AIRS Forum CRS- Self Care

Elly worked as an I&R Specialist at bc211 (formerly Information Services Vancouver) over 20 years ago. She became a Resources and Publications Specialist a few years later, known now as Database Curator. Since COVID, Elly had to consider self-care as she is partnerless and petless. She came up with various coping strategies and some interesting and unique discoveries. She also came to terms with being a surviving twin and created a poetic video story. Her interests include sharing Instagram photos of nature, hearts, and quirky things; and writing. She wrote a blog for five years and is currently attempting to write her memoir.

MaryJane Barney-Butler is currently Elder Resources Aging Specialist with the Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging. She structured and initiated the I&A program implementing Care Coordination and database management in Loudoun County as the Elder Choices Coordinator in 1995. She became AIRS Certified soon after, then AIRS Certified in Aging and later Aging & Disability and has been on the VAIRS Board for many years.

 She came to Aging Services in 1990 in the Adult Day pilot program as Assistant Manager and Activities Coordinator.  She has worked in the Senior Centers Program at and Social Services. While working in aging she also worked in domestic violence services as a DV & SA counselor.

She is currently a family caregiver and enjoys spending time whenever she can with her grandchildren.

Jordan Marsh (they/them) is a Community Resource Liaison at 211/LIFE LINE, a mission program of Goodwill of the Finger Lakes in Rochester, NY, USA. They previously worked on the front lines taking I&R calls as well as crisis calls for National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Since moving into the Resource Department, they received a merit award for their dedication to the COVID-19 response. In addition to a passion for personal development they are also an advocate for self-care and therapy throughout within the program. In their spare time, they enjoy hula hooping and coloring with their tiny human.

Bridget James (she/her) is the Intake and Referral Manager for DuPage County Community Services, a public sector organization that is a I&R along with Community Action Agency, Case Coordination Unit and part of the local Continuum of Care. She is a licensed social worker as well as National ROMA Implementer (NCRI). She previously for Head Start before her role at DuPage County as well as mental health counseling. She has a passion to help staff in preventing burnout by educating staff about self-care and recognizing secondary trauma. She is a self-proclaimed “nerd” and loves all things Disney, Harry Potter and anything sci-fi.