Pretend I Know Nothing About

Service specifications, Ohio Revised Code, compliance, and rules, rules, rules - Provider Relations has many levels of monitoring and oversight. Hear from Teresa Shane, Provider Relations Manager, and Erika Cowles-West, Provider Relations Specialist, about how the small-but-mighty COAAA Provider Relations team is growing and protecting the provider network in Central Ohio. Let me know what you thi...

While all Area Agencies on Aging in the US share a central mission under the federal Older Americans Act, each agency also provides services unique to their community needs. In addition to the clinical excellence we are known for, COAAA is also forging the way with new programs aimed at prevention and stabilization. Learn from Angie Wise about our work as Ohio’s first Statewide CarFit Coordinator...

COAAA continues to expand our reach through new contracts, providing emerging services, and innovating through new programs. Melissa Gualtieri, Director of Clinical Innovation, and Lisa Castro, Clinical Manager, describe four contracted programs managed in their division. Slightly different from other COAAA clinical programs, this episode teaches about the short-term interventions, case management...

Katie joined Brett Johnson and Carol Ventresca in her first few months at COAAA. Participating in this podcast is really what sparked the idea of starting an internal podcast for our agency. Listen in to hear Katie’s early learnings and thoughts about her new role, the incredible staff, and the expansive work of the agency. Let me know what you think of this podcast, as well as any ideas you have...

Lynn Dobb, Community Education and Outreach Manager, and Tammy Smith, Caregiver Support Program Manager, start with an overview of COAAA’s Community Education and Outreach department. Then we talk about the services and supports we provide to caregivers through consultations, education, support groups, and funding. Key Highlights: Tammy's focus on the daily self-care regimen, including meditation...

The SAFE committee was created to provide clinical support and shared responsibility to COAAA staff who are facing health and safety concerns for the consumers we serve. This episode gives us the history of SAFE, an overview of when someone should bring a case to SAFE, and an understanding of the support and expertise offered during the meetings. Learn from Clinical Manager Sarah Hall and ADRN Div...

Technically, the ERC’s goals are to support positive work morale, celebrate employee milestones, and fundraiser for the annual holiday party. But, as Tobin Shepherd and Wes Baxter share, it’s also about being fun, creative, and maybe even a little bit weird (in a good way)! Tune into this episode for a glimpse into the wild and wonderful world of ERC. Let me know what you think of this podcast, as...

Cindy Farson directed the agency for 28 years and retired in March of 2022. Listen to her describe all the agency does and accomplishments from her tenure. This episode is a thorough overview of COAAA and one that everyone should listen to. If you didn’t know Cindy, she is one of Central Ohio’s most influential leaders in aging and just an overall great person to know. Let me know what you think o...

Pretend I Know Nothing About PASSPORT Sue Howson, Clinical Manager, shares with us the history and spirit of COAAA’s longest-standing case management program-PASSPORT. We then hear from Tobin Shepherd and Wes Baxter about their roles on the PASSPORT team as a float and an aging programs care coordinator. Let me know what you think of this podcast, as well as any ideas you have for an episode. Emai...

Shaumane Paulk, Supervisor in PASSPORT, and Camille Peterson, Supervisor in Senior Options both started as social work interns at COAAA. While their stories, experiences, and paths to their current leadership roles differ, they both agree: COAAA is a great place to learn how to be a compassionate, competent, and confident social worker. Let me know what you think of this podcast, as well as any id...

What a joy it is to hear from our next generation of leaders on this episode which features attendees of the 2023 Take Your Kids to Work Day at COAAA. This episode is made up of multiple mini interviews-some inspiring, some funny, and everything else in between, that are sure to make you smile. Let me know what you think of this podcast, as well as any ideas you have for an episode. Email me at kw...

We learn about Senior Options with Clinical Manager Andrea See and Care Coordination Assistant Tara Hunter. We cover program funding, a typical day in the life of a senior options staff member, and discuss challenges and successes in this case management program. Here's what you can expect from this episode: Key 1: The importance of staff safety and dealing with the worker shortage in providing se...

How do you build knowledge and community in an agency of 400? One idea is to start a podcast that interviews staff from across our agency so that we can hear and learn from one another! This episode is hosted by friends of COAAA (and fellow podcasters) Brett and Carol, so they can put Katie White into the “guest seat” to hear about her vision of how this podcast will work. Hosted in Katie’s office...