I hold a Social Work degree from the University of Witwatersrand (Wits) Johannesburg, South Africa; and a Ph.D in Gerontological Studies from the Union Institute and University, Cincinnati, OH, as well as a Life Coaching Certificate from the Institute of Life Leadership and Coaching. In my 3 decades in the field of aging I’ve worked in many aging service organizations both in the United States and South Africa: adult day care, stroke rehabilitation, community organizations, social work and advocacy organizations. My roles have included being a community organizer, case manager, organizer, advocate, coach, board member, director. Prior to becoming a consultant on issues related to aging, I established and was director of Central Piedmont Community College's Lifetime Learning Institute for the boomer population. This became one of the three models considered as a national model for the community college system. I co-designed and received approval for the Assisted Living Administrator Training program to be offered through the NC Community College System. I've been an adjunct professor at UNCC in Gerontology and Women's Studies and have authored various training manuals and professional journal articles. As a consultant, I coach organizations that serve boomers and elders by providing innovative visioning, creative programming and planning. I offer gerontology training to professionals working in the field of aging, and have developed a career mentoring program called Living the Vision – Intergenerational Career Mentoring® and also conduct workshops and groups for those moving into their elder years - life transitions and the spiritual aspects of eldering using a "growth" rather than a "decline" model of aging. I believe that transitions into later life bring many losses as well as joys. I've authored various training manuals and professional journal articles, as well as a book, In the Belly of the Beast: South African Women's Lives of Activism, Exile, and Aging (CPCC Press, 2003). All my work has been influenced by the power of story!
