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Born and raised in Arkansas, Lue Taff started her career working for Bill Clinton…indirectly.  After earning an undergraduate degree in Psychology, and having trouble finding work in that field, Lue went to work for the State of Arkansas as a computer programmer.  During this time as a computer programmer, Lue started doing some volunteer work in the community.  She was paired with an elderly woman to support her in whatever way was needed.  She became close friends with her, and developed a passion for serving the senior population.  This led her to a Masters in Social Work in 1996, and seven years working in social work in a clinical environment.  She became aware of an opportunity to lead the Elder Support Program at The Senior Source.  Today, she is still the Director of the Elder Support Program, and loves the opportunity she has every day to make an impact on the lives of seniors and their families.  Lue can be contacted at The Senior Source at (214) 823-5700, or visit their website at www.TheSeniorSource.org.

As a nursing student at Texas Christian University, Shemanne’ Nickerson spent part of her time working for a non-profit organization serving those suffering from Cerebral Palsy.  Her work there so impacted her that it led her to change her major to Social Work.  After graduating, Shemanne’ worked for three years with the AIDS/HIV population as a social worker.  She then had an opportunity to become the Director of Case Management for a local rehab hospital, where she began to be exposed to the senior population.  As a social worker in a rehab environment, Shemanne’s primary role is to transition patients from the hospital to the home.  She realized that the needs of the senior population were a bit more complex than younger patients.  Shemanne’ advises families to understand their diagnosis, to be involved in the decisions being made regarding a loved one’s care, to ask lots of questions and be aware that there are many options available for all types of treatments.  To contact Shemanne’ directly, email her at  snickerson33@gmail.com, or via phone at (817) 716-8830.

Monica Perdew is a native of Macon, Georgia, where she grew up and attended Mercer University.  She began her career as and insurance counselor for GEICO for thirteen years.  Subsequently, she moved to Houston to attend the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University.  After earning her law degree, she returned, with her husband, to Atlanta to start a family.  She was privileged to be able to stay at home to be a full-time mom for a number of years.  It was during this time that she noticed a lack of eye contact from her son, and that he was not responding to his name.  After ruling out hearing loss and other conditions, Monica and her husband ultimately received a diagnosis of Autism for their son.  This diagnosis fundamentally changed their lives.   Monica is organizing a community event to benefit the Walden School at the Emory Autism Center.  The event is a Community Yard Sale being held at Clairmont Presbyterian Church, 1994 Clairmont Road in Decatur, on November 20 from 8 am to 1 pm.  Rent a space for only $25, or come out and shop!  To register for the event, or contact Monica directly, email her at mdbaileylaw@aol.com, or call her at (404) 428-4828.

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Fran Russ and Angela Presley have something unique in common!  They both started their careers with the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Greater Dallas.  A Dallas native, Angela went off to school in Lubbock at Texas Tech, and came back.  Fran grew up in Houston, went to Baylor University, then came to Dallas to work for MDA.  Today she is the Director of Business Development for MDA Dallas, while Angela is the Healthcare Services Coordinator.  The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a national voluntary health agency dedicated to conquering more than 40 muscle diseases that affect a million Americans of all ages. MDA combats neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and community services, and far-reaching professional and public health education. To contact the Dallas Chapter of the MDA, call them at (972) 480-0011, or visit the national website at www.mda.org.  And mark your calendars for March 5, 2011 for the annual MuscleWalk at Cowboy Stadium.

Kim Bunker is from the South…just barely.  Growing up in Kentucky, she attended the University of Kentucky for her nursing degree.  She did a little “missionary work” in the north (New York and New Jersey), and spent time in Florida before settling in Atlanta in 2004.  She spent a good bit of her career in a clinical environment, including time in the ICU.  During her time in acute clinical medicine, it became apparent to her, just as to last week’s guest, Angela Thomas, that there was a great need for patient advocacy on a more personal level.  Five years ago this month, Kim started her company, Southern Cross Professional Nurse Consulting.  Though she started out providing legal nurse consulting to attorneys, she was quickly overwhelmed with requests for assistance from families in the areas of both forensic nursing and geriatric care management.  Look for an upcoming show with Kim focused on the fascinating topic of forensic nursing!  In the mean time, you can contact Kim at (770) 317-8244, or via email at kimbunker@gmail.com.  Check her out on the web at www.southerncrossmediation.com.

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Originally from Philadelphia, Angela Thomas knew early on that she wanted to help people as a career.  After a few years of school in Colorado, she returned to Pennsylvania, where she earned her Bachelor of Nursing degree at Penn, and later her Masters in Nursing.  After a 17 year “break” to raise her 5 children, Angela returned to the work force in Dallas as a hospital nurse.  During her five years in the hospital, she observed that the needs of seniors were not always well-served in that environment.  About the same time, Angela was caring for her husbands aunt in their home.  These experiences drew out a passion for the elderly, and in 2006 she launched Caring with Grace.  Named after her aunt-in-law, Caring with Grace focuses on assisting its client to enjoy a high quality of life and reach their maximum potential.  Angela encourages independence, and works hard to create environments that meet that goal while maintaining security and safety.  Angela can be reached by email at angela@caringwithgrace.com, via the telephone at (214) 789-6402, or visit her website at www.caringwithgrace.com. 

Debra Furtado describes herself as a “corporate refugee”.  Originally from the West Coast, and a UGA grad (and UGA parent), she spent a number of years consulting for AGL.  While she was still in the corporate world she served as the Board Chair for Senior Connections, an organization whose mission is to maximize independence for seniors through advocacy, information and services.  When the CEO left, Debra stepped in as the interim CEO.  Now, six years later, it’s safe to say that “Interim” has been eliminated from her title!   

Sally Eggleston is also a corporate refugee.  She was one of nine children, born and raised near Erie, Pennsylvania.  She later moved to Houston, Texas.  After more than two decades in the corporate world, Sally recently had an opportunity to bring her talents to bear at Senior Connections as their Chief Marketing Officer. As Sally puts it, Senior Connections offered a cause that she can feel passionate about.  Part of this passion she attributes to the example set by her 96 year old mother who learned to drive for the first time at age 69.  

Senior Connections will deliver more than 500,000 meals this year, will provide nutrition counseling, in-home care and home repair to the seniors of DeKalb County.  They also operate six senior centers and offer a variety of classes, activities and trips.  Find out more about Senior Connections by calling (770) 455-7602, or visit them on the web at www.seniorconnectionsatl.org.