Carolyn Birrell

Author, "Walking with Fay"

Carolyn Birrell retired to north Idaho after having spent 20 years in Atlanta, GA, where she worked for the American Cancer Society National Headquarters and then as a real estate agent and new home builder. Soon after her move, she relocated her aging mother to be near her and spent the next eight years caring for her while learning “all things dementia.” She now splits her time between the amazing Gem State and the Florida Gulf Coast, where you can usually find her on her paddle board, plucking strings on her ukulele, or pulling weeds. WALKING WITH FAY is her first book.

Heidi Huynh

Creator and Owner, Ascend Therapy Services

Heidi has always had a passion for finding joy in daily life and helping others achieve that as well. She has years of experience working with aging adults as an Occupational Therapist in many settings including skilled nursing, memory care, assisted living, independent living facilities, and their own homes. Her focus is to assist those she works with in maximizing their independence and safety so they can continue to spend time doing what they love, as well as safely accomplish their typical daily tasks. Once seeing the value of serving aging adults in their own natural environment, she has taken her prior experience and became an entrepreneur, creating Ascend Therapy Services, in which she provides mobile outpatient occupational therapy services and online resources to better reach the greater community, helping individuals, their families, and caregivers.

Attorney, Liz Ann Johnson Elder Law, PLLC

Liz is a distinguished attorney licensed in Washington State, with a profound commitment to improving the lives of seniors through her legal expertise and community engagement. With a comprehensive practice spanning Guardianships, Medicaid Applications/Appeals, Probates, and Estate Planning, Liz's passion lies in providing crucial legal support to the aging population.

As an accomplished legal professional, Liz has been a prominent voice in educating both her peers and the general public on matters vital to the well-being of seniors. She has shared her insights through various platforms, including being a sought-after speaker for the Pierce County Law Library's instructional videos. Her presentations have illuminated complex legal topics, making them accessible to the general public.

Liz's dedication extends beyond legal forums. Her active participation in events such as the Pierce County Health Care Providers Council and the Pierce County Health Department's Caregiver Conference showcases her commitment to collaborative approaches in enhancing senior care. Her engaging podcasts on Sunshine have further democratized legal knowledge, ensuring that a wider audience benefits from her wisdom on a range of legal matters.

Beyond her legal practice, Liz's heartwarming sponsorship of organizations supporting seniors underscores her holistic approach to aging. By championing initiatives that fuse arts, music, and creativity, she exemplifies her belief in nurturing the spirit alongside addressing care needs. Her efforts stand as a testament to her unyielding dedication to enriching the lives of seniors and promoting their quality of life.

Liz's multifaceted contributions paint the picture of a legal professional who has not only excelled within her field but has also weaved an inspiring tapestry of community involvement. Her work stands as an inspiration for others in the legal profession and beyond, as she continues to shape a future where seniors are empowered, informed, and celebrated.

Connect with Liz to experience firsthand her impactful legal counsel and unwavering advocacy for seniors' rights and well-being.

Managing Partner - Family Service, Mountain View Funeral Home, Memorial Park and Crematory

Tim received a Bachelor of Arts, with a major in theology and minor in psychology from Texas Lutheran University in 2006. Tim then served as Director of Youth and Family Ministry for eight years for a congregation in Houston. After meeting his wife, Valerie, Tim and she volunteered in Southeast Asia for ten months before returning back to Houston and then beginning a career in the funeral industry.

Tim and his wife Valerie have two daughters, Willa and Elle. Tim and his family enjoy all the outdoors have to offer, such as camping, hiking, skiing, and anything involving activities around the water. Tim and his family have two energetic rescue dogs along with two playful cats. This is his family’s first time to reside in the great Pacific Northwest and look forward to becoming part of this welcoming community.

One of Tim’s passions is serving families in times of need, whether it be after losing a loved one, or in assisting them to discover the benefits of planning ahead in order to help protect their loved ones.

Tim knows that no single approach is the right one for everyone and has been trained in a range of options to include each individual’s desires, traditions, and beliefs.

Jennifer Nazarowski, LICSW, CMC

Director of Care Management, VillagePlan

I was raised in a home where giving and being involved was the norm. My family had an adult family home and family members with special needs. I grew up in a wonderful community church and still attend. Outreach and helping others is the core of my happiness. 
I went to Pacific Lutheran University for a B.A in Social Work. On every career assessment, social work or counselor was in my top three! I did my internship at Child protective Services and a private adoption agency in 2007. 
I married my best friend and wonderful husband in January of 2008. Later that year, I went on to finish my Master’s Degree at Walla Walla University. 
I began my Social work career working at Western State Psychiatric Hospital in 2009. I will forever be grateful for the amazing team members and patients for the invaluable experience. The brain is fascinating to me and a beautiful reminder that God makes each person unique. 
In the years since, I have worked in the Emergency Department, ICU, Oncology unit, Counseling, and Care Management fields. As a director of Geriatric Care management and a licensed therapist, each experience brings a deeper empathy and desire to meet each individual where they are in that time. There are times where having a therapist walk beside you and offer a different perspective and encouragement is what helps bring about healing and balance.