January 2021 - Remote Implementation: Lessons Learned from Maine

Kristin Overton has worked in the Aging Network since 2006.  Currently the Chief Operating Officer for Spectrum Generations and the Executive Director for Healthy Living for ME, Maine’s evidence-based community provider network, Kristin is a senior member of both management teams.  Kristin started her career in the banking, residential apartment rental, and temporary staffing industries but fell in love with the organization after joining Spectrum Generations under their Bridges Home Services division.  Kristin worked her way up through the organization to the roles she holds today.  Kristin is a 2003 University of Maine at Farmington graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Economics and holds a Masters of Business Administration with a graduate certificate in Non-Profit Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University. She resides in Western Maine with her husband Rob, their two children, and two dogs.  

Laura B. Plunkett is a Senior Program Specialist with the Center for Healthy Aging at the National Council on Aging. In this role, she works with chronic disease self-management education and fall prevention grantees across the country to provide information, support, and resources to strengthen, expand, and sustain the delivery of evidence-based programs. Prior to joining NCOA, Laura spent four years at an Area Agency on Aging in North Carolina, where she coordinated the implementation of evidence-based health promotion programs in 12 counties. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Bachelor of Social Work from North Carolina State University and a Master’s degree in Public Health from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Her professional interests include the integration of community-based services and health care, the sustainability of evidence-based programs, and continuum of care efforts.

Dr. Jennifer L. Tripken is an Associate Director, Center for Healthy Aging at the National Council on Aging. In this role, Jennifer supports the expansion and sustainability of evidence-based health promotion and disease prevention programs in the community and online through collaboration with national, state, and community partners. Prior to joining NCOA, Jennifer worked for eight years as a university professor in Health Education and Promotion. Before that, Jennifer spent six years as a middle and high school Health Education teacher in New York. 

Jennifer earned her Ed.D. in Health Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, her M.Ed. in Health Education at Boston University, and her B.S. in Athletic Training at Pennsylvania State University.