Micheline Sommers, LMSW, Director of Specialty Services at Oakland Family Services, supervising Older Adult
Programs. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and has a Specialist in Aging from the Institute of
Gerontology. She has been in the geriatric field for over 20 years and presents on topics of interest for older
adults and their caregivers at the national, state and local level. She is the Region V Delegate to the National
Council on Agings’ Health Promotion Institute, Past Chair and current Program Chair for the Geriatric Social
Workers of Southeast Michigan, Co-Chair of the Waterford Aging Network, Vice President of the Oakland County
Citizen’s Alliance for Probate Court and Circuit Court-Family Division, a member of the Oakland County Elder
Abuse Task Force, and Volunteer Coordinator for the Michigan Senior Olympics Local Organizing Committee.
Programs. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and has a Specialist in Aging from the Institute of
Gerontology. She has been in the geriatric field for over 20 years and presents on topics of interest for older
adults and their caregivers at the national, state and local level. She is the Region V Delegate to the National
Council on Agings’ Health Promotion Institute, Past Chair and current Program Chair for the Geriatric Social
Workers of Southeast Michigan, Co-Chair of the Waterford Aging Network, Vice President of the Oakland County
Citizen’s Alliance for Probate Court and Circuit Court-Family Division, a member of the Oakland County Elder
Abuse Task Force, and Volunteer Coordinator for the Michigan Senior Olympics Local Organizing Committee.
Rachel Sumner, The American Heart Association's Speakers Bureau.
Ms. Sumner has a Masters Degree in Public Health and is a Registered Nurse. She is a
Cardiology Dietician Specialist at William Beaumont Hospital's Women's Heart Center.
She will be speaking on the topic of "Perceptions on Heart Disease in Men Vs. Women;
Differences in Nutrition Needs and Prevention."
Ms. Sumner has a Masters Degree in Public Health and is a Registered Nurse. She is a
Cardiology Dietician Specialist at William Beaumont Hospital's Women's Heart Center.
She will be speaking on the topic of "Perceptions on Heart Disease in Men Vs. Women;
Differences in Nutrition Needs and Prevention."
Chronic Illness Coalition Speakers Page 2010
In 1977, Brigadier General Carol Ann Fausone received her commission in the United States Air Force as
a medical officer. She served on active duty in various nursing staff positions until 1981, when she
transferred to the Michigan Air National Guard. In 2001, General Fausone was selected as the Assistant
for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs working directly with the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for
Health Affairs, Force Health Protection and Readiness. Currently, General Fausone serves as the
Assistant Adjutant General of Veterans Affairs for the State of Michigan, Department of Military and Veterans
Affairs.
a medical officer. She served on active duty in various nursing staff positions until 1981, when she
transferred to the Michigan Air National Guard. In 2001, General Fausone was selected as the Assistant
for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs working directly with the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for
Health Affairs, Force Health Protection and Readiness. Currently, General Fausone serves as the
Assistant Adjutant General of Veterans Affairs for the State of Michigan, Department of Military and Veterans
Affairs.
PAST SPEAKERS 2009
MARCH 4, 2009, GERIATRIC DEPRESSION
MAY 6, 2009
After viewing the handouts links,
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to the CIC website
July 8, 2009
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
September 2009 Barbara Spreitzer-Berent, Arthritis Foundation, Michigan Chapter
As Vice President for Health Promotion and Advocacy at the Arthritis Foundation, Michigan Chapter, Barbara oversees
the delivery of hundreds of education, self-help and exercise programs annually, representing the chapter to consumers
and professionals. In addition, she is responsible for the chapter’s research and advocacy initiatives. Barbara is actively
involved in development and implementation of the Michigan Arthritis Action Plan and the Michigan Osteoporosis
Strategic Plan, serving on statewide leadership councils and work groups driving these efforts. She has earned
advanced degrees in urban planning and gerontology from University of Michigan and Madonna University, and has
enjoyed a diverse career in real estate development, aging services, education and training, writing and public health.
TOPIC: Managing Arthritis: Knowledge is the Key
As Vice President for Health Promotion and Advocacy at the Arthritis Foundation, Michigan Chapter, Barbara oversees
the delivery of hundreds of education, self-help and exercise programs annually, representing the chapter to consumers
and professionals. In addition, she is responsible for the chapter’s research and advocacy initiatives. Barbara is actively
involved in development and implementation of the Michigan Arthritis Action Plan and the Michigan Osteoporosis
Strategic Plan, serving on statewide leadership councils and work groups driving these efforts. She has earned
advanced degrees in urban planning and gerontology from University of Michigan and Madonna University, and has
enjoyed a diverse career in real estate development, aging services, education and training, writing and public health.
TOPIC: Managing Arthritis: Knowledge is the Key
November 2009 Virginia T. Ladd, R.T.
Virginia Ladd is President and Executive Director of the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, Inc.
(AARDA). Mrs. Ladd was instrumental in the formation of the International Alliance of Patients' Organizations (IAPO),
a global group dedicated to advocacy for patient centered health care, and is a member of its board of governors.
She is a member of the board of directors for the UN NGO Health Committee and a past member of the board of
directors of the National Health Council. She is founder and facilitator for the National Coalition of Autoimmune
Patient Groups (NCAPG).
Mrs. Ladd serves on several committees of the National Institutes of Health, including the Autoimmune Diseases
Coordinating Committee; the Public Interest Committee for the National Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood; the Public
Interest Group for the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences; and the Panel of Experts for the NIH
Autoimmune Diseases Research Plan.
In honor of her many years of volunteer service, Mrs. Ladd was a 1995 Jefferson Award Honoree of the American
Institute for Public Service with recognition at the national level.
Virginia Ladd is President and Executive Director of the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, Inc.
(AARDA). Mrs. Ladd was instrumental in the formation of the International Alliance of Patients' Organizations (IAPO),
a global group dedicated to advocacy for patient centered health care, and is a member of its board of governors.
She is a member of the board of directors for the UN NGO Health Committee and a past member of the board of
directors of the National Health Council. She is founder and facilitator for the National Coalition of Autoimmune
Patient Groups (NCAPG).
Mrs. Ladd serves on several committees of the National Institutes of Health, including the Autoimmune Diseases
Coordinating Committee; the Public Interest Committee for the National Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood; the Public
Interest Group for the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences; and the Panel of Experts for the NIH
Autoimmune Diseases Research Plan.
In honor of her many years of volunteer service, Mrs. Ladd was a 1995 Jefferson Award Honoree of the American
Institute for Public Service with recognition at the national level.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Meeting begins at 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Meeting held at The American Cancer Society
20450 Civic Center Drive
Southfield, MI 48076
Phone: (248) 663-3400
Meeting begins at 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Meeting held at The American Cancer Society
20450 Civic Center Drive
Southfield, MI 48076
Phone: (248) 663-3400
Lisa Gardner from the Alzheimer's Association spoke on the association's Wraparound Program, Comfort
Zone and Day Care Programs.
Lisa has worked in dementia care for approximately 13 years in a variety of positions including activities,
education, and limited care consulting.
Zone and Day Care Programs.
Lisa has worked in dementia care for approximately 13 years in a variety of positions including activities,
education, and limited care consulting.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Mitzi Cardona, The American Cancer Society, Community Program Manager
Mitzi Cardona, The American Cancer Society, Community Program Manager
July 14, 2010 - TWO SPEAKERS: TAMEKA CITCHEN AND SALLIE JUSTICE
READ BELOW FOR DESCRIPTIONS OF EACH
Tameka Citchen, Women-Empowered
Tameka Citchen was in a car accident at 6 months old leaving her paralyzed mid-chest down.
18 years later she graduated from High School and proceeded to graduate from college with a
bachelor degree in Journalism from Oakland University. Her many achievements include:
- Her own radio show called Street Rhythm and Rhymes on WHFR 89.3 FM
- Wrote a play called, “24 Hours to Live” which was produced on Henry Ford Community College stage.
- Hosted and produced a TV show called “What’s Going On in the D?” on WHPR TV 33
- Produced a show called “Visiting Professionals” at the Oakland University campus
- Is a community correspondent for the show Street Beat for CW 50
- Produced, wrote and reported a TV piece on “Disability and Employment”
- Ms. Wheelchair MI in 2006
- Modeled for Dodge Mini Vans
Her career goal is to produce and write films.
She is the Founder and President of Women Empowered, Council for Women with Physical
Challenges. Women Empowered is a 501c3 non profit organization, its mission is to advocate, educate
and empower women with physical challenges to live their best lives for themselves, families and
communities.
ALSO SPEAKING ON JULY 14, 2010
Sallie Justice, Communications Manager at the Area Agency on Aging 1-B, will share
information about an exciting program that is transitioning younger disabled individuals and older
adults out of Medicaid nursing home beds into independent living environments, such as back home,
with family, or into an apartment or assisted living facility. Transition Coordinators help find affordable
housing, furniture, clothing and put supportive services in place to insure the participants’ success.
The Nursing Facility Transitions Program, funded in part by the Michigan Department of Community
Health, is changing the quality of life for hundreds of people and saving the state of Michigan millions
of dollars each year.
September 8, 2010
Ronnie Berman, Peter Ostrow, JVS
Early Memory Loss
Creativity and Dementia
November 3, 2010
TBD
READ BELOW FOR DESCRIPTIONS OF EACH
Tameka Citchen, Women-Empowered
Tameka Citchen was in a car accident at 6 months old leaving her paralyzed mid-chest down.
18 years later she graduated from High School and proceeded to graduate from college with a
bachelor degree in Journalism from Oakland University. Her many achievements include:
- Her own radio show called Street Rhythm and Rhymes on WHFR 89.3 FM
- Wrote a play called, “24 Hours to Live” which was produced on Henry Ford Community College stage.
- Hosted and produced a TV show called “What’s Going On in the D?” on WHPR TV 33
- Produced a show called “Visiting Professionals” at the Oakland University campus
- Is a community correspondent for the show Street Beat for CW 50
- Produced, wrote and reported a TV piece on “Disability and Employment”
- Ms. Wheelchair MI in 2006
- Modeled for Dodge Mini Vans
Her career goal is to produce and write films.
She is the Founder and President of Women Empowered, Council for Women with Physical
Challenges. Women Empowered is a 501c3 non profit organization, its mission is to advocate, educate
and empower women with physical challenges to live their best lives for themselves, families and
communities.
ALSO SPEAKING ON JULY 14, 2010
Sallie Justice, Communications Manager at the Area Agency on Aging 1-B, will share
information about an exciting program that is transitioning younger disabled individuals and older
adults out of Medicaid nursing home beds into independent living environments, such as back home,
with family, or into an apartment or assisted living facility. Transition Coordinators help find affordable
housing, furniture, clothing and put supportive services in place to insure the participants’ success.
The Nursing Facility Transitions Program, funded in part by the Michigan Department of Community
Health, is changing the quality of life for hundreds of people and saving the state of Michigan millions
of dollars each year.
September 8, 2010
Ronnie Berman, Peter Ostrow, JVS
Early Memory Loss
Creativity and Dementia
November 3, 2010
TBD
She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Aging and Adult Development from Grand
Valley State University and her Master’s Certification in Dementia Care from Eastern Michigan in 2007.
Valley State University and her Master’s Certification in Dementia Care from Eastern Michigan in 2007.
Mitzi Cardona, Community Program Manager of the American Cancer Society for the Metro Detroit Service Center in Wayne, Oakland
and Macomb Counties. She is also the American Cancer Society’s Liaison for three major Health Systems within these counties,
creating awareness in Densely Populated Communities and mobilizing community members to take action in the fight against
cancer.
Prior to joining the American Cancer Society, she was the Prevention Programs Director for Latino Family Services; she built on her
management experience while mobilizing community initiatives with results which awarded the community over $500,000 of
programming funding and was life changing for youth and adults. In addition she chaired the Southwest Detroit Drug Free Coalition
which received an outstanding award for the coalition of the year.
Mitzi Cardona earned her Prevention Specialist Certificate and Associates in Social Sciences from the University of Puerto Rico.
Topic: Tools and Resources for Professionals from the American Cancer Society
and Macomb Counties. She is also the American Cancer Society’s Liaison for three major Health Systems within these counties,
creating awareness in Densely Populated Communities and mobilizing community members to take action in the fight against
cancer.
Prior to joining the American Cancer Society, she was the Prevention Programs Director for Latino Family Services; she built on her
management experience while mobilizing community initiatives with results which awarded the community over $500,000 of
programming funding and was life changing for youth and adults. In addition she chaired the Southwest Detroit Drug Free Coalition
which received an outstanding award for the coalition of the year.
Mitzi Cardona earned her Prevention Specialist Certificate and Associates in Social Sciences from the University of Puerto Rico.
Topic: Tools and Resources for Professionals from the American Cancer Society
