Calm. Compassionate. Collaborative.

Kathryn Freda is a Gerontologist, Geriatric Care Manager, Eldercare Consultant, and founder of Sage Solutions. Kathryn has over 20 years’ experience helping older adults and their families by optimizing the services and resources available to them.

Kathryn holds a master’s degree in human development/gerontology from Saint Joseph College and is a Certified Care Manager (CMC) by the National Academy of Certified Care Managers. She served on the State of Connecticut Commission on Aging for three terms, including two years as Chairperson, and she has completed the Mediation Certificate Program at Quinnipiac University School of Law as well as an advanced Elder/Adult Family Mediation training program.

In addition, Kathryn has completed the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care curriculum through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (CDP) and is a Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional (CMDCP). She has also completed the University of Massachusetts Medical School’s eight-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course, a renowned training program centered on mindfulness meditation and increased self-awareness.

Kathryn has extensive training and experience in holistic health education, including 160 hours of Holistic Lifestyle Educator training at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lenox, MA.

Her unique background, both in the field of aging and in holistic health, has inspired her to create a wellness model for aging adults, rather than an illness model. Through a confluence of knowledge, experience, and creativity, Kathryn’s methodology has evolved into an individual, customized planning approach that is designed to improve the quality of life for her clients.

Casey McGannon is a Gerontologist who also earned her master’s in human development/gerontology from Saint Joseph College. She was Director of Programs and Education for the Alzheimer’s Association in Connecticut for several years, before moving to Prince Edward Island (PEI) in 2005. She owned and operated a Home Instead Senior Care office for six years, working day to day with Island seniors and their families to ensure they had the most appropriate level of care and were apprised of all care options available.

She coordinated a two-year education project with the Alzheimer Society of PEI working with first responders and long-term care facilities on understanding issues of wandering and methods to avoid flight risk. She also co-facilitated a two-day course for professionals at the University of Prince Edward Island Centre for Lifelong Learning: “Heightening Health Care Professionals to the Realities and Subtleties of Dementia.”

Casey worked as the Grief Support Coordinator for Hospice PEI, and as a member of the Integrated Palliative Care Team, worked collaboratively with volunteers, medical and administrative staff and most importantly, families and individuals at the end of their lives to ensure they all received compassionate, caring support; she also continues to volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter.

Casey has returned to her home and brings her expertise in holistic care at end of life and care for individuals living with dementia to Sage Solutions.

Susan Sokol is a Registered Nurse with over 35 years working with older adults.  She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa and has lived in several states before settling in Connecticut over 22 years ago.

Susan’s work history includes 30 years’ experience in Senior Housing, Assisted Living, Home Care, Palliative Care, and Hospice. She has served on the Board of the Connecticut Assisted Living Association as well as  the Hospice and Palliative Care Advisory Committee for the Connecticut Association for Healthcare at Home.

Susan’s passion for working within the holistic philosophy around end of life care makes her a strong advocate for older adults as they set goals, make decisions, and navigate through this complex health care system.

Geraldine Burke has been working as an Engagement Specialist since 2009. She holds a BS degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation; an MS degree specializing in work with differently abled people; a four year training in a Body Oriented Gestalt Therapy; and directed activities for residents at an elder residential community. Geraldine has completed the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care curriculum through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (CDP).

In 2009 Geraldine became aware of the pervasive need for many elders to experience opportunities which stimulate cognitive, social, and emotional pathways. Geraldine created her own company which she operated until 2021. Her program is client centered and designed to incorporate past interests, hobbies, and maintaining relationships with family and friends. Many clients simply want to converse: to be listened to, and feel cared about.

Expanding her knowledge of the latest research and learning new methods of engagement with clients is viewed by Geraldine as essential to the success of her work. Her goals are to nurture a client’s ability to thrive and add to their quality of their life.

Raquel Lunser is a social worker with over 20 years of experience in long term care settings.
She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Salve Regina University in Newport, RI with a double major in Social Work and Psychology and a minor in Administration of Justice. She pursued Master's Level Courses at the University of Connecticut and Long Term Care Administration Coursework.

Raquel  has over 25 years of experience in elder care advocacy and casework. She  finds work-life balance running her fitness studio in Hartford, CT as well as finding joy in raising her 12-year-old son who plays AAU Basketball and National Team Football.

Betsy Kaplan is a registered nurse with ten years of experience in medical-surgical and intensive-care nursing. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fairfield University and she maintained certification in critical care nursing and advanced cardiac life support during those years.

Her career has been varied including roles as a  senior producer for the Colin McEnroe Show on Connecticut Public Radio, an elected official, a museum educator, a parent, and a caretaker to her mother when her mother developed dementia. Caregivers with a holistic focus helped her mom live with dignity and joy in her final years.

Betsy brings her love of learning and her belief that we are in this world to help one another live our best lives with empathy, dignity, and respect.