ALTCEW Staff
Our experienced team brings together a wide range of talents and perspectives. We do this work because we are passionate about our communities and helping to improve the lives of older adults and adults living with disabilities in our region. For Eastern Washington to reach its full potential, everyone needs access to services that support their unique needs.
Meet some of the staff members that help ALTCEW fulfill our mission!
Ally Mershon, Case Manager
Ally has been working as a Case Manager at ALTCEW since 2022. She finds the work to be meaningful as she can contribute to the community, which reflects her personal and professional values. “I think the work is also important as it has an impact on so many people, families, and offers crucial supports for our community systems.” Ally loves working at ALTCEW because of the supportive working environment. “I think the organization truly takes into account our quality of life and work life balance, and offers so many options for career growth, training, and support so that we can have the tools and the confidence to do good work.” She sees that a diverse workplace helps create “opportunities for learning” and “bridging gaps of inequality.” It allows for employees and clients to be included and represented, which helps our services “reach further into communities.”
Anne Parsons, RN Consultant
Anne has worked at Aging & Long Term Care since 2014 as a Registered Nurse (RN) Consultant. She values that the agency’s mission and guiding principles closely align with her own, and is grateful for the opportunity to serve the community through her work. Anne is committed to continuous learning and improvement, and she brings a focus on awareness, communication, creativity, and problem-solving to her role each day. During her time at ALTCEW, she especially appreciates the organizational culture. As she shares, “I appreciate the leadership and commitment to supporting employees.”
Ashley Kersey, Case Manager II
Ashley has worked at Aging & Long Term Care since 2018 and serves as a Case Manager. She finds purpose in helping individuals maintain their independence while connecting them with the resources they need to live and thrive. As Ashley shares, “Working at ALTCEW is important to me because the work we do to keep people as independent as possible while also providing them with the resources they need to live and thrive is so important.” She values the agency’s supportive atmosphere, noting that staff regularly step in to help one another and go beyond their roles to ensure clients are connected with the best possible services. Ashley also emphasizes the importance of learning from others, saying, “The more we can learn and understand about people and cultures outside of our own, the better we can assist clients that may have varying needs.” She appreciates the agency’s sustainable work environment and strong leadership, adding, “I truly feel ALTCEW has such a welcoming, supportive environment.”
Ashley Waggoner, Case Manager
Ashley has been a part of the Case Management team since 2023. Ashley is community focused. She sees the work Aging and Longer Term Care does is important because it “serves our community and helps care for vulnerable people who need more help.” She finds that there is a sense of community at ALTCEW and “everyone is willing to help.” It is imperative that “everyone in our community is recognized, helped, considered, and cared for.”
Benjamin Prez, Case Manager
Bejamin or “Ben” has been with Aging and Long Term Care since 2026 in our Case Management Department. Ben believes it is “important to help those in need in our community” and is happy that he can do so through working at ALTCEW. Ben likes working at the agency because of the people and mission. He believes that racial, ethnic, and social differences in the workplace and community help us serve our clients better. Assisting individuals who are marginalized in society gain access to services and offering equity opportunity is very important to Ben. “It makes us better when we learn and share differences and commonalities.”
Brandy Suiter, Case Manager II/ Presumptive Eligibility Lead
Brandy has been part of the Case Management team since 2024. Brandy appreciates the flexibility ALTCEW is able to offer to employees, and finds that the differences in one another gives her the opportunity to “see things through a different lens.”
Breianna Alcorn, Case Manager
Breianna or “Brei” is a Case Manager at Aging & Long Term Care and has been with the agency since 2024. Brei finds meaning and enjoyment at ALTCEW by helping people in the community. She believes that sharing in one another’s differences “helps us all learn and grow.”
Chris Jackson, Options Counselor/ Housing Support Specialist
Chris has worked with Aging & Long Term Care as an Options Counselor and Housing Support Specialist in the Community Living Connections program since 2021. He finds his work at ALTCEW to be meaningful because he can assist and find solutions for our ageing population and those with disabilities. “It also makes me feel like I have done things with a positive result in the end helping people find housing or stay in their houses longer.” Chris likes working at ALTCEW because of the support that is offered from co-workers, supervisors and directors. “ALTCEW actually cares for its workers and our people we serve.” He sees that people from diverse parts of society to be vital to improve understanding and collaboration, helping to make sure everyone is being treated fairly.
Deanna Krout, Case Manager / New Freedom Care Consultant
Deanna has been working in the Case Management department at Aging & Long Term Care since 2022. She finds purpose in serving older adults and those living with disabilities, and values representing the diverse communities that make our region strong. As Deanna shares, “This demographic is often underserved. It’s important to connect people to the resources that will help support them.” Deanna finds the working environment extremely supportive, especially given the challenges of the role. She notes, “This job is stressful and has a high level of burnout. The extra support is attributed to my ability to continue to provide help to others. Thank you for providing a safety net for case managers so we can continue to offer our compassion to those in our community.”
Deanna Mogan, Options Counselor
Deanna has been working in the Community Living Connections Department as an Options Counselor since 2023. She finds that the work is fulfilling and her values are aligned well with the agency. In her words, “The people are wonderful, agency wide. My job adds purpose and additional joy to my life.” Deanna believes that we all have a purpose in this world and should be welcomed for our differences. In addition to the people and work, she notes that “working remotely is also super wonderful.”
Deborah Breen, Information and Assistance Supervisor
Deborah or “Debbie” has been working for the Community Living Connections program at Aging & Long Term Care since 2020. She values the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. As Debbie shares, “The work is important to me because it helps our community members continue to live independently or assist when they can no longer do so.” She believes it’s essential to bring together people with different perspectives and experiences to provide well-rounded, inclusive services. Debbie also appreciates the supportive environment which encourages individual growth, self-care, and strong teamwork.
Faran Soheili-Richards, Operations Data Analyst
Faran has been working at Aging & Long Term Care for 23 years, most recently in the Contacts Department. She enjoys working at ALTCEW because our mission of promoting well-being, independence, dignity and choice for all older persons and individuals needing long term care aligns with her own personal beliefs. Faran is a firm believer that “prejudice is the result of fear of unknown, and fear is the result of lack of knowledge.”
Gwendolyn Miller, WA Cares Benefits Navigator
Gwendolyn has been working at Aging & Long Term Care in the Community Living Connections department since 2022, most recently as a WA Cares Benefits Navigator. The work we do is important to Gwendolyn “because it has a real impact on our local community.” They also enjoy the understanding and flexibility of their co-workers. It is important to Gwendolyn to not just focus on themselves and people like them, but others and the inequity that they might be feeling and experiencing.
Janine Pederson, WA Cares Outreach Specialist
Janine has been with Aging and Long Term Care since 2026 in our Contracts Department. Working at ALTCEW is important to Janine because she can make a difference by helping people. “The work that ALTCEW does is important because it offers a vast wealth of resources for people and makes it easier to get the services people truly need.” Janine enjoys working at ALTCEW because of the friendly staff, work-life balance, and positive atmosphere. Janine believes that “diversity allows for different world views, perspective and ideas” which helps strengthen communities and allows for people to “feel seen, valued, and included.”
Jenni Jones, Planning Coordinator and Tribal Liaison
Jenni has been with Aging and Long Term Care since 2023 in the Planning Department. The type of work Jenni performs allows her to help underserved groups, which is where she finds most meaning and enjoyment. Jenni believes that “everyone deserves support and equity” and it is important to be “supportive and respectful by listening and learning with intention.”
Jennifer Lichorobiec, Case Management Director
Jennifer has been working with Aging & Long Term Care for over 25 years in the Case Management Department. She believes that working at ALTCEW is important because we are “able to make a difference in the lives of seniors, those with disabilities and their caregivers and family.” Jennifer likes working at ALTCEW because of the caring leadership, employee engagement, and learning about community needs. Jennifer especially appreciates the ability to support other Case Managers in carrying out our agency’s mission. She believes that diversity positively contributes to a range of perspectives, cultures, and languages that enhance our life experiences.
Kamal Dhital, Case Manager I
Kamal has been working in the Case Management department at Aging & Long Term Care since 2017. He finds that working with ageing and disabled clients to be important because it leads to personal growth and insight. “The everyday practice to serve the vulnerable leads to greater self-understanding and fulfillment.” Kamal believes that everyone’s unique differences have a positive impact on the world and everyday life.
Kari Stevens, Community Living Connections Director
Kari has been the Director of the Community Living Connections (CLC) program at Aging & Long Term Care since 2020. Kari believes the work that is carried out by employees at Aging and Long Term Care makes “a real difference in the quality of life and aging process for our clients.” Kari appreciates that “staff unite in the mission and support each other in the work,” and that differences between people helps create opportunities for learning and encourages understanding.
Keith Sellers, Case Manager II
Keith has been working in the Case Management department at Aging & Long Term Care since 2017. He values the opportunity to serve clients and enjoys collaborating with his teammates in support of shared goals. It is important to Keith to share his own experience, identity, and knowledge with others, while also remaining open to learning from their perspectives and experiences.
Khristina Scheideler, Executive Assistant
Khristina has been working with the agency since 2015 in the Administrative Department. “My position allows me to serve both internal and external customers and our staff are wonderful to work with. The work that ALTCEW does is important to me because we provide vital services to some of the most vulnerable members of our community.” Khristina believes in the unique opportunity to see the world from various perspectives. “I believe that we grow as individuals through experiences and having the opportunity to meet, work with, serve, and learn from others that have different backgrounds and experiences from our own.”
Lisa Jo, Office Assistant II (Keep same profile pic) APPROVED Updated
Lisa has been with Aging and Long Term Care since 2026 in our Administrative Department. She is strongly supportive of the work performed at ALTCEW and values being a part of an organization that helps connect people with the resources they need, while doing it with dignity and respect. “I feel proud to be a part of an organization that makes such a meaningful difference every day.” She also appreciates working alongside “compassionate and supportive staff and volunteers who truly care about helping others.” Lisa values diversity in the workplace, noting that it “helps everyone feel seen and represented” and supports stronger communication, personal growth, and a “deeper understanding of different perspectives.”
Lori Krahn, Supportive Housing Specialist
Lori has been working in the Care Services Department since 2022. Working at ALTCEW is important to her because she is able to help people who are struggling and enjoys “working with people that need assistance that are unable to work with housing.”
Lydell Gorski, Care Coordinator
Lydell has worked in the Health Homes program as a Care Coordinator since 2022. The work he does at ALTCEW allows him to help people every day, which is aligned with his career and spiritual objectives. “Doing my work at ALTCEW makes me feel connected and of service to my community. The challenges I face at work daily spur personal and professional growth.” Lydell likes working at the agency because he appreciates the “friendliness and professionalism of the staff, the resources for success in the work performed, the pay, the benefits, and my supervisor is awesome.” Lydell believes that no matter our differences, we are all human and deserve respect. “I follow MLK’s vision for culture and color-blind society that judges others solely by the content of their character.”
Lyndsey Woodson, Office Assistant II
Lyndsey has been working at Aging and Long Term Care since 2025 and was drawn to the agency because “helping people stay independent in their own homes matters” and feels a connection with the mission at ALTCEW. “We share resources, support each other, and make sure folks get what they need to live safely and comfortably.” Lyndsey believes that unique differences of people bring “different perspectives, experiences, and ideas.” This in return allows for better understanding, creative problem solving, and a “more welcoming environment.”
Malinda Eldridge, Accounts Payable Specialist
Malinda has been with Aging and Long Term Care since 2026 in our Accounting Department. She values the opportunity to make a difference through her work and believes that everyone’s ideas deserve to be heard and considered. Malinda also appreciates the flexibility offered by ALTCEW, which supports a healthy balance between work and personal life.
Maxine Miles, Case Manager Assistant
Maxine has been a Case Manager Assistant with Aging & Long Term Care since 2019. As a mother of children living with disabilities and unique challenges, she has an inside perspective of what our clients go through every day and the struggles that they encounter. “I once felt lost with no support or aware of all the resources available to me, until I found ALTCEW. Now I am proud to help and guide others to find the same support and hope I did.” Maxine is thankful for the opportunity every day to make a difference in the lives of those in need. She recognizes that no-one person is the same, nor are their situations, and thus everyone should be treated with understanding and respect. “I am not only proud to work for ALTCEW and live by our Mission, but I am and will always be grateful for the support, guidance, and daily growth I have received from the company and those within it.”
Michael Dalich, SHIBA Customer Service Specialist
Michael or “Mike” works helping clients in the SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) program at Aging & Long Term Care. He sees that the work he does “benefits the community” which is very important to him. He enjoys working at ALTCEW because of the work-life balance and believes that diversity provides different perspectives that matter.
Michelle Wright, Options Counselor
Michelle is an Options Counselor in the Community Living Connections Department. She has worked for Aging & Long Term Care since 2019. Michelle finds importance in the work she does at ALTCEW by helping community members get the services they need in order to age in place and be independent for as long as possible. “I like the day-to-day contact with my clients and their family members.” Michelle is very supportive of inclusion. “I think that everyone deserves to be included in everything no matter.”
Milena Pointer – Care Coordinator
Milena is a Care Coordinator in the Health Homes program at Aging & Long Term Care. She’s been with the agency since 2018. Milena chose to work at ALTCEW because she believes serving the vulnerable community is important work. She appreciates the opportunity to serve a diverse community through her work with clients. “I am grateful for the support I receive from coworkers and the leadership team at ALTCEW. I feel valued, encouraged and respected as an ALTCEW member, which helps me to do my job well.”
Molly Bies, Case Manager I/VDHS Care Coordinator
Molly has been working with the agency since 2017 in the Case Management department. She believes the work she does is important because she can develop personal relationships with clients and offer support to those who have little to no other options in the area. Molly celebrates different perspectives as they “expand your world view and belief systems. From the idea that there is power in belonging, I would love to see more diversity so all can feel celebrated, and no one feels isolated in their experiences.”
Monica Kudrna, SHIBA Coordinator
Monica has served as a Coordinator for the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits (SHIBA) program at Aging & Long Term Care since 2018. She values the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from all walks of life, sharing, “we come from different backgrounds, and we can learn from each other.” Monica is especially passionate about supporting older adults and individuals living with disabilities through the work ALTCEW provides across the region. She also appreciates the flexibility her role offers, allowing her to balance working from home and in the office while maintaining a schedule that works for her.
Monique Guillen, Human Resources Manager
Since 2023, Monique has proudly served as the HR Manager at Aging and Long Term Care. Her passion for working at ALTCEW stems from the organization’s commitment to empowering older adults and individuals with disabilities. This invaluable mission showcases a dedication to improving access to essential services and nurturing inclusive communities. Monique truly enjoys her role, finding fulfillment in collaborating with teams, focusing on enhancing quality of life through advocacy, support, and resources. She wholeheartedly believes that embracing diversity not only enriches perspectives but also fosters innovation and cultivates a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.
Morgan Taylor, Contracts Specialist
Morgan has been with Aging and Long Term Care since 2026 in the Contracts Department. “Supporting older adults in maintaining their independence is a mission that resonates deeply to me.” Morgan enjoys the people she works with, the work-life balance, and benefits ALTCEW provides. “We are all a team with one goal, supporting older adults living independently for as long as possible.” She believes that diversity “brings together different perspectives, experiences, and ideas that lead to stronger outcomes,” and “helps to ensure that services & support are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of people.”
Nathanael Smith, Case Manager
Nathanael has been working on the Case Management team since 2022. He selected this position as he wanted to work with our community and community resources officers. Nathanael appreciates working at Aging & Long Term Care as “the leadership knows their job well and care for the individuals on their team.” Nathanael also noted an important theme at our agency and for himself, “every person matters.”
Nnebueze Njoku, Health Homes Care Coordinator
Nnebueze works in the Health Homes program as a Care Coordinator. She’s been with Aging & Long Term Care since 2017 as she believes in our mission and how it “helps me empower the community around me.” She also appreciates the agency support, and the family she has created with her coworkers. It is important to Nnebueze for us to “come together as a whole even with the differences.”
Patricia Breidt, Contracts Monitor II
Patricia has been working since 2021 as a Contracts Monitor 2 in Aging & Long Term Care’s Contracts Department. In this position, she monitors the quality-of-service delivery and service performance by ALTCEW sub-contractors. Patricia finds this work valuable as she believes “in the vision of ATLCEW to provide the best home and community-based services to support healthy living and aging in place.” She likes working at ALTCEW because “leadership recognizes each individual’s strengths and talents and gives each individual a chance to shine.” In our work, Patricia believes that “being around people who are different from us makes us more creative, diligent, and hard-working.”
Philip Helean, Falls Prevention Education Trainer
Phil has been with the agency since 2022 in the Planning and Education Department. Working at ALTCEW is important to Phil because he appreciates “having the opportunity to work with older adults with falls prevention and seeing the difference it can make in their lives.” He enjoys working at the agency because of the staff, volunteers, and specifically, the people the agency serves. Phil believes that everyone deserves to be treated with respect.
Savannah Reams-Taylor, Marketing & Outreach Coordinator
Savannah works at Aging & Long Term Care as the Marketing & Outreach Coordinator. She enjoys working at ALTCEW because she feels that the agency greatly supports its staff, promotes a healthy work environment, and “does important work in the community to help all older adults and adults living with disabilities access available resources and supports.” Savannah hopes to continue expanding on her thoughts, opinions and experiences by surrounding herself with others who have different backgrounds and perspectives on life. “Being surrounded by different world views can offer a wealth of experiences I would not otherwise encounter.”
Sheila Prugh, RN Supervisor
Sheila is an Aging & Long Term Care Registered Nurse (RN) Supervisor. She has been working at Aging & Long Term Care since 2014. Working at ALTCEW is important to Sheila as she has the opportunity to enrich the lives of others and help community members age in place. She also appreciates the strong sense of community within the team, as well as the emphasis on self-worth and the diverse perspectives that contribute to better service for clients.
Sheri Riehl, Benefits Enrollment Specialist, CRS-DC and Navigator
Sheri is a Benefits Enrollment Specialist, CRS-DC and Navigator in the Community Living Connections Department. She has worked at Aging & Long Term Care since 2013. Working at Aging & Long Term Care has provided Sheri with the sense of community impact. “I am making a difference in the lives of Seniors and those with disabilities.” Sheri believes that ALTCEW cares about their staff members and provides a flexible work schedule that enhances her ability to do her job.
Stacey Bush, Case Manager
Stacey has worked on the Case Management team since April of 2024. She joined the team as she believes it is important to care for those in our community as they age. “I love helping people connect with resources.” At Aging & Long Term Care, she has found that the work environment is supportive and helpful which she appreciates. In her position, Stacey enjoys learning about other people and their backgrounds, “I love to see how we all come together.”
Susan Stokes, Options Counselor
Susan or “Susie” has been working in the Community Living Connections department as an Option Counselor since 2019. She enjoys working at Aging & Long Term Care to ensure that seniors and people who are living with disabilities have access to support services regardless of their income. She also likes the flexible hours, the option to work independently, and the good benefits. Working at Aging & Long Term Care, Susie is glad that our agency is “actively recruiting people of different backgrounds and circumstances to work with us and/or to seek help from us.”
Tanya Wann, Case Manager / New Freedom Care Consultant
Tatyana or “Tanya” has been working in the Case Management department at Aging & Long Term Care since 2023. She feels a personal connection to the services ALTCEW provides, shaped in part by her own experiences supporting family members. “It really effected my worldview of elderly and disabled hardships. I love helping vulnerable populations.” Tanya values the flexibility of her role and believes that anyone who is qualified and passionate about services should have the opportunity to work at the agency. For Tanya, the work is both meaningful and deeply tied to her commitment to supporting others.
Teresa Michelli, Care Services Director
Teresa has worked at Aging & Long Term Care since 2014. She is deeply motivated by the opportunity to serve others, finding that the agency’s mission closely aligns with her own. As Teresa shares, “The work at ALTCEW aligns with my values to help others.” She finds intrinsic reward in supporting individuals as they work toward living as independently and fully as possible. Teresa also values her coworkers, noting, “They are thoughtful, engaging, and align with my values of helping others stay as independent as possible.” She appreciates being part of a team that shares a commitment to compassionate, person-centered service. For Teresa, ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and dignity is at the heart of the work she does each day.
Terresa Smith, Case Manager
Terresa has been working at Aging & Long Term Care since 2013 as a Case Manager. “I enjoy the people I work with and the flexibility. Also, I am proud of ALTCEW as we help thousands of people to live their best lives in their homes.” The staff, the programs, and inclusivity are all important aspects of the agency for Terresa. “I get to work with people of all ages, and different cultural backgrounds. ALTCEW accepts all people and that is why we are such a great workplace!”
Terri Garpestad, RN Consultant
Terri has been with ALTCEW since 2011 in the Care Services Department. “Helping people is the main function of my job and I love my job.” Terri likes working at Aging & Long Term Care because of the co-workers who really care about each other, the people working towards the same purpose of helping, and overall, “all of it.” She appreciates that we aren’t all the same, but all have purpose and respect each other. “Of all the places I have worked, ALTCEW is the best for all the right reasons.”
Vladimir Potapenko, Case Management Support Specialist
Vladimir or “Vlad” has worked with Aging & Long Term Care for almost 20 years and currently serves as a Case Management Support Specialist. He values the opportunity to serve the community and support individuals in need through his work. Vlad is committed to serving people from all backgrounds and appreciates being part of an organization that helps create meaningful changes in people’s lives. For him, the most rewarding part of the role is contributing to work that directly impacts and improves the well-being of others.
