Center for Elders’ Independence PACE de Concord

I love working with elders because they are the most authentic and transparent about the real struggle of wanting to maintain independence, self-reliance, and hope as they experience changes and loss. They teach me about deeper aspects of myself by reflecting their true humanity. I love watching seniors interact with each other, make friends, socialize, and continue to exceed their expectations and perceived limitations. As a palliative care specialist, I am inspired by what matters most as I learn about participants’ wishes for their health now and in the future.

After visiting an assisted living community at seven years old, I started on my path to becoming a geriatric nurse. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Rochester and immediately began my Master’s degree of Science in Nursing at Boston College focusing on gerontology and palliative care. I started my nursing career in Sacramento working with an internal medicine specialist as a nurse practitioner. As I worked with the senior patients, I developed an expertise in end-of-life family-centered communications. I moved to the South Bay to expand my skills to provide excellent medical care in a variety of situations and needs of my patients. I joined Center for Elders’ Independence in 2014 as the PACE model of care truly inspires me. Providing access to total care to vulnerable seniors who need a centralized way to have their medical and life needs met brings me joy and purpose in my life.

I speak English and Spanish.

For fun, I read or listen to books about metaphysics, Jungian psychology, conscious healing and business related books. I also train and coach other caregivers. I enjoy being creative by writing and composing songs and melodies with a producer as well as playing the piano and singing several times a week. I strive to take one international and one domestic trip every year to explore new places.