Sarah grew up in Oswego County and currently resides in Madison County. She graduated from SUNY Oswego with a degree in English literature and did graduate work in social issues. Sarah has worked in the health care and human services fields for over 15 years in the CNY NY area.
Mary Carrier is the Technology & Growth Consultant for the Mohawk Valley Library System (MVLS) in Schenectady, NY. Mary worked as a Digital Trainer in a large suburban public library for fifteen years, providing digital literacy training in basic computer and internet skills, Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Facebook, photo editing and more. She helps bridge the gap for seniors as new technology is introduced or updated, such as smartphones, cloud storage, downloadable eBooks, and streaming. Mary began her position with MVLS in 2022 and continues her role of providing digital literacy instruction at libraries and senior centers in Schenectady, Schoharie, Fulton and Montgomery county. Mary is gifted in her ability to troubleshoot, learn a variety of technology topics, and remains current in her knowledge, particularly by staying up to date with uses and changes in artificial intelligence (AI), internet safety, privacy, and the latest scams that make seniors of all ages vulnerable. Mary has worked with many collaborative partners over the years and loves to share her expertise and success stories to inspire others.
I have worked with seniors and elders in both the community and residential settings as a social worker, LMSW, for over 40 years. Yoga came to me as a way to help heal my body after a physical injury. After 10 years of practice, I was drawn to learn more about yoga, which had enriched my life in so many ways. My training at the Kripalu Center gave me the confidence to share this with others. When I’m not working with the Eddy, you can find me sharing the gift of yoga and meditation with various communities, teaching private lessons and working at a local yoga studio.
Audrey Seidman, of Slingerlands, is a Sage-ing Mentor® and a spiritual director. Since 2016 Audrey has offered workshops, keynote addresses and panel presentations on conscious aging and cultivating a meaningful retirement for AARP, the Albany Guardian Society, Yerusha and many local organizations and congregations.
Audrey retired in 2015 from careers in public relations and organization development, last serving as Manager, Employee Engagement Programs at the Office of the NYS Comptroller, where she facilitated programs to bring out the best in employees and the organization. She holds a MA in Public Communications and a Certificate in Gerontology from Syracuse University. Kayaking and contra dancing bring her joy.
I am a senior partner in the law firm, Hinman Straub P C located at 121 State Street, Albany. I have been active in the community, currently serving as the Chair of The Albany Waterway, Inc, a tax exempt not for profit corporation dedicated to transforming downtown Albany into a true capital city by introducing a waterway, as is present in leading American and international cities. We are inspired by the renowned artist Len Tantillo. You can find our vision on our website www.albanywaterway.org. I also Chair the USS Slater, the destroyer escort historical museum, a national landmark and the most visited attraction Albany as well as The Government Law Center of Albany Law School. I have chaired the United Way of NYS, LaSalle School, and St Peter’s Addiction Recovery Center, among others. Currently, I serve on the boards of Maria College and Hope House.
Sheila Brewer-Montero was born and raised in the Southern Tier of NY. She received her bachelor’s degree in English and Psychology from Alfred University before attending graduate school at Lehigh University, where she earned her master’s degree in education with a focus on Human Development. She continued studying at Lehigh University and earned an educational specialist degree in School Psychology. Sheila worked in the human services field for 24 years and then in the corporate security / fraud prevention field for the past 8 years. She lives a quiet life with her husband Guarionex and their orange cat Paco, and enjoys spending time with horses and creating mixed media art.
Michelle Wildgurbe has been a principal of Cioffi • Slezak • Wildgrube P.C. (formerly Carpenter & Cioffi, P.C.) since 2004, and has been with the firm since 1999. Prior to joining Cioffi • Slezak • Wildgrube P.C., Michelle worked for a general practice firm that provided a broad foundation for her practice which now concentrates in the areas of estate planning and administration, corporate and business law, and real estate. Michelle frequently lectures for the New York State Bar Association and the Schenectady County Bar Association on real estate and estate planning issues. Michelle is also a panel member of the Legally Speaking Program for The Legal Project. Through this program, she presents seminars on estate planning and elder law issues to community groups. Michelle is chair of the New York State Bar Association’s Real Property Section
Justin McCabe is Coordinator for fraud, scams and identity theft prevention at Lifespan of Rochester. He assists the program with activities related to education and training aimed at prevention of victimization of older adults who are targeted through scams and fraudulent schemes. The program serves an eleven-county area in the Finger Lakes region, providing outreach to older adults and help for individuals who have been victimized. Justin comes to Lifespan following a career in law enforcement and private investigations, working as a patrol officer, and an investigator with New York State, conducting criminal investigations into fraud and identity
Barbara has presented Stress Management sessions to wellness organizations, State Agencies, financial institutions and educational facilities throughout New York State. She takes great joy in passing on the proven techniques that have worked for her. Certified by the International Association of Counselors and Therapists in Stress Management, Pain Management, Weight Management, Emotional Intelligence for Change Management. Certified by PESI for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia Hypnosis for Trauma & PTSD Certificate Course, Polyvagal Informed Therapy Barbara is a graduate of the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations certificate program on Conflict Management. She has a 30 year background in the Customer Service and Sales professions. She brings with her real world knowledge of the struggles and changing conditions that effect us all.
Sarah is the director of business development at NYSARC Trust Services, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that administers pooled supplemental needs trusts and has helped over 25,000 people across New York protect funds to qualify and maintain financial eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and other means-tested benefits. She is a strong advocate for trust beneficiaries, helping the individuals maximize the benefits they receive while using the funds in their trust to live at home for as long as possible and purchase life-enhancing items and services. Sarah has presented on supplemental needs trusts and government benefit eligibility at events for the New York State Office for the Aging, Aging Life Care Association, New York State Bar Association, and at various regional bar associations throughout New York State. She routinely provides in-service trainings to attorneys, social workers, service providers, and families to raise awareness for the benefits of using a pooled trust to live independently in the community.