OUR STAFF

For the past 20 years, Josh has been intimately involved with volunteering with seniors, primarily providing intergenerational programming at local nursing homes and assisted living communities; he is well-versed in the challenges that seniors and their families face when it comes to providing care and combating social isolation. Josh is active in several other Boston organizations, including the West Suburban Area Alzheimer’s Partnership and the Aging Life Care Association. He is also the Chair of the 2020 Greater Boston Walk to End Alzheimer’s, is a trained Dementia Ambassador through the Alzheimer’s Association, a Certified Dementia Practitioner and sits on the Board of Directors for Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly as well as Better Day Adult Social Day Program.

Prior to joining Seniors Helping Seniors, Jan’s career focus had been working to support and enhance the lives of adults with disabilities. For 25 years she served as the Director, Programs for Adults with Disabilities for a non-profit mentoring agency, Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters (JBBBS). In her role she oversaw the clinical, financial, and administrative operations of the adult program which served approximately 200 clients and 175 volunteers. The program service involved matching, building and sustaining friendships between clients and community volunteers. She was the first point of contact for clients, families, and staff interested in services.

Jan was instrumental in expanding the original service model of the program at JBBBS from only serving adults age 18-35 to adults across the lifespan, recognizing the lifelong need for companionship. She created and spearheaded an annual sports day and an annual Community Seder (dinner) for adults with disabilities for people living in the Greater Boston Community. She collaborated and developed programs with multiple communal agencies and cultivated partnerships with local activity and service vendors.

Her previous experience includes work with older adults as a Caseworker for Mystic Valley Elder Services, and other professional roles at both Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services and Massachusetts Association for the Blind.

Jan believes that the need for companionship is universal at all stages of one’s life and is thrilled to be a member of a team that shares her passion and commitment to this work. In the words of Helen Keller, “I would rather walk with a friend in the dark, than alone in the light.”

Marie joins us with many years of customer service experience in a wide range of industries. Most recently, Marie worked at a dental supply company, and prior to that she worked at an organization where she was directly involved with long term care policies and claims. Marie has a passion for helping seniors.

“Growing up one of five children I am so appreciative of how much work and support my parents gave to all of us. I now want to be there for my own parents along with helping other families deal with the transition of caring for elderly parents. I am a mother of two amazing college aged children. Now that my children are older I want to start giving back.”

Marie has had many customer service positions where she learned that the customer’s happiness is the number one priority. She’s also worked in summer camp programs and as a preschool teacher. Marie found that supporting parents of young children who are entrusting their children to be cared for by someone besides themselves is a big responsibility. This applies to working with families of all ages, where trusting relationships must be developed and communication is key to keeping all members happy.

In her free time, Marie enjoys spending time with her family, going out to eat, playing tennis, walking, and traveling.

Gail comes to Seniors Helping Seniors, Greater Boston & Metrowest with a wide range of experience. She has held positions in sales, accounting, research, reporting, reception and customer service. A few years ago, Gail made the decision to take a break from office work and work with children in a teaching role, (something she had always wanted to try). She enjoyed working at both a camp and an aftercare program for children with challenges. Most recently, Gail worked at a child development center where she supported both military and civilian families.

Gail is thrilled to have found a company with a mission that makes sense and is “a match” for her skills, talents and personality. She has first hand knowledge of how Alzheimer’s can progress and how the disease can affect a loved one and her family. Gail finds that she cares for her mother in many of the same ways our clients’ family members and SHS caregivers do. She truly understands how patience and compassion are desirable qualities when it comes to being a SHS companion/caregiver.

Gail looks forward to getting to know SHS caregivers, clients and families. She is very thankful to have been invited to be a part of the SHS community and is committed to bringing her best self to the office each day.

Gail is a wife, a mother of three adult children, one daughter-in-law and a grandmother of two young children. She enjoys spending time with her family and extended family as they gather for holidays, celebrations and vacations. In her free time Gail likes to babysit the grandchildren and take day trips. She loves attending musicals and has a habit of singing throughout the day.

Vanessa is a dedicated recruiter with a background in Human Resources and experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), specializing in senior care. With degrees in Psychology and Ethnic & Gender Studies, she is passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Fluent in Portuguese, Spanish and English, Vanessa excels at building connections with caregivers from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

As a recruiter Vanessa connects with caregivers who align with our values, while her retention efforts focus on creating a supportive environment that fosters employee engagement and satisfaction. Committed to making a positive caregiver experience, she aims to build lasting relationships with clients and caregivers. 

In Vanessa’s spare time she loves to read and spend time with her dog Malu.

A 40 year resident in the Southborough community, Doug has a strong dedication to the surrounding communities and to seniors. He is Certified Senior Advisor and a Certified Dementia Practitioner. He currently sits on the board for BayPath Elder Services, the Southborough Council on Aging and the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he has been active in the Metrowest Alzheimer’s Partnership, the Elder Community Collaborative serving the Marlborough and Hudson areas and the Friends of the Marlborough Seniors.

Additionally, he has given many presentation on caregiving and aging at home to Rotary Clubs, Libraries and area churches.

Besides his new role in the Boston/Metrowest franchise, Doug has started a nonprofit called Still Here For a Reason. It will focus on helping seniors answer the question: How can I still feel useful as I age?

Judy has over 20 years experience working in healthcare in various roles. She has worked with seniors in home care settings, as well as in the assisted living world. She enjoys teaching as well and has a masters degree in elementary education. She works full time in hospice helping families cope with the loss of their loved ones. Both her undergraduate and graduate work were completed at Brandeis University.

Jeanne worked in academia for a number of years before joining Seniors Helping Seniors. Having been a caregiver herself, Jeanne is mindful of the work caregivers do in order to support our seniors. “After years of working with students, I felt it was time to switch gears and work in an industry that values the older members of society and our unsung heroes, the caregivers.Seniors Helping Seniors gives me the opportunity to work part time and still contribute in a meaningful way.”

Jeanne has a BA in history and an MS in administrative studies.She lives in the Boston area near her two adult children and her large extended family. Jeanne’s hobbies include cooking, traveling and growing bonsai.