Caregiving
Meet Our Family Caregiver Support and Respite Team
Ellisette has a Bachelor’s in Public Health and has been pleased to work with older adults for 6 years through different careers ranging from caregiving to case management. “I enjoy hearing the fascinating stories our resilient elders share and being able to make a difference in their lives by connecting them with resources in our community.” During her downtime, Ellisette enjoys visiting family, watching movies, and an occasional glass of red wine. Luisa is a UArizona Wildcat and has a Bachelor’s degree in both Psychology and Spanish and enjoys working with people from different backgrounds and cultural experiences. “I find couples who have been married for a long time inspirational…and…I enjoy seeing how much love and respect they still have for each other.” In her non-work time, Luisa volunteers for the County Attorney Victim Services team, and enjoys lifting weights, meditation, and intentional relaxation. Deb holds a Master’s in Psychology and enjoys helping people to live with dignity and connectedness even when facing monumental challenges. She oversees several programs at PCOA, including Family Caregiver Support. “It is a privilege to support these amazing caregiving and respite professionals who genuinely care about the unique needs of our community’s older adults.” Deb enjoys all things coffee, spending time with family, and taking long walks. Selina has a Bachelor’s in History and has worked with PCOA for 5 years. She began her career as a paid caregiver with older adults, and developed unique perspectives (or understanding) about caregivers’ triumphs and struggles. “I enjoy working for an agency that is dedicated to improving the lives of others and I am inspired by clients’ perseverance and wiliness to adapt to unforeseen
Seated from left to right: Ellisette V., Case Manager and Luisa B., Case Manager Standing from left to right: Deb S., Director of Caregiving and Community Initiatives; Selina Linn, Aging and Caregiving Specialist; Kelley H., Aging and Caregiving Specialist; Tonetta C., Caregiver Support Group Facilitator; Mayra B., Bilingual Aging and Caregiving Specialist, and Elizabeth R., Community Services System Director
circumstances.” For self-care, Selina enjoys singing karaoke. Kelley has a Bachelor’s in Human Services and enjoys offering support to older adults in whatever way it is needed. “The last couple of years have been a huge challenge on so many levels, but our clients know they are not alone. It is such an inspiration knowing that they can set a goal and achieve that goal, one step at a time.” In her spare time, Kelley enjoys hiking and travelling, and spending quality time with her family, friends, and pets. Tonetta holds a Bachelor’s in Social Work, and has more than 20 years of experience working with individuals and families. Overseeing all 11 of PCOA’s monthly support groups, she says, “I enjoy working with older adults because of the wisdom they have about life and the world, and I am inspired by their tenacity and resiliency.” For self-care Tonetta enjoys baking, cooking, being out in nature, coloring, writing and doing anything creative noting, “It’s all therapy for me.”
Mayra has more than two decades of experience in the caring and medical fields, managing people and their needs. “I value helping clients get the best possible support and resources available,” and works with her team to ensure that each client’s unique situations are honored. Mayra finds inspiration in caregivers who often sacrifice their own lives to serve others. She enjoys working out, listening to music, thinking about inspirational messages, and making crafts. Elizabeth has a Master’s in Social Work and was privileged to intern with the Tucson VA Hospital. “While I was there, I found I loved talking with older veterans about their lives.” This turned her attention from young adults to older adults and long-term care. “I have learned so much… from listening to people share their perspectives, and I hope that my work makes a difference in people’s lives.” For leisure, Elizabeth enjoys curling up with her cats and a good book, knitting, and travelling.
October 2022, Never Too Late | Page 9
Pima Council on Aging
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