Staff & Board

tracy barnett, VP of Business Development

Tracy Barnett has been in the Senior Living field for more than twenty years with an expertise in sales and marketing, business development and leadership at the community, regional and corporate levels. As Director of Business Development, Sales & Marketing with Stella Maris in Timonium, Tracy provides empathy, guidance and support during what can often be a difficult and emotional transition for seniors and their loved ones.

As a graduate of Stevenson University with a degree in Human Services, Tracy paved her own path in the aging industry by spearheading her own Social Work internship with Erickson Living, the first in Stevenson’s history. That internship served as a stepping stone for Tracy’s vast experience in the industry including Life Plan Communities, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, Short-Term Rehabilitation, Long-Term Care, Hospice, Adult Medical Day Programs and more.

Tracy is an avid member of our local community and is involved with several highly respected organizations including Maryland Senior Resource Network (MSRN), Life Planning Resources, the Baltimore County Provider Council, Harford GAIN (Geriatric Assistance Information Network)-President, GBMC’s Community Health Needs Strategy Implementation Team, The Catholic Business Network of Baltimore, and more. Tracy has also served as a guest speaker for LeadingAge Maryland and LifeSpan Network.

Liz Briscoe, Treasurer

Liz Briscoe has worked in human services and healthcare throughout her career. Currently, she is coordinator for MD Philanthropy Network’s Aging and Health Funders Affinity groups. Previously, she was the Division Chief of Advocacy and Special Projects along with managing the Baltimore City Health Department Division of Aging & CARE Services MD Access Point (MAP), a no wrong door point of entry for older adults and their families to access support services. The prior eleven years, she was executive director of Action In Maturity (AIM), a Baltimore City senior center ‘without walls’, a unique model which provides activities, education, and senior-friendly transportation programs. Liz is a native Baltimorean and attended both Towson and Johns Hopkins Universities. She received Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry/Medical Technology and Mechanical Engineering. She graduated from University of Baltimore’s Certified Public Manager Program, University of MD’s Master Naturalist Program, and is a Weinberg Fellow. Along with MGA, Liz serves on several non-profit boards. When she is not in her garden, hiking, or biking, she enjoys entertaining with her family, friends, dogs, two sheep, and four grandchildren. 

Dr. Laura Girling, VP of Progams and Research

Laura Girling, PhD, is a doctorally trained gerontologist and professor within Towson University’s (TU) Department of Health Sciences. Prior to TU, Dr. Girling was the Director of the Center for Aging Studies at University Maryland, Baltimore County. Her research focuses on social dimensions of Alzheimer’s disease. She is currently Principal Investigator of three NIH-funded protocols including awards that center on bioethical research inclusion of persons with Alzheimer’s, as well as COVID-19’s impact on the well-being of community-dwelling persons with dementia. Dr. Girling is committed to improving supports and structures that allow older adults with neurocognitive disorders to remain independent for extended periods post-diagnosis.

kristi mroz, VP of MemberShip

Kristi Mroz is a dedicated professional specializing in dementia care and caregiver support. As the Program Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Maryland Chapter, she supports initiatives focused on caregiver education, volunteer recruitment, and community partnership development. Her role involves building and nurturing relationships with diverse community partners to advance the Association's mission.

Previously, Kristi served as a Memory Care Director with Brightview Senior Living, where she was the community leader and expert in dementia care for residents, families, and associates. In this capacity, she designed and implemented programs and activities tailored for individuals with dementia, providing education and support to families navigating the challenges of cognitive decline, Kristi also held the position of Director of Social Services at Genesis Healthcare, further honing her expertise in senior care and support services.

Kristi is an active member of the Dementia Friendly Baltimore County Leadership Team, advocating for initiatives that enhance care and support for individuals living with Alzheimer's and other dementias.

Holding a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the State University of New York College at Oneonta, Kristi combines academic knowledge with extensive practical experience to make a meaningful impact in the field of dementia care.

Genevieve Waterman, President

Dr. Genevieve Waterman is an Aging Services Program Specialist in the Office of Elder Justice and Adult Protective Services at the Administration for Community Living (ACL). Prior to joining ACL, Dr. Waterman was the director of the Center for Economic and Financial Security at the National Council on Aging (NCOA). The Center provided innovative programs to help low-income older adults create customized plans to achieve financial security and curriculums that educate older adults to avoid scams and financial exploitation. Dr. Waterman also developed the strategic vision of NCOA’s Age Well Planner, a digital tool that guides individuals through key decisions designed to make their money last longer and address health care needs.

Genevieve holds a Doctorate of Social Work from the University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. She also holds a Master of Aging Services Management from the University of Southern California Davis School of Gerontology and a Master of Applied Gerontology from Towson University’s Center for Productive Aging.

luke fannon, Member

Luke Fannon is the founder of The Fannon Group, a consulting company that has helped organizations improve their sales and marketing and maximize census for over 15 years. He also has recently become the new Owner of Oasis Senior Advisors-Baltimore Metro Office. His expertise includes post-acute care, senior living business development and how families make healthcare and senior living decisions.

Luke has a diverse background with experience that includes leadership roles in sales, marketing and operations. He has worked in every segment of acute, post-acute and eldercare continuum including adult day healthcare and senior living.  He served as the CEO of a Medicare Certified Home Health Agency during the pandemic.  His work as a consultant includes working with home care, hospice, skilled nursing, senior living and PACE programs.  He’s also a failed comedian.

Luke has built his expertise over decades working with the elderly and their families and by creating partnerships with professionals.  His success is due, in part, to a commitment to lifelong learning and research into the needs of those he is serving, how people make decisions, influence and persuasion. Luke’s personal mission in his work is to help others. 

Patricia Farmer, Member

A native of Washington, D.C., Pat Farmer received a Bachelor of Arts in French from the former Dunbarton College of the Holy Cross in the District of Columbia. She retired as a manager in 2002 after 37 years with the National Security Agency. Three years later, she started a second career (10 years), working part-time with Patuxent Publishing and then the Baltimore Sun Media Group as an editorial assistant with the Laurel Leader and as Senior Circles columnist for the Howard County Times.

Pat served for 10 years as the Secretary of the Maryland Federation of NARFE (National Active and Retired Federal Employees), and recently stepped down as the organization's Newsletter production manager, editor and distribution manager.  She serves as the NARFE/MD representative to the board of the Maryland Gerontological Association (MGA). As membership chair, she created a brochure to publicize MGA and grow membership, developed a strategic plan for membership, and created a satisfaction survey for attendees at one of the Spring Conferences. She has also served on the networking breakfast committee, and as Admin Vice President since being elected in 2018 to 2023.

Inducted into the Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame in 2018 for her extensive volunteerism, Pat's volunteer organizations include: MGA; Maryland Federation of NARFE; Laurel Chapter of NARFE; Business and Professional Women (BPW) of Maryland since 1972; Laurel BPW; St. Nicholas Church Altar Society and Fall Bazaar; and Laurel Chapter of the American Rosie the Riveter Association.  Pat and her husband Mike live in Laurel.

Steve Gale, Member 

Steve has two decades in the health care world guiding communities and teams in business development, sales, marketing, community networking, and of course, plenty of hands-on work. That time has been spent throughout the whole spectrum of the senior care space in SNFs, CCRCS, and Care Management. So much of my work has focused especially in coordinating with local partners and building strong relationships to drive census and caseloads. Currently, he is doing that as the Regional Director of Business Development for Engage Health Care.  He is a big believer in bringing a lot of enthusiasm and a little bit of that community spirit to everything I do.

On a personal note, Steve is a Baltimore guy, now living about 40 minutes north of the city. He is a big Baltimore and Maryland sports fan, O’s season ticket holder, and most importantly a dad to a great son whose baseball team he coaches, and spends a lot of time molding him into a man and a productive member of society. Steve tries to put the most important things in perspective, spends his free traveling or enjoying pool days where it feels like he's traveling, and trying to keep up with all the latest video games and sayings his son and his friends have nowadays. Overall, Steve is grateful and blessed in all ways.

Victoria Hathaway, Member

Victoria B. Hathaway is Director, Silver Group of Bob Lucido Team of Keller Williams Lucido Agency, the Team’s international seniors real estate division. Her expertise is in helping older adults navigate the process of downsizing, home selling and relocating to easier lifestyles, providing education, guidance and resources. She serves as Commissioner for Howard County’s Commission on Aging, and she volunteers for the senior rideshare program Neighbor Ride.  Victoria also serves on the advisory boards for Johns Hopkins University’s Aging Studies and the National Association of Senior Advisors (NAOSA). She enjoys spending time with her family and two unusually calm Jack Russell Terriers.

Dr. Tonoah Hampton, member

Dr. Tonoah Hampton, DSL, MSN, RN, stands at the forefront of geriatric care as the Director of Hopkins ElderPlus, a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Her remarkable journey spans over 30 years, dedicated to the health and well-being of older adults. Dr. Hampton's wealth of experience includes pivotal roles across various healthcare settings, including nursing homes, hospitals, hospices, home care, and ambulatory surgical centers. Her tenure as a healthcare facility surveyor allowed her to ensure regulatory compliance and elevate care standards across these diverse environments.

Before leading Hopkins ElderPlus, Dr. Hampton advanced through significant roles, from her start as a hands-on healthcare provider to serving as the DC Board of Nursing executive director and as a health insurance specialist with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Her expertise in navigating the complexities of healthcare regulations and her deep commitment to patient safety and quality care underscore her leadership. At Hopkins ElderPlus, she harnesses this vast experience to direct a program that offers a comprehensive blend of medical, social, and long-term care services, allowing seniors to maintain independence and quality of life in their communities.

jordan hebron, member

Jordan Hebron, M.S.G, Associate Director of Programs for Elder Services At Civic Works, Inc., is an experienced Aging Specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry. She is skilled in grant writing, social 
work, aging in place, program evaluation, budgeting and leadership. Jordan is a strong community and social services professional with a Master's degree focused in Gerontology from McDaniel College & Bachelors in Social Work from Morgan State University. 

Sara Kuhn, member

Sara has over 20 years of experience in marketing and healthcare. After working for large companies for many years, Sara felt the need to follow her passion for helping families and serving the geriatric demographic, especially those with Dementia and Alzheimer’s. She has worked with placement companies, Assisted Living Communities, and Adult Day centers in Maryland.

Sara serves on the Leadership Board for Dementia Friendly Baltimore County, is a member of GAIN and Baltimore County Provider Council,  is a member of the Lifespan Marketing Council, and also serves on the Community Engagement Committee for the Greater Maryland Chapter Alzheimers Walk. When she is not advocating for our senior population, you can find Sara enjoying time with her five daughters and two grand-daughters or traveling to the beach.

Betsy Kurtz, member

Betsy Kurtz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Case Manager, Certified Dementia Practitioner, and Certified Montessori Dementia Care Practitioner with over 30 years of clinical experience spanning nursing homes, assisted living, memory care, hospital systems, and the Veterans Health Administration. She is the founder of Eye on Elders LLC, a dementia care consultation practice serving families throughout Maryland.

Her most recent clinical role as the Dementia Care Coordinator for the Maryland Veterans Health Administration sharpened her belief that the most meaningful support happens not within institution walls, but alongside families in the real-world environments where care unfolds. She founded Eye on Elders to put that conviction into practice, offering individualized case management and dementia care consultation that helps families navigate complex care systems, manage behavioral symptoms, prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, and make informed decisions at every stage of the dementia journey.

Betsy's credentials are matched by lived experience. She has personally supported her mother, two grandparents, and two aunts through their own dementia journeys. This dual lens as clinician and family member shapes everything about how she practices. She holds a BA in Sociology from The College of Wooster and an MSW from Walden University, and is a member of NAIPC and the Greater National Advocates network.

Betsy is committed to advancing gerontology through education, advocacy, and collaboration, values that align directly with MGA's mission to support professionals improving the quality of life of older adults and their families across Maryland. She brings to the board an active practice, deep community roots in the Greater Baltimore elder care ecosystem, and an unwavering belief that dignity in aging is not a luxury but a standard worth fighting for.

Amanda Littleton, Member

Amanda Littleton OTD, OTR/L is an occupational therapist with 20 years of experience working with adults and older adults with physical rehabilitation needs and with dementia. She has worked in multiple clinical settings including outpatient, comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation, home care, and sub-acute rehab. Currently, Amanda has been at Towson University in the occupational therapy department for 7 years as a clinical assistant professor and the academic fieldwork coordinator. She has interests in adult physical rehabilitation, dementia, the use of AI in the clinic, and telehealth. She has served on the MGA program committee since 2025. Amanda is also the current Executive Vice President for the Maryland Occupational Therapy Association. 

Andre Lingham, Member

Andre began his policing career in 1982 with the U.S. Army before transitioning to the Howard County Sheriff’s Office in 1986 and later, the Howard County Police Department in 1996, where he served in various roles, including Patrol Officer and Warrant Fugitive Detective. In 2013, he found his passion as the Senior Citizen Liaison, focusing on elder abuse awareness and education. Retiring from the police department in 2019, he dedicated himself to this cause by founding the Center for Elder Justice and Education, Inc. in 2021. Currently, as the CEO of Safe Aging Strategies, Inc., Andre empowers individuals of all ages to navigate the complexities of aging safely and gracefully, advocating for dignity, respect, and proactive health strategies throughout the aging process.

Dr. Diane Martin, member

Diane Blazejewski Martin, PhD, MSL, MA, is an Associate Professor in the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), and Director of UMB’s Geriatrics and Gerontology Education and Research (GGEAR) Program. Dr. Martin also serves as a program director for  UMB’s Master’s in Gerontology program and Aging & Applied Thanatology post-baccalaureate certificate program. Her current grant-funded research focuses on developing, implementing, and evaluating innovative workforce development and education models that strengthen aging-related research translation, entrepreneurship, science communication, and dementia care capacity to improve the health and well-being of older adults and their families.

As an applied gerontologist and scholar-practitioner with over 20 years of experience, Dr. Martin advances workforce development and promotes the well-being of older adults through education, research, and community partnerships. As GGEAR Director, Dr. Martin leads statewide interprofessional initiatives that prepare students and professionals to address the complex needs of aging populations. She has taught graduate courses and developed educational collaborations in Japan and Finland, exploring comparative models of aging, caregiving, policy, and community support. Her work focuses on cognitive health, mental well-being, social determinants of health, and person-centered, culturally responsive care. Dr. Martin is active in state, national, and international organizations advancing research, education, and workforce development across the aging services continuum.

Willistine D. Page, Member

Willistine D. “Willi” Page, a retired Licensed Nursing Home Administrator/Executive Director has a lifetime of passion and purpose to promote quality living and care for the older adult. She has served the aging community as a Long Term Care/Elder Abuse Ombudsman, Wellness Director for Seniors, and Adult Medical Day Care Administrator. She also earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Bowie State University and has provided 25 yrs. of public service as an employee of the U.S. Dept. of State. Willi has a rich reservoir of understanding and lived experiences with the aging process and continues as a Senior Life Consultant, Advocate and Educator.

Although she has worked extensively with the older adult, she states that she shares her greatest joys with her younger generations of grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Sivan Perdue, Member

Meet Sivan Perdue, a Salisbury-based art therapist who’s rewriting the script on mental health care for older adults, especially those living with dementia. With a bachelor's in studio art and a master's in art therapy from Nazareth College of Rochester, Sivan brings a colorful mix of creativity, compassion, and real-world expertise to the table.

At Perdue Art Therapy & Counseling, her private practice, Sivan specializes in helping individuals and families navigate the often-overwhelming realities of dementia care. Her work is all about connection—meeting people where they are and focusing on the person, not the diagnosis. Whether she's supporting former caregivers reclaiming their lives or empowering professionals in elder care, Sivan's mission is to make sure nobody feels like they’re in it alone.

Ofelia Ross, member

Ofelia Ross Ott is an accomplished executive leader with more than 30 years of experience advancing aging policy, long-term services and supports, and community-based systems of care. As Administrator of the Howard County Office on Aging and Independence, she leads the county's Area Agency on Aging and oversees a comprehensive network of programs and services designed to support older adults, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities.

Throughout her career, Ofelia has demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation, equity, and person-centered service delivery. She has successfully managed multi-million-dollar budgets, led organizational transformation efforts, and cultivated strategic partnerships across government, healthcare, nonprofit, and community sectors. Her expertise spans aging policy, elder justice, guardianship, caregiver support, long-term care, and aging-in-place initiatives.

Prior to serving as Administrator, Ofelia held several leadership positions within Howard County, including Acting Administrator, Operations Division Manager, and Home and Community-Based Services Division Manager. Her work has earned national recognition through multiple USAging Aging Innovations Awards and local recognition as an Outstanding Community Leader.

A graduate of Florida International University, Ofelia is also a graduate of the American Society on Aging Leadership Institute and the NACo High Performance Leadership Program. She remains deeply committed to advancing age-inclusive communities where all people can thrive throughout the lifespan.

Jessica Ruddle, Member

Jessica Ruddle, LCSW-C, CAC-AD, is an Adult Protective Services (APS) investigator for the Washington County Department of Social Services in Hagerstown, Maryland. Prior to this, she worked as an addiction therapist at an adult day report program in Morgan County, West Virginia; a substance abuse counselor at the Santa Clara County (California) Jail – Caminar; an admin/counselor at Bay Area Addiction Research and Treatment (BAART) in Menlo Park, California; a mental health/independent living intern at Family and Children's Services of Silicon Valley; and a shelter/in-office children’s activity volunteer at the Support Network for Battered Women in San Jose, California. Jessica therefore has experience working with elderly and vulnerable adults; individuals with co-occurring disorders (addiction and mental health); incarcerated populations; patients receiving medication-assisted treatments for opioid and alcohol addictions; foster youth; and victims of domestic violence. Additionally, at APS, she has worked extensively with the courts and facilitated guardianship proceedings, and through her after-hours work, she has experience in investigating child welfare cases.

Jessica has a master’s degree in social work from the University of Nevada – Reno, as well as another master’s degree in forensic behavioral health from Concordia University, St. Paul. She also has a bachelor’s degree in social work from San Jose State University, and she has associate degrees in alcohol and drug studies from San Jose City College and psychology, biological sciences, and general studies from Mission College in Santa Clara, California. She is a licensed certified social worker – clinical (LCSW-C) in the state of Maryland and a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) in West Virginia. She is also a certified associate counselor – Alcohol and Drug (CAC-AD) in Maryland. 

Sherry Rush, member

Sherry Rush is a paralegal, Certified Medicaid Planner (CMP) and Certified Senior Advisor (CSA). She has been helping families with Elder Planning for over 25 years. Sherry’s extensive experience includes acting as Medicaid Supervisor for a large nursing home chain, paralegal in the Elder Law Departments of two large law firms and most recently as the owner of Angels of Elder Care Planning, LLC. She is currently with HWK Law Group as their Elder Planning Team Manager. With her in-depth knowledge of both federal and state Medicaid laws, Sherry has helped numerous families obtain Medicaid benefits in the State of Maryland.

In addition to Sherry’s role at HWK, she also serves as President for the Maryland Senior Resource Network (MSRN), a non-profit. MSRN is a network of business professionals who offer products and/or services to older adults and caregivers to help older adults remain safe, comfortable and independent as possible.

Mandy Arnold, Member

Mandy Arnold is a mission-driven nonprofit executive with a deep passion for helping older adults live their best lives with dignity, respect, and compassion. As the Executive Director of Winter Growth Inc., Mandy leads with a heart for service and a commitment to excellence, guiding the organization through operational, financial, and programmatic transformation to better support seniors and their families.

With an extensive background in nonprofit leadership, healthcare operations, and organizational development, Mandy brings a unique blend of strategic vision and hands-on dedication. She believes that every older adult deserves not only quality care, but meaningful engagement, joy, and a sense of belonging — and she works tirelessly to ensure Winter Growth embodies those values each day.

Throughout her career, Mandy has been known for her transparent leadership style, collaborative approach, and unwavering advocacy for vulnerable populations. She is committed to building sustainable systems, empowering staff, strengthening community partnerships, and expanding access to high-quality assisted living and medical adult day services.

Mandy’s passion is rooted in a lifelong belief that seniors deserve to age with grace, purpose, and connection. Under her leadership, Winter Growth continues to grow as a warm, innovative, and person-centered community where older adults are valued, supported, and truly seen.

Lauren Averella, Member

Lauren Averella is the Director of Elder Services at Civic Works, a Baltimore-based nonprofit that has helped over 5,000 older adults age in place since 2008.  Lauren launched Civic Works’ two largest elder services initiatives, Cities for All Ages, which began in 2013 and helps older adults prevent falls by making home safety modifications and providing case management and occupational therapy, and administrating Housing Upgrades to Benefit Seniors (HUBS), a city-wide partnership between 15 organizations which began in 2015 and helps older adults access major home repairs. Lauren also launched Civic Works’ Volunteer Handyman program in 2015, the Service Coordination program with CSI Support and Development in 2017 and manages contracts with outside agencies to provide home safety modifications.

Lauren has a bachelor’s degree in social work with a minor in aging services from UMBC and a Master’s degree in Social Work with a concentration in Aging from University of Maryland, Baltimore.  She was a member of the 2015 American Society on Aging Leadership Institute. She is a current Board Member for the Maryland Gerontological Association.