Click on the Staff Member's Name to find out more about them.

Marion Eisenberg – Regional Director, Caregiver Alliance of Suffolk County  

I am an MSW social worker who has been directing a wide range of human services and education programs for more than twenty years in non-profit organizations. My experience includes work in the fields of elder services, child welfare, family support, literacy and workforce development, and health care access. I have designed programs, secured funding, directed operations, and overseen policy and advocacy efforts. Many of my accomplishments have been the result of collaborative activities with community partners; I am a firm believer in the positive power of collective action and view the Alliance as a vital resource for improving the lives of elders and their caregivers.

Jasjot Kaur – Program Coordinator at CBES

I am originally from India and moved to the United States in 1993. I have been living in Boston for the past 10 years. I attended school at Northeastern where I pursued a Bachelors degree in Mathematics with a concentration in Education. I have been working for Caregiver Alliance since 2006. I have always wanted to work in a place that has a purpose in the community and I am glad to be working here and supporting the Care Advisors in the Suffolk County area.

Phuong (Diane) Slawson – Caregiver Advisor at CBES

I am a native of Vietnam, and received my Bachelor degree in Economics there. My educational background also includes the study of the English language. I became more familiar with the language and the culture of the United States while working for the U.S. embassy in Vietnam for 8 years as a human resources official. Then I moved to the Boston area to attend Northeastern University and received my master’s degree in Public Administration in the summer of 2006.

Since I enjoyed interacting with and helping people while working at the embassy, I wanted to continue to work in the public sector, especially at the job where I could use my knowledge of both English and Vietnamese. Therefore, I was glad to accept a job with the Caregiver Alliance of Suffolk County, and have been a caregiver Advisor since September 2006. I look forward to meeting your needs as a caregiver of the elderly.

Shirley Bernier – Caregiver Advisor at CBES

I am a Haitian Creole Caregiver Advisor and am available to serve Haitian caregivers all across the city of Boston. I am looking forward to providing services to those caring for the elderly in the Greater Boston area.

My studies include a BA in Psychology from Boston College and currently I am working towards obtaining a graduate degree from Boston University. I am fluent in both French and Haitian Creole. In addition, I have worked in the human services field for over ten years. I enjoy working with people of all ages, from pre-teens to seniors. As a part of the Caregiver Alliance of Suffolk County I am able to utilize my education, expand my knowledge, and service my community.

Being a caregiver myself, I realize the need for such a program and am proud to be part of such a worthy organization.

Vladimir Nivoroshkin – Caregiver Advisor at CBES

I am a multi- lingual and multi- cultural professional and I am fluent in English, Russian and Spanish. I received my Masters degree from Moscow University (Russia) and worked in public education as a teacher, Assistant Principal and Principal of school with more than 1000 students in Moscow and for couple of years in Africa (Burkina Faso). More than 15 years ago my family moved to US and I got a job of social worker for senior citizens and elder at risk social worker. I use my diverse background and a lot of cultural and academic experience and skills to help caregivers who speak English, Russian, and Spanish.

I am a Caregiver Advisor for Suffolk County from 2006 and I am very happy to work in such a dedicated and highly professional team. I am blessed to work in the program whose goal is to help caregivers in finding services and provide help they need and deserve.

I am looking forward every day to meet caregivers and help them in taking care of the elderly.

Damon Syphers – Caregiver Advisor at BSHC

I am a native of Boston Massachusetts. I grew up in the inner city neighborhood of South Boston. Presently, I am a doctoral candidate in Public Health.

I have a combined background in social services, health services, and public health. Specifically, I began my career in geriatric care as a Respite Case Manager at Central Boston Elder Services after having graduated with my undergraduate degree. I find working with caregivers and the elderly population to be an awe-inspiring experience. Having been a primary caregiver and an only child, I advocate for elder independence as long as possible. I am constantly learning from my clients and I am a staunch advocate of enhancing the quality of life and independence for caregivers and their families.

Call me with any questions you may have. My philosophy is that all questions are valid and deserve an answer.

I have an interest, understanding, and sensitivity to LGBT caregiver and elder issues.

Melissa King – Caregiver Advisor at CRW Elder Services

I am the new Caregiver Specialist for the Chelsea Revere Winthrop Elder Services. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, studying Oxford University and Salem State College. I am a seasoned support group facilitator and certified in mediation and suicide prevention. In addition, I am knowledgeable in regards to the problems that come with aging and the emotional, physical, and financial side effects for not only the elder, but the caregiver as well. I serve the communities of Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop.

Leslie Ahern - Family Caregiver Advisor at Ethos

I have been working with elders and their families for over twenty-five years and I have a Master's degree. I am a Family Caregiver Advisor for the National Caregiver Support Program and serve southwest Boston through ETHOS Elder Services. I have been certified by the National Family Caregiver Association to provide trainings in Balancing Elder Care and Work, Communicating Effectively with Your Doctor, and Chronic Disease Self Management groups. This year I was certified by the MA Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association as a trainer in habilitation therapy which is an effective behavior modification tool.

I and my husband Paul are professional speakers and trainers who have been active TV and Radio broadcasters since 1994. In 2001, we began our weekly one hour television program called Taking Care on Boston Neighborhood Network News to reach out and support elders and their families. We are also Certified Laughter Leaders and speak widely on stress relief using humor, laughter, healthcare and care giving issues.

Elizabeth Downton – Director of Caregiver Services, Commission on the Affairs of the Elderly

I grew up in a middle-income midwestern family whose motto was “Of whom much is given, much is expected”. Family was very important. We were expected to work hard at school and use our talents to help others. I volunteered at a neighborhood house in Chicago, at the YMCA teaching blind children to swim, and became an active member of the local Girl Scouts. I worked with my mother at book fairs, church fairs and other various worthy affairs. My mother cared for my elderly aunt until she was so stressed that she could no longer cope. There was no caregiver program back then.

My father raised me to believe that all persons were equal: men, women, black, white, rich, poor. I was expected to learn something to be able to support myself when I was old enough. I got my B.A. at Carleton College in economics (with a minor in math), spent 1½ years in an economics doctoral program at Cornell University and finally found my true vocation working with seniors. After many years, I returned to school part-time to get a Masters of Social Work at Boston University. I have worked with the elderly for 30 years. It is an abiding passion of mine to encourage elders to speak up and advocate for their rights. I love working with caregivers because I’m helping people who really need help.