D4 – Engaging the Whole Client: Practical Strategies Enhancing Client Well-Being Across Needs and Budgets

Kari Rogenski brings over 12 years of innovative marketing and business development experience as Director of Marketing and Business Development at Sage Eldercare. As former Director and Co-Creator of The Hummingbird Project, she successfully built and expanded a specialized therapeutic activity program that has become a cornerstone within Sage Eldercare’s service portfolio. Her entrepreneurial vision transformed an innovative concept into a recognized program serving clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Seattle.

Kari’s thought leadership is evident through her development of “Joyful Moments: Meaningful Activities to Engage Older Adults,” along with numerous presentations to key industry associations, including the Alzheimer’s Association, the Aging Life Care Professional Association, and the Professional Fiduciary Association of California. Her unique combination of clinical training as a licensed marriage and family therapist and creative arts background enables her to develop marketing strategies that genuinely communicate value while addressing real client needs with empathy. This client-centered approach to business development has been instrumental in expanding Sage Eldercare’s market reach and strengthening industry partnerships.

In her spare time, Kari is pursuing her PhD in creativity, innovation, and leadership from Saybrook University.

Meredith has over ten years’ experience working in the theatre world and has transitioned over the last four years into using her skills for therapeutic forms of expression. She has interned at California Pacific Medical Centers’ SNF unit and Alzheimer’s residential facility. Meredith is honored to be a part of Sage, where she is enthusiastic about working collaboratively on the collective goal of quality of life for the elderly population in our community. Since childhood, she spent many hours at her grandparents’ community, which built awareness of the wisdom and stories the elder population embody. She received her Bachelor’s in Drama (Performance) from San Francisco State University where she went on to complete her Master’s in Drama Theory with a concentration in Directing and Devised Theatre. She holds a second Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology (Drama Therapy) from California Institute of Integral Studies. She is furthering her education and training through the Developmental Transformation Institute for drama therapy based in New York. Meredith’s training in improvised and devised theatre is a catalyst for her passion of creative approaches to achieve rich quality of life for both her clients and the community she serves. The heart of her practice is to think outside of the box while attuning to the desires, interests, and needs of her clients.

Kaitlin’s unique approach to therapeutic activity with older adults is based on her enthusiasm and patience. She understands that this chapter in life can be intimidating. By showing up and engaging with clients, she knows she can make the connection necessary to create and implement meaningful activities that promote quality of life for each client. The majority of Kaitlin’s past work experience has been focused on youth, but she’s excited to be working with older adults today. She believes if you can get anyone engaged, you can make a difference. Kaitlin has personal experience with memory care clients as her grandfather was diagnosed with dementia. She has seen firsthand the importance of activities and socialization and wishes her grandfather had more opportunities. Activities Kaitlin is most looking forward to experiencing with clients include scrapbooking, listening to music, and mediation.

Ryan Andersen is a California Licensed Professional Fiduciary at Walcott & Hartin, LLC.  Additionally, he is a National Certified Guardian. Although he serves in all roles under the licensed fiduciary umbrella, Ryan is uniquely skilled in the administration of Special Needs Trusts and Conservatorships. Ryan holds an Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies and has worked in the Fiduciary industry for over 6 years. He has a deep knowledge of Probate Law and is passionate about continually developing that expertise. During his time as a Licensed Fiduciary, Ryan personally worked on over 200 case assignments, serving each client with skill and compassion.