Our Team

Stephanie Swerdlow, LCSW, CMC
Director

Stephanie Swerdlow, Director of Elder Options, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and an Advanced Level Care Manager. Stephanie began working as a Geriatric Care Manager in 1996 and founded Elder Options in 2003. The mission was to provide the highest standard of service to seniors living in Broward County, North Dade County and South Palm Beach County. For the past 19 years, Stephanie has been an active member of the Aging Life Care Association™ (ALCA, formerly NAPGCM). She has served on the National Board and currently serves on the Florida Chapter of ALCA as the President Elect. Her expertise in the field of geriatric care has earned her a national reputation as a compassionate leader in helping seniors optimize their quality of life. “In my work as an Aging Life Care Professional, I have the privilege of meeting people at a point in their lives when they are transitioning to a new chapter. The joy for me is getting to know people and their families and to learn their stories. Yes, they are dealing with the challenges that aging inevitably brings, but they bring with them their strengths, their resilience, their humor and their wisdom. I am constantly learning from my clients who may have overcome many obstacles in their lives.”

Risa Marks, MSW, CMC
Advanced Level Care Professional

Risa has been with Elder Options since 2007. “Every individual has a story, a history, a journey. As a care manager, I have the privilege of working with older adults and their families as they transition to a different stage of life. I act as a guide through these new experiences which often include loss and change, but there can be positive aspects too. I help families build a roadmap for their loved ones’ future. I listen to stories of the past and learn so much about who they were. I work with my clients and families to accept the realities of aging in a gentle, compassionate way. I am their advocate, resource specialist, care coordinator, and oftentimes, the person they share their innermost thoughts with. My favorite aspect of care management is building relationships with my clients. They all have unique stories and perspectives and I value and respect their life experiences. Why am I a care manager? Because I value the ability to make a positive difference in my clients’ – and their loved ones’ – quality of life.

Beryl Hinson, MGS
Professional Level Care Professional

Beryl has been working as an Aging Life Care Professional since 1994. Her most recent experience as a Care Manager includes 5 years with Jewish Family Services of Broward County and the Family Link Care Management Program.

Beryl is a true advocate for the aging population and individuals with special needs. Her knowledge and skill enable her to provide guidance and support to families as they face the challenges experienced as loved ones’ age.

“I have worked as an Aging Life Care Manager for almost my entire career and have found it to be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. I help individuals and their families navigate their lives when they are at their most vulnerable and cherish the relationships I have built. There is truly no better feeling than knowing you set someone at ease and made their journey less stressful by being a part of their life.”

Lori Canter, MSW, CMC
Advanced Level Care Professional

Lori has been working as a Geriatric Care Manager with older adults and seniors since 2000 and an Aging Life Care Professional since 2004. As the previous Director of the Family Link Care Management program at Jewish Family Services of Broward County, Lori has experience that includes working with families who are caring for aging parents from a distance, linking Holocaust Survivors to affordable care, advocating for the disabled, connecting seniors to community resources, and being a local family representative, when necessary. “Being a part of the Elder Options team allows me to be the eyes and ears for families. I provide guidance as well as feedback for loved ones, which brings comfort to my families. My goal as a Care Manager is to work with my clients and families to create a personal plan of care. As a liaison for families, I can assist with any life transitions and assure that care is consistent”.

Cheryl Parker, R.N., B.S.N., C.M.C.
Certified Aging Life Care® Professional

Cheryl Parker is an RN with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She is a Certified Aging Life Care® Professional and a member of the Aging Life Care® Association. Cheryl has worked as a Registered Nurse for more than 30 years in a variety of professional health management and medical specialty settings. She has worked as an RN Care Manager for more than 22 years.

Cheryl specializes in geriatrics, aging issues, mental health disorders, Alzheimer’s, and related dementias. “This profession has allowed me the opportunity of helping others.  It is so easy to get lost in the system and I have found it incredibly satisfying to assist clients and families to navigate networks and resources to help our clients attain the highest quality of life and ensure their safety and wellbeing. Advocacy is what Aging Life Care® is about and I love what I do”.