Caregiver SOS

Rita Choula joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernail to talk about Caregiving in the U.S. on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Rita

Rita B. Choula, MA is the senior director of caregiving at the AARP Public Policy Institute. In her role, she drives the development of family caregiving initiatives by providing content expertise, both within AARP and in partnership with a range of external collaborators. Her work bridges policy and research to practice, centered on identifying and supporting needs of family caregivers.

In collaboration with clinical experts and key partners, she leads the development of programs and tools that enable health care and social service professionals to better recognize the range of needs of family caregivers and provide supports to them across settings. Before joining AARP, Choula worked in executive recruiting and as an administrator in elementary education.

Choula is currently Vice Chair, Board of Directors for the Association of Frontotemporal Dementia (AFTD) and a member of the Board for the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC). She is a recipient of the CARE 100 List of the Most Influential People in Care of 2020 and the National Hispanic Council on Aging Caregiving AARP Service Award of 2019. She holds a master’s degree in the Management of Aging Services from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, Ericsson School of Aging. 

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Jessica Guthrie joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernail to talk about how healthcare professionals can better partner with family caregivers on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Jessica

Jessica C. Guthrie is a caregiving strategist, Alzheimer's advocate, and champion for invisible caregivers who is transforming how organizations support the 63 million family caregivers in America. For over 11 years, Jessica has been the primary caregiver for her mother living with early-onset Alzheimer's disease—a journey that began when she was just 26 years old. As a young, Black, millennial solo caregiver, she brings urgent visibility to demographics often overlooked in caregiving narratives while addressing the disproportionate impact of Alzheimer's on Black communities. Jessica is the founder of Jessica C. Guthrie Caregiving Consultancy, where she partners with global companies, healthcare organizations, and national brands to bridge the gap between lived caregiving experience and institutional support. A Dartmouth graduate, Teach For America alumna, and former nonprofit executive, Jessica is known as the "canary in the caregiving coal mine"—she's survived the journey and is committed to making it better for everyone who follows. Her work has been featured in PBS documentaries, major media outlets, and policy forums from Capitol Hill to the United Nations, positioning her as one of the rare active caregivers leading systemic change at all organizational levels.

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Dr. Karen Moss joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernail to talk about peer support for family caregivers of people living with Dementia on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Dr. Moss

 Dr. Karen Moss is a registered nurse of 25 years and nurse scientist who is a tenured Associate Professor of Nursing in the College of Nursing at The Ohio State University. She is a distinguished fellow in the National Academy of Practice - Nursing Academy, and a fellow of the Gerontological Society of America. Dr. Moss’ work is focused on improving advance care planning (healthcare decision making) and pain outcomes through palliative and end-of-life care for older adults living with dementia and their family caregivers. She examines multiple perspectives on factors that influence pain and end-of-life decision-making processes for Black older adults living with dementia and their caregivers. Dr. Moss’ research is also focused on developing and testing Pair 2 Care©, an award-winning, evidence-based peer support program created with and for family caregivers of Black people living with dementia. She also is studies pain and stress in people living with dementia and their family caregivers. Through her work, Dr. Moss and her team are actively working to improve the quality of life of Black family caregivers and their loved ones living with dementia. 

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Debbie Mammel joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernail to talk about caregiving for those living with Dementia on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Debbie

Debbie Mammel is the proud co-founder of Caring Solutions San Antonio, a home health company started in 2010. She started the company with her sister, Karen, after caring for their mother who passed from pancreatic cancer. They turned their experience into a career and to make each day count for the elderly and their families. Debbie's career began in the home. She is the mother of six children, all of which she homeschooled. As a Certified Dementia Coach, Debbie spearheaded Caring Solutions’ mission to be the leader in dementia care in San Antonio. She teaches weekly workshops for caregivers, families, and other professionals. In each of the over 200 workshops she’s given, Debbie strives to empower caregivers with the skills they need to take care of themselves as well as those living with dementia - helping caregivers through the inevitable changes this disease brings and finding ways they can offer the right support. 

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Martha McPhee joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernail to talk about non-family caregivers on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Martha

MARTHA McPHEE is the author of the novels An Elegant Woman, Dear Money, L’America, Gorgeous Lies, and Bright Angel Time. She is also the author of Omega Farm, a memoir. Her work has been honored with fellowships from the National Endowment of the Arts and The John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation. In 2002 she was nominated for a National Book Award. Her novels have been Best Books of The Year on The New York Times, Washington Post and Chicago Tribune lists. Her essays and reviews have appeared in numerous magazines and newspapers including The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Newark Star Ledger, Vogue, More, Harper’s Bazaar, Self, Traveler, Travel & Leisure, among many others. McPhee is a tenured member of the English Department at Hofstra University, where she teaches fiction. She lives in New York City with her children and husband, the poet and writer Mark Svenvold. 

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Dr. Evelyn Johnson-Taylor joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernail to talk about life after caregiving on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Dr. Evelyn Johnson-Taylor

Dr. Evelyn Johnson-Taylor, Ph.D., RN, is a lifelong caregiver and advocate for those who

support loved ones through illness and aging. She began her caregiving journey in the early

1990s when she left her ICU nursing career in Washington, D.C., to care for her father. Years

later, she walked the path again, serving as her late husband’s caregiver for ten years (2008–

2018). These experiences, combined with her background as a registered nurse, shaped her deep

compassion for caregivers and fueled her mission to provide them with hope, resources, and

encouragement.

Evelyn holds an Associate Degree in Nursing, a B.A. in Women’s Studies, and both a Master’s

and Ph.D. in Ministry. She is the award-winning author of See Me, Hear Me, Know Me: From

the Heart of a Caregiver and In & Out of Season: Thriving in Life’s Transitions. Through her

books, speaking, and coaching, she equips caregivers to embrace self-care while navigating the

physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges of caregiving.

In addition to her writing and teaching, Evelyn serves as Chair of the Advisory Council for a

local nonprofit supporting seniors and caregivers, ensuring their voices are heard and their

needs met. She has been featured on media outlets such as HomeKeepers with Arthelene

Rippy and Atlanta Live, and numerous podcasts, bringing greater visibility to the caregiver

journey.

Above all, Evelyn continues to champion the message that caregivers are not alone—and that

their work, though often unseen, is sacred and life-changing. 

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Deidre Edwards joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernail to talk about when nothing seems to work as a caregiver on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Deidre

Deidre Edwards is a registered nurse, retired high school health sciences teacher, and passionate author dedicated to empowering others through education and compassionate guidance. With decades of experience in healthcare and the classroom, she has devoted her career to helping individuals understand their health, navigate care challenges, and make informed decisions for themselves and their loved ones. Her teaching style blends clarity, empathy, and real-world insight—qualities that continue to shape her writing and outreach.

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Julia Huckle joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernail to talk about the complexities of burnout on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Julia

Julia Huckle is an executive coach, burnout-prevention strategist, nurse, and founder of RE/Ignite & Thrive Coaching. She helps leaders, organizations, and professionals navigate high-pressure roles while preventing burnout and building sustainable, resilient workplaces. Julia is the author of Unseen, Overburdened, and

Undervalued, which blends strategies for caregivers, professionals, organizations, and policy-makers, offering practical guidance for managing complex responsibilities and transitions.

Her work combines structured coaching frameworks, reflective exercises, and actionable strategies to foster clarity, confidence, and resilience. Julia also develops resources for caregiver-friendly workplaces, helping organizations and individuals create environments where caregiving responsibilities are recognized, supported, and valued. Her approach is grounded, practical, and deeply empathetic, empowering people to honour their responsibilities without sacrificing their own goals, well-being, or identity.

Julia is the caregiver for her adult son with disabilities. 

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Isatta Thorlu-Bangura joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernail to talk about how she and her mother rescued her uncle in an incredible caregiving experience on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Isatta

Isatta Thorlu-Bangura holds an Associate Degree in Applied Sciences. She brings over 12 years of experience in childcare, including two years as an Assistant Director. In addition to her work in childcare, she has spent six years providing compassionate care as an aide for elderly individuals.

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Theresa Wilbanks joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernail to talk about sustainable caregiving strategies on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Theresa

Theresa Wilbanks is a caregiving advocate, author, and founder of Sustainable Caregiving, a movement dedicated to helping caregivers navigate the emotional, physical, and logistical challenges of caregiving without burning out.

While caring for her father through the final years of his life, Theresa developed 12 Sustainable Caregiving Strategies that empower caregivers to honor their loved ones while protecting their own well-being. She is the author of Navigating the Caregiver River: A Journey to Sustainable Caregiving and the forthcoming 12 Sustainable Caregiving Strategies, both of which are rooted in practical tools, deep empathy, and hard-won wisdom. Theresa co-hosted the limited-edition Self-Caregiving Strategies Podcast with Alison Van Schie, bringing compassionate conversations and actionable insights to caregivers worldwide.

Theresa has presented at caregiver conferences across the country and partners with caregiving organizations, authors, and advocates through her creative studio, Wandering Digital Media.

Her work is grounded in the belief that caregiving is both an act of love and an extreme sport, demanding endurance, boundaries, and support. She helps caregivers reconnect with their humanity, let go of unrealistic expectations, and find sustainable ways to care for others without losing themselves. Learn more and access free resources at SustainableCaregiving.com and WanderingDigitalMedia.com.

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Raven Duran joins guest co-host Tina Smith and host Ron Aaron to talk about becoming a new caregiver and navigating the world of caregiving on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Raven

Raven Galdeano is a devoted mother and new caregiver whose journey began after her son became disabled following brain surgery in February 2024. Immersing herself into the world of caregiving and special needs advocacy, Raven has become a strong voice for her son’s special education and needs. She serves on the Family Advisory Board at Christus Children’s Hospital, where she collaborates with caregivers, physicians, and child life specialists to promote patient-centered care. Through her personal experience and advocacy work, Raven strives to empower other parents navigating similar journeys to find strength, purpose, and community. 

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Debra Fields joins guest co-host Tina Smith and host Ron Aaron to talk about how and why self-care and being a caregiver is changing in black communities on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Debra

Debra Fields was born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is a graduate of Alverno College, where she earned a degree in Business Management and Professional Communication.

Before retiring, Debra dedicated nineteen years to Sojourner Family Peace Center, serving as a Community Education Coordinator and Domestic Violence Abuse Facilitator. During this time, she also contributed to the National Black Marriage Initiative and facilitated sessions for Compel, an organization focused on promoting healthy relationships.

Currently, she continues to lead Community Building Workshops for both the Community Building Institute of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Community Building Institute International. Her work includes collaborative facilitation efforts with European colleagues, with a primary focus on Community Building Skills Training.

After relocating to Arizona with her husband in 2020, Debra founded Black Women 65+ in 2023. The organization was born out of her commitment to amplifying the voices and relevance of older Black women. The group provides information, education, and opportunities for social engagement, with a strong emphasis on health as both self-care and caregiving.

Through this initiative, Debra partnered with Melanin Minded LLC (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) and Banner Sun Health Research Institute (Arizona) to host an in-home Community Outreach

Discussion. This event featured medical professionals and aimed to deepen understanding of dementia and its impact on caregiving.

Her work is driven by a commitment to intentional information sharing, educational programming, and fostering meaningful social connections—all in support of self-care and effective caregiving. 

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Dr. Jamie Huysan joins co-host Carol Zernial and host Ron Aaron to talk about toxic abusive relationships and caregiving on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Dr. Huysman

Jamie Huysman, PsyD, LCSW, is the Founder and Executive Director of STAR Network Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting Survivors of Toxic Abusive Relationships (TAR) worldwide. He also serves on the Advisory Board of the WellMed Charitable Foundation, as well as several other nonprofit boards and professional associations dedicated to mental health, trauma recovery, and caregiver advocacy. With more than three decades of experience developing groundbreaking clinical programming in the addiction, trauma, and mental health fields, Dr. Jamie has become a recognized voice in filling critical gaps in behavioral health advocacy and recovery care, with a focus on helping individuals foster resiliency development as a cornerstone of long-term healing. His unwavering resilience in the face of adversity has shaped both his professional journey and personal mission, making him a champion for those striving to reclaim their lives after trauma.

Dr. Jamie is a frequent media contributor, featured on hundreds of programs, providing clear expertise on trauma, addiction, and complex behavioral health, including psychopathy, sociopathy, narcissism, and suicidal or homicidal behaviors. He founded TV Aftercare, pioneering post-broadcast support for talk show guests affected by sensitive televised content.

His leadership extends into healthcare management, where he has directed behavioral health programs in both freestanding and medical-surgical settings. As Vice President of Provider Relations and Government Affairs for WellMed Medical Management, and later as its Chief Compassion Officer, he spearheaded initiatives that reduced physician burnout rates. He continues to co-host the nationally syndicated podcast “Caregiver SOS,” providing caregivers and healthcare professionals with strategies for coping and connection.

Drawing on his own remarkable resilience and recovery from CPTSD after leaving a toxic relationship, Dr. Jamie saw the lack of culturally and clinically specific trauma programs. STAR Network’s flagship, TAR Anon® offers free, neuro-regulative, peer support that expands worldwide access to recovery, while new hospital-based programs increase early intervention for at-risk families.

A visionary and engaging speaker, Dr. Jamie is known for his mantra: “If you don’t break the cycle of family trauma, the family trauma will break you.” His work inspires innovation, compassion, and healing in the recovery from trauma and mental health. 

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Susanne White joins co-host Carol Zernial and host Ron Aaron to talk about caregivers caring for themselves while caring for loved ones on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Susanne

Susanne White is the Founder of Caregiver Warrior. When Susanne was faced with the opportunity to care for her parents, she ventured out on a caregiving journey that would change her life. She blogs about this journey on her website, caregiverwarrior.com, and shares her experience, strength, and hope with others so that they too may navigate caregiving with grace and empowerment. Known for her unique, authentic style and wisdom from the inside of many caregiving journeys, she is an outstanding motivational keynote speaker, bestselling author, gifted writer, exceptional webinar host, and thought leader in the caregiver advocacy community.

White’s latest book, Self-Care for Caregivers: A Practical Guide to Caring for You While You Care for Your Loved One, is now available at your favorite bookstores. Be sure to check out the audio version of the book which is perfect for busy caregivers on the go. Visit caregiverwarrior.com for more information, and follow Susanne on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Shari Ross joins co-host Carol Zernial and host Ron Aaron to talk about senior living made simple on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Shari

Shari Ross is the author of Senior Living Made S.I.M.P.L.E.™ and creator of its companion workbook and toolkit, designed to help families approach the senior living journey with confidence. A graduate of NYU and a seasoned sales specialist with over a decade of experience guiding families through important life transitions, she combines professional expertise with personal insight as she helps guide her own aging parents while raising two young adult children. Through her S.I.M.P.L.E.™ Method, Shari empowers families to make informed senior living decisions and move forward with confidence, dignity, and peace of mind. 

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Dr. Allyson Larkin joins co-host Carol Zernial and host Ron Aaron to talk about what caregivers may need to manage at home, the warning signs to look out for, and tips for successful care on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Dr. Larkin

Dr. Larkin grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas. She received her BA Magna cum laud in Zoology from Iowa State University. She earned her Medical Degree with honors from Texas A&M University College of Medicine. She is board certified in Family Medicine and Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine and is a Certified Wound Specialist Physician.

Dr. Larkin is passionate about healing chronic and complicated wounds by focusing onthe whole patient and utilizing advanced modalities where appropriate. She has a special interest in palliative wound management to improve quality of life in patients whose wounds are resistant to healing due to serious or terminal health issues.

In her spare time Dr. Larkin enjoys reading, writing, eating, hiking and hanging out on the couch with her husband, children, and dog.

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Elaine Sanchez joins co-host Carol Zernial and host Ron Aaron to talk about managing caregiver anger and the three "F's" of flipping out on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Elaine

Elaine Sanchez is a caregiver speaker and author of the unflinchingly honest and surprisingly funny book, “Letters from Madelyn, Chronicles of a Caregiver".

Before COVID, Elaine spoke at healthcare and caregiving conferences across the U.S. When all of her conferences for 2020 were canceled due to the pandemic, she had a video production studio built, transitioned to virtual speaking, and developed the CaregiverHelp Support Group Program. This program is unique in that it is video-based, and all of the sessions are focused on helping people manage the emotional stress of caregiving. The program can be delivered at live, in-person meetings, on platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, or as a self-paced program online. Elaine’s passion for helping people manage the emotional stress of caring for those who cannot care for themselves came from her own extensive experience of caring for family elders. 

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Jennifer Henius joins co-host Carol Zernial and host Ron Aaron to talk about Redefining Caregiver Well-Being: A Whole Health Approach for the Future of Care on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Jennifer

 Jennifer Henius, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker, TBI survivor, long-distance caregiver, and nationally recognized advocate for family caregivers. She has over 20 years of experience in healthcare, including a decade on the national leadership team for the Department of Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program. Jennifer is the creator of Yoga4Caregivers™ and founder of Caregiver Whole Health™, a trauma-informed virtual wellness studio designed to reduce caregiver burnout and improve caregiver well-being. Her pioneering digital well-being and self-care platform is the first of its kind created specifically for family caregivers, and she partners with organizations to deliver education, training, and virtual wellness programming to their caregiving employees.

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Christina Keys joins co-host Carol Zernial and host Ron Aaron to talk about finding ways to add self-care to our care journey on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Christina

 Christina Keys went from career woman to caregiver when her mother had a life changing stroke in 2013. She cared for her for 10 years. Turning a mess into a message, She is now a National Speaker, Advocate and Caregiver Community Builder as well as the Founder and CEO of Keys for Caregiving. Links: www.christinakeys.com YouTube 

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Elizabeth Miller joins co-host Carol Zernial and host Ron Aaron to talk about micro acts of self-care and juggling work, home, and caregiving on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Elizabeth

Elizabeth Miller is a family caregiver, caregiver advocate, speaker, author, podcast host, Certified Caregiving Consultant, and Certified Senior Advisor. Her personal experiences caring for aging parents with chronic and terminal illnesses and for a sibling with developmental disabilities inspired her to create Happy Healthy Caregiver, LLC, in 2015. She is an empty nester living in Marietta, GA with her husband and two dogs.

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.