If we’re lucky we all give and receive care in this life
I founded Vital Aging NYC not only as a professional but as a caregiver myself. Watching my grandfather live with Alzheimer’s and my grandmother face dementia, while also navigating the complexities of aging parents, gave me firsthand experience in the emotional and logistical challenges of caregiving. I know how overwhelming it can feel to make the right decisions, especially when resources seem scattered, time is limited, and emotions run high.
That’s why I’ve dedicated my career to helping families like yours. I studied cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and public health during my undergraduate program at the University of California, Irvine with the intention of understanding Alzheimer’s disease. Driven by my interest in cognitive development and the neurobiology of learning and memory, I worked in labs studying the role of neuroplasticity in memory. At the same time, I worked as a Behavioral Therapist for children with developmental disabilities.
I was frustrated with the systemic challenges the families and children I worked with faced to get appropriate services. I was motivated to pursue my Master’s degree in Social Work at New York University hoping to have a wider impact on policy and practice. I began working as a family therapist, and later, a social worker working with seniors. I have every respect for each moment of the life span but ultimately my passion led me to focus on working with older adults.
I enjoy research and studying policies and programs that will promote the dignity and quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias; in addition to, supporting caregivers. I’ve often found that I much prefer to work with individuals and building interpersonal relationships.
With a PhD in Social Work from Fordham University and extensive research in gerontology and long-distance caregiving, I bring both academic expertise and real-world experience to my practice. As a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with over 15 years of experience, I specialize in:
✔️ Geriatric care management and family caregiving support
✔️ Long-distance caregiving solutions for out-of-town family members
✔️ Care planning for aging in place, home care, and transitions to assisted living
✔️ Dementia care strategies and caregiver stress management
✔️ Navigating healthcare systems and formal care settings
✔️ Assessing and applying for benefits and entitlements like Medicaid
I believe that aging with dignity isn’t just about medical care—it’s about having a plan, understanding options, and ensuring that families feel supported every step of the way. It’s also our basic human right to have access to the resources that allow us to age on our own terms in the places we call our homes. I want to advocate for those rights as best I can.