OUR STAFF
Josh Obeiter
Executive Director & Owner
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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.
Jan Klein
Associate Executive Director
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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.”
Lisa Graffeo
Director of Human Resources
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Lisa Graffeo began her association with Seniors Helping Seniors as one of our caregivers. Coupled with personal experience helping her own parents, she understands the importance of seniors being able to stay in a home environment for as long as possible while confronted with health issues that prevent them from doing everything they could do when they were younger.
“Having raised a large family, my parents were fortunate to have a support system in place, but for many seniors, this is not always the case. “Through my experience as a caregiver, I know how valuable Seniors Helping Seniors is in filling the gaps when family is not available or able to help as much as they would like.”
Lisa has earned a Certificate of Completion from the Alzheimer Association’s “Caring for People with Alzheimer’s Disease” Habilitation curriculum. In addition to her caregiving experience, she has been working with seniors in a recreational capacity for more than 18 years as a ballroom dance hostess at Moseley’s on the Charles in Dedham, where she mingles and dances with the many seniors in attendance.
Before coming to Seniors Helping Seniors, Lisa spent 9-1/2 years at the nonprofit Asperger/Autism Network in Watertown, where she was the program manager. Her background also includes 12 years as a communications specialist and writer/editor in public affairs and corporate relations for the U.S. Postal Service in Boston, as well as experience working in direct sales and small-business marketing.
Lisa is a Certified Dementia Practitioner.
Marie Long
Client Care Coordinator Team Lead
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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.
Shannon Taylor
Client Care Coordinator
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Shannon was attracted to the role and our mission of connecting seniors with caregivers who are at a similar life stage, forging strong relationships as well as providing much-needed companionship services. She thrives on the rewards and the challenges of the role and how no two days at SHS are ever the same!
Prior to working at SHS, Shannon worked in engineering consulting and real estate. She loves working with and helping people, and decided to seek out a client services role where she could take and grow her passions. As a Client Services Assistant, she supports the client services team at every stage of the process. From getting prospective clients into the SHS system, to helping match caregivers with clients, to supporting clients and their families with their ongoing needs, Shannon truly helps with it all and more.
In her spare time, Shannon loves to be outdoors and in nature. From hiking and paddling to cycling and more, she loves it all.
Ana Gonzalez
Client Care Coordinator
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Ana Gonzalez joined Seniors Helping Seniors in August 2022 as a Client Care Coordinator, and brings a wealth of experience working with the senior population. Ana earned a degree in Social Work from the College of Staten Island, NY and worked for the City of Newton as the Outreach Worker, later as the Community Social Worker, and before leaving the city, worked under Mayor Setti Warrant as the Community Engagement Director.
Gail Schultz
Client Support Coordinator
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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.
Sue Ann Wasserman
Client Care Specialist
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Sue Ann has been a Rabbi for over 30 years, and this position uses many of the skills she has developed throughout her career as a congregational rabbi, department head in a national non-profit organization, chaplain intern in a hospital and student rabbi in a continuous care retirement community.
As a student at Brandeis University, Sue Ann participated in and eventually coordinated the Roxbury Group. This group of volunteer students led Saturday morning worship at a nursing home. From that experience Sue Ann developed a strong connection to serving seniors. While in Rabbinical school she was the student rabbi in a continuous care retirement community in the Bronx, NY. There she learned to value seniors and the wisdom they have to share.
Her years of serving congregations, in particular, has given her a great deal of counseling experience; working with families through both joyous and challenging life moments. Sue Ann has supported families as they have struggled to provide care for their aging parents as well as congregants who were themselves aging and in need of greater support. In her own family she has seen how difficult it is to care for aging parents who live at a distance—how critical it is to have local support services for them.
Kylie Shore-Zamani
Recruiter
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As a Recruiter Kylie is a vital link to the growth and success of Seniors Helping Seniors® of Greater Boston and Metrowest and is the first point of contact for all potential caregivers. Kylie graduated Southern New Hampshire University with a degree in Marketing and a Minor in Psychology. In her youth she spent time giving back to her community through youth programs, such as City Year by being a companion and personal helper to those in assisted living.
Growing up Kylie was looked after by her grandparents and great-grandparents. As a child, she experienced seeing her great-grandparents develop Alzheimer’s and Dementia, and saw the toll it took on her family. Kylie was drawn to our company because of our mission to improve the lives of aging individuals and support their family caregivers. Outside of her recruiter role, Kylie enjoys crafts and outdoor activities, such as spending time in nature hiking, kayaking, and playing sports, like basketball and soccer, recreationally.
Doug Peck
Director of Community Partnerships
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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?
Jeanne Stowe
Administrative Coordinator
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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.
Danielle Haynes
Weekend/Weeknight On-Call Care Coordinator
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Danielle Haynes comes to Seniors Helping Seniors, Greater Boston & MetroWest with a degree in Social Work and a decade of experience in the helping profession. She has worked in various positions throughout her career, but more recently, she was a Director of Care Management, working with children, adults, and Seniors who have Intellectual Disabilities.
After being laid off in 2018, Danielle took the opportunity to become a stay-at-home mom. However, she missed helping others, so Danielle joined the team as a Weekend On-Call Care Coordinator. She was attracted to this position because of the agency’s mission to provide person-centered support to seniors, which is her core belief. In Danielle’s experience, the person-centered approach dramatically increases the quality of life of seniors and yields better health outcomes. Therefore, Danielle is excited to be a part of the Seniors Helping Seniors to support the mission.
In her spare time, Danielle enjoys reading and listening to music. One of her favorite quotes is “Let nothing dim the light that shines from within,” Maya Angelo.
Judy Corwin
Weekend On-Call Care Coordinator
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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.