Type Of Business:
Consultancy
Expertise:
Program design and operations; Food preparation; Event planning; Training; Marketing; Therapeutic recreation
Major Product/SVS:
Design of therapeutic health care programs for the elderly
Hobbies/Sports:
Needlepoint; Reading; Gardening
Education Degrees:
Master of Science in Gerontology and Rehabilitation, San Francisco State University (1974); Bachelor of Arts in Therapeutic Recreation/Sociology (1967)
Affiliations Awards:
California Parks & Recreation Society; Alzheimer's Association
Work History:
Eldercare Coach and Advocate, Eldercare Program Designers, Mountain View, CA (2007-Present); Instructor, Older Adult Studies, Community Education Department, Mission College, Santa Clara, CA (2009-Present); Consultant, Geriatric Healthcare Consultants, LLC, Oakland, CA (2008-2009); Executive Director, Rosewood Gardens, Kisco Senior Living, Livermore, CA (2006-2007); Consultant, Executive Director, Seniority, Inc., Pleasanton, Lompoc, and Santa Clara, CA (2002-2005); Director of Education and Training, Carlton Senior Living, Intercontinental Services, Martinez, CA (2000-2003); Executive Director, Oak Tree Villa, Renaissance Senior Living/MBK Senior Living Communities, Irvine, CA (1997-2000); Executive Director for Two Properties, ARV Senior Services, Costa Mesa, CA (1990-1993, 1995-1997); Part-Time Faculty Member, Various Community Colleges (1976-1990)
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The highlight of her career as an administrator and executive director has been increasing the census by 97 percent and the profits by 50 to 75 percent in all of the independent living and assisted living communities she has served throughout the past 25 years.
Charity:
Local Church; Order Sons of Italy in America
Number Of Years In Profession:
26
Number Of Years In Current Position:
5
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her work ethic and passion for what she does.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession after graduating from college and receiving a special studies grant from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Extended Bio Profile:
Ms. Passarella retains more than 30 years of experience as a leader and caregiver for the elderly and is recognized as a therapist, trainer, consultant and administrator. She is a tireless eldercare advocate and coach who assists individuals and families with proper placement and follow-through at any level of care. In her work as an administrator of assisted living facilities, Ms. Passarella has designed and implemented a wide variety of initiatives to increase the well-being of residents, including a color memorization program for persons with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. In addition, Ms. Passarella helps great numbers of elderly people indirectly, by training the individuals who interact with them. As a consultant, she has created training modules for department managers and line staff at facilities comprised of between 80 and 300 apartments, providing instruction in compliance with California Department of Social Services regulations. She has also designed volunteer programs for several organizations, writing volunteer manuals and conducting training sessions for more than 400 volunteers. Her additional efforts include reaching out to families with educational support and counseling. Ms. Passarella's passion for helping older adults extends beyond helping today's elderly population, however. In addition to serving as a caregiver, administrator, consultant and trainer, she is also an educator. For the past two decades, she has been teaching part-time at a variety of community colleges. She has been affiliated with Mission College, in the West-Valley Mission Community College District, since 2009. As a college and university-level instructor, Ms. Passarella's focus is on preparing students for positions as recreation and activity directors in eldercare facilities. She teaches classes on programming, documentation skills and gerontology. Thus, the effects of Ms. Passarella's caring, compassion and creative thinking will undoubtedly be felt far into the future.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Creating programs for the elderly; Designing facilities; Managing and training staff; Ensuring compliance in facilities; Conducting individual training and teaching sessions; Implementing a therapeutic recreational package in skilled nursing, assisted living and retirement homes
Education Certifications:
Certificate, Adaptive Fitness for the Aged and Disabled, Foothill College (2010); Certificate, Gerontology, Foothill College; Residential Care Administrator, California Department of Social Services (1993); Credential, Community College Instructor, Public Administration, California Department of Social Services (1993); License, Skilled Nursing Facilities, California Board of Nursing Home Administrators (BENHA) (1984)
Awards/Honors:
Outstanding Professional in the Field; Special Studies Grant, Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and Department of Recreation
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Ms. Passarella intends to obtain a full-time position as a regional administrator in long-term care.