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.
Jennifer 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.
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:
Ashley Brooks, MA - Director of Counseling & Caregiver Support
Ashley 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Deborah 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.
Allyson received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1986. Her 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.
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.
Caregiving Corner especially Ashlyn Hyde took excellent care of my mother for over 12 months. Ashlyn visited with mom once a week or whenever a need came up. My mother suffered from memory issues and mobility issues. Ashlyn and Caregiving Corner were always available to assist in additional care, doctor/hospital visits. When she was unable to live alone, Caregiving Corners were able to coordinate her move and downsize. There contacts made the relocation from Independent living to Assisted Living and then Memory care effortless, from my perspective. I live in California and mom was in Charlotte, Caregiving Corner served as an advocate for mom, always looking out for what was best for her and her condition. Finally when it came time for Hospice to enter, Ashlyn was able to recognize the need and recommend to me. I was probably in denial but trusted Ashlyn and feel mom's final days were much more comfortable and less confusing thanks to her efforts. I will always owe a debt of gratitude to Ashlyn for what she was able to provide for mom! Thanks again
I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Caregiving Corner as a Fractional COO since March 2023, and my experience has been nothing short of exceptional. From the moment I joined their team, it was evident that they prioritize their clients and care managers, fostering an environment of mutual respect and support.The company's commitment to streamlined processes and effective communication has been a game-changer. As a Fractional COO, I've had the opportunity to implement strategies that optimize operations and enhance overall efficiency. What truly sets Caregiving Corner apart is its unwavering dedication to the well-being of its clients. They prioritize open dialogue and maintain a strong sense of partnership, which has contributed significantly to the success of their education and partnerships in the community.In an industry where compassion and efficiency go hand in hand, Caregiving Conrer strikes the perfect balance.As a Fractional COO, I couldn't ask for a more fulfilling and rewarding partnership. If you're a caregiver looking for support, I wholeheartedly recommend Caregiving Corner. They are a true embodiment of integrity, compassion, and operational excellence.
Jennifer and Caregiving Corner are a trusted resource for senior care. Jennifer has a wealth of knowledge and will give you honest, unbiased advice in planning for the care of your loved one. Investing in her services is money well spent.
Jennifer and the Team at Caregiving Corner are patient, kind, courteous and generous with their time and their efforts. I would trust them implicitly with my family's best interest. Jennifer's willingness to provide support and guidance is second to none! Highly, highly recommend her services. Amazing advocate for her clients. She truly, truly cares and has their best interests at heart.
I'm writing to recommend Care Giving Corner for the best elder care management services I have come across. We were introduced to them for help with our parents' care by the Rev. Lisa Saunders at Christ Episcopal Church in Charlotte, who had known our family for 20 or 30 years. We had worked with a couple of the big national elder-care chains before, but their people seem so limited and their standard of care seemed very "average" at best.We work with Susan Ferone as our case worker/manager and Allyson Cooksy as our RN. They are conscientious, high-caliber, top-flight people. They're the kind of people we'd want to entertain with and be friends with, not just tolerate as hired help.They recently helped my parents identify and move to a retirement community that is a vast improvement over the retirement facility they had been in before. They connected us with services that helped with organizing, packing, moving, unpacking, setting up, and settling in. They even helped my mother find a decorator to help with some fabric choices and paint schemes to suit her new digs. That alone is half the battle - knowing who are the reliable, trustworthy service providers for various ancillary services.Allyson has helped my parents manage medical appointments, keep track of treatments and prescriptions, and devise daily structure that keeps things on track. She has helped identify and get services from therapists, etc. Allyson is amazing and a delight to be around.We live in a time when even those of us who are well-established and well-connected in our communities can feel bewildered by the experience of aging and everything that goes with it. Susan, Allyson, and their colleagues comprise an able and caring resource in an otherwise confusing and dysfunctional elder-care environment.
Jennifer and her team are top-notch and, without question, the best in the business. As an elder law attorney, I routinely refer my clients to Caregiving Corner because I know they will treat my clients like family. Thank you, Jennifer, for building such an incredible business that meets the needs of so many people!
Jennifer Szakaly is a registered guardian with high integrity and ethics. Jennifer goes above and beyond for her clients and she is not afraid to handle difficult cases and family dynamics to ensure her wards receive the best and most appropriate care. I cannot recommend her highly enough and I refer clients the Charlotte area to her very regularly. For any client in need of Aging Life Care Management or a Guardian, Jennifer and Caregiving Corner is the superior choice.
Caregiving Corner is an amazing resource for anyone who is navigating the experience of aging or caring for an aging family member. Jennifer and her team offer such a broad range of services - from helping families choose care facilities and make healthcare decisions to serving as a legal guardian for those who don't have family members (or whose family members are too unreliable). Their collective experience is invaluable, and most importantly, they have a genuine passion for working with older adults and their caregivers, and it shows. I enthusiastically recommend Caregiving Corner to everyone I know who is dealing with the often-challenging situation of caring for an aging loved one.
Since I started Transition With Care in 2009, a senior move management company, I have confidently referred my clients and families in need of care management services to Caregiving Corner. I have never received any negative feedback from my clients and consider Jennifer Szakaly and her team to be a shining example of how to help seniors and families navigate the complexities of caring for an aging loved one.
Our team at The Charlotte Assisted Living Community and Memory Care has had the pleasure of working with Jennifer and the Caregiving Corner Team for the last six months.During what can be some of the most trying and difficult times for their clients and loved ones, the Caregiving Corner team assists in navigating the journey to find a solution.Their compassion and dedication to their clients is above board. They offer a professional and sincere level of care to each family they are assisting. We look forward to our continued partnership.
I’m thankful for the guidance I’ve received from Jennifer Szakaly. She has helped me address current caregiving needs as well as understand options for what’s ahead. Her professionalism and experience is second to none.
I am an elder law attorney who has worked almost exclusively in the field of incompetency/guardianship for folks who no longer have the capacity to care for themselves. This is an extremely sensitive family matter, and the family of the incapacitated elder find themselves in a crisis and a world they do not understand. Caregiving Corner has been a savior to these families and lawyers in this field. Jennifer Szakaly, the founder and owner of Caregiving Corner, has assisted me in many cases, in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties, with evaluating, advocating for and acting as corporate guardian in these unfortunate situations. Caregiving Corner has a staff of professionals who assess the crisis, help find placement for the individual, and care for the individual and act in their best interests in all of their health matters. Jennifer is approved with the Clerks of Court who appoint her company. She is a Board member of affiliated organizations and non-profits. She is nationally certified as a corporate guardian, as well as holds degrees and other certifications in the field of geriatric care. I don't know anyone more qualified in this field or anyone more compassionate for the work she does for others.
Jennifer and her team take outstanding care of their clients and families! They are well-respected as professionals in this industry. Highly recommend Caregiving Corner!
Jennifer T. Szakaly, MA, CMC, NMG attended UNC-Charlotte and earned her Master of Arts in Gerontology in 2002.
Ashley 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).
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.
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.
Deborah 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.
Her 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.
Bio coming soon!
