Our Team

We are an experienced team of creative arts therapists, teaching artists, recreation therapists, and gerontologists. Through our extensive knowledge of holistic quality of life and the seven wellness domains, we cultivate joy, engage curiosity, and foster personal expression. Our goal is to increase your loved one’s or client’s quality of life through therapeutic activity that is purposeful and meaningful.

Each team member is a seasoned therapeutic activity specialist with a range of experience to serve every individual, client, or group. We are passionate about working with people living with memory loss (including those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia).

Tara Blanca, BS, MA

Director of Hummingbird Project Services
BS Business Management, University of Phoenix; MA Expressive Arts Therapy, European Graduate School/Expressive Arts Institute San Diego

Growing up in a military family, Tara spent her formative years traversing the United States. Her engagement with the elder population began in childhood while accompanying her mother, a geriatric nurse practitioner, on visits to patients. During her summer breaks, Tara would assist in the activities department while her mother completed rounds.

The arts have always been integral to Tara’s quality of life, and she continues her artistic and poetic practices today. Tara has had the privilege of conducting Expressive Arts groups and one-on-one sessions, both online and in person, nationally and internationally for the last decade. Before joining Sage Eldercare and The Hummingbird Project, Tara worked with Musical Biographies, a Villa Musica program, fostering creativity and therapeutic expression through music and visual arts for elders and their care partners.

In her interactions with elders and their care partners, Tara consistently demonstrates deep compassion and dedication, striving to enhance her clients’ quality of life through creative expression and meaningful engagement.

With a robust background in business spanning global territories, Tara holds a strong appreciation for culture and brings a depth of experience to collaborating with teams for optimal client outcomes. Tara’s commitment to excellence and lifelong learning permeates her approach to life.

Bryna McCarty, BS

Operations Manager of Hummingbird Project Services
BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing, San Francisco State University

A Bay Area native, Bryna has 11 years’ experience supporting nonprofit, community-driven companies with her administrative expertise. Through this work she developed a strong desire to fulfill unmet needs in the community. Bryna’s thoughtful approach to administrative work will allow her to support truly meaningful programming from behind the scenes. Bryna is excited to be a part of The Hummingbird Project team and brings her passion for creating and maintaining efficient and effective processes, ensuring we can deliver joyful moments to all.

San Francisco and Peninsula

Steven Hardy, MA, MT-BC

Manager of Hummingbird Project Services – San Francisco and San Mateo Counties
BA in Psychology, University of Maine; MA in Expressive Therapies, Lesley University

Originally from New England, Steve has enjoyed a career in Aging Services in the Bay Area for more than 20 years. As a child, Steve was always excited to visit his grandparents and enjoy the warmth and connection he felt in their home. There was a sense of unconditional love, wisdom, and appreciation when he was in the presence of older adults. In his educational pursuits, Steve combined an interest in music/vocal performance with a deep desire to understand human relationships and received degrees in both Psychology and the Expressive Therapies. One of Steve’s favorite experiences was directing a performance of the musical Carousel in a large retirement/memory care community. He has seen how engaging in artistic endeavors and creative processes brings passion and joy to the people he has served. Steve has particularly enjoyed being an engaged collaborator, coach, therapist, and mentor in the areas of Aging, Human Services, and Memory Care/Dementia Program Development.

Keesje Fischer, BA

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
BFA Painting, Utrecht School of Fine Arts, The Netherlands; BA, Pomona College

Keesje comes to the field of Aging through caring for her grandmother and volunteering in her New York nursing home as a TimeSlips storytelling facilitator. She has worked as an Activity Specialist in skilled nursing facilities and Assisted Living Residences for more than 8 years, most recently as Activities Program Manager for Memory Care Unit of Rhoda Goldman Plaza. Encouraging creative expression is inspiring, fun, and surprising, too. In her work with elders, Keesje loves that she learns something every day.

Kim Peloso, MPH

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
BS Adult Health/Wellness, University of South Carolina; MPH, University of South Carolina

Kim has more than 15 years of professional experience working with seniors and spent ten years as a volunteer coordinating an Intergenerational program in her community. She has served as Director of the Alzheimer’s Special Care Center in Columbia, SC, The Alzheimer’s Activity Center in San Jose, CA and the Ruth Ann Rosenberg Adult Day Healthcare Center in San Francisco, CA. Kim has hands-on experience working with older adults, as well as experience in program development, staff training, consulting, and management.

Kim’s outgoing and warm personality allow her to freely connect with seniors, quickly building a trusting relationship. Her passion lies in guiding memory-impaired individuals through all aspects of daily life. She has a special focus on maintaining familiar routines and creating opportunities for participation in pursuits that are meaningful to the individual.

Miyoko M. Nida, MA, PhDc

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
BA Ethnic Studies/Asian American Studies, San Francisco State University; MA Counseling Psychology with specialization in Expressive Art Therapy, California Institute of Integral Studies; Certificate in Digital Design and Production, SFSU, College of Extended Learning

Miyoko’s approach to her work demonstrates a deep understanding of the power of creativity and human connection. By prioritizing the building of trust, she creates an environment where individuals feel safe to explore their creativity, which can be especially empowering for older adults. Her commitment to using expressive arts, creativity, and multiculturalism reflects her belief in the transformative potential of these forms of engagement. For older adults, activities that foster creativity and connection are incredibly enriching. They offer opportunities to express themselves in new ways, stay engaged with the world, and experience a more fulfilling quality of life. Miyoko’s work highlights how creative expression can be a powerful tool for personal growth and well-being, helping individuals not only reconnect with themselves but also engage meaningfully with their community.

Stephanie Navarro, MA

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
BS Studio Art, New York University; MA Transformative Art, JFK University

Stephanie finds meaningful connection in her passion for creativity and helping others, especially in person-centered care. She believes that the creative process can be a vehicle for positive change as well as contributing to one’s overall well-being.

Stephanie likes to explore various art mediums such as painting, clay, collage, and found objects in engaging others, and believes that there is no wrong way to do art. She enjoys learning from her clients’ life experiences and encourages all methods of creative self-expression.

Fay Chunhui Tseng, MA

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
MA Expressive Arts (emphasis in Music Therapy and Mental Health Counseling), Lesley University
BS Occupational Therapy, National Taiwan University

Fay is passionate about supporting her clients’ therapeutic goals for quality of life. Her warm and genuine personality allows her to establish therapeutic relationships with clients quickly and engage them in meaningful activities. Fay celebrates diversity and enjoys working with people from various cultures. Her training in occupational therapy, music therapy, and mental health counseling fosters a holistic approach to achieve an enriched quality of life for her clients. With a multidisciplinary background, Fay collaborates efficiently with team members and responsible parties to deliver high quality therapeutic activities. She sings, plays guitar and percussive instruments, and loves drumming and dancing. Some of her favorite activities to share with older adults include reminiscing, exercising or dancing with music, singing, playing instruments, music appreciation, and expressive arts.

Kaitlyn Herron BS, CTRS

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
BS in Recreation, Hospitality, and Parks Management – Focus in Recreation Therapy, California State University, Chico

Kaitlyn is a young professional with experience in both community and clinical settings. She was drawn to the service field in her youth and continues to find joy in her ability to support and encourage others in their own journeys. Kaitlyn’s passion for life, creativity, connection, and ongoing adventure led her to the field of recreation therapy. This path has allowed her to fully grasp the importance of quality of life and how to help someone restore and repair parts of themself that may have been lost along the way. She believes that providing recreational therapy and focusing on one’s overall wellness is imperative to personal well-being. Kaitlyn’s personal philosophy of meeting people where they are allows her to work closely with her clients and tailor the experience to their needs and abilities, while also helping them to grow or challenge themselves in small ways. She prides herself on her ability to be adaptive, inclusive, and compassionate.

Laurette Foggini, CMC

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
BA in Economics and Business, SUNY Stony Brook, New York

Laurette comes from a big extended family on the East Coast–grandparents, aunts, uncles, and lots of cousins. The holidays meant time spent around a loud food-laden table. Laurette was fascinated by her grandparents’ immigrant stories. They inspired her to go back to the “Old Country.” When an opportunity to live in Italy presented itself, she jumped at the chance. Learning the language enabled her to immerse herself in the culture. It was such an enriching experience that Laurette didn’t think twice when the next opportunity to live abroad came along. This time to Singapore, where she worked with museums throughout Asia. Laurette considers these experiences a key to her ability to connect with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Jayne M. Ferrari, MA, (AMFT 127351, ATR-P 23-265)

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
MA Art Therapy, MFT, emphasis in Art and Mental Health Counseling
University Notre Dame de Namur, Belmont, California

Jayne is a Bay Area native who has more than four years of experience in life enrichment at a senior care facility. She brings to Hummingbird a love of art and skills in therapy. As an AMFT, ATR-P, Jayne’s primary role has been providing art programs to seniors in various stages of dementia. She enjoys creating meaningful group and individualized art-based programs that bring joy to clients and mitigate stress and anxiety for those living with cognitive decline.

Her therapeutic art sessions are a blend of Narrative and Person-Centered Therapy. Everyone has a story, and Jayne embraces diversity while learning about different cultures and experiences from her clients. Listening to clients as they share tidbits and stories about their life while weaving through an art process brings meaning and joy to the process.

Rowena Richie, BFA, MFA

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
BFA in Dance, University of Michigan and California State University, Long Beach
MFA in Creative Inquiry, New College of California

The “why” of what Rowena does is to help people feel seen and heard, find ease in their bodies, and live fuller, healthier lives. Put another way, she wants to help people feel more connected to themselves and to each other. Rowena has a background in dance. For the past decade she has been creating and leading movement practices for older people, including people living with dementia. Rowena is a founding member of the For You performance group, a collective dedicated to bringing diverse groups of strangers together and making performances as gifts.

Janelle Pierce, BA

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
BA in Physical Education, Recreation, Health, and Leisure, San Francisco State University

As a recreation health and leisure professional, Janelle has spent her life supporting people in the pursuit of meaningful activities. She has served San Francisco communities for 40 years, working with diverse populations of every race, age, and ability level. Her areas of specialization include, but are not limited to, creative arts with tangible results, dance, and aquatics. Janelle spent much of her career in the nonprofit sector and retired from San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department. She’s also had a distinguished career in horticulture and floriculture. It has always been Janelle’s goal to bring happiness into people’s lives and make the world a better place for everyone. She understands that’s a big job but approaches it one person at a time, hoping to have a positive impact on the lives she touches.

East Bay

Christa Kagin, MAET-ATR

Manager of Hummingbird Project Services – East Bay & North Bay
MA Expressive Therapies, University of Louisville, KY; Art Psychotherapy training program, Goldsmiths College, University of London, UK; BA Art, Southwestern College, Winfield, KS

Christa comes to Hummingbird from the Midwest, where she has worked in a variety of professional placements using innovative ways to bring the arts to clients of all ages. She has served as a college art department chair, supervised art therapy students, provided art therapy to clients of all ages, and co-authored a book on art therapy techniques, Implementing the Expressive Therapies Continuum: A Guide for Clinical Practice.

While much of her career has been in service to children, youth, and young adults, Christa has spent many hours working with elders in monastic communities, places of worship, and in community settings. Her love of caring for elders was born out of caring for her own grandparents. She grew up spending time with them on their farm—enjoying iced tea on the porch swing, tending the garden, and listening to the stories of their lives. When they grew older, caring for them became Christa’s privilege. This personal experience inspired her to find new ways to serve and support elders in her professional life. Christa is excited to bring her experiences and passion to her position at Sage with the Hummingbird Project. Her extensive world travel, diverse life experiences, strengths as an educator, and success with clients create a rich tapestry for her to share with new clients.

Christa believes strongly that experiences with the arts help us to remember that we are alive, actively living, and this helps to ground us in the present moments of life. The creative arts also help us to recall and activate other life experiences, which fosters and nurtures wholeness. Christa is fully committed to sharing these beliefs with clients to enrich their lives.

Julie Chervin, MA, CELS

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
BA Political Science, California State University Northridge; MA Counseling Psychology, Holy Names University

All of Julie’s life experiences have led her to the calling of helping to ensure that elders’ quality of life is maintained to the fullest. A musician throughout her life, Julie is certified with Music & Memory to bring personalized music playlists to elders and has trained in the Village Song method of facilitating Music Circles for elders. She is also a Certified End-of-Life Specialist (CELS) through Teaching Transitions. Julie has always loved spending time with elders and believes that intergenerational interaction, lifelong learning, and sharing music, stories, and expressive arts are some of the keys to sustaining vitality as we age.

Emily Hippert, BFA, BA

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
BFA in Theatre and BA in Art History, University of Kansas

Emily is an experienced expressive art educator and enrichment specialist. Growing up in the Midwest, she built her values through active engagement in arts enrichment, youth groups, and community service programs. Particularly influenced by her early leadership roles working with youth in arts-based summer camps, she realized the transformative power of the expressive arts at a young age. She was privileged to have experienced a close relationship with her own grandparents and many elder mentors throughout her life, nourishing her passion for engaging, collaborating, and learning with older adults.
Emily’s creative and mindful approach–combined with her professionalism, intellectual curiosity, and compassionate spirit–has shaped her career in service of creative enrichment, personal expression, and therapeutic arts. She is a champion of disability and neurodiversity rights and works to create relationships and spaces that celebrate our unique experiences and gifts.

Andrea Cliscagne, MT-BC

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
M.S. in Mental Health and Wellness (Emphasis in Integrated Healthcare) from Grand Canyon University
B.M. in Music Therapy, Minor in Speech Language Pathology, University of the Pacific

Andrea has always had a love and passion for music and helping and connecting with others. Studying Mental Health and Wellness has contributed to her understanding of how feeling socially and emotionally supported can drastically improve one’s health and quality of life. She loves sharing this light with others. She first knew she wanted to be a music therapist when she witnessed how engaging in music elicited meaningful responses from and facilitated connection with her grandmother, who had been physically and verbally unresponsive for a long time due to late-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Andrea comes from a family culture that strongly believes in the value of elders, including appreciation of wisdom, a duty to care for them, and a deep connection to their stories. These values shape how Andrea interacts with older adults in her work and personal life. She brings a wide variety of musical genres and skills to her work as a music therapist, with an understanding that different people connect to music in diverse ways. As a mental health professional, Andrea finds that the most significant growth and impact occur when a strong and safe personal connection is built between herself and each client. She pays special attention to a client’s unique strengths and multi-dimensional needs and how these impact the client’s engagement in sessions and daily life. Andrea firmly believes that creative arts and preferred activities are powerful tools in improving health, life skills, and quality of life. With warmth and authenticity, she is enthusiastic about guiding others in these experiences in a person-centered and holistic way, whether for health and skills, to express themselves and be heard, or to support overall well-being.

Rachel Clausen, P-RDT (Provisional Registered Drama Therapist)

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
BA in Theater and English Literature, Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA; MFA in Acting from Brown University/Trinity Repertory Company, Providence, RI; Certification as a P-RDT through Alternative Training Track

From a young age, Rachel was a storyteller. Growing up in an artistic family, her intrinsic creativity was nurtured from the start. She continued to amplify this part of herself throughout her education, pursuing a BA in Theater and English Literature, an MFA in Acting, and finally a Certification as a Provisional Registered Drama Therapist. She is deeply invested in the healing potential of the arts and the power theater holds to transform suffering into catharsis, isolation to connection. She continues to act professionally today, and finds the opportunity to embody characters vastly different from herself to be a profound method of building empathy and expanding perspective.

Daphne Valadez, AMFT (#125609), ATR (#24-063)

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
MA in Marriage and Family Therapy with emphasis in Art Therapy
Notre Dame de Namur University, Belmont, CA

Daphne is a passionate professional with expertise as an AMFT specializing in art therapy. With a background in life enrichment activities, Daphne has developed a deep interest in the holistic appreciation for the older adult experience and the strength of having a caring support system. This interest has driven her career, focusing on facilitating meaningful connections and advocating for the older adult population. Daphne brings several years of experience to the industry, combining a commitment to service, creativity, and individuality with a unique perspective through art therapy.

Daphne was fortunate to be surrounded by art as a child while visiting her grandparents’ home in Mexico. The murals, artisan displays, and colorful fashion–along with her grandfather being a carpenter–taught her an appreciation for building and creating. These trips were an influential time that nurtured the love of art, ultimately leading to a career in art therapy. While studying marriage and family therapy at Notre Dame de Namur University, Daphne began her professional journey at an adult day center, where she gained valuable experience in activities and the unique perspective of being a professional caregiver.

Throughout her career, Daphne has worked with various care facilities that have contributed to fostering compassionate therapeutic relationships, facilitating community art collaborations in various memory-care settings, and co-facilitating research for a multi-sensory virtual reality project tailored to older adults in memory care. As a new member of the Hummingbird Project, Daphne continues to pursue her professional journey with dedication and enthusiasm. She’s passionate about providing the best quality of life through a deep belief in maintaining dignity, authenticity, and human connection. Daphne will fuel her work at the Hummingbird Project to achieve joy, curiosity, and creativity for all.

North Bay

Gwynne Johnson, BA, MFA

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
BA in History of Art, University of Pennsylvania, PA
MFA, The School of The Art Institute of Chicago, IL

Gwynne is passionate about the transformational power of deep connections and the gifts to be found in creating new relationships towards end of life. Her love for elders began in early childhood when she and her grandmother would bring performances and crafts to their neighboring retirement home. Gwynne has helped to bring art experiences to those living with dementia, provided in-home companionship to elders, and currently volunteers her time visiting those on hospice. Alongside her passion for engaging with older adults is her lifelong love for art making. Creating has always been a deep part of Gwynne and it has taken her through a career working in the commercial arts, receiving an MFA, exhibiting internationally, and most recently developing a line of functional ceramics under her own brand. Gwynne believes that making is a gateway to a world beyond language and consciousness, and she is overjoyed to bring her two passions together in the role of Activity Specialist for the Hummingbird Project.

Barry Stricker, BA, Mdiv, PhD

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
BA with honors in History, Harvard University,
MDiv in Theology, Golden Gate Theological Seminary
PhD in Historical Theology, Golden Gate Theological Seminary

Barry’s love for people began as a calling and, over time, grew to be his passion. As a longtime pastor and educator, Barry loves creatively investing in the lives of others. Honoring the many different ways people embrace life, Barry celebrates curiosity, growth, and new possibilities. The foundation for Barry’s passion was provided by wonderful experiences with his beloved parents, teachers, and mentors who poured their lives into his life and surrounded him with love and grace. Growing out of that richness, Barry extends that same love and grace to others.

In recent years, Barry has served extensively with senior adult communities as a Memory Support Specialist, a Wellness Program Coordinator, and a Community Educator. Even now, Barry continues to teach engaging history classes in senior adult communities in the North Bay. Before immersing himself in senior adult work, Barry served as a seminary professor, a pastor, a writer, and a college educator. His academic specialties are American history, the United States Constitution, ethics, theology, philosophy, and biblical studies.

Born and raised in Kentucky, Barry was blessed with the opportunity to study at Harvard. After graduating, Barry moved to Northern California for additional education. Through those experiences, Barry identified, embraced, and nurtured his gifts of compassion, gentleness, and respect for others. Quite simply, Barry loves people, and he especially loves hearing the stories of others and celebrating their lives. The opportunity for human relationships is precious. Having experienced it in his own life, Barry loves using his gifts to help make it happen for others.

South Bay

Stephen McCormick, MFA

Manager of Hummingbird Project Services – South Bay
MFA in Theatre for Young Audiences and Theatre Education from Arizona State University

Stephen joins the Hummingbird team following many years of experience working as a theatre educator, advocator, administrator, and practitioner. For more than 12 years, he served as the Director of Education and Outreach for La Jolla Playhouse, where he oversaw the development of innovative engagement programming that brought the joy of live theatre into schools, libraries, and senior centers throughout San Diego County, enriching the lives of thousands of people of all ages every year. A major focus of his work has been centered around the drama therapy work of Augusto Boal and his methodologies of using drama exercises and techniques to address personal and social oppressions while advocating for positive change and empowerment. Through this work, Stephen has utilized his skill set with various populations to use drama as a means for personal discovery and growth.

Stephen’s interest in working predominantly with older adults grew while caring for his grandparents who had become increasingly isolated during the pandemic. Witnessing how the use of art and drama programming changed their lives for the better awakened in him an interest in providing opportunities for creative expression and exploration in the lives of other older adults. Whether through the use of story-telling, puppetry, physical expression, or creative writing, Stephen believes that older adults have incredible capacities within themselves to share their lived experiences and remain active within their creative selves.

Maria Walsh

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
BA in Sociology, Hampshire College, Amherst, MA

Maria has always incorporated creativity into both her professional and personal life. Her professional experience has revolved around the arts, where she has worked for a museum, various arts nonprofits, a music and social justice organization, and a countywide arts council. Maria has been a teaching artist for Dance for Parkinson’s since 2017, after she trained with the Mark Morris Dance Center in New York City. Teaching dance to folks with Parkinson’s has been incredibly rewarding, and initiated Maria’s interest in working at Sage Eldercare. Facilitating a movement class for people living with Parkinson’s has opened Maria’s eyes to the creativity and generative expressiveness we all have, no matter our age. Maria’s teaching style focuses on storytelling, play, and joy, while connecting to sensation, imagination, and creativity. Maria believes expression can be lifesaving, especially when in connection with each other. As a teaching artist for the Parkinson’s community, Maria has developed the skills to create safe spaces for folks to express openly, connect to themselves, and move in an empowered and joyful way.

Emily Dobey, BA

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
BA Studio Art, College of Charleston, SC

Emily’s genuine passion for enhancing the quality of life of seniors is what makes the difference in her ability to connect with clients. Her personal experience of caring for her grandmother who had dementia for 10 years seeded Emily’s desire to assist elders as a career. Emily began her career in the field as an Activity Assistant at a rehabilitation center. She tailored and managed a range of activities to work one on one with clients, designed interactive art and craft projects, and led groups in sing-alongs and dance competitions.

Emily believes in the benefits of facilitating art activities or other projects with clients to maintain overall mental and physical wellness. Improving the independence and happiness of clients brings joy to both the client and Emily. She feels privileged to work as an Activity Specialist with the Hummingbird Project and combine her two passions of working with elders and art.

Lisa Lenoci, BA

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
BA, Castleton State College, Castleton, VT; JD, Santa Clara University School of Law, Santa
Clara, CA

Lisa has had a diversified career, beginning with a 25-year law practice. The legal profession appealed to her interest in research, logical reasoning, and dispute resolution. To this day, she enjoys learning new things and stimulating her mind. She has carried that forward to her work with older adults, whether it’s discussing current and past events, solving a crossword puzzle, or working on a game of Sudoku.

Lisa’s interest in eldercare was piqued as a result of watching her parents cope with Parkinson’s disease, stroke, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. These conditions presented unique challenges and quite the education regarding behavioral changes and cognitive and physical decline, but her family received invaluable support. Subsequently, when an opportunity arose, Lisa chose to turn her attention to working to positively impact the life of seniors who are no longer as independent as they once were. She has served as a Program Director for an adult day program, working with seniors in a group setting, and has engaged with older adults individually in numerous activities to enrich their lives. Lisa’s quiet dignity and warm personality create an inviting environment. A few of her favorite client activities include walks, outings, music and art, and stimulating word games, but what she particularly treasures are the personal interactions with clients and learning their life stories.

Ranz Ocampo, BFA

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
BFA in Digital Media Arts, San Jose State University

Ranz grew up in the Philippines with his great-grandmother, where he discovered a gift for uplifting others through music, movement, and play—sparking a lifelong connection to older adults. This early experience led him to memory care, where he fostered emotional connection and well-being through meaningful activities. At an adult day care, Ranz supported a participant who arrived each day overwhelmed and distressed; his steady, sincere care helped her find comfort and renewed purpose, deepening his commitment to serving others.

Ranz is also passionate about the human side of technology, mentoring peers in the CADRE Program and viewing digital media as a tool for expression and connection. A turning point came when he began exploring his own challenges and spirituality, discovering the importance of mental health through daily meditation and movement. Now, with a BFA in Digital Media Arts, Ranz aims to blend creativity, wellness, and technology to help older adults live fuller, more joyful lives.

Sacramento Area

Meredith Eden, RDT, MA (2), LMFT (#116558)

Manager of Hummingbird Project Services, Virtual and Sacramento
BA in Drama, San Francisco State University
MA in Counseling Psychology, California Institute of Integral Studies
MA in Drama Theory and Devised Performance, San Francisco State University

For a decade, Meredith has been a key leader at The Hummingbird Project, guiding teams of Quality of Life Engagement Specialists currently in the Sacramento region, leading the Virtual Program, and overseeing the Home Care Quality of Life Program. This program supports Bay Area Sage care providers through holistic engagement consultation and training. Since the early growth of the Hummingbird Project in the Bay Area, Meredith has played an important role in expanding the program across California and now into Seattle. She is passionate about creating meaningful experiences through activities such as movement, scriptwriting for life review, and high-impact interactive virtual programming that foster connection and engagement.

Meredith is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California.

Kaitlin Ecabert, BS, CTRS

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
BS Therapeutic Recreation, California State University East Bay

Kaitlin’s unique approach to therapeutic activities with older adults is characterized by 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. 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 Legacy Projects, musical and artistic exploration, community reintegration, and meditation.

Jennifer Verdu, BS, CTRS

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
B.S. Nutritional Science, San José State University, Diploma in Holistic Nutrition
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Board-Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Senior Fitness Instructor

Jen Verdu is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, is Board-Certified in Holistic Nutrition, and a Senior Fitness Instructor with over 17.5 years of experience designing and leading therapeutic programs for older adults. She holds a B.S. in Nutritional Science with an emphasis in Nutrition Education from San José State University and a Diploma in Holistic Nutrition. She has completed advanced coursework in Recreation Therapy at Cal State East Bay.

Since 2008, Jen has worked in a wide range of settings, including skilled nursing facilities, adult day health centers, rehabilitation programs, and both assisted and independent living communities. She has experience supporting individuals living with dementia, Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), stroke recovery, and mental health conditions.
Jen is passionate about promoting quality of life through person-centered, evidence-based programming that addresses physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. Her approach integrates therapeutic recreation, holistic wellness, and accessible movement to help individuals stay engaged, active, and connected.

Micki Thao, BS

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
BS in Gerontology, California State University Sacramento

Micki’s journey into the world of enriching the lives of older adults began with a heartfelt commitment of caring for her own grandmother. This personal experience ignited her passion for serving the elderly, eventually leading her to pursue a degree in Gerontology at California State University Sacramento. With an impressive track record spanning over 13 years in the realm of senior living, Micki brings a wealth of expertise to her role as a therapeutic activity specialist. Micki holds dearly the core belief that every individual, regardless of age, possesses a unique and compelling life story that deserves to be shared.

Rev. Kristen Hollon Miller, M.Div Candidate, BLS, CDP

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
BA, Women’s and Gender Studies, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, summa cum laude

Kristen has spent more than 15 years serving the whole person through hospice, hospital chaplaincy, memory care, recreation, and community ministry across Northern California. She has completed three units of Clinical Pastoral Education, including a specialty in first responder care, and is pending Board Certified Chaplain accreditation. Kristen integrates music into her practice—playing harp, ukulele, and hand drum to spark joy and connection—and extends her ministry to holistic family care as an ordained Animal Chaplain. She has provided interfaith spiritual care and grief support with Hospice of Amador and Calaveras and Marshall Hospital in Placerville, and her work continues to blend imagination, compassion, and meaning-making to enrich the lives of elders and their families.

Los Angeles and Orange County

Elizabeth Fluck, MA (2), BC-DMT, LMFT (#45109), LPCC (#1472)

Manager of Hummingbird Project Services – Los Angeles & Orange County
BA, Dance major, Psychology minor, Point Park University, Pittsburgh, PA; MA, Dance/Movement Therapy, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA; MA, Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Somatic Psychology, Santa Barbara Graduate Institute, Santa Barbara, CA

Elizabeth’s fondest memories of childhood are filled with gardening, cooking, engaging in long talks, and going on long walks with her maternal grandmother. She also cherishes memories of rooting on favorite football teams, playing card games, keeping up with the soap operas, and watching Lawrence Welk with her paternal grandmother. Elizabeth spent her teenage years accompanying her older sister to her work as a nurse in a skilled nursing facility. This led to volunteer and work opportunities for Elizabeth at this nursing facility and marked the start of her career. Days spent on the unit with the elderly residents were full of moments rich with deep connection and authentic experiences of joy as well as sorrow.

Her lifelong love of dance and human connection brought Elizabeth to the field of dance/movement therapy. Throughout her career, Elizabeth has continued to serve people across the entire developmental lifespan, including work in inpatient, residential, outpatient, home care, and educational settings. In recent years, her pursuit of perpetual learning includes a new passion for arts activism in both social and environmental justice. In 2019, Elizabeth was the site leader for Global Water Dance, creating a site-specific dance performance alongside the Los Angeles River with dancers of all ages.

Elizabeth looks forward to creating moments of joy and authentic connection with Hummingbird Project clients. She brings to this work her enthusiasm for building these moments of meeting.

Vicki Alvarez, MS, BC-DMT

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
BA Psychology, Minor in Dance, California State University, Northridge; MS Dance/Movement Therapy, Pratt Institute

Honoring and respecting elders is embedded in Vicki’s cultural background as a Filipino-American. Growing up, she was inspired by her grandmother to live life through her values of integrity and kindness by serving others in a hospitable manner. Her grandmother displayed ambition as the matriarch of the family, which influenced Vicki to adopt the same mindset for her own goals. Today she is committed to helping others empower themselves through creative expression.

Originally from San Francisco, Vicki has always had a love and passion for dance and the many ways it brings people together. She has trained and performed in styles such as ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, modern, contemporary, and various partner dances. She was introduced to dance/movement therapy through volunteering with a therapeutic movement program originally called “Dance for All” that helped to promote social, emotional, and cognitive skills for adults with developmental disabilities through dance and movement. In 2018 she rebranded the Santa Monica-based program with her colleague and named it Let’s Dance It Out. Vicki combined her curiosity about human behavior with her love of dance by pursuing her master’s degree in Dance/Movement Therapy. As a spiritual person she believes that the body serves as the unconscious mind, which can be channeled in many powerful ways to bring healing across many populations using the universal language of movement, developing relationships and connections with one another, and ultimately creating a deepened sense of empathy and overall well-being.

Sheila Silver, MA

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
MA, Theater Arts, California State University Fullerton,
BA Theater Arts/English – California State University Fullerton,
Lifetime California State Teacher Credential – English/Language Arts,
Mentor/Supervisor/Trainer – California Department of Education

Born with the heart of a hummingbird, Sheila’s career in education spans nearly 40 years, during which time she dedicated herself to providing creative expression, autonomy, personal growth, and academic challenges to her high school and college students. Also an actress, writer, comedian, improvisation artist, director, lover of language and literature, Sheila embraces a life filled with zest and creativity. She is especially proud of the programs she developed and administered using theater as a modality in working with stroke patients, students on the autism spectrum, English Language Learners, and emerging teachers.

From the time she was five years old, Sheila knew she would be a teacher. When she was 17, her father had a severe stroke leaving him paralyzed on his entire right side and fully taking away his speech. For the next five years, Sheila accompanied him to his speech, occupational, and physical therapy, then she would continue the work on a daily basis at home. It was from helping her father regain his life that she first began using her theater experiences to bring someone back into the world.

More than 20 years after her father passed away, Sheila’s younger son was diagnosed with autism; she realized that the years she spent caring for her father had prepared her to be Adam’s mother. From father to son, Sheila has dedicated herself to the most beloved people in her life. She brings this same love and commitment to her Hummingbird clients.

Hannah Liu, MA

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
MA Marriage and Family Therapy, Specializing in Art Therapy, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA
BA Fine Art, Minor in Psychology, Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA

Hannah’s love of both the arts and helping others has been at the forefront of all she has done in both her personal and professional life. Hannah brings to Hummingbird Project her wealth of experiences and knowledge using multisensory materials and activities to engage and draw out the creativity of others. Hannah’s strengths lie in her resourcefulness, her tenacity, her genuine heart for service and her ability to connect with others. She approaches each day and unique challenges with enthusiasm, patience, and humor. Her desire to work with the elder population in part stems from personal experiences with elders in her life going through dementia and cognitive decline. Hannah hopes to hone the healing power of art to provide dignity and joy, while honoring the individual stories and experiences of each person she comes alongside on this journey.

Lani Ludwig-Tóth, MA, MT-BC

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
BA Communication, University of California, San Diego
MA Music Therapy, New York University

A proficient singer and music lover since childhood, Lani has cultivated the ideal marriage of her lifelong passions for the arts and helping others as a Board-Certified Music Therapist since 2013. Lani brings to Hummingbird Project a diverse spectrum of professional experience predominantly in the eldercare, hospice, medical, and mental health settings. She utilizes her voice as a primary instrument to connect, communicate, and promote engagement with clients vocally as well as verbally. She also incorporates acoustic guitar, piano, and multi-sensory small percussion instruments into her sessions.

Improvisation in music and in the present moment is at the heart of Lani’s intuitive, person-centered work with the universal goal of meeting clients where they are and developing therapeutic relationships that naturally encourage creative self-expression, leading to the best possible outcomes. Lani is grateful to have enjoyed close relationships with her grandparents well into her adult life and deeply values recreating those cherished relationships with her elder clients. She is excited to maximize Hummingbird Project clients’ quality of life not only through music, but via infinite other media and creative interventions customized to her clients’ individual and unique interests and needs.

Seattle

Jill Ellison, MS, CTRS

Manager of Hummingbird Project Services
BS in Therapeutic Recreation, Grand Valley State University; MS in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Jill finds great joy in curating meaningful leisure and recreation experiences for others and embraces a collaborative approach to therapeutic activity planning. She loves discovering and nurturing activities that truly light someone up! After her grandmother had a stroke and moved in with her family, Jill observed how frequent activity engagement, socialization, and intergenerational connection contributed to her grandmother’s quality of life. For Jill, the privilege of taking part in her grandmother’s care led to pursuing a career in Therapeutic Recreation that would allow her to serve others in a similar way. Jill has experience creating unique recreation experiences for diverse populations and loves working alongside clients to create a tailored plan that meets their needs and creates joyful moments!

Susan Martelino, MA

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
BA Psychology, Upper Iowa University; MA Marriage and Family Therapy, St. Mary’s University of Minnesota

Susan’s close relationship with her surrogate grandmother taught her to treat older people with care and respect—and fostered her interest in working with elder men and women. She also discovered the wisdom each elder person holds as they share their experience and knowledge and believes they should be recognized for the great teachers they are. Susan’s favorite activities to share with her clients include movement, sensory stimulation, life stories, and tapping into their unique interests to maintain who they are.

Linda Kruger, BA

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
Certifications: CDES – Certified Dementia Engagement Specialist, CDCP – Certified Dementia Care Partner, Change Management Professional (CMP), Vinyasa Yoga Instructor, American Sailing Association – Coastal Cruising (ASA 103), Project Management Professional (PMP)
BA Art History/Industrial Design, University of Cincinnati

Linda was raised in the Midwest and has enjoyed a varied career in the aging, underserved populations, and housing fields. In her vocation, she valued being of service to others, making a positive impact on people’s lives, as well as teaching, leadership, and innovation. As a brain injury survivor, Linda firmly believes that a holistic approach is vital for healing, well-being, and living life to its fullest. Linda loves to learn about her client’s background and interests, as well as creating opportunities to enjoy them. In her spare time, Linda enjoys social opportunities, art, music, physical activity, mind-body practice, nature, and her Catholic faith.

Kate Barker, MMus

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
BA in Music, Emphasis in Performance, Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri;
MMus, Emphasis in Cello Pedagogy and Musicology, Lamont School of Music, University of
Denver

Kate finds profound delight in engaging with others creatively. Music is one of many ways she values connecting and learning with clients to explore expression, story, meaning making, and holistic well-being.

Kate grew up in a large, intergenerational, and multicultural family. Inspired by her beloved grandparents who had significant and formative roles in her life, an attitude of gratitude led Kate from an early career in music education to a middle career in higher education connecting students with unique professionals for vocational mentorships. Through these experiences Kate witnessed how everyone’s quality of life is enriched when we connect intentionally and creatively.

Kate believes that our emotional, physical, social, and spiritual identities make up our unique stories, and creativity brings new understanding, connection, and meaning that reflect a client’s values and sense of self. Committed to holistic development and respect throughout all of life, Kate joined The Hummingbird Project to engage more closely with intergenerational creativity, expression, and connection. She is an advocate for fostering quality of life in the elder years and engages clients with warmth, zest, and sensitivity to collaboratively discover and create meaningful moments of joy.

Jen Allen, BA

Quality of Life Engagement Specialist
BA, Music & Movement, The Evergreen State College

When Jen was small, she played rowdy games of catch indoors with her great-grandfather, Ralph. He was encouraging and playful, and time with Ralph was Jen’s first experience with dementia. Years later, working with a group in an adult day program was a revelation! The group taught Jen ways to spark their curiosity, creativity, and move them to action. After time, Jen facilitated many collaborative art projects. One mural was chosen by a jury and displayed in the Olympia City Hall in 2021. Some of the pieces are still displayed in the Virgil Clarkson Lacey Senior Center. Through this connection, Jen learned there is an eagerness and pride in being a productive part of a group waiting to be discovered in every person. With 18 years of experience in mental health and dementia care, as well as other conditions affecting the elderly, Jen’s primary goal is to identify and nurture those small sparks that motivate individuals and bring them to life.

Virtual

Alicia Harris, BFA

Therapeutic Activity Specialist
BFA Painting and Drawing, University of Utah

Alicia’s love of art and variety started at an early age while growing up in the Middle East, surrounded by a diversity of ethnicities and artistic cultures. The desire to focus that energy into working with seniors with dementia started soon after Alicia’s grandmother, who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, moved in with Alicia’s family.

Now Alicia has over 19 years of experience that includes volunteering with hospice and the Alzheimer’s Association as well as working in Adult Day programs, Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Facilities. She also managed a Memory Care Community for over 10 years.

Alicia believes that some of the most profound and meaningful lessons she has learned have come from people who are living with dementia. She highly values what they have to offer the world. She is both determined and excited to help find the individual bridges that help older adults connect with life and defy their mental or physical concerns.

Kari Rogenski, MA, LMFT, PhD Candidate

Emeritus Engagement Specialist | Co-Creator, The Hummingbird Project | Consultant

Kari is the co-creator of The Hummingbird Project — a nationally recognized program enhancing quality of life for older and disabled adults — a licensed marriage and family therapist, creative arts therapist, co-author of Joyful Moments: Meaningful Activities to Engage Older Adults, and a passionate advocate for aging with curiosity, dignity, and joy.

The Hummingbird Project^SM is a division of Sage Eldercare Solutions—dedicated to promoting quality of care and quality of life by providing comprehensive eldercare services to help keep older adults as safe, independent, engaged, and well as possible.

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