Kathy Kuzma, CALA, CSA
In 2003, Kathy obtained an MPA in public and non-profit management focusing on issues facing the growing moderate income senior population, state and local policies, and available social services. Between 2004 and 2015, while being a caregiver for several family members, Kathy was certified by the national Society of Certified Senior Advisors (CSA) and as a New Jersey Assisted Living Administrator (CALA); she was on an NCOA program team introducing Medicare Part D and served as a SHIP Counselor on Medicare and Medicaid.
Maintaining her CALA and CSA certifications, Kathy keeps abreast of policy changes, new resources, and areas requiring advocacy within the full spectrum of health, financial and social issues facing seniors, their caregivers, and their service providers. She served on the 2015 and 2016 CSA Conference Speaker Selection Committee. She is a member of the Bergen County COYL Task Force; local committees participating in the Age Friendly Communities Initiative in Bergen County; and the national Village-to-Village Network.
At a 2014 CSA Conference, Kathy was introduced to the virtual Village concept for older adults choosing to age in their own homes and community. After exploring the tools available through Village to Village Network membership, Kathy organized a Steering Team to further explore introducing this concept to Bergen County. Kathy brings to NJV her passion for working with seniors to maintain their quality of life while aging at home as well as her background in education, market research, 40 years of working with volunteers, and 25 years as a Founding Trustee of another not-for-profit, all volunteer organization, Ukrainian Gift of Life, Inc. (UGOL).