Laura Clutz, LCSW

Laura is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who has worked in the field of Geriatrics since 1997. Laura interned, and then worked for many years within transitional housing for the homeless and most vulnerable population within NYC. She then worked for 12 years at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell within their Health and Wellness Program for Older Adults, before moving on to provide Geriatric Care Management for a private pay home care company for the last 6 years.

Laura is most passionate about older adults being able to stay in the homes they love for as long as possible, and is dedicated to finding the necessary tools and resources to assist them in doing so. Laura has extensive experience in working with dementia patients, overseeing caregivers, and home safety modification.

Laura holds a Bachelors in Social Work from Daemen College and a Masters in Social Work from New York University. She is a certified Dementia Care Professional (CDCP) and is SAGE certified.

Kathryn Buckley, LMSW

Kathryn is a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) based in New York City. She previously worked as a Geriatric Care Manager at a large social service agency serving vulnerable senior populations across Long Island. Serving as a court-appointed Guardian, she has experience managing the personal and financial affairs of individuals who are considered at risk due to mental illness, substance use, developmental disabilities, Alzhemier’s disease, or other age-related dementia. In this role, she advocated for entitlements, public benefits, and assisted the client in navigating the complex New York Article 81 Guardianship proceeding.

The changes that come with age can be a difficult process for the individual and family members alike. As a geriatric social worker, Kathryn is dedicated to helping older adults to remain independent in their own environment. She entered this profession with the ultimate goal of enhancing the quality of life of older New Yorkers and their caregivers.

Kathryn holds a Bachelors and Masters degree in Social Work from The University of South Carolina. She is a certified Dementia Care Professional (CDCP) and is SAGE certified.

Sydney Gold, MPH

Sydney holds her Masters in Public Health with a focus in geriatrics. Prior to joining Weissman Wellness, Sydney worked in clinical research, program development and evaluation, and social services. Throughout this time, she has maintained a special focus on improving senior cognitive health promotion, reducing social isolation, and improving quality of life for older New Yorkers.

Sydney’s passion for geriatric care management developed during a personal family health crisis, wherein Sydney became the geriatric care manager for a family member with advancing neurodegenerative disease. This firsthand experience in caring for her family member through months of hospitalizations, rehabilitation, and transitioning to home care inspired her to want to help other families through similarly difficult times.

Through both her professional and personal experiences, Sydney brings a unique blend of compassion, warmth, and advocacy to her relationships with clients and families.

Sydney holds a B.A. Sociology from The New School and a Master’s in Public Health from New York University. She is a certified Dementia Care Professional (CDCP) and is SAGE certified.

Angelica Licciardi, LMSW

Angelica is a Licensed Master of Social Worker (LMSW) and a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance abuse counselor trainee (CASAC-T) servicing the Long Island Region.  Angelica previously worked for an Independent Living Center providing long term services and support services to the elderly and people living with a disability. In addition, she was responsible for transitioning many vulnerable adults from an institutional setting to independent living in the community.  Angelica has served on the Elder Abuse Enhanced Multidisciplinary Teams (E-MDT), an elder justice network that reviews elder abuse cases providing referrals and resources for the victim.

Angelica always had a bond to her aging family members, she decided to pursue her master’s degree after volunteering as an Ombudsman In a skilled nursing facility. In this role she advocated for the residents’ rights and was a resource for older adults and people with disabilities residing in nursing homes. She continues to work in the community as an informal support to people that need the role to be fulfilled. 

Angelica holds a bachelor's in human services from SUNY Empire and a Master's Degree in Social Work from SUNY Stony Brook.  In 2016 she was the Gerontology Professionals of Long Island Scholarship recipient.  She is a certified Dementia Care Professional (CDCP).

Allison Silverman, LMSW

Allison Silverman is a Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW) with over 10 years of experience working in the mental health field. It was during her 9 years working for Selfhelp’s case management program that her passion for working with the aged population solidified . Working under a non-profit funded by the Department for the Aging (DFTA), Allison was trained in geriatric case management and has experience working with a diverse client population.

Allison has worked with individuals with varying degrees of physical and cognitive disabilities, including those dealing with loss and/or caregiving for their loved ones. She understands how to navigate the system and bring comfort to those who are struggling with their daily tasks of living.

Allison earned a Master’s degree in Social Work from Hunter College. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Brooklyn College, with a minor in Philosophy. She is a certified Dementia Care Professional (CDCP).

Jocelyn Meinhardt, LMSW

Jocelyn is a social worker in New York City who is focused on bettering the lives of older adults throughout the metropolitan area. She received her Masters in Social Work, with a concentration on aging, from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, where she  was awarded the Rose Dobrof Award for Excellence in Gerontological Social Work Practice.

Her interest in working with older adults grew from her experience living in a NORC (Naturally Occurring Retirement Community), and from becoming a caregiver within her family. Volunteering for JASA (Jewish Association Serving the Aging) and other organizations throughout the pandemic bolstered her love of social work and her strong belief in the power and importance of community.

Jocelyn strives to comfort and empower older adults and their families as they go through challenging transitions.

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Amanda Clears, MPS ATR CDP 

Amanda Clears is a Registered Art Therapist (ATR) and Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP). 

Amanda was inspired to work with older adults when her grandfather was diagnosed with Lewy Body dementia. During his decline, the already close relationship they shared grew into something even more special. Following his passing, Amanda decided to dedicate her life to older adults, particularly those living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. 

Amanda has worked closely with organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association and Alzheimer’s Foundation of America providing workshops for clients living with dementia, their care partners and loved ones. She trains professionals in Habilitation Therapy, an educational training on dementia care created by the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Amanda has worked in some of the top care facilities in New York City including: Mary Manning Walsh Nursing Home, The Hebrew Home at Riverdale, Inspir, Coterie, Carnegie Hill and Mount Sinai Hospital. She has worked on all levels of care including: assisted living, palliative and hospice care, memory care, enhanced care and skilled nursing. 

Amanda holds a Masters in Professional Studies in Art Therapy and Creativity Development from Pratt Institute.

Taylor Panzenbeck (Office Manager)

Available Monday-Friday 9am-2pm at 917-624-1017