Caregiver SOS

Neal Shaw joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernial to talk about the lack of caregiving training caregivers receive and caring for the older population on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Neal 

Neal K. Shah is a healthcare researcher focused on caregiving for the aging population. He is an NIH-funded Principal Investigator on the YayaGuide AI for Caregiver Training project that he started at Johns Hopkins. Neal is also CEO of CareYaya, a social enterprise providing affordable eldercare and bringing thousands of college students into the caregiving workforce. He serves on North Carolina's Steering Committee on Aging. Neal previously managed a $250 million hedge fund in New York City in his mid-30s, when he suddenly became a family caregiver through dementia and cancer, which led him to shift the focus of his career and work to better supporting caregivers. He is active on social media across Instagram and LinkedIn with an audience of over 250,000 caregivers across America.

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.

Suzy McNamara joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernial to talk about caregiving loss on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Suzy

 Suzy McNamara is an author, speaker, and caregiving and grief advocate whose work explores the emotional realities of loving someone through loss. She is the author of The Silkworm, The Magician, and The Sister Tree, a deeply human reflection on caregiving, faith, and enduring connection.

In 2024, Suzy lost her husband of 37 years after caring for him at home through early-onset Alzheimer’s, while also grieving the loss of her sister within the same year. These overlapping experiences shape her voice and give her a rare perspective on what it means to lose someone both gradually and all at once.

A mother of four, lawyer, and fundraiser, Suzy writes for those carrying the often invisible weight of caregiving and grief. Her work offers language, companionship, and meaning for people navigating life’s most difficult transitions.

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.

Karee White joins host Ron Aaron and guest co-host Tina Smith to talk about her caregiving story on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Karee

Karee White is a veteran, military mother, and Elizabeth Dole Foundation Caregiver Fellow based in Apex, North Carolina. She and her husband Jim are both veterans. Seven of their nine children have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces—a legacy of service that stretches back nearly 250 years in their family.

Her Story: Karee's daughter Kimmy, an Army paratrooper, suffered a severe traumatic brain injury at 25 years old while forward stationed in Italy following a deployment to Afghanistan. Kimmy was in a coma for a year. When doctors told the family there was nothing more they could do, they brought her home. Fifteen years later, Kimmy is relearning to

walk and can speak a few words. Karee has been her primary caregiver throughout.

Her Book: Ash Woven is officially released April 23, 2026. Karee's memoir traces her family's journey through generational service, sacrifice, and healing. It explores how strength is not newly found in crisis—it is remembered, drawn from those who came before. A portion of the proceeds supports the I Love Everyone Foundation. Available on Amazon.

Her Work with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation: As a Dole Caregiver Fellow with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Karee is part of a national network of military and veteran caregivers who share their stories to drive awareness, policy, and support. There are 14.3 million military and veteran caregivers in the U.S. (2024 RAND report), and millions more—including an estimated 2.3 million children—quietly providing unpaid care in those homes. 

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. Paul Bendheim joins host Ron Aaron and guest co-host Tina Smith to talk about providing care using a simple, evidence-based lifestyle on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Dr. Bendheim

Dr. Paul Bendheim is a board-certified neurologist, author, and founder of BrainSavers®,

Inc., a company dedicated to helping people reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s dementia by

strengthening and enhancing brain function and overall health through evidence-based

lifestyle interventions. His work focuses on preventing cognitive decline and promoting

brain resilience in aging populations. He serves as a Clinical Professor of Neurology at

the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, where he helps educate the next

generation of physicians.

A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Dr. Bendheim earned his undergraduate degree cum laude

in art history from Pomona College, followed by a Doctor of Medicine from the University of

Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, where he graduated with AOA honors. He completed

his neurology residency and a research postdoctoral fellowship at the University of

California, San Francisco.

Over his distinguished career, Dr. Bendheim has held leadership roles in academic

medicine, biotechnology, and clinical research, including serving as Executive Vice

President and Chief Medical Officer at Mindset Biopharmaceuticals and Medical Director

at Teva Pharmaceuticals Copaxone Division. His contributions center on Alzheimer’s

disease and other dementias, recognizing early in his career that lifestyle modification is a

powerful, evidence-based tool for prevention.

As founder and CEO of BrainSavers®, Dr. Bendheim led the development of the company’s

hallmark program, the Brain+Body Total Fitness Program, an evidence-based framework

combining mental, physical, nutritional, socialization, sleep hygiene and stress

management to foster cognitive vitality and overall health. He is also the author of “The

Brain Training Revolution: A Proven Workout for Healthy Brain Aging,” which details

practical strategies for maintaining mental sharpness throughout life.

Dr. Bendheim lives in Phoenix with his wife, Judith Amiel-Bendheim, a ceramic and jewelry

artist. He enjoys gardening, fly fishing, tennis, reading, and art, and takes pride in spending

time with his children, Jessica and Daniel, and granddaughters, Audrey and Amelia.

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.

Maureen Groden joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernail to talk about end of life care for a loved one on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Maureen

Maureen Groden has been a hospice nurse and educator for several decades. She is the author of When a Loved One Is Dying: Conversations About Care, Connection, and Coping (Johns Hopkins University Press).

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.

Brennen Boze joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernail to talk about powers of attorney, guardianship if no POA's are in place, and more on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Brennen

After more than ten years working as a litigator, Brennen Boze turned his efforts toward assisting the elderly, disabled, and their families with securing necessary care, preserving their legacies, and ensuring peace of mind for the future. Brennen obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated with honors, and received his J.D. from Baylor Law School, where he was awarded a Public Interest Summer Fellowship to pursue pro bono work. He has appeared in state and federal courts across Texas, representing everything from individuals in crisis to large corporations, and brings over a decade of experience to Bertsch & Boze Elder Law, PC. Brennen is the Chair of the San Antonio Bar Association's Probate, Guardianship and Estate Planning Section and is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. He has been elected a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation and a member of the Texas Bar College. He regularly gives presentations to local organizations on the topics of estate planning, probate, and long-term care planning.

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.

Jillian Shellenberger joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernail to talk about FTD in the arts on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Jillian

Jillian Shellenberger, M.S., serves as Events Manager at the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD). She specializes in designing meaningful experiences that turn awareness into action and grief into connection. With a background in museum leadership, Jillian helped shape FTD in the Arts at Christie's, creating a space where families affected by frontotemporal degeneration could share their stories through art. 

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.

Steve Schwab joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernail to talk about the Hidden Helpers Coalition on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Steve

 David Walsh is a leading entrepreneur. He co-founded Netwatch and as CEO, grew it from a small start-up to a truly global organization, employing 560 staff and serving 250,000 customers. A Stanford University and graduate of UCD, David has been awarded many accolades including Irish Times Business Person of the month, the In-Business Businessman of Year and the inaugural National Enterprise Awards Outstanding Achievement Award. At Netwatch, David assembled a world class team and developed a unique culture that led to 68 quarters of continuous growth and impacted the lives of customers across the World. He has since established another disruptive technology company called HaloCare with a vision to empower people to live independent and healthy lives at home for longer. 

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.

David Walsh joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernail to talk about care of an older person at home on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About David

 David Walsh is a leading entrepreneur. He co-founded Netwatch and as CEO, grew it from a small start-up to a truly global organization, employing 560 staff and serving 250,000 customers. A Stanford University and graduate of UCD, David has been awarded many accolades including Irish Times Business Person of the month, the In-Business Businessman of Year and the inaugural National Enterprise Awards Outstanding Achievement Award. At Netwatch, David assembled a world class team and developed a unique culture that led to 68 quarters of continuous growth and impacted the lives of customers across the World. He has since established another disruptive technology company called HaloCare with a vision to empower people to live independent and healthy lives at home for longer. 

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.

Kyle Woody joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernail to talk about male caregivers on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Kyle

Kyle Woody strengthens the most invisible of all non-professional caregivers – the men. He gives them the strength to ask for help, the strength to show up with heart, and the strength to care as much for themselves as they do for others. With over a decade of dedicated service, he has been steadfast in his mission to reshape how men engage with their caregiving responsibilities, ensuring they are equipped to handle the emotional and logistical demands with confidence. His experience cultivating culture change in the construction industry informs his work supporting men who are caregivers. He aims to build a community that will strengthen at least one million caregiving men by 2035 and set a bold new standard for caregiver support in the process. 

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.

Felicia Gibson joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernail to talk about marriage, caregiving, career, and the hidden strain of limited support on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Felicia

Felicia Gibson has held many titles throughout her life but becoming a caregiver was not one she anticipated. However, it was bestowed to her in 2018 after her then boyfriend, now husband, was injured while letting their dog out before bed. He happened to be outside while criminals were breaking into cars and as they drove away, they shot multiple rounds out of the car window. One of those bullets shattered his T1 vertebrae and now lives with quadriplegia. Since that day Felicia has been active in advocating for those living with mobility issues and their caregivers. She has volunteered as a Regional Champion, Paralysis Resource Ambassador, and a Peer Mentor for the Christopher and Dana Reeve foundation and through their nomination have been appointed to the ACL RAISE Family Caregiving Advisory Council. She enjoys reading, writing, and spending quality like with her Boos (4 of her best friends) and family. She lives in Southeastern Georgia with her husband, her mother, along with their dog, and cats.

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.

Mary Ek joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernail to talk about how the DFA Movement (Dementia Friendly America) is creating communities where people living with Dementia and their care partners can live, engage, and thrive on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Mary

Mary Ek joined USAging in 2021. As the Director for Community Care Corps and Dementia Friendly America, Mary supports Community Care Corps grantees, dementia-friendly communities and Dementia Friends administrators by providing technical assistance, facilitating learning collaboratives and webinars, and managing the development and sharing of resources.

Mary’s career began as an educator. For 20 years, Mary served as an educator and administrator in various schools and as the Education Director for Volunteers of America Minnesota. In 2011, Mary joined the Collective Action Lab where she served as a Program Director, Project Leader and Manager for various collaborations and initiatives, one of which was Act on Alzheimer’s. Mary was a pioneer and leader in the development of Dementia Friendly America and supported USAging as it acquired the role of DFA administrator. Mary has significant experience in working on issues central to the mission of USAging’s members. Following her time at the Collective Action Lab, Mary served as a consultant to USAging and many of its Area Agency on Aging members on several projects, including Dementia Friendly America and Community Care Corps. Mary holds a Master of Arts in Teacher Leadership from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Education from the University of Notre Dame. 

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.

Laura Wayman, "The Dementia Whisperer" joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernail to talk about understanding the real-life challenges of Dementia symptoms on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Laura

With over a two decades of experience and a strong dedication to quality aging, Laura Wayman holds an associate’s degree in gerontology and is a certified social services designee. Her innovative approach to the caregiving process has given her valuable insights into how caregivers can enhance and even enjoy their relationships with their loved ones or clients. During her career, she has developed her “becoming dementia aware” approach, an easy-to-learn, easy-to-apply communication style for connecting with the person who has dementia. As a result, she is a sought-after speaker with extensive experience in keynote addresses and break-out programs. Laura also teaches her “becoming dementia-aware” care approach and communication techniques at community colleges, nursing schools and provides CE’s for Residential Care Administrators and staff in California and Arizona. She provides in-service training for assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and in-home professional caregivers, as well as valuable training and

outreach for community first responders on gentle and effective redirection tools and a communication approach that works. She is often invited to educate caregivers from all walks of life about how to become dementia aware, helping them to learn effective techniques, and directing them to further dementia-aware community resources.

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.

Mia Godfrey joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernail to talk about what it means to mourn someone while still caring for them on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Mia

MIHAELA (MIA) GODFREY is a certified life coach, Bible counselor, EME (Emotions, Mind and Energy) practitioner, public speaker, and author of Buried, Not Broken: A Memoir of Survival, Sisterhood, and Starting Over. With more than 17 years of leadership experience at Cellular Sales, where she serves as talent acquisition operations manager, Mia brings authenticity and compassion to every area of her work. Her professional success is matched by her lifelong devotion to helping others find healing, strength, and renewed purpose.

Mia has built a career on showing empathy, upholding integrity, and helping others rise to their potential. Beyond the boardroom, she is a guiding voice for women navigating grief, trauma, and life transitions, offering practical tools for rebuilding confidence and rediscovering purpose through faith. Born in Romania as the youngest of 10 children, Mia learned resilience and faith early. After earning her bachelor of science in education, she immigrated to the United States at 27, carrying with her an unwavering belief that every challenge holds the seed of growth. She has since earned multiple leadership and public speaking awards through Toastmasters International and is an active member of the AACC World Counselors. Now based in Knoxville, Tennessee, Mia is a proud wife and mother to two grown children, Alli and Isaac. Outside her professional life, she finds joy in mentoring others, connecting through faith, and helping people see hope where they once saw only hardship. Her life’s purpose is to remind others that healing is possible, growth is continuous, and purpose is always within reach. Learn more or connect with Mia at www.miagodfrey.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.

Scott Lien joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernail to talk about A.I. on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

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.

Kari Berit joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernail to talk about how to remain S.A.N.E. as a caregiver on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Kari

Kari Berit helps you stay Supported, Appreciated, Not Guilty, and Energized while giving care to a loved one. She calls this the S.A.N.E. Method. A Learning small ways to recharge your batteries on a daily basis will not only benefit you, but will also make you a more loving, capable caregiver. Kari has spent her career raising awareness of the toll family caregiving can have on families, with a focus on family dynamics. She is the author of The Unexpected Caregiver and Mental

Fitness Guide, both published by Attainment Company. For 30 years, she has been addressing industry associations, private business groups, financial institutions, and religious organizations – helping professionals and families handle the challenges and disruptions that often accompany caregiving. Whether in person, online, or through video-conferencing, Kari Berit is passionate, authentic, down-to-earth, and fun. She connects immediately with her audiences: “She was talking about me, ” they often say. Kari has both studied and lived through what she speaks and writes about

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.

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.