We would like to highlight some of our amazing staff members here at Age Well and introduce you to Brenda and Emma! We have many team members that you may not see every day, but who are vitally important in our mission to support older Vermonters. Hear directly from Age Well staff members and learn more about their roles.
Brenda McKean
Started at Age Well: April 2018
Job Title: Care and Service Coordinator
Department: Care and Service Coordination
What do you love about your job at Age Well?
I love the nature of my work, my co-workers and the mission of Age Well.
What do you find challenging?
Challenging times arise when there are not resources in the community to help a client in need, but I don’t give up. I work with my team, I network with other community workers to do the best that I can to support our clients.
How would you describe your approach to helping clients?
I meet clients where they are at and then walk alongside them to the next place in their journey.
What would you like more people to know about the work you do?
The work that I do with Age Well is vital to the aging folks in our community. I feel honored to do this work and to be an advocate for elders who need one.
Where did you go to college?
I went to both Champlain College and Northern Vermont University
Where did you grow up?
Montpelier, VT
What are you doing when you’re not at work?
I enjoy being outside any time that I can. I love to walk, garden, or sit by a river.
Emma Kaplan
Started at Age Well: June 2020
Job Title: Development & Communications Associate
Department: Development & Communications
What do you love about your job at Age Well?
I love hearing stories about how Age Well has helped people. This organization does so much for older Vermonters and I am so proud and humbled to be a part of our mission to embrace aging with confidence.
What do you find challenging?
There is always so much to be done, but it’s worth it when we remember why we are doing this. It is challenging but also so rewarding.
How would you describe your approach to helping clients?
I am able to talk to clients about their experiences with Age Well, and create short videos highlighting the work we do. I love being able to see and hear our impact when I talk with clients, and show those who are unfamiliar with our organization, that impact Age Well has.
What would you like more people to know about the work you do?
I hope people know they can come to us with any question or concern; we welcome everyone with open arms and the work we do brings us so much joy.
Where did you go to college?
Lyndon State College, B.S. in Electronic Journalism Arts
Norwich University, M.P.A. in Nonprofit Management
Where did you grow up?
Peacham, VT
What are you doing when you’re not at work?
I love traveling, hiking, spending time with friends and family, playing board games, and watching movies.