Meet the Faces of PCOA

At Pima Council on Aging, we believe that our strength lies in the people who dedicate themselves to supporting older adults in our community. Our “Faces of PCOA” series highlights the passionate, skilled individuals behind the programs and services we offer. Each staff member brings unique talents and experiences to their role, and together, they help us make a lasting impact. Whether you’re a client, volunteer, or supporter, we invite you to get to know the incredible people who make PCOA what it is today.

Meet Iris Y, who joined PCOA as a Project & Administrative Assistant in January 2023. Iris brings a wealth of experience from her 18-year career at Raytheon, where she served in various roles including Paralegal, Office Manager, and Executive Assistant. After retiring from Raytheon, Iris felt a strong pull towards nonprofit work, particularly in serving older adults—a cause close to her heart. 

At PCOA, Iris provides crucial administrative support to multiple departments, including the Human Resources, Finance, and PCOA Way initiatives. Her role involves managing a wide range of tasks, from project coordination to assisting with key initiatives like the Veterans Directed Care VIP Program. In June 2023, she also took on the additional role of Executive Assistant to President & CEO Mark Clark, further showcasing her versatility and commitment. 

Iris’s dedication to helping others extends beyond her professional life. She volunteers with local community organizations, often supporting events that benefit older adults and environmental causes. As an avid traveler and member of the Tucson Audubon Society, she enjoys birding and exploring nature. In her free time, Iris loves playing the violin, reading historical fiction, and spending time with her two dogs, Kiara and Coco. 

When asked what she finds most rewarding about her work, Iris points to the meaningful impact PCOA has on the community. “Being part of an organization that supports older adults in living independently and with dignity is truly fulfilling,” she shares. 

Iris’s passion for service and her diverse skills make her an essential member of the PCOA team, and her impact is felt by colleagues and clients alike. 

Meet Arthur M, our dedicated Intake Specialist who has been with PCOA for the past three years. Arthur plays a vital role in our organization by handling incoming calls and assisting clients in finding the resources they need. His commitment to service began with drug rehabilitation assistance at CODAC, and he transitioned to PCOA to focus on helping older adults navigate their unique challenges. 

Arthur’s role involves more than just answering calls. It’s about providing reassurance and listening carefully to each client’s situation to connect them with appropriate resources. “The most important part of my role is making sure that people know they’re heard and that we’re here to help them find a solution,” Arthur explains. 

Over the years, Arthur has seen PCOA remain steadfast in its mission to be the premier resource for older adults seeking support. His favorite memory from his time at PCOA is meeting the team and discovering the depth of knowledge and willingness to share experience among his colleagues. “It’s inspiring to work with such a knowledgeable and supportive team,” he says. 

Arthur is motivated each day by the opportunity to make a small but significant difference in someone’s life. Outside of work, he enjoys spending quiet time with his beloved wife and building intricate Lego models. 

Arthur is proud of his involvement with the Fun Committee, which boosts morale among staff and supports the community’s well-being. He believes PCOA excels at providing hope and vital assistance to low-income older adults. “PCOA is crucial to the community because it offers unmatched support and resources for those who need it most,” Arthur says. 

Arthur’s dedication and compassionate approach make him a valued member of the PCOA team, helping ensure that each client receives the support and assistance they deserve. 

Meet Marybeth M, RN – CGTI Evening Nursing Assistant Instructor and Program Coordinator 

Marybeth joined PCOA in April 2020, bringing with her a wealth of experience as a PRN Clinical Instructor at CGTI before it became part of PCOA. In her current role as the CGTI Evening Nursing Assistant Instructor and Program Coordinator, Marybeth has the privilege of introducing students to the healthcare field and laying the foundation for their future careers in patient care. 

When asked about the most important part of her role, Marybeth emphasizes the joy of teaching the basics of patient care, which she believes is crucial for students as they begin their journey in healthcare. "It's incredibly rewarding to see them grow and develop the skills that will serve as the backbone for any healthcare career they choose to pursue," she shares. 

Marybeth's passion for education and workforce development aligns perfectly with PCOA's mission. She hopes to continue contributing to this mission by playing a key role in the evolution and growth of CGTI, which she views as an integral part of the community's workforce development efforts. 

One of Marybeth's favorite memories at PCOA is hosting graduation ceremonies at The Katie, where she can celebrate the achievements of her students. "Seeing the pride in their eyes and knowing that I've played a part in their success is a feeling like no other," she says. 

Her students are her biggest motivation to come to work each day, and she finds fulfillment in knowing that she's helping shape the future of healthcare. Outside of work, Marybeth enjoys reading, watching movies, walking her dogs, and spending quality time with her friends and family. 

Marybeth believes that PCOA excels in offering a variety of services to older adults, ensuring that they and their caregivers have access to the support they need. "PCOA is vital to the community because it provides essential services that truly make a difference," she says. Her dedication to education and workforce development makes her an invaluable member of the PCOA team. 

 

Selina L serves as a dedicated Long Term Care Ombudsman at PCOA, a role that involves advocating for residents in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. Her work is critical in identifying, investigating, and resolving complaints made by or on behalf of residents, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights are protected. 

Selina has been a part of the PCOA family for about seven years. Over this time, she has witnessed and contributed to the positive changes within the organization. “The most important part of my role is to advocate for the residents,” she shares. “I work to ensure their voices are heard in their community, creating positive changes that improve their quality of life.” 

Selina’s commitment to PCOA’s mission is unwavering. She hopes to continue dedicating herself to the older population and to bring a positive influence to everyone she interacts with. “What motivates me to come to work each day is knowing that what I do makes a difference in people’s lives,” she says. 

While she doesn’t pinpoint a specific favorite memory, Selina deeply appreciates the respect and kindness she experiences at PCOA. “I don’t have a favorite memory, but not only do I get to advocate for the older population, but I am treated with respect and kindness at the agency. I hope to retire at PCOA because there is no better place to work.” 

Outside of her professional life, Selina enjoys arts and crafts, traveling, and learning fun facts and history. Her passion for advocacy and helping others extends into her view of PCOA’s impact on the community. “PCOA gives a voice to people who are not always able to speak for themselves,” she explains. “PCOA is a safe haven for many people who do not know what is available in the community and need help navigating those resources and programs.” 

One of Selina’s proudest achievements at PCOA is seeing residents gain a better quality of life because of her advocacy. While she cannot share specific details due to the nature of her work, she finds great satisfaction in helping residents advocate for themselves. “It’s very satisfying to see a resident have a better quality of life because of something I was able to help them with,” she reflects. 

Selina’s passion for advocacy and her commitment to improving the lives of residents in long-term care make her a vital part of the PCOA team. Her work not only enhances the quality of life for those she serves but also embodies the compassionate spirit of PCOA’s mission. 

Meet Harbhajan K, Director of Dementia Capable Southern Arizona. Harbhajan has been working for PCOA for the past five years and began here as a Case Management Supervisor. During her time here Harbhajan has helped develop, launch, and manage dementia services at PCOA. When asked about her favorite moments of working at PCOA, Harbhajan discussed developing the Memory Café program, “Being a part of the Memory Cafes from their inception to now as they grow and develop has been so touching. Being able to come to café after café and see the same people having a good time while also being able to create and provide a safe space for them has been the most meaningful.”

With her time at PCOA Harbhajan hopes to continue to establish and expand the Memory Café program. Harbhajan’s background in behavioral health has provided her with a unique approach on how to create a safe space for each client she meets, “I think my background in behavioral health gives me a lens to look through when working with clients. Everyone is coming from life with different circumstances, and you have to be able to look at each person individually and meet them where they are at”. When she is not in the office, Harbhajan enjoys spending time outdoors with her two dogs, Olive and Nora, and her cat Milo. Harbhajan enjoys gardening, hiking, cooking, and watching a good Netflix show.

Meghan has been working for PCOA for two and half years as a Client Services Specialist in the Rights and Benefits department. She assists clients with many different topics including housing related issues, completing benefits screenings, helping make referrals for legal aid, property tax credit help, personal budgeting assistance and providing information and resources. When asked about what her role entails Meghan remarked, “I help them with anything and everything.” 

Meghan has worked in the Social Services field for over 25 years, mainly with Non-profits. Prior to PCOA she was a Case Manager at Mercy Care for eight years. During this time, she was a liaison with PCOA assisting with trainings for Visibility Matters and before that Project Visibility. After working alongside PCOA for many years, Meghan was excited to join full-time. Since starting her position she strives to help older adults live their best lives. 

In her spare time Meghan enjoys cooking, spending time with her family, and can be found thrift shopping, going to see films and art shows and building LEGO. She especially likes to build quirky and whimsical pieces, such as amusement park rides for her LEGO chickens. While in the office, Meghan enjoys growing in her role at PCOA. She wants to continue to help others, to learn new things every day and is proud to be part of a great organization serving and advocating for older adults. 

Since joining PCOA in February, Susan has hit the ground running working with the Philanthropy and Communications team to develop initiatives for community outreach and marketing. Before joining the team at PCOA, Susan owned Desert Lotus Group where she specialized in trade association management, special events and feature writing. Susan came to PCOA in search of a meaningful new experience where she could blend her experience in social outreach and association management with work that directly impacts the community.

“I want to increase the awareness of not only PCOA and what we offer, but also increase the awareness of the needs of those in our community who are sometimes forgotten… I want to contribute in a positive way to this organization.”

In her spare time, Susan enjoys golfing, reading, and volunteering at animal welfare organizations, where she adopted three of her cats. She and her husband, James, care for seven kitties; Bunny, Foo, Lenny, Squiggy, Agador Spartacus, Pip, Solly, and a forty-five-year-old desert tortoise named Daisy.

Caring for others has been an integral part of Susan’s life and she explains that she was drawn to PCOA for this reason.

“The most exciting thing about this job is how important the work is. It is the direct impact that our work has on the lives of the people we serve. It is all for the betterment of lives. I want to make people’s lives easier and help them not feel so isolated.”

Meet Sara M, our new Development Director who will be overseeing fundraising initiatives and donor relations for PCOA. Sara came to PCOA fueled by a desire to make an impact in the lives of the aging population in our community. “I was drawn to PCOA because when I was looking into the organization, the words dignity and respect continued to come up over and over, and what I love about the PCOA mission is that it really is all about aging with dignity and respect.”

Before coming to work at PCOA, Sara worked in development for Western National Parks Association. There she worked to enhance the visitor experience at over 70 parks across 12 Western states. When asked about her time working for the Western National Parks Sara remarked, “It was really great work, but it left me yearning for the personal impact.” With this in mind, Sara has come to PCOA with the goal of changing lives. “I want to help increase donations as a form of revenue stream so that I can help PCOA continue to fill the gap in our society and care for our aging population.”

In her spare time, Sara enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, travelling to new places and trying new things. Sara has travelled overseas and lived in Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Italy. Since returning to the U.S., she has travelled throughout Arizona visiting Sedona, Flagstaff, and several National Parks.

Meet Jennie C, a Support Specialist at PCOA who plays a crucial role in managing participant registration, payments, and communications for the Healthy Living Program. Jennie supports the Healthy Living Program Director, Falls Prevention Supervisor, and Lead Instructors for EnhanceFitness and A Matter of Balance. “I see myself as the home base for the team,” Jennie says, “keeping focus on the details that keep operations moving smoothly.” 

Before joining PCOA 13 years ago, Jennie spent 32 years in Tucson real estate, managing individual sales and developing strong relationships with her clients. The changing housing market and her husband’s health needs led her to seek a new career. “I floundered around to find a job, having no marketable skills outside of real estate,” Jennie recalls, but a friend’s encouragement and a connection at PCOA led her to a data entry role. 

Since then, PCOA has evolved significantly, becoming more tech-oriented. Jennie has adapted to these changes, learning from peers and volunteers and understanding firsthand the challenges many older adults face with technology. “I identify totally with the participants and callers that I deal with frequently – I am them,” she explains. 

Jennie hopes to continue contributing to PCOA’s mission by being a voice and an ear for older adults, translating empathy due to being able to relate to callers and clients. Her favorite memory at PCOA is participating in Dia de los Muertos activities, where she enjoyed making memory boxes and sugar skulls. 

Outside of work, Jennie enjoys gardening, attending movies, and spending time with friends. She even feeds mealworms to her backyard lizard community. Jennie believes PCOA excels at providing hands-on care, meals, advice, and support to older adults, offering essential resources as people navigate the challenges of aging. 

Jennie is particularly proud of her work with the EnhanceFitness, A Matter of Balance, and Healthy Living Programs, which help maintain an active lifestyle. “I am not alone in having heaped abuse on my body in my younger years. It’s gratifying to promote ways to mitigate those abuses and have some control over the changes in our bodies,” she shares. Jennie’s dedication and personal insight make her an invaluable part of the PCOA team and community. 

Meet Wendy B, who has been a part of the PCOA family for almost eight years. From her time as an Administrative Assistant at PCAH to her current role as an HR Specialist at PCOA, Wendy has brought a distinct joy, dedication, and purpose to her work. In addition to her role as HR Specialist, Wendy is also a member of the Fun Committee and the Safety Committee. Wendy enjoys bringing people together, and when asked about her time on the Fun Committee reflected that, “I love to bring people together and to see them let their hair down a bit. We are all just people and to see the way that everyone comes together is really wonderful… Just sitting and talking with people to find out what brings everybody together for this cause”.

Wendy’s experience in planning and process development comes from many years of experience as an executive at Target, and from a degree in Aeronautical Science, and a minor in Aviation Safety. With this experience, Wendy focuses on developing efficient processes for departments within PCOA, and when discussing this she explains the importance of specialized processes within an organization, “I love being organized and I love when everything is done the same thing across an organization. It is extremely important to have processes so that people know how to start and finish things well. Especially in HR, it’s important that we don’t miss anything.” Wendy’s dedication to excellence is matched by the abundant joy that radiates off her. When asked about her bubbly demeaner she remarked, “I’m very upbeat, very positive, and very bubbly which you need, especially going to job fairs. I am up and engaging with people because I want people to be as excited as I am about working at PCOA”.

In her spare time Wendy enjoys spending time with her friends and family and notes that PCOA has helped her to be able to be there for her family, “They value family here, they want you to have a work life balance and spend time with your family”. All in all, Wendy enjoys what she does and represents the mission of PCOA both on and off the clock, “I love what I do. I get into the excitement of talking about the company, and I have even told people about PCOA at the supermarket. I love that PCOA is there for older adults and there to help them with their needs, and if they can’t personally help, then they get them the information or resources they need so they can find help.”

Meet Hayley H, PCOA’s IT Director and “Captain of Awesomeness”. Hayley came to PCOA six years ago and began her journey in accounting as a Cash Receipts and GL Specialist. After spending time in accounting, Hayley transitioned to an Admin/IT Help position, which became IT Coordinator, IT Supervisor, and now IT Director. Hayley’s passion for IT comes from her love to solve puzzles. “I love when I solve a problem, it gives me a sense of accomplishment. To me problems are puzzles.” Hayley’s love for puzzles extends to her free time where she enjoys doing escape rooms with her family and friends. In addition to escape rooms, Hayley enjoys spending time with her husband and family of three dogs, playing disc golf, attending school for her Masters in Information Technology, and volunteering for the deaf.

Hayley’s goal as IT Director is to help her fellow PCOA employees to be able to accomplish all that they can with technology. “Since technology is needed so much and there are so many clients out there needing help, I want to make sure that tech is not a hinderance to anyone providing services to the public.” Hayley enjoys helping all PCOA programs thrive and be their most efficient with technology. “I mean, I just have to spread my awesomeness everywhere! I want people to feel more comfortable with software and technology and help it not be traumatic for them. I hope that down the line I have left enough of an impression to help people feel confident with technology and get rid of the tech trauma.”

Luz J has been a dedicated Medicare Specialist at PCOA for the past two years. Her role involves providing Medicare counseling to both new and enrolled beneficiaries, ensuring they are well-informed about their options and understand their benefits. Luz joined PCOA driven by a strong desire to help others in her community, bringing with her experience from CoWorx Staffing.

Reflecting on her time at PCOA, Luz finds the most important part of her role is making sure that current Medicare beneficiaries understand their benefits, while also ensuring that new beneficiaries are well informed about their choices as they navigate the Medicare system. “What motivates me to come to work each day is knowing that I can make a difference in someone’s life,” she shares. Luz also values her work team, who contribute to the positive atmosphere at PCOA.

Luz is passionate about contributing to PCOA’s mission of helping older adults age with dignity and respect. She aims to continue providing unbiased Medicare counseling and educating the older adult community about potential scams and how to protect themselves. One of her favorite memories at PCOA is participating in the monthly potlucks and the employee recognition program, which highlight the supportive and celebratory work environment.

In her spare time, Luz enjoys shopping and self-care activities. Luz is particularly proud of her initiative to translate the Understanding Medicare presentation into Spanish. This project has made it easier for Spanish-speaking beneficiaries to understand their Medicare options and make informed decisions.

Luz exemplifies the compassionate and dedicated spirit of PCOA, making a significant impact on the lives of Medicare beneficiaries in the community.

Also in this Section:
Accessibility by WAH