Get To Know Us

Andrea Leavitt, LMSW, C-ASWCM

Andrea dedicated her career to supporting the aging population in 2003. Her passions
developed from personal life experiences which led to her belief that the elder years of
one’s life are sacred – rich with meaningful moments as well as unimaginable challenges. Navigating multiple and often complicated systems on behalf of a client has been Andrea’s primary interest. Every person and family situation is unique, requiring a personal and creative approach to meeting their needs and interests. Andrea recognizes the privilege of joining them on their journey.

Managing family conflict related to aging issues is another area of expertise for Andrea.
She is a Kansas Supreme Court approved mediator and has advanced training in Elder
Mediation. Other aspects of Andrea’s earlier career include Human Resource Management, as well as mental health and special needs populations.

She completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Kansas State University and earned a Master of Social Work degree from The University of Kansas. Andrea most recently achieved the specialty designation of Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager.

Andrea is a member of Aging Life Care Association and serves on the Advisory Board of Johnson County Community College School of Nursing. She also enjoys being an active member of P.E.O., a women’s philanthropic organization.

Together with her family, Andrea takes pleasure in many outdoor activities. Farming, scouting, baseball and sailing are among their favorites. Lucie is the gentle family dog. She brings joy and comfort to many of Andrea’s clients.

Dana Lambert, LSCSW, LCSW

With more than twenty years’ experience helping families and individuals in conflict or struggling with physical decline, dementia or mental illness, Dana Lambert is an expert in advocating for the rights, needs and wishes of seniors. She is an expert in navigating systems, from complex medical and care provider organizations to intricate family systems. The belief that the wishes of each individual should be respected as they age drives her to assist seniors with creating a plan for the important decisions of where to live, how to balance safety with independence, when and who to ask for help and how to thrive even in difficult circumstances. She believes that having an aging member can and should be a time for families to find ways to work together and is practiced in conflict resolution to help create consensus and peace. Helping seniors and their families find creative ways to solve problems that improve quality of life energizes her.

Dana has a Master of Social Work from the University of Kansas, is a licensed clinical social worker in Kansas and Missouri and is a Kansas Supreme Court approved Mediator. She has worked in mental health settings, including private psychotherapy, for many years. She provides supervision to licensed social workers seeking clinical licensure in Kansas.

Caroline Dawson, LMSW

Caroline Dawson supports individuals and families in the work of living and aging wisely. As a member of AgeWise Advocacy & Consulting, she demystifies questions regarding aging, healthcare, death and dying. Caroline provides education and tools to individuals, families and facilities to enhance positive, effective communication and client quality of life.

With a focus on social work values, her collaborative approach upholds the worth and dignity of every person, and by valuing the importance of human relationships, she seeks to cultivate the success of shared goals.

Caroline also serves on faculty at the University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Medicine where she facilitates instruction of patient-centered interviewing techniques to young medical students, an approach that fosters the environment of trust so critical to a patient’s experience of care, as well as positive medical outcomes.

Caroline’s social work career has focused on mental health and patient/client advocacy. She has worked in inpatient psychiatric settings for geriatric, adult, adolescents, and children as well as advocated for victims of domestic violence abuse. This combination of experience has led Caroline to join Johnson County’s Community Violence Action Council (COMVAC) – Elder Abuse Committee.

Nicole Black, LMSW

Nicole is a licensed social worker with over ten years of experience working with individuals with dementia or special needs and their caregivers. She believes in working with her clients collaboratively and holistically with specific focus on strengths. Nicole has worked with a variety of clients, from Alzheimer’s patients participating in clinical trials, to adults and children with special needs in a community setting. She is a trained social worker, having completed her clinical practicum at the Alzheimer’s Association. Nicole holds a master’s degree in social work from University of Kansas.

Alankar Patel, LMSW

Alankar Patel believes that all adults have the right to age with dignity and grace. As a geriatric social worker, he is passionate about helping older adults navigate the unique challenges that present themselves in the later decades of life. Alankar promotes a person-centered approach and believes all aspects of a senior’s life including their physical health, mental health, and spiritual health are vital and important.

Alankar’s prior social work experience includes managing a medical supply store and assisting adults with mobility needs, coordinating care for homeless individuals, and counseling Veterans with mental health diagnoses. Before social work, he was an athletic trainer and worked for an orthopedic office. Therefore, he is well versed in how to make home environments safe for elderly people. He is passionate about helping older adults stay active.

Alankar graduated from the University of Kansas with his MSW degree. He lives in Kansas City with his family in a house built in 1926. Just as he enjoys working with older adults, he also appreciates his older home and challenges himself to complete the small “fix it” projects that frequently pop up. In his free time, he watches Cardinals baseball, reads the National Geographic magazine, and cooks new dinner recipes for his family.

Barbara Chamblin, Care Manager

Diversified is how Barbara describes her career. Her experience spans all age groups from babies to the aging.  Her work and life experiences have culminated in her desire to remain productive and satisfied in life through her support of seniors.

Barbara graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology.  She also earned an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Penn Valley Community College and pursued a rewarding career in nursing, working in labor and delivery, pharmaceutical trials and home health.

Barbara has served as a caregiver to family members with Alzheimer’s as well as supported friends who are caregivers for their family members.  Barbara provides a “hands on” approach that, along with her diversified professional and personal experience, aligns well with the mission and goals of AgeWise.

Barbara is also active in the community by serving at a local food kitchen, sponsoring the Tea ‘N Talk group at a senior community center, volunteering with hospice and providing respite care through her church. Barbara is a member of Kansas Advocates for Better Care.

Stephanie Missey,
Daily Money Manager

Stephanie has extensive financial experience in consulting, bookkeeping, running small business operations, auditing, accounting, financial reporting and training. Stephanie has served as an executor, conservator and durable power of attorney in her work at AgeWise.

Stephanie is inspired to use her years of accounting experience to help those needing assistance with their financial affairs. Stephanie believes in sharing her financial acumen, organizational and communication skills with others so they can focus on their areas of interest and enjoyment.

Stephanie seamlessly juggles many tasks and details to bring high level organization and information management to her work as a Daily Money Manager. She is bonded and a trusted financial assistant that understands how important financial order is to a senior’s sense of well-being.

Stephanie graduated from Kansas State University in 1990. She lives in Overland Park, Kansas with her husband and two teenage sons.