Historias del personal

Ask the Expert — Providing Culturally Sensitive Care to Our Chinese Community

For CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) participants, high-quality care is about more than medical treatment. It means being understood in the language they are most comfortable using, enjoying familiar foods, honoring traditions, and staying connected to community. This is why we provide care that reflects the values, routines, and needs of those we serve.

We asked CenterLight Senior Director of Specialized Group Programs Sophia Chu, RN, to share how culturally sensitive care helps Chinese participants feel respected and supported while living safely in their own homes.

In Her Own Words

First, can you please tell us what led you to choose nursing as a profession?

"I chose nursing as my second career after immigrating to the United States with my family. I wanted a stable profession that would allow me to help people in need. When I learned more about long-term care, I found it especially meaningful and rewarding because it gives me the opportunity to build relationships, support older adults over time, and make a difference in their daily lives.

Through nursing, I can provide culturally sensitive care to participants and the community, lead specialized group programs, and educate colleagues on how to better support people from different cultural backgrounds. My goal is to work collaboratively with the care team to help participants live safely in their community with dignity and a good quality of life."

What does culturally sensitive care mean for Chinese participants?

"For Chinese participants, culturally sensitive care begins with listening. Each person may have different preferences related to language or dialect, family involvement, food, traditions, privacy, spiritual or personal beliefs, and how they prefer to talk about health concerns. Rather than making assumptions, our team asks questions, learns what is important to the participant, and uses that understanding to guide care."

Why is connection to the Chinese community important in care?

"Community can play an important role in healthy aging. For many Chinese older adults, connection to language, family, neighbors, celebrations, familiar meals, and shared traditions can bring comfort, reduce isolation, and make it easier to stay engaged in care. When care feels familiar and respectful, participants may feel more comfortable asking questions, sharing concerns, and building trust with their care team."

How does CenterLight Healthcare PACE communicate with Chinese participants and families?

"Clear communication helps participants and families feel informed and included. CenterLight Healthcare PACE uses plain language, provides support in multiple languages and dialects, and arranges qualified interpreters when needed. Our staff speaks more than 25 languages and dialects, reflecting the diversity of the communities we serve. We also confirm understanding, answer questions, and respect each participant’s privacy and choice in care conversations."

How are Chinese food traditions and health needs included in care planning?

"Food is closely tied to culture, comfort, and daily routine. Our team gets to know each participant’s preferences, including familiar foods such as rice, congee, steamed fish, tofu, bok choy, noodles, tea, and soup. When a participant is managing diabetes, high blood pressure, or another condition, our registered dietitian works with them to make realistic changes that still feel familiar, such as balancing rice or noodles with vegetables and protein, choosing lower-sodium options, and keeping meals flavorful and enjoyable."

How does CenterLight Healthcare PACE help Chinese participants stay connected to culture and community?

"A sense of belonging can support emotional well-being and quality of life. CenterLight Healthcare PACE creates opportunities for Chinese participants to connect through shared language, cultural celebrations, and meaningful activities led by our Therapeutic Recreation team, such as Lunar New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival, tai chi, mahjong, calligraphy, music, and other familiar programs."

How does CenterLight Healthcare PACE support participants from all cultures?

"While this conversation focuses on the Chinese community, CenterLight Healthcare PACE honors the needs, preferences, and traditions of every participant we serve. Our care teams learn about each person’s culture, goals, routines, and supports so care feels personal and meaningful. Whether a participant is Chinese, Caribbean, Latin American, South Asian, Eastern European, or from another background, our approach remains the same: listen first, respect individual choice, and provide care that supports the whole person."

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?

"The most fulfilling part of my job is sharing clinical and cultural knowledge with team members through meetings, case discussions, and ongoing training. I am especially happy when I see participants smiling and enjoying activities at our adult day health center. It shows that our teamwork is making a positive difference in their lives."

Working Together with the Chinese Community

"CenterLight Healthcare PACE works with Chinese participants, families, providers, and community partners to support healthy aging, independence, and quality of life. By honoring language, culture, traditions, and personal choice, we help participants stay connected to what matters most while receiving care that respects who they are."

Sophia Chu, RN, is the Senior Director of Specialized Group Programs at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

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Last Updated August 12, 2026

Bringing Clinical Expertise, Teamwork, and Heart to CenterLight PACE

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At CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), expert care is built around the whole person and strengthened by the experience, dedication, and collaboration of our care team. We spoke with Vice President of Care Delivery Operations Brian Sidiski, PT, MBA, a physical therapist and healthcare leader whose career has centered on rehabilitation, long-term care, and helping older adults receive the support they need to live safely and independently in their communities. Read on to learn his perspective on delivering high-quality care, the power of teamwork, and his personal mission to make an impact in the lives of our participants.

In His Own Words

Tell us about your role at CenterLight PACE.

"I have spent over 25 years working in long-term care and subacute rehabilitation. My background gives me both a clinical and operational perspective, which is important in a care model as comprehensive as PACE.

In my current role, I oversee several areas, including Social Work, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Clinical Nutrition, Therapeutic Recreation, and Centralized Care Planning. I work closely with our leadership and site teams to help ensure that participants receive high-quality, coordinated services that support their individual needs."

**Every Thanksgiving Day, Brian generously gives his time to help bring together a warm and meaningful holiday luncheon for participants.**

What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare?

"My path to healthcare was not the one I first imagined. I began college studying computer science, but I quickly realized I wanted a career that felt more personal and connected to people. With my background in athletics and encouragement from my family, I found my way to physical therapy. Once I began working in inpatient rehabilitation, I knew I had found work that truly mattered to me.

Stroke rehabilitation and amputee/prosthetic training became especially meaningful because I saw how the right care and encouragement could help people rebuild confidence and regain parts of people's lives. As I moved into leadership and operations, I earned an MBA in healthcare administration to better support care teams and strengthen the systems behind their work. I believe ongoing learning helps us find more ways to make an impact in our participants' lives."

What do you enjoy most about your work?

"I enjoy that my role allows me to stay connected to our staff and participants. I value being able to see care in action, hear directly from our participants, and support the teams who make that care possible every day.

I am also very proud of the teams I work with. I am blessed to be surrounded by hardworking, talented, and kind people who support one another and want to see each other succeed."

What is the most rewarding part of working at CenterLight PACE?

"The most rewarding moments are often the simplest ones, like sitting down with a participant and having a conversation. I also enjoy attending participant advisory meetings* because they provide a meaningful opportunity to listen, learn, and better understand what matters most to the people we serve."

What is your personal mission as a care delivery leader?

"My mission is to help elevate the participant experience. That may happen through day health center engagement and therapeutic recreation activities, rehabilitation services, or connections with other members of the care team. No matter the service, the goal is the same: to help participants feel seen and supported. I also want to bring out the best in people. That means encouraging team members to step beyond their comfort zones, helping them see what they are capable of, and creating opportunities for their work to be seen and celebrated."

What is one misconception people may have about physical therapy?

"One misconception is that physical therapists and occupational therapists are like personal trainers. In reality, they are highly educated clinical professionals with deep knowledge of the body’s systems, structures, functional movement, safety, and recovery. Their work is an essential part of helping older adults maintain independence and quality of life."

What advice do you share most often with colleagues?

"Be ready before the opportunity arrives. There have been times in my career when I found myself in the right place at the right time, but I was not the only one there. The difference was being prepared, willing to take on responsibility, and open to doing the work. If you wait for the perfect time, it may never come."

What motivates you every day?

"I enjoy the challenge. I like being engaged, solving problems, and working with people who care deeply about what they do. Every day is a different opportunity to make an impact in the lives of the individuals we serve, and that is one of the things I appreciate most about my work."

What might coworkers be surprised to learn about you?

"Outside of work, I am an endurance athlete. I enjoy the energy of races and the chance to explore. That mindset, which entails staying focused, pushing through challenges, and continuing forward, carries into my work as well."

*Participant Advisory Committee (PAC) meetings are a forum where participants provide direct feedback to the PACE organization.

Brian Sidiski, PT, MBA, is the Vice President of Care Delivery Operations at CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly.

NoPOInfo_AsktheExpert_Brian
Last Updated August 12, 2026

Celebrating Our CenterLight Interns

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Every year, National Intern Day gives us a chance to pause and recognize the interns who bring fresh energy, curiosity, and heart to our organization. At CenterLight, our internship program has always been about more than gaining work experience. For many, it's where they first connect to a mission bigger than themselves.

This year, we sat down with a few members of our CenterLight family — both current and former interns — to hear what their internships have meant to them.

From Intern to VP of Marketing: Ivy's Story

Ivy, now Vice President of Marketing, has been with CenterLight for over 20 years. She started the same way many of our interns do: young and still figuring out her next step. She began as a volunteer, became an intern shortly after, and officially joined CenterLight a few months later.

"What I remember most from that time is how much I looked forward to coming to work every day," Ivy shared. "I was surrounded by kindhearted people who truly wanted to make a difference in the lives of the older adults we cared for, and that left a lasting impression on me. This work has always been about the participants we are privileged to serve, the families who place their trust in us, and the colleagues we work alongside every day. When you keep people at the center, it becomes more than a job. It becomes a shared purpose and a way to make a meaningful difference."

For Ivy, CenterLight quickly became more than a workplace. "It became a place where I found confidence and grew into myself," she said. Her connection to the mission runs deep and personal — her mother immigrated to New York from the Philippines when Ivy was three, and for a time, Ivy was raised by her grandparents. "I understand, in a very personal way, how much older adults can shape our lives, guide us, and make us feel loved."

Her advice to interns today? "Stay open, stay humble, and take in every opportunity to grow. Let the work speak for itself. When you do your work with consistency and care, the results will show, and so will your commitment.

Seeing PACE Up Close: Theresa's Story

Theresa is one of the many interns Ivy has mentored over the years, and her internship helped her understand what PACE truly means for older adults across New York City. "Working with the Marketing team allowed me to experience CenterLight beyond what I could have learned from reading about it," she said. She visited PACE centers, met participants, attended events, and helped capture their stories through photos, videos, press releases, and social media — carrying forward the same hands-on approach Ivy once learned as an intern herself.

Her most memorable moment came during a trip to Westchester to capture photos and videos of a senior dance party. "The park was filled with older adults dancing, singing, enjoying the sunshine and meeting new people," she recalled. "I was also able to spend time with participants whose names and photos I had seen before but had not yet met in person. It was one of those moments when I could simply watch everyone enjoying themselves and understand why events like that matter."

Theresa's internship turned into a full-time role at CenterLight, and she credits it with teaching her to take initiative. "That helped me become more confident in speaking up and trusting my perspective," she said. "I have carried that confidence into my current role as an External Affairs & Development Coordinator."

Thank You, Interns

To every intern who has walked through CenterLight's doors — whether decades ago or just this summer — thank you for the energy, questions, and heart you bring to this work. Ivy put it best: “this work has always been about people.” And on National Intern Day, we're grateful for every one of you who helps us remember that.

The Team Behind the Stories

This blog post was created by CenterLight’s Marketing & Communications team, with contributions from our interns, whose creativity, curiosity and dedication helped bring our stories to life this summer.

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Updated July 29, 2026

Ask the Expert — A Conversation About Medicaid Recertification

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For many older adults, Medicaid recertification can feel overwhelming. Deadlines, paperwork and changing requirements can make the process confusing — but they don’t have to go through it alone.

We sat down with Celestina Almendarez, Director of Intake & Enrollment Operations at CenterLight Healthcare PACE, to talk about what inspires her work, why Medicaid recertification matters and how her team helps participants maintain access to the care and services they depend on.

In Her Own Words

What drew you to working with older adults?

"I was drawn to working with older adults because I value the wisdom and life experience they bring, and I find it meaningful to support them in maintaining their dignity and quality of life.

I’m also motivated by personal experience. I want to care for older adults the same way I would hope someone would care for my own parents or grandparents — with patience, respect, and compassion."

What is Medicaid Recertification and why is it important for PACE participants?

"Medicaid recertification is a process completed regularly to confirm that an individual still qualifies for Medicaid by updating information like income, savings and health needs.

For older adults, this process is incredibly important because it helps ensure continued access to essential healthcare services, including doctor visits, medications, and long-term care. If someone misses their recertification deadline, they could lose coverage, which may interrupt their care and lead to significant medical costs.

Keeping up with recertification helps participants continue receiving the support and services they need to live safely and independently."

What are some common challenges participants may face during recertification?

"Participants often face challenges such as confusing paperwork, short deadlines, and difficulty gathering required documents, including proof of income or residency.

Communication issues — like missed notices or unclear instructions — can also lead to delays or loss of coverage. Additionally, limited access to assistance, language barriers, or changes in personal circumstances, like household size, can make the process more difficult to complete accurately and on time."

How does the CenterLight team support participants through the process?

"We meet participants where they are! CenterLight supports participants over the phone, in person at our PACE sites, and, when needed, through home visits. The team can walk participants and their family members through the Medicaid application process, help them create an ACCESS HRA account, gather the documents required for recertification and answer any questions they may have.

Can you recall a moment where helping someone through recertification made a real difference?

"During a particularly challenging period, one of our participants was hospitalized at the time their Medicaid recertification was due.

We maintained close coordination with the participant and their family throughout the process, recognizing how critical it was to ensure uninterrupted care after discharge. Through ongoing communication with the participant’s daughter and the Human Resources Administration (HRA), we successfully reestablished Medicaid coverage and ensured that essential services continued without interruption."

For Celestina, moments like these are a reminder of why her work matters.

“It’s about more than paperwork,” she says. “It’s about helping people maintain access to the care they need and giving families peace of mind.”

Celestina Almendarez is the Director of Intake & Enrollment Operations at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

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Last Updated June 18, 2026

The Importance of Government Relations and The Impact on PACE Participants in Underserved Communities

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Meet Christopher Consalvo, CenterLight’s Assistant Vice President of Government Affairs and Development. Behind the scenes, he works to advance initiatives that support PACE growth across Metro New York, serving as a trusted liaison to federal, state and local agencies.

Chris shared that it was “Schoolhouse Rock” that sparked his interest in politics as a child. Growing up in the wake of 9/11 also deepened his fascination with how government responds during times of crisis.

Chris later became active in student government during high school and college and volunteered on political campaigns. Before transitioning into healthcare government relations, he worked for the NYC Community Board and served as a staff member for a New York State Senator.

In His Own Words

How does government relations support and strengthen the PACE model?

"The PACE model is jointly funded by federal and state government, and it operates within a complex web of rules and regulations at both levels. Legislators in Washington, D.C. and Albany — as well as regulators at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the New York State Department of Health — directly impact our daily operations.

By building and maintaining strong relationships with government partners, we help ensure the program’s long-term success through trust, accountability, and understanding. Compared to other parts of the long-term care system, PACE is still relatively small and doesn’t always receive the attention it deserves. A key part of my role is ensuring policymakers not only understand PACE but are positioned to become champions for it.

Effective government relations rely on storytelling. When I meet with elected officials and their staff, I share stories about our participants and the staff who go above and beyond for them. These are their constituents — and when our stories become their stories, the importance of PACE comes sharply into focus."

Why is government relations important for the communities that PACE serves?

"Ageism is real, and too often the voices of older adults are overlooked. Even though many legislators are older adults themselves, ensuring aging communities are fully heard can still be a challenge.

When elected officials tour our PACE Centers and see how active and engaged participants are, it challenges preconceived notions about aging. Showcasing older adults through the PACE model strengthens support for the program and connects us with individuals and organizations advocating for older adults. That’s how strong coalitions are built — and coalition-building is essential to expanding PACE into more communities."

What’s one moment that reinforced the importance of your work for PACE participants?

"Our first-ever Centenarian Day truly reinforced the importance of this work. Celebrating participants who reached 100 and beyond was a powerful testament to the PACE model.

Assemblymember Ron Kim attended and presented our centenarians with official citations from the New York State Assembly. He spoke about his connection to older adults, his Korean heritage, and brought his school-aged daughter — a symbolic bridge across generations. The year prior, his office awarded CenterLight critical capital funding to replace the elevators at the Flushing site. That moment captured how proactive engagement with elected officials can lead to meaningful outcomes for our participants."

What motivates you to advocate for older adults?

"If we’re lucky, we enter our senior years healthy and supported. But that doesn’t happen by accident — it requires planning, community and strong government programs like PACE.

I’m grateful to still have both of my grandmothers, who shaped my upbringing (and made me a better cook and baker). I’ve always been an old soul and find older adults to be a tremendous source of wisdom. I love that CenterLight celebrates each participant as an individual, giving them opportunities to share their stories and express themselves authentically."

What does serving the underserved mean to you personally?

"When developing advocacy positions, I keep the well-being and quality of life of our participants front and center. I often think of novelist Alice Walker’s quote: “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.”

Challenges that feel insurmountable alone can often be addressed when people come together and use their voices collectively. Advocacy is a powerful tool — but most powerful when shared. I’m especially excited about the opportunity to bring several of our participants to Albany next month so they can speak directly with elected officials about their experiences at CenterLight."

Christopher Consalvo is Assistant Vice President of Government Affairs and Development at CenterLight Health System.

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Last Updated February 9, 2026

The Role of the Pharmacy Team in Providing All-Inclusive Care

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Shu Jing, PharmD, MS, is the Senior Director of Pharmacy at CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). In this video, Shu speaks about the role of the Pharmacy Team in providing care to our participants.

Video approved on HPMS: H3329 CL_ShuTestimonial Approved 12172025
Last Updated December 17, 2025

Our Very Own Painting Guru

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Celebrating 25 Years of Making a Difference Through Therapeutic Recreation

Michelle Van Etten, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (TRS) at CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), is celebrating 25 years at the organization in 2025. We spoke to Michelle about her commitment to CenterLight participants and to making a difference in their lives.

What inspired you to choose a career in healthcare, specifically in therapeutic recreation?

Growing up, I was always interested in recreation, crafts, and being creative. As a teenager, I worked as a camp counselor and later with an organization which supported people with disabilities. I loved taking them on trips and engaging them in activities. I originally planned on going to college for occupational therapy before I discovered Therapeutic Recreation.

How did you first start your journey at CenterLight?

After working in assisted living and nursing homes, I realized I wanted something different. In those settings, I often felt unfulfilled leaving at the end of the day because the patients stayed behind.

Then I came across CenterLight in 2000, I had only been out of school about a year. I immediately loved the concept and mission: keeping participants in their homes while still offering a place where they could socialize, eat meals, and take part in activities. It reminded me of a school for older adults, with a day full of programs and then the comfort of returning home afterward.

That’s also when I started the painting group. A few participants were looking for something new, and since I’ve always loved art, I introduced it. They quickly embraced it, and it’s grown into a central part of my work ever since.

Can you walk us through a typical day in your life as a TRS?

I like to greet every participant individually. It’s important to me to connect personally. After breakfast, we begin morning activities. Sometimes that’s the painting group in our dedicated art room, which makes participants feel special, like true artists with their own studio.

Afternoons might include entertainment, adaptive sports, trivia, bingo, or word games. We make sure there’s variety so everyone has something they enjoy. Beyond activities, we’re also part of the care team. Participants often come to us with concerns, and since we spend so much time with them, we help triage and connect them with the right support.

What do you consider the most rewarding aspect of your job as a TRS?

Seeing participants build confidence. So many came in saying, “I can’t paint,” and then they surprise themselves. I’d start simple like holding a brush, dabbing paint, drawing a heart and watch their skills grow. The joy and pride they feel in their work is the most rewarding part.

Some participants even shared that when they were younger, opportunities like this weren’t available to them, especially for women. So being able to give them this chance now means a lot.

Share a memorable story involving a participant that has stuck with you throughout your career.

During COVID, I started virtual painting sessions. I FaceTimed with participants and we had supplies sent to their homes. Even though we were apart, we could still paint together. That experience reminded me how important creativity and connection are, and it’s one of my favorite memories.

After 25 years of working at CenterLight, what continues to connect you with the organization's mission?

The appreciation, kindness, and thoughtfulness of the participants when I see them. They make me happy--they've become like part of my family.

I also have had so much support from my managers and my department. Anytime I've had an idea or wanted to try something new for the participants, they work with me to make it happen.

What is your personal mission as a TRS?

I want to help each participant reach their full capability with their creativity and art skills. I want to bring everybody up, from being a beginner to where they could say, "I'm really an artist!" It is my goal to do this for as many participants as possible.

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Last updated October 15, 2025

35 Years of Sharing Special Moments with CenterLight

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Arianna Corretjer, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, is celebrating her 35th year at CenterLight in 2025. Arianna considers participants part of her family. In her own words:

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Last Updated June 5, 2025

Being a Physical Therapist is more than just a job—it’s a calling.

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Tatyana Brisman, PT, is celebrating her 20th year of working at CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in 2025. We spoke with Tatyana to learn more about her journey as a physical therapy and rehabilitation professional.

How did you get started at CenterLight?

I began my journey with CenterLight Healthcare PACE in July 2005 as a Senior Physical Therapist. Just one year into my role, I was honored to be promoted to Rehabilitation Manager—a position that allowed me to grow both professionally and personally.

How do you view your role at CenterLight?

Over the years, my responsibilities have evolved, but my mission has remained the same: to ensure our participants are safe in their communities by providing high quality care and being a supportive, collaborative member of the care team.

What is the best thing about being in the healthcare/ rehabilitation field?

Working in healthcare and rehabilitation is incredibly rewarding. The greatest joy comes from helping participants reach their maximum level of function and seeing their quality of life improve. Whether it’s helping someone walk again after orthopedic surgery, supporting stroke recovery, or reducing pain and restoring mobility—every success story is a powerful reminder of why I chose this career.

Some of the most meaningful moments come from simple yet impactful interventions, like conducting a Home Safety Evaluation that helps someone remain safely in their home. Seeing a participant regain independence, walk more confidently, or even cry tears of joy after recovery—those are the moments that make this work truly worthwhile.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to have a long career?

My advice to anyone in this field: always put participants first. Be compassionate, be a team player, and strive to create a family-like environment. Embrace change, be willing to learn, and grow with the fast-paced nature of healthcare.

Being a Physical Therapist is more than just a job—it’s a calling. And I’m grateful every day to be part of a field that makes such a difference in people's lives.

Tatyana Brisman, Physical Therapist and Regional Rehabilitation Manager at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

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Updated 05162025

Social Work at CenterLight Healthcare PACE

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Social Workers are important members of the CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Interdisciplinary Team (IDT). Every day, our social work professionals collaborate with the rest of the care team to help our participants continue to live safely and independently in their own homes and communities. In this blog post, Kim Sodano, LCSW, LNHA, Director of Social Work at CenterLight Healthcare PACE, discusses the role of social workers in the IDT.

What is the role of a social worker?

Social workers provide counseling, emotional support, referrals, entitlement assistance, and more. CenterLight PACE participants know that social workers are part of their care team, and that they can come to us if they have a question, need assistance, or if they received a bill that they don't understand. We're here to guide them and be there for them as they keep up with the pace of aging.

How does the social worker collaborate with the rest of the care team?

As part of the IDT, social workers are involved in the discussion of effective treatment and any other issues that may affect our participants' care. We make sure that all aspects of the their situation is taken into consideration in their plan of care and addressed accordingly.

Each participant is assigned a social worker.

CenterLight Healthcare PACE participants are assigned a social worker who gets to know them--not only their medical diagnoses, but also their social, behavioral, emotional, and basic needs. Since we are based at the PACE centers, we are always available if they need assistance. Our participants can also call us, and we meet with them at the PACE centers or in their own homes.

Why did you become a social worker?

I became a social worker to make a positive impact toward social change. Being an advocate for individuals and communities while witnessing resilience and transformation is extremely rewarding.

Kim Sodano, LCSW, LNHA, is the Director of Social Work at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

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Last updated January 15, 2025

Compartir el don de la fotografía

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¿Qué es lo primero que ve cuando entra en un edificio? ¿Qué le hace sentirse como en casa? ¿Qué hace que un lugar sea cálido y acogedor, aparte de las personas que lo habitan?

Al entrar en uno de los once centros del Programa de atención integral a las personas mayores (PACE) de CenterLight Healthcare, le recibirá una hermosa y colorida fotografía en el vestíbulo, cortesía de Angie Lavigat, Vicepresidenta Adjunta de Contratación de Redes y Proveedores.

Hablamos con Angie sobre cómo es compartir el don de la fotografía con los participantes y el personal de CenterLight PACE. Estos son algunos de los aspectos más destacados de nuestra conversación.

¿Cuánto tiempo lleva haciendo fotos?

Siempre he hecho fotos, incluso cuando era joven. Empecé a hacer fotos profesionalmente hace unos 10 años. Es un privilegio participar en acontecimientos especiales de la vida de las personas. Y ahora que mis fotografías son sobre todo de naturaleza, me encanta captar la belleza que nos rodea.

¿Qué es lo que más le gusta de la fotografía?

La fotografía es una forma de congelar el tiempo. Me encanta recordar momentos capturados en un solo fotograma, esos recuerdos y sentimientos especiales que evocan las imágenes.

¿Cómo acabaron sus fotos en los vestíbulos del Centro CenterLight PACE?

Estaba trabajando con unos colegas en un proyecto especial de embellecimiento. Los centros están llenos de vida y calor por la gente que hay en ellos. Nuestros participantes y el personal hacen de los centros un lugar hermoso en el que estar simplemente con lo que son como personas. Pero al mirar alrededor, al espacio le faltaba algo. Fue entonces cuando surgió la idea de colocar fotos que nuestros participantes, personal y visitantes disfrutaran y les encantara mirar.

Me siento honrado de que las fotos que tomé hayan sido elegidas para exponerse en estos lugares. CenterLight es muy especial para mí, ya que llevo 30 años trabajando aquí. Empecé a hacer más fotos de jardines y flores especialmente para este proyecto en mi tiempo libre, incluidas las que hice en un viaje al Jardín Botánico del Desierto en Arizona y algunas del Arboreto del Condado de Orange. Fue un trabajo de amor. Quería asegurarme de que las fotos fueran perfectas, porque nuestros participantes y nuestro personal no se merecen menos.

¿Qué es lo mejor de exponer sus fotos en los centros CenterLight PACE?

En CenterLight PACE, nuestra misión es ayudar a enriquecer las vidas de aquellos a quienes servimos. Estoy agradecida de poder ser aunque sea una pequeña parte de cumplirla cada día, y de que cuando nuestros participantes vengan a nuestros centros PACE, vean las fotos que he tomado. Es la mejor sensación cuando oigo que las exposiciones han hecho sonreír a la gente. Incluso he oído que alguien lloró al ver las fotos. Me emociona y me hace sentir muy humilde saber que soy capaz de compartir la belleza a través de mi fotografía, y que ha marcado la diferencia en el día de alguien.

Estoy muy arraigada a CenterLight. Es como un segundo hogar para mí, al igual que lo es para nuestros participantes que asisten a los centros y para mis compañeros de trabajo. No podría pensar en un lugar mejor para mi fotografía que un lugar que tiene un significado tan profundo para tantas personas.

¿Qué le gustaría que la gente se llevara de sus fotos?

Cuando los participantes, el personal y los visitantes miran mis fotos, quiero que contemplen la belleza de la naturaleza y recuerden que , pase lo que pase, la vida es bella.

Disfrute de algunas de las fotos de Angie:
(Haga clic en las fotos para verlas en alta resolución).

1de5

El arte es una parte importante de la vida en los centros PACE de CenterLight Healthcare. Esté atento a los anuncios sobre nuestra Exposición de Arte de Participantes, ¡próximamente!

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Última actualización: 17 de marzo de 2025