Careers in Aging Panel Discussion: Innovation in a Vibrant Field on March 14

Luke Barnesmore is the Director of Strategy at Front Porch Community Services, leading public affairs, policy, research, marketing, communications, and growth strategies for the Home Match program. He is actively involved in community initiatives, serving on the Marin County Homeless Policy Steering Committee and various committees related to aging and homelessness prevention. With a background in international relations and human geography, Luke's academic journey includes advancing to candidacy in the Human Geography PhD program at the University of British Columbia. He brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles directing the Home Match Marin program and serving as a Case Manager for Larkin Street Youth Services. Beyond his professional commitments, Luke is dedicated to community stewardship as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Mt. Tam Community Land Trust and explores his passion for philosophy through poetic inquiry into the urban and natural landscapes.

Karen Grimsich, MPH, is the Administrator for the City of Fremont's Aging and Family Services Division, which provides supportive services to older adults in the Tri-City Community. The programs she manages range from general wellness and health promotion services to intensive case management and behavioral health interventions. She believes it is important to strengthen the community's role to be part of the solution in assisting older adults as they age.

MSW, LCSW, CMC, Clinical Care Manager Lead
BA Sociology, University of California, Santa Barbara; MSW with Gerontology specialization, University of California Berkeley
Jill has worked with older adults and their families for the last 20 years and joining Sage is a return to her roots as a Care Manager. Jill started her career with Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco and the Bay Area, first as a Care Manager and then as the Director of the Conservatorship Program. She was court-appointed for more than 250 older adults in her five years as Director. Following her time with JFCS, Jill worked as a liaison between the City and County of San Francisco’s Public Guardian’s office and the five main hospital Social Services departments, encouraging timely discharges from acute care hospitals to appropriate levels of care for patients waiting to be conserved. Just before joining Sage, Jill worked for a local homecare agency. Jill is enthusiastic about and most enjoys working with older adults and their families to promote healthy aging and quality of life. Join Jill on LinkedIn.

MA, LMFT (#102199), MA Counseling Psychology Drama Therapy, California Institute of Integral Studies; BA Theatre Performance, University of Lethbridge

Kari, Director of The Hummingbird Project and co-creator of Joyful Moments: Meaningful Activities to Engage Older Adults, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and creative arts therapist with a passion for eldercare. With over a decade of experience, she advocates for joy throughout life and presents nationally on Quality of Life and Life Enrichment for older adults. Kari's creative and professional approach connects her with clients, utilizing drama therapy techniques and expressive arts such as life story collage and creative storytelling. Pursuing her Ph.D. in Psychology at Saybrook University, she focuses on creativity, innovation, and leadership. Join Kari on Linkedin.

MA Gerontology, San Francisco State University; BS Psychology, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Erin joins Sage with over five years of experience in eldercare. Erin has a Master’s degree in Gerontology from San Francisco State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She has interned in the past with adult day care and with the San Francisco Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. She has also volunteered with hospice as both a patient care volunteer and administrative volunteer in the office. Erin has worked for the last few years with a home care agency where she assisted with the scheduling of care providers, provided oversight and supervision to the care providers, performed client visits and maintained regular communication with client’s responsible parties. Erin’s passion for eldercare stems from helping to care for her grandmother who lived with Alzheimer’s Disease for over 10 years and watching her mother care for aging family members.  Join Erin on LinkedIn.