Secretary Michele Kent, retired President & CEO, LeadingAge NJ

Why I’m involved with NJAAW: I believe in giving back to the community and I have specific experience in senior issues, management and government. NJAAW is committed to ensuring that seniors live in the setting of their choice in their communities. Programs are geared to the promotion of policies and practices that afford seniors the highest quality of life they can achieve. Ageism is rampant in our society; NJAAW strives to address exploitation and unfair practices wherever they exist in our state. I am committed to growing this valuable nonprofit so that more and more people can benefit from its services. What I find most valuable about NJAAW: NJAAW works collegially with providers and policymakers to enhance the environment in this state for our senior citizens, to improve their quality of life.

Vice Chair Andrea Lubin, Senior Researcher, Voorhees Transportation Center at Rutgers University

Why I’m involved with NJAAW: Growing up, I was extremely fortunate to have very close, loving relationships with both of my grandmothers, Anna and Bertha, and many of their senior friends — all of whom fostered in me a deep devotion to supporting older adults and recognizing their enormous contributions and value to our society. Professionally, my work permits me the opportunity to explore strategies to improve transportation for seniors. However, it has been through my volunteer work with NJAAW that I have been able to more fully understand the diverse needs facing NJ’s older adults and how, collectively, we can and must amplify their voices to improve conditions for seniors across the Garden State. What I find most valuable about NJAAW: First, NJAAW’s commitment to identifying and promoting policies to support our state’s older adults and the organization’s focus on connecting caregivers and our seniors to vital community resources, is unique in our state. I also appreciate the prominent role NJAAW plays in fostering conversations with diverse stakeholders and advocates to make sure that needs and issues — such as food security, housing and transportation, faced by New Jersey’s most vulnerable seniors — are brought to the forefront.

Treasurer John Pascal Mostello, Senior Branch Manager, Wells Fargo

Why I’m involved with NJAAW: Each and every one of us is aging. We should all be able to age with dignity, security and our health. Securing the right to healthcare, housing and the ability to have the necessities of life for our aging population should be considered a right for every aging person. I am passionate about ensuring that our aging population is provided these securities respectfully and with dignity. At times our aging population is left vulnerable and at risk, and they should be assured that they will be able to live out their lives in the best way possible. What I find most valuable about NJAAW: What I find most valuable about NJAAW is their unwavering and dedicated support to truly benefit the entirety of NJ’s aging population, and their willingness to truly embrace it in a diverse and inclusive manner.

Charisse Smith, PhD;  Curriculum Supervisor of Social Studies K-6 Trenton Public Schools; Owner and Principal Consultant Sankofa Educational Consulting LLC; Board Member and Chair-Diversity Committee Notre Dame High

Why I’m involved with NJAAW: In 2018, Board member Celeste Roberts inquired if I had an interest in joining the Board and providing my perspective on education and the senior community. Initially, I thought, “Could I add to this discourse?” What I find most valuable about NJAAW: I have found that NJAAW’s ability to advocate for and support older adults and their families, through education and awareness, invaluable. As an educator of young children for over 30 years, I am honored to continue the legacy of my uncle, Carl F. West. I appreciate the association between my work and the mission of NJAAW. My dialogue is with fellow educators, current and retired, as well as students and their families. NJAAW recognizes that both groups need opportunities to learn new skills, possess a sense of purpose, have access to social and emotional support, have an understanding about the aging process, obtain assistance with reducing the likelihood of depression and gain cognitive and physical stimulation.

Carl Archer, Certified Elder Law Attorney; Principal, Archer Law Office

Why I'm involved with NJAAW: I have seen NJAAW’s commitment to the aging population in a number of really creative ways, and I want to find ways to contribute to its mission, both in the community and a facility setting. What I find most valuable about NJAAW: I think the single most important and valuable aspect of NJAAW is its thorough educational and outreach capabilities in public television, the webcasts as well as the live programming it’s offered for many years.

Chairman Steve Leone, Principal, Spiezle Architectural Group Pc

Why I’m involved with NJAAW: I have spent over 30 years of my career as an architect, working in the field of senior living. Across those years I’ve gained great insight into the life issues facing elders in an ever-changing environment. Having been introduced to NJFA because of that background, I felt I was in position to help the mission of the organization through my understanding of those issues and with the contacts that I have in the industry. Simply put, I thought I had something to offer. What I find most valuable about NJAAW: Aside from the natural sense of fulfillment I get from giving my time to help others, I find that the group is genuine and aligned with one singular mission. That is often rare among organizations in today’s world. The NJAAW is a forum for me personally, that allows me to extend my understanding of our world as perceived by elders. That is useful to me in my field of work, so in effect, I am able to perform better in my business as a result.

William J. O’Donnell, retired Communications and Governmental Relations professional

Why I’m involved with NJAAW: As outlined in its mission statement, the goal of NJAAW is to promote services and public policies that enable older adults to live in their community with independence and dignity. We are all growing older in a society that is becoming increasingly more complex and demanding, and I hope that I can make some contributions through my participation in the organization that will benefit all of New Jersey’s citizens, no matter what their age. What I find most valuable about NJAAW: NJAAW recently celebrated its 20th Anniversary, a notable achievement for any public services organization. During this time, it has made numerous contributions that have advanced the concept of “aging well” in New Jersey. With an enhanced focus on public policy, NJAAW is poised to make even greater contributions in the coming years, and I am excited and honored to be a part of this process.

Joshua J. Raymond, MD, MPH, FAAFP; CMD Geriatric Fellowship Director, Assoc. Professor, Medical Director, The Manor-CentraState Medical Center, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School/CentraState Medical Center

Why I’m involved with NJAAW: NJAAW has been instrumental in my mission to educate and raise awareness. It is my “go-to” source when I educate Geriatric Fellows, Family Medicine Residents, Medical Students, Advanced Practice Nursing Students and Physician Assistant Students about social and economic issues that impact the millions of seniors in New Jersey. What I find most valuable about NJAAW: What I find most valuable about NJ Advocates for Aging Well is their enthusiasm and willingness to provide education to medical students and young physicians regarding issues affecting seniors in New Jersey.

Celeste Roberts, MSW; retired faculty, NJCU Department of Sociology; past Board Chairperson, Neighborhood Health Services Corp.

Why I’m involved with NJAAW: I have always rejected the philosophy of “anti-aging” and the multiple industries that support it. For my entire life I have enjoyed and appreciated the valuable experiences of existing in a four- or five-generation family. I learned at a young age that “aging” is an active process beginning at birth with a progression of stages that ends with death. Professionally, my journey included positions with Head Start, Child Welfare and Child Protective Services, where I interacted with energetic older adult caregivers and volunteers who supported various program efforts. Many of the undergraduates I taught were nontraditional students; some were employed members of the “sandwich generation” while others were grandparents. Their experiences, as shared through discussions and writings in our gerontology and sociology courses, provided me with glimpses of “individual realities” that further informed my pursuit of aging issues. What I find most valuable about NJAAW: I find the NJAAW’s active “pro-aging” focus most valuable. We offer phenomenal resources that address the various challenges faced by many seniors, such as healthcare, financial and food insecurity, abuse and exploitation. The annual conference provides a wealth of information to professionals seeking continuing education as well as to lay attendees desiring to remain au courant.

Vikranta Sharma, MD, FAAHPM; Medical Director for Advance Care Institute at VNA Health Group; hospice medical director and palliative care physician at CentraState Healthcare; Adjunct Faculty at Robert Wood Johnson Family Practice and Population Health department.

Why I’m involved with NJAAW: I am passionate about healthcare policy as it pertains to the future of healthcare for those who need it most. Having paid their dues to society in the form of professional contributions in the work place, taxes paid to the government and personal contributions in raising tomorrow’s citizens, our healthcare system should be able to support their citizens in the most vulnerable part of their life span. Having affordable healthcare and appropriate social support in the post-retirement span of life makes complete sense, but our healthcare system does not provide it quite as well as some of the other developed countries. Also, Board members here are talented and optimistic about building a new future.  It is a privilege to work alongside such inspiring individuals with like-minded goals. What I find most valuable about NJAAW: Its ability to connect across industry sectors, both profit and non-profit, that serve this population. We hope to keep the community engaged with new technology, tele education and yearly conferences. Together we will make aging in place possible with grace and dignity for all. We will continue to support and raise awareness about community projects in vulnerable populations, influencing policy and building a better future.

Why I’m Involved with NJAAW I am involved with NJAAW because I am committed to advocating for the well-being, rights, and dignity of older adults. In my work as a social worker and as a professor, I have witnessed both the challenges and joys of elderhood. Many older adults face ageism, social isolation, limited access to services, chronic illness, and caregiving responsibilities. At the same time, at this stage of life, I have seen the fulfillment in strengthening relationships, pursuing new careers, and embracing lifelong learning. NJAAW’s commitment to raising awareness, promoting education, and influencing policies that enhance the quality of life for older adults is what excites me the most. Being involved allows me to extend my impact and support this important mission. What I Find Most Valuable About NJAAW What I find most valuable about NJAAW is the opportunity to connect with professionals and community members who share a dedication to supporting older adults. NJAAW offers resources, education, and advocacy tools that help raise awareness about the needs of older adults. Importantly, it also highlights contributions and lived experiences of older adults, reinforcing the importance of respect, inclusion, and empowerment in both my practice and teaching.

Why I Am Involved:

My interest is deeply rooted in both my professional experience and personal commitment to advocacy for older adults. Over the past 30 years, beginning as a social worker and now serving as COO of Parker Health Group, I have worked closely with older adults and their families as they navigate the complexities of healthcare and aging services. On a personal level, I have cared for two generations of family members and have seen firsthand how challenging it can be to access affordable, high-quality care and understand the many options available, even for someone with extensive healthcare experience. These experiences have reinforced my belief that every older adult deserves access to the information, resources, and support needed to age with dignity, independence, and choice. Like NJAAW, I am passionate about ensuring that the voices of older adults are heard and that systems of care become more accessible, equitable, and person-centered. Serving on the NJAAW Board would allow me to contribute my experience, advocate for meaningful change, and support policies, education, and initiatives that improve the lives of older adults throughout New Jersey.

 

What I Find Most Valuable About NJAAW:

What I value most about NJAAW is its dedication to improving the lives of older adults and strengthening the systems that support them. I deeply appreciate the organization's commitment to advancing awareness, education, and advocacy around aging issues. Equally inspiring is the dedication of its members, who bring their expertise, passion, and shared purpose to advancing meaningful change and helping older adults and their families navigate the opportunities and challenges of aging.

Cathy Rowe, DrPH, joined NJAAW as Executive Director on May 3, 2021. She also is the host of NJAAW's monthly TV program Aging Insights, entering its 11th year. Dr. Rowe's current committee and other involvement include state lead and partner for PHI’s Essential Jobs, Essential Care™ advocacy initiative, a multi-year policy advocacy effort focused on strengthening the state’s direct care workforce; the Age-Friendly NJ Statewide Collaborative Steering Committee and also Local Accelerator Group; Goals of Care Coalition partner; Assisted Living Program Coalition; Senior Medicare Patrol Advisory Committee; New Jersey Medicare Partners, and Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ Grant Leadership Council. Most recently, Dr. Rowe served as Coordinator for SOMA (South Orange/Maplewood): Two Towns for All Ages, a grant-funded healthy aging initiative in a community with more than 6,000 residents over 60. This cutting-edge collaboration, based on the World Health Organization’s Domains of Healthy Aging, focuses on developing programs to address economic and infrastructure needs for an age-friendly community. An expert in establishing age-friendly communities, Dr. Rowe has spoken extensively on aging issues in Trenton and at conferences and symposia around the U.S.  In 2020, the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging presented her with a “Best Practices for Socially Engaging Older Adults Award” for the “Repair Café” she established – the first of its kind in NJ. An inter-generational event, the cafe brings together people of all ages and levels of expertise to repair and save treasured items. This also helps to keep such items out of landfills. Dr. Rowe was a founding member of for Impact 100 Essex and is a mentor for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Previously, she was a Board member for the Interfaith Hospital Network. Dr. Rowe earned her DrPH in Health Policy and Management from Columbia University, where she received a Fellowship in Public Policy. Her BA in Economics is from Bates College.

Amy brings more than two decades of development experience to NJAAW. She is a native New Jerseyan who has a broad knowledge of fundraising strategies and deep experience in conceiving and producing fundraising events. Her prior experience includes working with the American Federation for Aging Research and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. She holds a B.A and an M.A. from New York University.

Colette Reasonover is a dedicated social work student and researcher at Rutgers University, specializing in the intersection of aging, health policy, and community support systems in New Jersey. Currently pursuing a Master of Social Work in the Management and Policy track, Colette brings a unique interdisciplinary background that combines advanced quantitative analysis with a deep focus on disability studies and caregiver support. With a published research portfolio and firsthand experience as a caregiver for an Alzheimer’s patient, Colette is committed to advancing evidence-based policy and educational initiatives that improve the quality of life for seniors and their families across the state.