Paula Jones, CMA – Secretary
Paula is the Community Relations Director for Iris memory care of Turtle Creek. I have a deep passion for seniors living with any form of dementia, having a close family member that battled the disease really helped me to understand the challenges and want to help others living with the disease. I have been helping seniors with dementia a little over eight years and still LOVE what I do. It’s an honor to be a resource and outlet for families. I look forward to continue growing in this field!
Wendy Brinkman – At Large
Wendy is the Community Outreach Coordinator/Clinical Liaison for The Plaza at Edgemere Healthcare Center. She has worked in senior living/skilled nursing her entire career except for some years as a pharmaceutical rep for Abbott Labs. Her greatest joy at work comes from helping patients, residents and family members with the skilled nursing decisions along with making connections in the community. She is a busy mother of 4 amazing children – 2 boys and 2 girls. She is also a proud graduate of The Ohio State University. Go Buckeyes!
David H. Rios – Membership
David is a senior living advisor. He retired from IBM after a 27 year career. His experience in the health care industry lead him to acquired Oasis Senior Advisors, allowing him to guide seniors & their families in finding new homes.
OasisSeniorAdvisors.com/Dallas
Sydney Farrier – Advocacy Chair
Sydney has been a social worker in Dallas for over 50 years. She has spent many years providing programs and support for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, as well as their families. She serves on the Advocacy For Elder (AGE) committee of the Senior Source, and has been a member of DAGS for many years. Semi-retired, she now works part-time for Pathway Hospice and also has her own business providing continuing education for nurses and social worker- Metro Dallas Aging Solutions.
DAGS is governed by a nine member Board of Directors.
President Past-President
Vice-President Secretary
Treasurer (4) At-Large Board Members
There are six standing committees in which all members are encouraged to participate.
- Membership – Promotes the Society and its benefits to others interested in aging. Maintains membership records and provides other important services.
- Public Policy – Plans educational programs and events pertaining to public policy issues as they effect the elderly.
- Programs – Plans and coordinates monthly continuing education programs for DAGS members.
- Communications – Markets and promotes all educational programs and the Annual Forum.
- Scholarship – Coordinates and distributes information about the student scholarship program.
- Forum – Plans and implements the annual forum for DAGS members and the public.
DAGS ORGANIZATION
What Does DAGS Offer?
The Dallas Area Gerontological Society (DAGS) was founded in 1989.
DAGS is a non-profit, voluntary member organization whose mission is to provide continuing education on gerontological topics, provide scholarships to individuals pursuing a career in the aging field, and to advocate for improved services for senior adults.
Catrina Nieser – Scholarship Chair
Catrina is an experienced Program Coordinator with a demonstrated, 17 year, history of working in the hospital & health care industry. From years of patient contact she has a myriad of bedside technical skills but has truly focused her efforts on community education, community outreach, and patient and family support. She holds a bachelor's degree in Health, Society, and Policy Analysis; and recently obtained a Master's Degree in Business and Health Administration. Her current role at Neurology Consultants of Dallas allows her to utilize her strong community and social services background on strategic outreach and communication.
Lisa Higgason – Communications Chair
Stephan Dennis – At Large
MEET THE BOARD
Susan Rogers, MSG – Forum Chair
After earning a B.A. in Psychology from UCONN and an M.S. in Gerontology from UNT, Susan spent twenty years working with Elders and their families in a range of care settings. Susan applies that expertise in her role as Community Liaison for Certified Elder Law Attorney John McNair. Susan is a member of the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas, and serves in leadership roles with NPRA of Texas, Metrocrest Ministries Fellowship, the Alzheimer's Association, Dementia Friendly Dallas, and is a Little Free Library Steward.
Eden Summer – At Large
Lisa Shardon – Treasurer
Lisa Shardon is President and CEO of Home Health Companions, a licensed home health company that provides nursing services and professional caregivers to assist adults with limitations of daily life.
Lisa currently serves on the University of Texas Dallas, Center for Vital Longevity Advisory Council. She is Vice President of the Executive Board of Directors of the Aging Mind Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to finding the cause and cure for Alzheimer’s disease through partnerships with various institutions of higher learning. She is also a professional member of the Aging Lifecare Association.
- Meetings with educational programs
- Professional Networking
- Public policy updates
- Student scholarships
- Continuing education credits for Social Workers, LPC’s, Administrators and Nurses
Kathy Shockley – Program Chair
Kathy began her career in the field of senior care in 1994, and holds a Masters in Long Term Care Administration. Her passion for working with individuals in Memory Care eventually led her to join the Alzheimer's Association in 2016. Kathy and her husband Bryan have two grown daughters, and they love to spend time rock hunting in Northwest Michigan.
Robbie McCullough – President
Robbie is a 30-year financial services and insurance veteran with a passion for caregiving. Robbie’s personal life experiences and prior work history led him with a lifelong aspiration of building a homecare business. Robbie is a graduate of Baylor University. He holds a as well a Certified Senior Advisor designation proctored by the Society of Senior Advisors Certified Employee Benefits designation thru the Wharton School. He is the Owner of Assisting Hands Home Care a nationally recognized Agency. assistinghands.com/38/texas/prestonhollow
Email: info@dags.org
MEET THE COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Nell Taylor – Vice President
Nell is a senior living advisor for Ruby Care SLA. After being a caregiver for her mother with Alzheimer’s Disease and her aunt with dementia, she had a calling to help others who needed guidance with placement for their loved ones.
Nell is a 3rd generation Dallasite, and a graduate
of Southern Methodist University.
rubycaresenior.com
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John McNair– Legal Advisor
John has practiced law in Dallas for 35 years. He is board certified in Estate Planning and Probate and in Tax Law. He has earned the National Elder Law Foundation's Certified Elder Law Attorney designation. He is also an accredited attorney with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, experienced with VA Benefits, and Medicaid qualification. McNair-DallasLaw.com
Karisti Julia – Past President
Karisti is in Community Relations for Belmont Village Senior Living. She has a love for helping seniors and started working with them 20 years ago when she was volunteering at a nursing home - she never dreamed it would turn into her full time job! She is active with her church Highland Park United Methodist and enjoys spending time with friends and family. She began serving as DAGS President in 2021. belmontvillage.com
Melissa Gomez – At Large