EDUCATION
Graduate Certificate - Geriatric Care Management, University of Florida - Gainesville – 2005
Master of Arts - Social Science, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA –1997
Bachelor of Arts, Human Health and Behavior, The Evergreen State College, Olympia, WA –1990
Certificate of Practical Nursing (LPN), John A. Logan College, Carterville, IL – 1984
POST GRADUATE
Professional Medication Skills Training Program -University of Washington School of Law - January 2012.
Certificate in Paralegal Studies - University of Washington - December 2011
Certified Professional Guardianship Certificate Program - University of Washington - March 2009
Certificate Program in Geriatric Mental Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, June 2008
Certified Care Manager - National Academy of Certified Care Managers, October 2007
Certificate Program in Gerontology, University of Washington Seattle, WA. – 2006 – Gerontology
Graduate Certificate - Geriatric Care Management, University of Florida - Gainesville – 2005
Finance & Accounting for Non-Financial Executives, University of Washington
Seattle, WA. – 2002
Employment History
2012 to Present - Faculty - University of Washington - Certified Professional Guardian Program.
2003 to Present - Owner - Smerken Consulting - Eldercare Services, Olympia, WA
1990-2003 - Operations Administrator / System Director for Housing and Long Term Care, Housing Director, Senior Case Manager (multiple positions over 13 years)- Providence Health System, Seattle, WA
Licenses and Certifications
-Licensed Practical Nurse
-Care Manager - Certified (CMC)
-Certified Professional Guardian (CPG)
-Qualified Dementia Care Provider
(Alzheimer's Foundation of America)
-Qualified Dementia Care Specialist
(Alzheimer's Foundation of America)
-Excellence in Care Specialist
(Alzheimer's Foundation of America)
http://www.excellenceincare.org/
Continuing Education
Improving the Quality of Services and Supports Offered to LGBT Older Adults by Aging Providers (Level 1&2) - National Resource Center on LGBT Aging - Seattle WA - February 2012
Professional Medication Skills Training Program -University of Washington School of Law - January 2012.
Certificate in Paralegal Studies - University of Washington - December 2011
Professional Care Manager Fall Prevention Seminar
Yale University School of Medicine
Helping Older Adults Cope with Grief and Loss - University of Washington School of Social Work -
Dementia: Diagnosis and Family Support - University of Washington School of Social Work
Mood and Thought Disorders in Older Adults
University of Washington School of Social Work
Navigating Multiple Systems in Working with Older Adults, University of Washington School of Social Work
Diagnosing and Treating Older Adults with Mental Illness - University of Washington School of Social Work
Medicaid Boot Camp - King County Bar Association - March 2010
Advanced Guardianship Issues: Navigating Through Troubled Times - King County Bar Association - April 2010
Fundamentals of Legal Practice - University of Washington - January-March 2011
Legal Research and Writing - University of Washington - January-March 2011
RCW 11.88.090 Guardianship Guardian ad Litem Training - King County Bar Association - May 2011
Professional Associations and Memberships
National Guardianship Association
Washington Association of Professional Guardians
Senior Action Network
Better Business Bureau
Hearing Loss Association of America
Hearing Loss Association of Washington
Volunteer
Board Director - Secretary - Better Business Bureau of Alaska, Oregon & Western Washington- 2010-2011
Vice President - Washington Association of Professional Guardians
Board of Trustees - Hearing Loss Association of Washingtion
Early Memory Loss Seminar Facilitator -Alzheimer Associations