2022 Senior Center Programs of Excellence – Reducing Social Isolation

Dianne Stone has more than 20 years of experience with senior centers and aging issues, primarily as the Director of the Newington Senior and Disabled Center in Newington, Connecticut. Stone has also worked, volunteered, and held leadership positions with a variety of organizations in Connecticut, including Connecticut AgeWell Collaborative, the ADA Coalition of Connecticut, Connecticut Medicaid Oversight Council, and the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity. She joined NCOA in January 2022, as a member of the Center for Healthy Aging, where she is primarily focused on supporting senior centers throughout the country through the ACL-funded Modernizing Senior Centers Resource Center and NISC. 

Amy is a Program Coordinator and an Information and Referral Specialist at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh. Amy joined AgeWell At The JCC in 2007 and has been responsible for developing and implementing the CheckMates peer telephone reassurance program, recruiting and training older adult volunteers, implementing and coordinating outreach efforts and making necessary referrals for older adults within and outside of the AgeWell Pittsburgh network. Before working with older adults, Amy’s previous experience includes more than 15 years of working with children and families.

Tracey Colagrossi has over 20 years' experience working with older adults in community-based settings.  Ms. Colagrossi is the Senior Center Manager for the Arlington Heights Senior Center, a unique model of 8 tenant agencies serving older adults.  Ms. Colagrossi is the Past Chair of the Executive Committee for the National Institute of Senior Centers with the National Council on Aging. Tracey Colagrossi has an associate degree from the American Academy of Art, a bachelor's in organizational management and leadership from Judson University, and a Master in Gerontology Aging Services from the University of Massachusetts, Boston.