"ElderCare Strategies has become like another member of the family. The care for our mother
has been superior because ECS has been a
regular visitor to check up on, advocate for
and inform us of any needs or concerns."

OUR STAFF

ElderCare Strategies promotes a feeling of comfort and confidence. Our staff of mature, knowledgeable nurses, counselors, and social workers has the experience and training to help you through the most difficult circumstances.

Barbara Payne, MSW President Barbara has worked in the field of aging, health and long term care since completing her graduate degree in Social Welfare with a focus in Gerontology at the University of California at Berkeley. She began her career in Northern California, providing social services and research assistance in an Alzheimer’s Disease research setting. She was the Director of Social Services in a large nursing facility and later worked in the field of home health care. Dementia care is a particular interest, and Barbara has

Anita G. Baker, R.N., B.S.N.
Associate Care Manager

Anita’s extensive geriatric nursing and education background includes hospital-based nursing, home health, and wellness nursing in various long-term care settings. She has participated in Alzheimer’s Disease research projects, and is a program developer and educator for the Alzheimer’s Association. She has served on the Alexandria Commission on Aging, and as a volunteer Support Group Leader for the Alzheimer’s Association and as a volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Family Day Center.

Dorothy Bliven, R.N.
Associate Care Manager

Dorothy (Dottie) brings a wealth of nursing experience to ECS. She recently retired from Falcons Landing Continuing Care Community where she served in various nursing roles throughout the facility. Her nursing experience includes hospital emergency departments, intensive care, and home health. Her excellent assessment skills will be utilized in new and challenging ways in the world of care management.

Jean Unger, LPN
Associate Care Manager

Jean comes to us from Seattle where she was co-founder of a clinic-based program in seven internal medicine clinics that provided assessment, care management, patient teaching and advocacy for over 2,000 clients with debilitating conditions.   Her professional focus has always been geriatric nursing and dementia care.   Since 1977 she has volunteered with the American Red Cross and since 1995, has trained the trainers on the national level regarding the concerns of the elderly and those with special needs during a disaster.   In addition, Jean has been involved with Americans for Better Care of the Dying since its inception, and is a member of the Loudoun Medical Reserve Corps which responds during a bioterrorism event or outbreak of disease.

Gisela Bennie, B.S.
Associate Care Manager

Gisela earned her B.S. degree in Business and Psychology from the University of Maryland. After more than twenty years of experience as a personnel consultant with two reputable firms in Washington, DC, Gisela decided to end the lengthy commute and make a career change into the field of eldercare, working primarily in Northern Virginia.

Gisela's life-long interest in working with the elderly and disabled, along with intense schooling and training, qualify her well for her new career. Gisela joined ECS as a part-time Associate Care Manager in the spring of 2005 while maintaining her own personal busines: assisting elderly and persons with disabilities with paperwork management.

Kristen Murphy, M.S.G.

Kristen joined ElderCare Strategies in September 2006, after moving to Loudoun County from Pasadena, Mayland. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Health Science and a Master's Degree in Gerontology. Her past experience in the field of aging includes such positions as a Geriatric Case Manager/Social Worker for Monterey County, a Hospice Administator, and Manager of assisted living communities. Kristen grew up in Asia and has a unique perspective on the aging process.

Judy Irons, B.A., R.N.

Judy is the newest member of the ECS team, joining us in June, 2007. After graduating from Wellesley with a degree in zoology and then nursing training, Judy and her family were posted overseas with the Foreign Service. In Morocco, she served as a Consulate Nurse and Health Care Consultant. She directed the restructuring of both the physical plant and the personnel at an old age home in Casablanca. Upon her return from Morocco, she worked at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, DC. After 15 years in a medical-surgical unit, she moved to the Surgery Center where she used her skills as an admitting and recovery room nurse. Newly retired from hospital nursing, Judy now turns her extensive nursing and assessment experience to the field of geriatric care management.

Member National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers