SylvanAdvocacy Group

Sylvan Advocacy Group was born from a legacy I carry with pride – one grounded in the quiet wisdom, steady resilience, and deep love of my grandfather, Sylvan.

I grew up deeply connected to my grandparents, great-aunts and uncles – a generation that shaped who I am. Living blocks away from one another, it was the kind of neighborhood where people wandered in and out of each other's kitchens without knocking, sharing tomatoes from the garden, stories at the dinner table, and an unspoken sense of belonging.

Growing up immersed in that generation, I was witness to a full spectrum of aging; the beauty, and the complexity. I watched the people I loved face the challenges of growing older with grace, humor, and creativity. I also saw how bumpy the road could be, and how the systems meant to support often fell short. Those experiences sparked a question that has never left me: What does quality of life look like — and how do we ensure it? I knew from an early age that this was my life's work: to honor aging, to preserve dignity, and to help people navigate the complicated paths that come with aging, serious illness, disability, or end-of-life.

My grandfather had multiple sclerosis, and I grew up watching his journey unfold; from cane, to walking sticks, walker, then wheelchair. Each transition carried its own layer of grief — and yet, each also called forth new ways to preserve his independence, his voice, and his sense of self. Before his diagnosis, Sylvan was a sailor. While MS changed the course of his physical life, he never lost his sense of direction — and I carry that compass with me.

That legacy led me into social work, where I specialized in gerontology and systems navigation. I've spent my career helping families find clarity in moments of crisis, supporting aging adults in maintaining their autonomy, and advocating fiercely for person-centered care — especially when systems feel indifferent, impersonal, or overwhelming.

Sylvan Advocacy Group is my way of carrying their legacy forward: blending heart with strategy, experience with insight, and advocacy with action.