community, she has been interviewed in several media outlets including CNN, ABC, NPR, Oakland Tribune, and San Francisco Chronicle. Other activities include authoring chapters in Handbook of Geriatric Care Management, “Geriatric Care Managers Working with Families”, and Care Managers Working with the Aging Family, “Working with Couples”, edited by Cathy Cress.

Mary received her BA in 1964 from Marquette University. She started in Care Management as a social worker in New York City, and brings more than 14 years of geriatric experience to clients and their families. She has been with Eldercare Services since 1997.

Mary is one of our resident specialists in Alzheimer’s and dementia care issues. She facilitates workshops and support groups at Eldercare Services in her areas of specialty. Mary became a certified Geriatric Care Manager in 1998.

Jean Tokarek holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business and a Masters in Public Administration in Health Services from the University of San Francisco. She has 18 years experience in the field of Elder Care. She has experience working with older adults who have been conserved by the probate court, clients who are on hospice care and management experience in multipurpose senior services organizations.

Prior to joining Eldercare Services, Jean developed, expanded and provided oversight of a daily money management program at Jewish Family and Children’s Services. This program became part of a continuum of care offered to seniors to promote their independence.

Vivian has a Bachelor’s of Nursing degree from Rutgers University and became a Registered Nurse in 1979. She then earned her Licensed Clinical Social Work degree from UCLA. Vivian spearheaded the Senior Outreach and Consultation Services for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health in 1989.

Through her work, she has helped to empower countless families and individuals to deal with a myriad of mental health issues including depression and dementia. As a licensed psychotherapist, Vivian offers our families counseling as well as Care Management services and consultation.

Vivian became an Eldercare Services Care Manager in 2008 and Care Manager Certified in 2009.

Dawn White received her Master’s Degree in Public Health, Health Policy and Administration, from U.C. Berkeley in 1987. She has worked in health care for more than 20 years, in home health and hospital-based programs, at the UCLA Medical Center, Summit Medical Center, and the American Red Cross. Dawn has been serving the geriatric population for more than 10 years.

Dawn joined Eldercare Services as a Professional Geriatric Care Manager in 2006. She became a Certified Care Manager in 2008. Her specialty as a Care Manager draws from her extensive experience in hospitals and ancillary health care settings, which allows her to efficiently navigate the health care system and obtain prompt access to medical resources on behalf of her clients. As an elder care advocate, Dawn works with medical providers and family members to meet client needs and enhance their quality of life.

Dawn’s creative interests include dance and music.

Susan Haikalis has spent over 45 years in health care settings, primarily hospitals and outpatient/Home Health, including mental health and developmental disabilities. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a Masters in Social Work from New York University. As a health care administrator she has developed linkages to community organizations such as the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Visiting Nurses/Hospice, Regional Centers for the Developmentally Disabled, etc.

Diane graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Psychology from the University of Miami. She also received her Psychiatric Technician license from Napa College.

Diane boasts more than 30 years of psychiatric and social work experience including 10 years as a Social Casework Specialist II at Contra Costa County’s Adult Protective Services. She has served the senior community for 22 years. Her extensive background with crisis intervention, problem solving, counseling, assessments and emergency response make her ideal as a Professional Geriatric Care Manager On-Call. Diane joined Eldercare Services as a Professional Geriatric Care Manager On-Call in 2009.

In her personal time, Diane volunteers with animal rescue organizations and enjoys travel, food – exotic and not so exotic, as well as movies and books

Linda graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Oregon and received her Master’s degree from St. Mary’s College. She is a State Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

Linda’s experience includes more than a decade as a Social Casework Specialist at Contra Costa County’s Adult Protective Services. Linda joined Eldercare Services as a Professional Geriatric Care Manager On-Call in 2009.

Nancy graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Mills College and received her Master’s degree in Gerontology from Holy Names College.

Nancy’s experience includes more than thirty years working wtih seniors and their families. Her work includes over two decades as a Case Manager for the Contra Costa County Aging and Adult Services, Office on Aging and with Adult Protective Services. Nancy joined Eldercare Services as a Professional Geriatric Care Manager On-Call in 2010.

Cecilia graduated from the University of San Francisco with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing in 1988. While enjoying her career as a nurse at UCSF, Cecilia also served as an administrator demonstrating strengths in staff development as a mentor and role model. She encouraged critical thinking, effective communication and continuing education, even developing new staff classes and training CNAs for patient care.

Cecilia joined Eldercare Services as an Inservice Educator in 2011. As the Inservice Educator, she is responsible for the orientation and on-going trainings of all caregivers at Eldercare Services. She has served the senior population for over 10 years. Her specialties and strengths are her broad clinical knowledge, highly organized nature, leadership, teaching and encouragement of caregiver growth.