Who We Are

In 2005, I started Caregiving Corner to combine my passion for working with older adults with the needs of family caregivers – to have peace of mind, clarity, and confidence about their role as a caregiver.

We use our expertise and resourcefulness to help families of older adults navigate through the complexity and emotional impact of caregiving decisions. As the result of our guidance, families will experience less stress and greater peace of mind.

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Our Founder & CEO

Jennifer - headshotJennifer T. Szakaly, MA, CMC, NMG attended UNC-Charlotte and earned her Master of Arts in Gerontology in 2002.

Following her work for various for-profit and non-profit organizations in the aging industry, she opened Caregiving Corner in 2005.  Jennifer became nationally certified as a care manager in 2008 and nationally certified as a guardian in 2018. In 2023, Jennifer obtained her National Master Guardian designation, held by fewer than 100 guardians nationwide.

Jennifer previously served as President of the Southeast Chapter of the Aging Life Care Association and has also served as a Board Member for the North Carolina Guardianship Association. Currently, Jennifer serves as Board Member for the Aging Life Care Association.

More important than her professional accomplishments are the qualities of compassion, integrity, and resourcefulness that equip her with the skills to help families through the most difficult caregiving challenges.

Jennifer is a proud Fellow of the Leadership Academy of the Aging Life Care Association, the highest designation achievable in this profession.

 

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Professional memberships

We pride ourselves in our commitment to stay abreast of the ever-changing landscape of senior services and aging research. To this end, our Aging Life Care Managers are members of the following professional organizations:

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Ashley Brooks, MA - Director of Counseling & Caregiver Support

geriatric care managerAshley received her Master of Arts degree in Community Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2001.She recently joined the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care managers as an Associate Care Manager and is currently pursuing her license to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

Her professional experience includes counseling, chaplaincy services, crisis, emergency & trauma services, consulting in patient care, conducting assessments, locating community resources & research services, and assisting individuals who are dealing with grief and loss.  Ashley’s commitment to our firm’s clients is to provide methods and resources to generate personalized solutions that can restore balance in your life.  She will be with you every step of the way while you navigate the challenges that arise in taking care of a loved one.

Ashley is a Professional Member of the Aging Life Care Association

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Susan Ferone - Director of Care Management

Susan received her Masters in Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1993 with a concentration in mental health. The North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board has certified Susan as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She currently serves on the Board of Social Advisors for the UNC School of Social Work.

Her professional experience includes work as a Care Coordinator-providing referrals, establishing care teams, supportive therapy and educational programming. Susan has co-facilitated support groups for both caregivers and those experiencing grief and loss. Her community involvement includes volunteering with public education, affordable housing and scouting.

Susan is a Professional Member of the Aging Life Care Association.

 

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Barbara Moore - Nurse Care Manager

Barbara received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1998.  After college, she moved to Denver, Colorado, where she worked in clinical areas, including neurosurgery, orthopedics, and rehabilitation.  She also has experience working in hospital case management and nurse management at a community health clinic. Barbara became certified as a care manager by the National Academy of Certified Care Managers in 2024.

After moving back to North Carolina in 2004, Barbara found a passion for working with seniors as she transitioned her career and served as a Director of Senior Adult Ministries for a large church in the Lake Norman area.  There she was able to plan programs geared toward seniors, lead support groups, and provide counsel for those dealing with health crises, chronic health conditions, and grief.  Most recently, Barbara was the Director of Nursing and Agency Director of a Charlotte-based senior home care agency.  She spent six years advocating for clients and educating families while developing client-centered care plans focused on keeping seniors safe, healthy, and happy. 

Barbara uses positive energy along with her ability to listen, problem solve, and advocate to create strong relationships with her clients and families as she assists them with care management.   

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Ashlyn Hyde - Care Manager

 

Ashlyn received her Master of Healthcare Administration and Master of Public Health degrees from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. With a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology, she brings a wealth of knowledge and interest in the field of aging to our team.

Ashlyn is a Greensboro native and now resides in Charlotte. She joined our team in 2022 as an Assistant Care Manager and was promoted to Care Manager in 2023.

Ashlyn became nationally certified as a care manager by the National Academy of Certified Care Managers in 2024.

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Ginny Sloan - Care Manager

Ginny Sloan received her Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2004. She is licensed in NC as a clinical social worker (LCSW) and certified dementia practitioner.  

Her professional experience includes serving as a crisis counselor in the mental health clinic and as a case manager and discharge planner in the inpatient hospital setting. Most recently, she has worked in primary care providing wellness counseling and caregiver support, connecting patients and families with resources, and co-facilitating a grief support group. Ginny enjoys working with families to find solutions and navigate the complexities of healthcare and aging.   

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Leah Cooper - Care Manager

Leah received her Masters in Human Development and Learning at UNC Charlotte in 1991. She returned for more graduate work in Gerontology in 2014. She is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and Certified Care Manager.

Leah has worked with older adults, supporting caregivers, and those living with dementia since 2014. Her professional experience includes time as a substance abuse counselor and Montessori teacher. She has had many years of leading support groups, including the Caregiver TLC Program through UNC Charlotte. Leah is a proud member of the Aging Life Care Association.

As a care manager, Leah loves helping people find solutions and supporting them in the process. She wants the families she works with to feel heard, respected, and live with dignity.

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Rachael Holden - Care Manager

Rachael received her Master of Public Health from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and her Bachelors degree in public health and gerontology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Rachael has worked in the aging industry in many different capacities. She utilizes her knowledge and passion to positively impact the lives of others.

Rachael is originally from Greensboro, NC, but now lives in Monroe, NC with her husband, daughter and 2 fur babies. When she isn’t working she enjoys spending time with her family, lifting weights and reading.

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Deborah Agnone - Creative Engagement Director

elderly care managerDeborah graduated from Appalachian State University with a Masters degree in Education and a Bachelors degree in Special Education with a focus in psychology. Her undergraduate studies at Queens College encompassed Music Therapy.

Deborah has taught school, developed a special education program for a missions school abroad and served as an activities coordinator for a dementia day program at a prestigious retirement community in Charlotte.

Deborah brings a personal touch to our clients with her music and art abilities and specializes in bringing creative fun and connections to our clients through outings and one-on-one time spent exploring each individual’s varying interests and needs.

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Allyson C. Jones - Nurse Care Manager

Allyson received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1986. Allyson headshotHer professional experience spans 30 years of patient care in Charlotte, with focus in oncology, obstetrics/gynecology and dermatology. Her roles have included primary care, triage, patient education, and health care coordination with both physicians and specialists. More recently, she served as part of Novant’s COVID screening and care teams in multiple locations throughout Charlotte.

During her career, and in support of family members, she has developed a passion for caregiving in the aging process. She brings a personable, high-energy approach to her patients, establishing relationships with patients and families to ensure a clear understanding of patient needs.

Allyson believes that peace of mind in the aging requires planning, coordination and emotional support, and she’s excited to be part of the Caregiving Corner team.

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Ruth Huey - Nurse Care Manager

Ruth - headshot Bio coming soon!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Kristin Whitten - Care Manager

Kristin received her Bachelor’s in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2005. She currently serves on the School Advisory Board for the UNCC School of Social Work and has also served as a practicum supervisor for BSW students since 2015. She is a certified dementia practitioner.

Kristin has worked with older adults since 2005 and served as a social worker at a large continuing care retirement community for the majority of that time. She practiced in all levels of care during her time there, focusing on care planning and discharge planning for short-term rehab clients. For the past year, she has worked as a community social worker/elder advocate attached to an elder law firm serving clients in NC & SC.

In this role, she provided care management, placement support, and assisted families and clients in connecting with community resources and programs. Kristin is excited to bring her passion for helping older adults and their families access support & resources to her role as a care manager with Caregiving Corner.

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Chanel Glover - Care Manager

Chanel received her Master’s in Gerontology at UNC Charlotte and her undergraduate degree in Business Management at Clark Atlanta University. She later obtained her North Carolina Administrators License in 2023.

Chanel’s professional background consists of over 14 years in senior living, sales and marketing, banking, higher education, and business development. She started her career in senior living as a Memory Care Director, specializing in dementia care and training. This experience allowed her to better understand the industry and needs of not only the residents but their families as well.

Chanel takes pride in her dedication to her clients with patience, attention to detail, personal touches, and compassion. She is an advocate for seniors and quickly builds strong relationships with clients and professionals alike.

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