As President and CEO of the National Council on Aging, Ramsey Alwin is leading a nationwide movement to ensure equitable aging for every American. 

Building on NCOA’s 75 years of service and advocacy for older adults, Alwin is renewing the organization’s commitment to improving the lives of millions, especially those who are struggling. She is sparking critical conversations about the resources every American deserves to age well—and what needs to change to ensure all have access.

A seasoned thought leader and policy advocate, Alwin has changed the way people think about older adult poverty and economic security. She designed a new measure of economic security for older adults that better accounts for out-of-pocket health costs and worked to introduce the Measuring American Poverty Act in Congress to redefine the federal poverty measure for the older population. Thanks to Alwin’s efforts, the U.S. Census Bureau formally implemented the Supplemental Poverty Measure nationwide, virtually doubling the elder poverty count and better demonstrating true needs among this population. 

Prior to leading NCOA, Alwin directed financial resilience global thought leadership at AARP and served as Director of National Economic Security Programs at Wider Opportunities for Women. Currently, she serves on the Executive Committee of the UN NGO Committee on Aging, the America250 Health and Wellness Advisory Council, and the National Academy of Social Insurance Finance Committee.

As an internationally recognized, FBI-trained crisis negotiator and mental health advocate, Kevin Briggs has shared his compelling story and personal experience on some of the world’s most respected platforms. His work has been featured in a TED Talk at the 2014 Technology, Entertainment, and Design (TED) Conference, as well as on NBC’s Access Live, Yahoo News, The New Yorker, Men’s Health, NPR’s Bob Edwards Radio Show, People Magazine, USA Today, The Jennifer Hudson Show, and numerous other outlets worldwide. His first book, Guardian of the Golden Gate, was released in July 2015. A retired California Highway Patrol sergeant, Briggs spent many years patrolling the Golden Gate Bridge, where he encountered individuals in profound emotional distress who were contemplating suicide. Through compassion, patience, and his philosophy of “Listen to Understand,” he helped guide several hundred people away from taking their lives and toward the possibility of a new beginning. These extraordinary efforts earned him the enduring nickname, “Guardian of the Golden Gate.” Briggs served three years in the United States Army, three years with the California Department of Corrections, and 23 years with the California Highway Patrol. Since retiring from the CHP, he has dedicated his life to promoting mental health awareness, resilience, and hope worldwide. His personal journey includes surviving child abuse, battling cancer at age 20, undergoing heart surgery, and coping as a suicide loss survivor. He openly shares how faith, resilience, and post-traumatic growth have played a vital role in navigating life’s most difficult challenges

Gabriel Halperin-Goldstein, LSW, is a clinical social worker who recently graduated from Temple University. He has spent the past year with the Hoarding Program at Jewish Family and Children's Services, working with both individual clients and facilitating several Buried in Treasures groups. In addition to social work, Gabe has worked in digital communications, writing news stories and blogs about research in public health and business.

Alana Knoppow, MSW is the Assistant Director of Programs and Training at the Center on Aging, Trauma, and Holocaust Survivor Care at the Jewish Federations of North America. She has more than a decade of experience leading nonprofit programs focused on improving the lives of older adults. Alana holds an MSW with specializations in Aging and Management as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Michigan, where she is also a Geriatric Scholar Fellow. Additionally, she holds professional certificates in Advanced Clinical Dementia Practice and Human Resources. Outside of her professional work, Alana volunteers with Holocaust survivors and provides pet therapy across many communities.

Sheila Lorrett Emerson is a community reporter and producer who focuses on uplifting and celebrating the joy in underrepresented and marginalized communities, especially those of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC); and, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual, Queer/Questioning, 2 Spirit, Plus (LGBTQ2S+); as well as serving as a change agent to help eradicate the stigmas surrounding such areas as mental health, disabilities, and sex work. Sheila likes to get, in the words of Civil Rights Leader John Lewis, “in good trouble, necessary trouble!” A powerhouse in community engagement, Sheila’s dedication to advocacy took center stage when she spoke at the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington, addressing attendees from across the nation. Sheila is a Commissioner for the City of Philadelphia Mayor’s Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual, and Queer Affairs (LGBTQ).

Courtney Owen, LCSW, has primary responsibility for leadership of specific JFCS programs; ensures the fiscally responsible operation of those programs and services; and seeks new program development opportunities consistent with the mission and values of the organization. In this role, Courtney partners with program leaders and the development team in the identification and pursuit of new funding sources for program sustenance and expansion. Courtney received her MSW from Tulane University and her BS in Psychology from the University of Oregon. She has over 14 years of experience providing community based mental health and social services in Philadelphia and New Orleans. Prior roles at the organization include JFCS Director of Individual and Family Services (2017-2022) and JFCS Program Manager for Hoarding & Care Management (2015-2017).

Amanda Krisher, MSW, LCSW, brings over 15 years of direct practice and program management experience to the National Council on Aging where she serves as the Associate Director for Behavioral Health in the Center for Healthy Aging. A seasoned professional in the older adult care industry, she previously was the Senior Director for a live virtual training program for older adult care professionals and a clinical social worker for a community health program and hospice organization. She received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Maryland School of Social Work in Baltimore and is a Licensed Certified Clinical Social Worker in Maryland and Virginia. As a leader in older adult care, she has presented at national conferences and statewide meetings.

Nandita Chaudhuri is a Research Scientist at the Public Policy Research Institute, Texas A&M University. With a Ph.D. in Comparative Politics (University of Oregon, 2002), she has over 20 years of global experience in securing and directing public health research projects focusing on vulnerable and underserved populations. As a principal investigator, she has managed more than 30 complex mixed-methods research projects funded by leading state and federal agencies in the public health domain including CDC, NIH, SAMHSA, HRSA, ACL, Texas HHSC, DSHS and WHO. From A&M, she currently serves as the principal investigator for the 3-Year (2019-2022) Texas Congregate Meal Initiative (TCMI) project funded by ACL that aims to modernize the statewide congregate meal programs and develop the Texas specific evidence base for the aging network. She also serves as the current co-chair for the American Evaluation Association’s Qualitative Methods Topical Interest Group (TIG). She is a frequent presenter at national and state level public health meetings and conferences.

Lon Kieffer, RN, BSN, MBA, NHA, "retired" as a professional comedian in 1984... and "let humor work" as he became a widely respected expert on Caregiver Leadership in the Senior Living Industry.

Lon was awarded Administration of the Year by the DE Health Care Facilities Organization in 2004. He is an accomplished senior services manager, with niche expertise administering Continuing Care Retirement Communities using an education-based, proactive person-centered model. He currently oversees the Chronic Disease Management and Falls Prevention programming for Education Health and Research International at Milford Wellness Village.

He and a team of personally chosen professional Comics are now "EnterTraining" the "55+ Community" with Clean Stand-Up Comedy!

Dr. Wei-Hsuan “Jenny” Lo-Ciganic is a tenured Professor of Medicine and Biomedical Informatics at the University of Pittsburgh and a Research Health Scientist at the VA Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center in Florida. She is a pharmacoepidemiologist whose work focuses on improving medication safety and prescribing quality for older adults and other populations at high risk for medication-related harms.

Her research uses large real-world healthcare data to address practical questions about how medications affect outcomes such as falls, overdose, and quality of life. She has particular expertise in evaluating antidepressants, opioids, and other commonly prescribed medications among older adults, with the goal of helping clinicians and community partners make safer, more informed treatment decisions.

Dr. Lo-Ciganic leads multiple National Institutes of Health–funded studies that apply advanced analytics, including machine learning, to reduce preventable injuries and improve medication safety. She has authored more than 135 peer-reviewed publications and is deeply committed to translating research findings into actionable guidance for clinicians, community-based organizations, and older adults.

Michael Bauer, MS, is the Director of the Bureau of Occupational Health and Injury Prevention at the New York State Department of Health. He has been working in injury and violence surveillance, epidemiology, and prevention for over 23 years and is committed to moving research to practice, ensuring that evidence-based programs are reaching the appropriate populations. As Bureau Director, he provides leadership, guidance, and direction with a focus on translating data into action. The projects he oversees include older adult fall prevention, motor vehicle safety, adverse childhood experiences, traumatic brain injuries, and self-directed and interpersonal violence. He has co-authored several peer reviewed articles and his work has been presented at numerous national and state conferences. Nationally, he is the Chair of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists Injury, Substance Use and Mental Health Steering Committee and a previous president of the Safe States Alliance Executive Committee

Brooklyn born and raised, I am the youngest of four daughters. Unlike my sisters who settled on Staten Island, I stayed in Brooklyn with my husband. My dad was always my guiding light encouraging me to go to college and further my education. He had a long passion to learn and stay fit. At 59 years old he started a new hobby and found joy in tai chi. He enjoyed playing tennis and swimming was always his favorite.

Now I have a passion for learning as well. I worked in Brooklyn as a guidance counselor at a high school for girls for six years and then worked in Manhattan at a public high school for over 20 years and recently retired after 26 years. After 45 years of experience as a college advisor, the most in the inner-city public school system, I discovered that physical and mental health are equally important.

When the global pandemic struck, I discovered the importance of maintaining physical and mental health. I am proud to share my experience and passion for Tai Chi as an integral part of life, reduce falls, and enhance overall well-being. Practicing tai chi has become a cornerstone of my routine.
I am grateful to speak at the Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day.

Dr. Nicole Persing-Wethington is a Health Educator with Michigan State University Extension’s Health and Nutrition Institute. She leads statewide initiatives focused on falls prevention, mindfulness, social-emotional health, and well-being across the lifespan. She facilitates a wide range of research and evidence-based health programs and partners with government, academic, and community organizations to provide person-centered approaches to well-being education. Her work integrates the science of learning, educational technology, instructional design, behavior change, and systems thinking to strengthen program design and enhance participant impact. She is particularly passionate about translating research into practical tools that empower individuals and organizations to create meaningful, sustainable change. Nicole holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management; Master’s in Learning, Design, and Technology; and Doctorate in Educational Technology.

Liz Williams, M.Ed., is a dedicated health educator specializing in disease prevention and community behavioral health. She offers a wide range of programs aimed at promoting overall well-being. Her areas of interest include sleep health, substance use disorder/harm reduction, Tai Chi and nutrition. She holds a master’s degree in Community Health Education from Wayne State University and earned her bachelor’s degree in Family Studies with a concentration on Substance Abuse Education: Prevention, Intervention, and Treatment from Central Michigan University.

Hello, my name is Gloria Ramsey. Before I retired, I was a primary teacher both overseas and here in zone 8b. Once I retired, I registered for the Master Gardening certification classes through my local extension office. Nowadays you will find me outside with plenty of sunblock and water.Thank you for your participation today and I hope you enjoy the symposium.

Yasmin Radbod is a policy professional and systems strategist focused on strengthening Alaska’s aging and long-term services and supports LTSS infrastructure. Her work centers on Medicaid-funded services, workforce development, sustainable financing strategies, and policy alignment to support aging in place across Alaska. She works at the intersection of state government, tribal health systems, nonprofit and community-based organizations, and care providers to advance practical, fiscally responsible solutions that reflect Alaska’s unique geographic and demographic realities.

With a background spanning both public policy and business, Yasmin brings both legislative fluency and financial insight to complex healthcare challenges. In addition to her policy work, she leads data and communications initiatives that translate complex system issues into accessible reports, annual data publications, and public-facing materials that inform decision-making and stakeholder engagement. Her work emphasizes collaboration, operational feasibility and long-term sustainability in strengthening care systems for older Alaskans.

Dr. Pata Suyemoto is a feminist scholar, writer, educator, curriculum developer, equity trainer, mental health activist, jewelry designer, and avid bicyclist. She earned her PhD. from the University of Pennsylvania and did her research on anti-racist education and issues of race and racism. She is the Co-executive Director for the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA) and is passionate about creating awareness of the unique mental health issues AANHPI communities face and elevating the voices of people with lived mental health experience. She is also the Associate Director of Equity for the Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention (MCSP) and the co-chair of the Greater Boston Regional Suicide Prevention Coalition. Pata is also founder and co-chair of the MCSP Alliance for Equity and one of the authors of Widening the Lens: Exploring the Role of Social Justice in Suicide Prevention – A Racial Equity Toolkit. She has spoken and written about being a suicide attempt survivor and her struggles with chronic depression and complex PTSD. Pata is a member of a number of boards and committees including the MCSP’s Executive Committee and the planning committee for the annual Asian American Mental Health Forum. She is also the chair of the Suicide Prevention Resource Center’s (SPRC) Lived Experience Advisory Committee (LEAC). In 2024, she won the American Association of Suicidology’s Transforming Lived Experience Award and her claim to fame is that she rode her bicycle across the country in the summer of 2012.

Bailey Rickels is the adult injury prevention coordinator for the University of Iowa Health Care Level 1 Trauma Center. She graduated with her Master of Public Health with an emphasis in community and behavioral health in 2021 from the University of Iowa College of Public Health. She graduated with her bachelors degree in criminal justice with minors in legal studies, psychology, and writing in 2018 from Mount Mercy University. She currently serves as the co-director on an ACL falls prevention grant and is certified as a health education specialist, Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention instructor, Seated Tai Chi instructor, and Stepping On facilitator. Bailey has a passion for working with older adults in her community and beyond.

Amanda Krisher, MSW, LCSW, brings over 15 years of direct practice and program management experience to the National Council on Aging where she serves as the Associate Director for Behavioral Health in the Center for Healthy Aging. A seasoned professional in the older adult care industry, she previously was the Senior Director for a live virtual training program for older adult care professionals and a clinical social worker for a community health program and hospice organization. She received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Maryland School of Social Work in Baltimore and is a Licensed Certified Clinical Social Worker in Maryland and Virginia. As a leader in older adult care, she has presented at national conferences and statewide meetings.