APA News

December marked more than the end of the calendar year – it was the end of a board tenure for four of our board members: Sylvia Dwertman, Rob Jutze, Emily Elma, and Kristy Matheson. We so appreciate your work! Even though they will not be official board members, we look forward to seeing them at future APA meetings as APA members.

Sylvia Dwertman

Sylvia’s time on the APA board began in 2016, and became chair of the promotions committee. Sylvia served as board president in 2023-2024 and has just ended her board tenure as immediate past president.

Sylvia is a marketing liaison for Visiting Angels West – the 2^nd largest home health care franchise in the United States. Sylvia entered the senior care industry in 2014 after a 30-year career in the airlines.

From Sylvia:

"I joined APA as a member when I first started with Visiting Angels Cincinnati West in 2011. The connections and friendships I have made in the past ten years are very meaningful.  When you are working alone most of the time developing relationships in the industry, it is comforting to know you can reach out to those in the field for answers and partnerships. As I advanced from being a member to joining the APA board, I was excited to be on the edge of change and provide value to our members. As board president during the COVID lockdown, I realized it was more important than ever to provide ways to stay connected in the industry and we had to think out of the box and provide value to our members.  We offered more virtual resources – focused on education and networking – to support our goals of advocacy and scholarships.

I consider it a privilege to witness our members' growth, work to expand our programming and provide scholarships for those dedicated to studying in the field of geriatrics."

Rob Jutze

Rob has been a board member for six years, serving as chair of both the promotions committee and the bylaws committee. He is the owner of Senior Impact Publications, and for over 25 years has produced the Older Adults Resource Guide in Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and several other cities in Ohio and Kentucky.  Rob is also on the Board of Directors of Meals on Wheels of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. A lifelong Cincinnatian, if he’s not at work, you just might find him at the ballpark!

From Rob:

"I have been an APA member since 2019 and I feel it's such an important organization because of what we do. Not only are there opportunities for networking, education and advocacy, the APA assists deserving students who want to enter the field of aging."

Emily Elma

In Emily’s six years on the board, she has served on the Advocacy, Events and Scholarship Committees. Emily chaired the 2022 and 2023 APA Award Event Committee. She has also co-presented to the APA on the use of improvisation skills in healthcare. Her kindness, silliness and curiosity combined with her passion for working with those with behavioral health and neurocognitive challenges brings a warm spirit to everything she does.

Emily is the Southern Ohio Clinical Social Work Supervisor for WellBe Senior Medical. 

From Emily:

"I have enjoyed serving on the APA board for the past six years. It has allowed me to grow my knowledge base and create lasting partnerships to serve our growing senior community."

Kristy Matheson

Kristy has been a board member for five years, serving as the chair of the APA education committee. She has helped develop educational classes, even presenting some of them. She has also managed the CEs that the APA educational events provide. She recently began working with Teva Pharmaceuticals.

From Kristy:

"It has been very meaningful to serve on the board along side such outstanding professionals in the field of aging. I have enjoyed partnering with APA to deliver high-quality educational programs for healthcare professionals. Thank you for the opportunity to serve in this capacity!"

This month, we’re highlighting Cleopatra (Cleo) Kum. PhD, RN. Cleo is an APA board member and chair of the Scholarship Committee. She is also a professor and entrepreneur. Read on to learn more…

APA: Tell us your name, job position and describe what your business provides to the community.
Cleopatra (Cleo) Kum, PhD, RN. I am an assistant professor of Nursing at University of Cincinnati and the founder/administrator of Family Support Care.

Family Support Care is a Medicare-accredited home health agency serving older adults and people with disabilities throughout Southwest Ohio. We provide skilled nursing and home health aide services, as well as physical, occupational, and speech therapy and medical social work.

APA: How long have you been an APA board member?
I have had the privilege of serving as a board member for nearly a year. I was first introduced to APA through Judy Singleton, the previous APA Scholarship Committee Chair, who spoke highly of the organization and its mission. After attending several events, I saw firsthand the remarkable work APA is doing in our community. With a passion for aging research and a commitment to supporting older adults, I am honored to serve on the board and to contribute to efforts that positively impact the lives of older adults across our region.

APA: How long have you lived in Cincinnati?
I was born in Cameroon, a beautiful country in West/Central Africa, and I have proudly called Cincinnati home since December 2010.

APA: Thinking about your professional life, what are you most proud of?
Professionally, I am incredibly proud of my team at Family Support Care and all we have accomplished through delivering high-quality, person-centered home healthcare in our region. I am also gratified when I see nursing students embracing critical thinking and evidence-based practice in their work. Watching them grow into thoughtful, skilled clinicians is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.

APA: If we were to ask your best friend about you, what would they say?
My best friend says I’m kind and happy most of the time, but also very stubborn once I have made up my mind.

APA: What’s the most important lesson you learned from an older adult in your life?
A home health client once told me to “never let the world change who you are,” and that advice has stayed with me throughout my career.

This month, we’re highlighting Irene Moore, an APA member with a long history of helping. Read on to learn more…

APA: Tell us your name, job position and describe what your business provides to the community.
Irene Moore, Professor Emerita, University of Cincinnati, Department of Family and Geriatrics Medicine

APA: How long have you been an APA member?
I have held most every position in APA. I am a lifetime member.

This month, we detail a new APA sponsor – Legacy Living Green Township. We so appreciate your support! Read on to learn more…

APA: Tell us your name, job position and describe what your business provides to the community.
My name is Colleen Busboom, and I am the Leasing Director for Legacy Living Green Township. We are a senior living community with Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care. We focus on providing a fulfilling, enjoyable and maintenance-free lifestyle.

APA: How long has your company been a sponsor?
We are a new APA sponsor and have been enjoying seminars and information for several years.

APA: Colleen, how long have you lived here?
I’ve lived in the Greater Cincinnati area for 20 years and have lived in a total of 11 states throughout my life.

APA: Thinking about your professional life, what are you most proud of?
I am very proud to be able to serve our senior community and share my knowledge about the services available to them. I especially enjoy watching and teaching seniors how to live their best lives.

APA: If we were to ask your best friend about you, what would they say?
My best friend would say  I have a huge heart and love life to its fullest and I'm always wanting everyone around me to feel loved and appreciated.

More about Legacy Living Green Township:  https://www.greentownshipseniorliving.com

This month, we turn the tables on the usual author of our monthly "Getting to Know" article, Lisa Kruse! Lisa has produced this feature for us for the past 3 years, so it's about time we learned a little more about her.

APA: Tell us your job position and describe what your business provides to the community.

I am currently Communications Specialist with the Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults, people with disabilities, their families and caregivers. COA is also and APA Education Sponsor.

APA: How long have you been a Board Member?

I joined the board in January 2025. Being an APA board member does nothing but strengthen my ability to connect with professionals in aging and share COA knowledge. Oh, and also: I believe wholeheartedly in what APA is all about: supporting older adults to live their best lives and collaborate with other professionals while doing it.

APA: How long have you lived in Cincinnati? Where else have you called home?

I have lived in Cincinnati since I was in 6^th grade. Before that, I grew up in McLean, Virginia. Prior to that, I was born and lived the first year of my life in Pittsburgh, PA.

APA: What, or who, inspires you? And why? 

This one’s easy – my mother. Since my father died in 2020, she has accomplished so much. Yes, the big things - living alone, traveling solo, seeing her granddaughter marry. But simply navigating daily life as a widow definitely presents many challenges, and her list of “I did that!” moments is quite long. Her strength inspires me each and every day.

APA: It’s often said that we can learn a lot from our elders. What’s the most important lesson you learned from an older adult in your life?

Without ever saying a word, my father modeled the importance of remaining calm. 

APA: Share with us about your family. Where do they live?

I live in Hyde Park with my husband of 30 years, our two Brittaneys and two cats. My daughter (27) was married in April and she and her husband also live in Hyde Park. My son (24) is beginning his Geology career living in Columbus.

APA: Who does the cooking in your house? What is your “go-to” restaurant when you aren’t eating at home?

I consider myself one lucky girl: My husband does all the cooking! And he’s very good at it. I have many food sensitivities and he constantly creates gourmet, yummy dishes that fit the bill.

This month, our featured APA member is fluent in all things supportive and is fiercely passionate about growth, her 15+ year career and the people who have helped her along the way. Read on to hear more about Ja’Lah Willingham.

APA: Tell us your job position and describe what your business provides to the community.
I am the Executive Director of Little Brothers – Friends of The Elderly, relieving older adults of loneliness and isolation by providing support, companionship and love. We have a specific focus on older adults lacking family support. 

APA: How long have you lived in Cincinnati?
All my life! I was born and raised in Cincinnati.

APA: It’s often said that we can learn a lot from our elders. What’s the most important lesson you learned from an older adult in your life?
From my grandparents, to my great aunts and uncles, and my mother, the most important lesson that I have learned is that our decisions of today impact our tomorrow. In all that we do: be rational, be patient, take time to sort through the options, and always do your research.

APA: Thinking about your professional life, what are you most proud of?
As just the second generation of a 28-year-old organization, and having served here for nearly three years, I feel privileged to help position our elderly friends as the true drivers of our work.

A key part of this evolution has been building a solid, dedicated team—including amazing colleagues like Dawn, Zaire, and Harrison—who share the same passion and commitment. Together, we are laying a strong foundation to ensure we not only honor the needs of today’s elders but also prepare to meet the evolving needs of future generations of older adults, volunteers, and donors. Our goal is to increase capacity, remain relevant, and be adaptable long after my time here.

I am so proud of my growth during my 15+ year career, and I am grateful for each person who has mentored me, provided coaching, or just been in my corner and a part of my story.

Each year, the Association for Professionals in Aging recognizes the professionals who do outstanding work in the field of aging. This year’s award winners were recognized at the Annual APA Awards Happy Hour on March 20 at Seasons. Congratulations to the following:

Outstanding Project – K’vod Connect, Jewish Family Service
Rabbi Walton, Rabbi Stratford, Dara Wood, Mallory Moscovitch, Bethany Putnam, Miriam Karp

Striving to decrease social isolation, K’vod Connect partners with the community’s congregations, agencies and community members to identify those who would benefit from more social engagement and build a referral network that includes rabbis, Jewish professionals, medical professionals, attorneys, police departments and others who provide services to older adults.

From a nominator:
“I have witnessed firsthand the extraordinary impact of K’vod Connect on older adults in Greater Cincinnati. The program has not only exceeded expectations but has fundamentally transformed how we support and engage older adults in our community.”

Outstanding Service Provider – Debbie Groh, Elder Care Coordinator, Law Practice of Dennison Keller, LLC

Debbie is a Registered Nurse with 32+ years of dedicated geriatric long-term care experience in Greater Cincinnati. She has a wealth of knowledge and expertise working with older adults and their loved ones to navigate the complex issues that arise with aging.

A nominator speaks of the help Debbie gave to her during her parents’ health decline:
“Her professional help and experience was absolutely a valued part of our journey…it was her genuine care, there is something about the way Debbie interacts and shows up that is just different…I’ll be forever grateful to Debbie. “

Outstanding Leader: Rachel Hodesh, President, Senior LifeCare Consultants

With a rich background in healthcare management, Rachel leads Senior LifeCare Consultants and advocates for optimal client outcomes, utilizing a unique and thoughtful approach to care management developed over decades. Her days are filled with just about anything related to helping others live their best lives as they age - from personalized care planning to complex problem-solving in diverse settings.

Praise for Rachel from a nomination letter:
Rachel’s job is to provide aid to older adults who don’t have family that can help them. She helps with medical appointments, financial needs, companionship, navigating next steps and life changes and everything in between. Many times, she becomes like a member of their family…Rachel is blazing the trail for those who want to serve older adults in a purposeful, meaningful way.”

The Association for Professionals in Aging (APA) is governed by a volunteer board of trustees. Sophia McDermott recently joined the APA board and is excited to be part of such a vibrant and active organization. Read on to learn more about Sophia.

APA: Tell us your job position and describe what your business provides to the community.
I work in operations for Council on Aging (COA). COA is your connection to the wide variety of programs and services available to older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers. As an Area Agency on Aging, we are here to answer questions, share information about options, and connect individuals to the community resources and services that can best meet their needs. 

APA: How long have you been a board member? Why did you join the APA board?

I have been a board member since fall of 2024. I became a board member because I want to increase the options and quality of services available for older adults and I believe that supporting those who work in the field of aging is a great way to meet that goal.

APA: How long have you lived in Cincinnati?

I am from Columbus, Ohio and I moved to Cincinnati to attend college at Xavier University. I fell in love with the city and decided to make it my home after my 2022 graduation.  

APA: It’s often said that we can learn a lot from our elders. What’s the most important lesson you learned from an older adult in your life?
Life is short, live it to the fullest. 

APA: Thinking about your professional life, what are you most proud of?
I am proud of the personal growth that has resulted from regularly pushing myself out of my comfort zone.

As of the beginning of this year, the Association for Professionals in Aging (APA) has a new president. Tracey Collins will put her spin on the role she took over from Sylvia Dwertman. A long-time APA member, Tracey’s experience, combined with her enthusiasm for professionals in aging, is sure to propel the association forward. Read on to learn some of Tracey’s plan for what’s next.

APA: Why do you want to be Board President? What do you hope to accomplish/contribute?
I look forward to continuing Sylvia’s legacy with a full year of events for our membership. My goal is to increase scholarship awards in 2025. I see this as a great investment in our future aging professionals.

APA: What is your vision for APA?
I envision the organization providing leadership, support and advocacy for the community of professionals in aging. My goal is to develop a mentoring and coaching model for new professionals as they develop in their careers.

APA: What else would you like to say?
I have recently taken the role as Elder Care Coordinator for the Law Firm of Dennison Keller. I will continue to work with the older adult community by providing case management to the aging population. This includes advocating for their needs, brokering for services, facilitating end-of-life discussions and assisting with navigation of the aging life spectrum of services. This is a great honor for me to serve this community and assist with end-of-life decision making.

Congratulations, Tracey, and we can’t wait to see what your tenure brings!

The Association for Professionals in Aging (APA) is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees. Amber Phillips recently joined the APA Board and is excited to be part of such a vibrant and active organization. Read on to learn more about Amber.

APA: Describe what your business provides to the community.
I work for Jewish Family Service as an Adult Therapist. Jewish Family Service provides excellent services to the community by offering therapy to both youth and the older adult population who are experiencing challenges with their mental health. I help by providing support to older adults and youth as they navigate various challenges.  

APA: How long have you lived in Cincinnati?
Minus a few years living in Greensboro, NC when I attended school, I have lived in Cincinnati since 1991, where I was born.

APA: It’s often said that we can learn a lot from our elders. What’s the most important lesson you learned from an older adult in your life?
Work hard. We must work hard for what we want in life.

APA: Thinking about your professional life, what are you most proud of?
I am proud of the work that I do and the strength-based approach that I embody with my clients that has helped them to achieve their therapeutic and life goals.

APA: If we were to ask your best friend about you, what would he/she say?
I am passionate about my work, caring and very intelligent.