Marie Gress here, an LMSW-Macro. I'm passionate about non-profit management, inter-agency collaboration, and aging issues. After a decade-plus of working with senior community centers and area agencies on aging, I’ve recently transitioned to the Executive Director of a public transit non-profit. It’s been interesting focusing on one issue!

In addition, I am the Chair of the Washtenaw County Commission on Aging, co-chair the Washtenaw Healthy Aging Collaborative, and part-time lecture for EMU.

I’m a wife, mother, daughter, sister. I love video games, kayaking, red pandas, and my new puppy! I really do enjoy problem-solving at a systems level perspective, thinking strategically, and having a good laugh. 

Why were you interested in this role?

With many counties in Michigan already living the “age flip” and the rest joining soon, this is a critical network that needs cultivating. My hope is to help jumpstart the group and pass the baton!

What do you hope to see as the future of this workgroup?

I’d love to see this group grow, to have macro, mezzo, and micro representation. I’d love for the group to have networking breakout groups, an educational component, and a call to action moment. I’d love for the group to be meaningful to someone who is looking for a solid CE to someone helping their client find a resource to making policy change.

Who should join?

Someone looking for a meaningful network - introverts and extroverts alike.

Hello! My name is Taylor Cordes (She/Her/Hers). I was interested in this role due to my passion for serving our aging population. I have spent years tailoring my education to learn as much as possible about the unavoidable aging process. 

I hope this group becomes a resource for those who love collaborating and brainstorming with other passionate individuals interested in this population. I hope the future of this group leads to more workshops, advocacy projects, and political action.

Thus, people interested in aging, geriatrics, and preventative health should join this group. I believe in working towards a helpful system for the future, because one day, we might be served by this group.

Hey there! My name is Tyler, yes, just like the boy's name! 

As an LMSW-Clinical, I'm passionate about providing compassionate care in social work. My main focus is as a hospice social worker, where I strive to support patients and their families through the end-of-life process with empathy and respect for their emotional, social, and practical needs.

In addition to my work in hospice care, I also run a private practice where I provide therapeutic services to individuals and families, addressing a variety of mental health and life challenges. Previously, I have had diverse experiences working in crisis settings such as the emergency department, various county jails, and as a supervisor for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

My social work values are woven into all aspects of my life. For fun, I also work with foreign exchange students, helping them navigate cultural adjustments and personal development during their time in the United States. This broad range of experiences has enriched my practice and deepened my understanding of human behavior and social systems, giving me the confidence to handle complex situations.

As I pursue my Doctor of Social Work degree at Tulane University, my academic and professional journey is driven by a deep passion to transform the narrative surrounding end-of-life care in America. I'm dedicated to advocating for policies and practices that honor the dignity of individuals at the end of their lives and support their families through these challenging times.

Why were you interested in this role?

I'm excited about the opportunity to take on the role of Co-Chair for the NASW Aging and Gerontology Workgroup. It's a perfect fit for my interests in Academia and Hospice Leadership. I see this as a chance to bring a sense of purpose to our quarterly meetings and to connect with others who share my passion for this important work. 

What do you hope to see as the future of this workgroup?

I look forward to seeing this workgroup evolve into a friendly and collaborative space for social workers to support our rapidly growing aging population.

Who should join?

If you're a social worker working with the aging population in Michigan, I'd be thrilled to have you join our workgroup. Let's work together to build a supportive community and make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve!