BIO ~ Mandy Brand
Licensed Practical Nurse
I have been working as a Licensed Practical Nurse for 10 years. I was a charge nurse and supervisor at a local long term care and rehab facility for 8 years prior to working at PACE.
My role with the PACE organization is Marketing and Enrollment Manager. Working with PACE has been a very uplifting and positive place to work.
Keeping the elderly in their homes as long as possible is encouraging to both them and the PACE staff. I love what I do, and I show it outwardly in my everyday work ethic.
I was given the “Indirect Care Worker of the year for 2023”. I have also presented the PACE model to many organizations and attended events such as the “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” as I have a passion for the elderly community.
Phone: (517) 306-7115
Email: abrand@voa.org
Website: www.seniorcommunitycaremi.org
Organization: Senior CommUnity Care Of Michigan, PACE
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeniorCommunityCareOfMichigan/
BIO ~ Chelsea Scripter
Branch Manager – Elara Caring Hospice
With over 16 years of experience in healthcare and nine dedicated to hospice, Chelsea Scripter has built a career rooted in compassion and service.
As the Branch Director for Elara Caring, Chelsea leads with a deep passion for providing exceptional care to individuals and families navigating the end-of-life journey.
Chelsea finds purpose in connecting with each patient, learning their unique goals, and ensuring every need is met during this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
She believes that hospice care is not just about managing symptoms but about honoring lives, preserving dignity, and creating meaningful moments for patients and their loved ones.
In her leadership role, Chelsea fosters a culture of empathy and collaboration within her team, ensuring that patients and families receive personalized, high-quality care.
Phone: (517) 643-1183 Email: cscripter@elara.com
BIO ~ Patti Thayer
Pattie Thayer grew up in Hartland, MI. She graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a bachelor’s in business administration. She was a Disability Consultant; helping people get awarded their Social Security Benefits. She was a Pharmaceutical Rep. for Schering Plough for 3 years in Lansing. She sold durable medical equipment for 17 years in Lansing. She has been a Hospice Liaison/Account Executive for 2.5 years in Lansing.
Pattie resides in Mason, MI with her husband and 2 teenage children. She sings in her church worship Team. She is also a Victim Advocate for the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office and assists the community and the police on unexpected death scenes (suicide, homicide, fatal crashes, overdoses, etc.).
She leads this Team and has been an Advocate for almost 25 years. Pattie loves helping people and her community. She feels that she is making a difference in her current field of Hospice. She (and her family) did not have a pleasant experience with their parents’ hospice Team 9 years ago, so it is her mission to make every interaction with patients and their families an informative, agreeable decision. She also follows up with the referring provider to let them know the status of their patient.
Phone: (517) 898-0464
Email: https://www.instagram.com/elaracaring
Organization: Elara Caring Hospice
Email: pthayer@elara.com
Website: https://elara.com/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/ElaraCaring/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elara-caring/
Bio ~ Bethany Duyser DNP, RN, AGPCNP
Assistant Director and Trainer
Bethany has a comprehensive background in nursing and a dedication to improving the quality of care for older adults. Holding certifications as an AGPCNP (Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner) and licensure as an RN (Registered Nurse), Bethany earned her BSN from the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing, followed by an MSN from the University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC) College of Nursing.
She culminated her academic journey with a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) from MSU College of Nursing in 2022. Bethany is an active member of the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA) and the Kent County Elder Abuse Coalition (KCEAC). Her professional journey includes impactful work with IMPART Alliance, where she started as a graduate student in 2021. Post-graduation, she undertook a post-doctoral fellowship supported by the COM’s Dell award, focusing on interdisciplinary, person-centered, and competency-based approaches to healthcare professional training.
Bethany’s diverse clinical experience spans various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, clinics, and even house calls. As a nurse practitioner, she specialized in caring for older adults, emphasizing long-term support and services. Bethany is passionate about ensuring that older adults receive care that aligns with their preferences and priorities.
Her commitment to IMPART Alliance stems from a desire to enhance the direct care workforce, recognizing the crucial link between job quality and care quality
Email: duyserbe@msu.edu
About the Host ~ Dr. Deborah Moerland
Your Compassionate Host: Dr. Deborah Moerland, the driving force behind Senior Care Insights, is a seasoned educator and a passionate advocate in the realm of senior care. With a deep commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of seniors, their families, and caregivers, Deborah brings a wealth of knowledge and a compassionate spirit to her role as the podcast host.
Deborah’s extensive background as an educator has been a cornerstone of her journey into the world of senior care. Her years spent in the field of education have nurtured her natural ability to communicate complex concepts in an accessible and engaging manner. This skill is instrumental in her mission to provide clarity and understanding to her audience as they navigate the intricacies of senior health.
Recognizing the profound challenges faced by seniors and their families, Deborah transitioned her career towards healthcare, where she witnessed firsthand the complexities and nuances of elder care. Drawing from her dual expertise in education and healthcare, Deborah endeavors to empower her listeners with the information they need to navigate the often intricate landscape of senior care.
Senior Care Insights is not just a podcast; it’s a platform where Deborah leverages her educational background to break down barriers, foster understanding, and ensure that seniors receive the care and attention they deserve.
Through expert interviews, practical advice, and inspirational stories, Deborah is dedicated to illuminating the path to exceptional senior care for all who tune in. Join Deborah on this enlightening journey, and together, let’s make a positive impact on the lives of our beloved seniors and their caregivers.
(517) 230-5117 dmoerland@firstlighthomecare.com
