Rick Cashman
Rick is the Director of Business Development with over thirty years experience in the financial services industry. After retiring from JP Morgan Chase, he has dedicated his efforts to work exclusively in the reverse mortgage field. His background in the mortgage marketplace has been invaluable in working with financial and legal professionals to explain the nuances involved in the reverse mortgage financial product. He has worked with seniors and their families to help them through the financial and emotional issues that are becoming more and more complex as people live longer. A BSBA graduate of Norwich University and former US Army Captain, Rick is married with 3 children and 7 grandchildren.
Anthony Capogna
Anthony Capogna has served families of Long Island and the Five Boroughs in all aspects of funeral care, specializing in Advance Funeral Planning for Estate Planning/Medicaid purposes. Anthony Capogna has represented many Elder/Health Professionals and Facilities for their clients with compassionate care in the comfort of their offices or clients homes. Anthony has done many presentations at churches, temples, senior groups, and community organizations on the importance of estate and funeral planning. Anthony Capogna serves All Faiths with services available in All Communities
Kevin Conlon
Kevin is a Senior Loan Officer for Advanced Funding Solutions. He has been involved in the financial services industry for the past 20 years and energetically works with senior organizations, homeowners and their trusted advisors to promote the benefits of the various reverse mortgage programs available today. He currently lectures; to community, professional and institutional groups. Kevin has a BA from The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg Virginia and a MBA from The Lubin School of Business. He is married with 3 young children, lives in Babylon and is active in many civic organizations.
Edward O’Connor
Ed is the President of Advanced Funding Solutions Inc. and the chairman of the Long Island chapter of the National Aging in Place Council. He has been involved in the financial services industry for over 20 years having started as a loan officer for Chase Bank. He has owned his own accounting and tax practice long before getting involved in the mortgage industry and is also a licensed Enrolled Agent by the IRS. He energetically works with senior organizations, as well as senior homeowners and their trusted advisors to promote the benefits of the various reverse mortgage programs available today. Ed is an experienced speaker and is dedicated to educating people and their families on the complex financial issues they may be facing, as well as their available options. A former member of the Advisory Board of Chicago Title Insurance Company, he currently lectures to community, professional and institutional groups. Ed earned his Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the NY Institute of Technology in Old Westbury and is also a retired Nassau County Police Detective. He is married with one daughter and lives in Babylon Village, NY.
Tami DeLauro, BS, GCM
Director of Services for the Center for Elder Services, LLC (Melville), Ms. DeLauro has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and for more than 16 years provided services in geriatric care management, home health care coordination, placement in Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Facilities, Medicaid planning, and all types of public assistance applications including Medicaid, SSD and SSI applications. She is certified in Geriatric Care Management. Tami currently coordinates and runs a family support group for caregivers and family members of Dementia and Alzheimer’s patients in a local Assisted Living Facility on Long Island. She continues to provide in service training programs for Stony Brook Hospital, Prudential and Federation of Organizations as well as facility staff and family members of patients in Social Model and Medical Model Day Care programs in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Maureen Rothschild DiTata
A member of a law firm whose business is devoted to Estate and Asset Preservation Planning, Estate Administration and Elder Law, including:
- Preparation of Wills, Living Wills and Powers of Attorney
- Asset Preservation and Planning to Minimize Estate Tax Liability
- Planning for Special Needs
- Creation and Implementation of Trusts
- Medicaid Eligibility Planning / Preparation of Medicaid Applications
- Guardianship, Probate and Administration of Estates
Admitted to practice in 1979, Maureen Rothschild DiTata earned her bachelor’s degree
magna cum laude from the State University of New York at Buffalo (1974) and graduated
Phi Beta Kappa. She received her law degree from St. John’s University School of Law (1978). She is licensed to practice law before all New York State Courts and the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, and over the years has secured various
pro hac vice admissions to practice in other states. She is a member of the New York State Bar Association and serves on its Trusts & Estates and Elder Law Committees, and serves on related committees of the Nassau and Suffolk County Bar Associations. She also belongs to the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the American Business Women’s Association, the North Shore Business Professional Women’s Association, Mineola/Garden City Rotary and the Garden City Assembly. She has been honored by the Yashar Chapter of Hadassah as the 2010 Woman of the Year and serves on the Heart Advisory Council of the American Heart Association and on the Community Advisory Board of The Amsterdam at Harborside, a life care community in Port Washington. She is a frequent lecturer on issues concerning estate planning, asset preservation and elder law.
Nina Dobris has been a social worker since 1990 with a specialization in geriatrics. She has worked exclusively in health care during her career. She currently works as a Geriatric Care Manager for Circle of Care, a division of the home care network of North Shore-Long Island Jewish health system. In this role Nina provides compassionate care coordination for disabled adults and frail elderly. She is a medical advocate, can assist with bill pay, home care arrangements, doctor house calls, shopping, and any other services her clients need to remain independent in their own homes. She is a graduate of Fordham University and a member of NASW, NAPGCM, AGES, CMSA, GPNY, SUN of Nassau, co-chair of SUN of Queens and member of the board of directors of SUN Council.
Melissa L. Gartland
Melissa is a partner of the law firm DeVito & Gartland, P.C. The firm focuses on Estate Planning and Administration, Elder Law, Fiduciary Services, Estate Litigation, Residential Real Estate and Transactional and Business Services.
Ms. Gartland is a member of the Suffolk County Bar Association, Suffolk Country woman's Bar Association, and serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the East Islip Community Chamber.
Wendy K. Goidel, Esq.
Wendy K. Goidel, Esq. graduated from Syracuse University (S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications) and Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. Wendy concentrates her practice in the areas of estate planning, Medicaid planning and qualification and asset protection. She is also experienced in the areas of probate and estate administration and guardianships and has litigated estate and guardianship matters before the Surrogate's Courts and Supreme Courts of the State of New York. Wendy is admitted to practice before the Courts in New York and Connecticut and the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York. She is also an accredited attorney for the preparation, presentation and prosecution of claims for veterans’ benefits before the Department of Veterans Affairs. She has participated as a lecturer for continuing legal education programs and is a graduate of the Medicaid Practice Program. Wendy was admitted to membership in the National Association of Professional Women and is a member of Wealth Counsel, Elder Counsel, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the National Care Planning Council, Elder Care Alliance and the Senior Umbrella Network (Nassau and Suffolk Counties). She is also a member of the Surrogate's Court Committee and Elder Law Section of the Suffolk County Bar Association, the Nassau County Bar Association and the Trusts and Estates, Elder Law and Tax sections of the New York State Bar Association.
In addition, Wendy is proud to serve on the Board of Directors of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Suffolk County, NY, Inc.
Melissa Goldstein CTRS, CDP
Melissa is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. She has a BS in Therapeutic Recreation from St. Joseph’s College and over a decade of clinical experience in the field of TR. She also is a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) and approved instructor through the National Council for Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP). After working in various settings and then becoming a caregiver for her father, Melissa saw the need for recreation therapy in the home and created her company Golden Touch Healthcare. "It is a vital service offered in hospitals, day programs, and nursing homes. Why not make this valuable service available to people while they are still living in their homes and want to improve or maintain their quality of life."
We offer therapeutic recreation and intervention to older adults with Alzheimer’s/Dementia (at all stages), chronic illness and disability to improve and maintain the quality of life of the individual. "With over a decade of clinical experience and as a caregiver for my father for the past four years, I have witnessed first hand the benefits of one to one therapeutic recreation for the dementia client and their family". The client is given an individual assessment and care plan (useful for all who give care to the client), activity based interventions for troublesome behaviors and "tried and true" activities for all stages of dementia that focus on the person’s strengths and talents. We also offer therapeutic exercise for pain management, adaptive Yoga, Tai Chi and Zumba, relaxation, leisure education, nutrition, fitness and wellness programs. In addition, we provide stress management and wellness for the caregiver, as well as education, helpful tips and vital resources. Education is also provided for the client’s nurse’s aide, companion, etc. so they feel more empowered.
Golden Touch Healthcare also provides ongoing education to caregivers through seminars and workshops, as well as in-service training to home care agencies and other facilities.
Ron Green
"I have seen Reverse Mortgages change the lives of seniors and their families. Reverse Mortgages are not just a product for those in need, it is a valuable financial tool that can be used for planning retirement and securing a family’s future."
Ron is a native New Yorker who spent over 30 years in the field of Information Technology. During the latter part of his IT career he worked for a major investment bank in New York City. Although he enjoyed the IT field, he was always interested in financial management.
When researching various financial planning tools, Ron came across Reverse Mortgage loans. Shortly after, he found himself in a new career that integrated his passion for helping people with his skills in finance. "I have a good understanding of the concerns a family may have when considering a Reverse Mortgage. My goal is to take away the ‘desperation’ label that Reverse Mortgages have. I would like to educate those in my community about how this unique product can fit as part of a financial plan, as well as a tool to help senior homeowners who may be struggling financially."
Ron has been married for over 29 years and they have 2 beautiful boys, Peter who is 25 and Maxwell who is 12.
Frank Gucciardo
Frank earned his Masters Degree at Ithaca College and is a NY state licensed physical therapist. He is also a licensed home improvement contractor in both Nassau and Suffolk Counties and has earned his Certified Age-in-Place Specialist and his Certified Green Building Professional designations via the National Association of Home Builders.
Frank no longer practices physical therapy but integrates that knowledge and experience into his remodeling company, Frangeli Consulting & Remodeling. Frangeli is a full service design/build construction company that provides customized universal designed solutions & applications to the homes’ of individuals with disabilities or age related limitations. These solutions for independent living can range from a simple grab bar installation to an extensive addition equipped with smart home technology all centered around letting someone age in place gracefully in the comfort of their own home.
Diane Landau
After being in the real estate business for over twenty five years and dealing with many seniors, I realized that there was a need not being addressed. There was insufficient assistance for these seniors when they needed to move or downsize. Anyone planning to move knows what an overwhelming job it is. It doesn't matter if you are just going around the corner, across country, or just into a smaller space. The feeling is both emotionally and physically exhausting.
I became a member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers in order to help and became professionally trained to assist with every aspect of moving and downsizing.
I am a certified relocation & transition specialist (CRTS). My company, Memories On The Move Inc., was created to help individuals and families. We can create new floor plans, sort everything in the home, pack, dispose of unwanted belongings through tag sales, dealers, charities, or give to needy families. We can hire clean out crews and cleaning services to complete the transition. We are licensed, bonded and insured.
If you are moving locally, we can also set up the new place so it looks like it has always been your home.
Diane is also a NYS licensed real estate agent, and can sell the home as well.
Pat LaRosa
"Seeing families go through the process of finding the right care for their loved ones can be heartbreaking, and intimidating. As an Eldercare Advisor with a A Place for Mom I have the opportunity to use my financial and customer service experience in providing assistance to people during this stressful time. I take great pride in finding the best care options for the families that I have the privilege of working with."
Pat worked in the financial industry for many years both as a manager and working closely with seniors helping them accomplish loans through reverse mortgages. She understands the diverse needs of seniors and is well informed to guide families through the process of finding the perfect community to fit their lifestyle and needs.
Leslie Joy Larson, MS
Leslie Larson is a respected life Insurance Professional and New York Life Executive Council Member. She is a retired Special Education Administrator and School Psychologist with a reputation for consummate professionalism and exemplary ethics. She is organized, highly motivated with a proven track record in the implementation of her clients needs, vision and strategies. She provides services to adults, seniors and children. Leslie has been instrumental in building high performance teams and leading changes in competitive work and school environments. She has been very successful in building financial independence for her clients.
Leslie Larson has been an insurance professional with New York Life Insurance Company since retiring as Founder and CEO of Kids First Evaluation & Advocacy Center and Kids First Creative Learning Center. Ms. Larson is currently studying Finance at the American College and graduated from Hofstra University in 2003 with a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Education Administration, from Saint John’s University in 1982 with a Master of Science in Education and 1983 with a Professional Diploma in School Psychology. She attended New York Institute of Technology where in 1980, she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Community Mental Health, and from the State University at Farmingdale in 1973 with an Associate of Science Degree in Medical Technology. Ms. Larson also attended the Advanced Institute for Analytic Psychotherapy in 1980.
Ms. Larson is a member of the National Aging in Place Council, Senior Umbrella Networking, NAIFA, Long Island Professional Business Women’s Association, The Hispanic Networking Group, and the NYC LBGT Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Larson has served on the Boards of the Long Island Science Museum, and Temple Emanuel of East Meadow.
As a Special Education Administrator and School Psychologist, Ms. Larson was the key note speaker at several educational conferences, presented numerous papers at professional education workshops, and written the curriculum for a special education preschool and science program.
As a Life Insurance Agent, Ms. Larson has been the keynote and guest speaker at several seminars on Special Needs Trusts, Retirement Living, Estate Planning, Long Term Care, Life Folio, and 412(e) Defined Benefit Plans.
Ms. Larson specializes in Special Needs Trust, Long-Term Care, Working with the Sandwich Generation and the LBGT Community, as well as, Annuities, Business, College and Estate Planning.
Mary O. Moran
Mary has been extensively involved in the senior community through her work with reverse mortgages in the title industry. She is an experienced title agent with over 15 years of title experience to compliment a Wall Street background. A graduate of Fordham University, she uses this expertise to ensure a smooth flow in all title transactions, including acting as the title coordinator and closer in reverse mortgage transactions to ensure that personal touch. Mary is also one of a very select few to have had an article published about her work in the NY Law Journal, as a non-attorney.
Alissa Scott Prieto
Alissa has been an employee of Premier Reverse Closings, a nationwide title and settlement company that specializes in reverse mortgages, since August of 2004. She has assisted Premier Reverse Closings in conducting over 135,000 reverse mortgage transactions nationwide. Mrs. Prieto started her career with PRC in Southern California and moved to New York in March of 2008 where she met her loving husband, Adrian Prieto. Mrs. Prieto is a huge advocate for the senior community and that is why she decided to become the co-chairperson for the Long Island Chapter of that National Aging in Place Council. Mrs. Prieto graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology while playing on the tennis team.
Adrian Prieto
Adrian has been working in both financial and retirement product services for over 12 years. He has held wholesale management positions with American Skandia, Skandia Global Funds, Financial Freedom Senior Funding Corp and Senior Lending Network. He has a solid and diverse sales and marketing background in Annuities, Life Insurance, Reverse Mortgages, and most recently, Life Settlements. He is licensed with New York as a Life & Health agent and as a Reverse Mortgage originator. Adrian sees a future market being driven by equity release products such as Reverse Mortgages and Life Settlements that help our Seniors and Baby Boomer generations live comfortably in retirement.
Adrian was born and raised in New York City. He currently resides in Long Island City, NY and is a long suffering New York Met and Jet fan.