We are in-depth experts
We are led by expertise and driven by empathy
Our interdisciplinary team includes dedicated, highly trained experts with unparalleled knowledge in working with families that face challenges with dementia, cognitive impairment, disability and mental health diagnoses.
About the Owners
Jennifer Pilcher, Ph.D., CMC
Dr. Pilcher was awarded her doctoral degree in Gerontology from the University of Massachusetts in Boston in 2005. Her professional experience has focused primarily on care and housing arrangements for elders with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, including policy and fundraising work for the Alzheimer’s Association of Eastern Massachusetts, the Alzheimer’s Association of Utah and the Massachusetts Association of Older Americans.
Prior to founding Clear Guidance in 2018, Dr. Pilcher has had career long experience working with people with dementia and their families. For seven years, Dr. Pilcher was affiliated with Hearthstone Alzheimer Care Assisted Living programs in Massachusetts and New York, where she held a number of management positions.
For 8 years, Dr. Pilcher worked both as a Care Manager and as the Director of Operations for AZA Care Management of Boston, MA.
In 2010, she joined Overlook CARE, a non-profit Care Management practice in Greater Boston, as the Clinical Director. In 2016, Dr. Pilcher was promoted to the position of Senior Executive Director of Care Management and Private Care.
In 2018, Dr. Pilcher founded Clear Guidance in order to return to her passion of working directly with clients and their families.
Dr. Pilcher also recently served as President of the Board of the New England Association of Aging Life Care and is the Editor in Chief of the Journal of Aging Life Care.
Daniel McShane, MSW, Certified Dementia Care Partner (CDCP)
Dan McShane, Co-owner, is a Masters Level Clinical Social Worker who has an extensive background in mental illness. Mr. McShane spent the first 16 years of his career working in an inpatient psychiatric hospital as a Case Manager, where he excelled in developing treatment plans, providing direct care, conducting family meetings, developing comprehensive aftercare plans, behavioral coaching, teaching de-escalation techniques to clients and families, and providing training on managing crisis to families and facility staff.
After almost two decades in the inpatient setting Mr. McShane shifted his focus to working with clients on a long term basis. He was attracted to the field of Care Management as it allowed him to support his client’s treatment and progress into the community at large.
Mr. McShane’s experience in the field of mental health is extremely valuable for our clients who have struggled with lifelong issues or who have a dual-diagnosis that also includes dementia. Mr. McShane co-founded Clear Guidance with Dr. Pilcher to create a practice that caters to the needs of elders with these unique challenges.
Our Team
Kathleen Quinn, RN, Certified Dementia Care Partner (CDCP)
Ms. Quinn received a Bachelor’s Degree in human services from Fitchburg State College in 1992. While working with developmentally delayed adults, Ms. Quinn attended Labouré College where she received a Registered Nursing Degree. Upon certification, Ms. Quinn spent 20+ years as a charge nurse in a psychiatric hospital.
Prior to joining Clear Guidance in 2018, Ms. Quinn worked as a Life Care Manager for a Care Management Practice serving the South Shore and Greater Boston areas.
Since joining Clear Guidance, Ms. Quinn has assisted families navigate through the challenges associated with long term care planning and implementation of elder services. Ms. Quinn’s medical and psychiatric background helps her create unique problem-solving techniques and insightful solutions for her clients. As well, she provides a secure and compassionate resource for families and clients throughout their journey.
Cara Tirrell, MA, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Certified Dementia Care Partner (CDCP)
Ms. Tirrell received her BA in Psychology from St. Anselm College, followed by her MA in Counseling Psychology from Lesley University in May 2001.
Ms. Tirrell comes to us with over 25 years of mental health experience. She spent her early career in community mental health, investigating elder abuse and performing emergency psychiatric evaluations, specializing in diagnostic formulation and crisis case management.
Prior to joining Clear Guidance in 2023, Ms. Tirrell spent 14 years as the Director of Youth and Family Services at a local municipality, providing social services to all members in the community. During that time she led a dementia friendly town initiative, including a memory café and caregiver support group.
Most recently, Ms. Tirrell ran a mental health counseling private practice, specializing in treating elders in the community. She uses her strong relationship building skills and vast knowledge of local resources to support those experiencing challenges to remain as independent as possible.
Ms. Tirrell has used her expertise and passion to create several non-profits, providing leadership within her own community, advocating for those in need.
Maureen Powers, PT, DPT, MEd, CMC, Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), Certified Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care Trainer (CADDCT), Certified Dementia Care Partner (CDCP)
Dr. Powers is a licensed Massachusetts nursing home administrator and physical therapist. She attended Simmons University for her undergraduate and doctoral degrees in Physical Therapy, and attended Salem State University for a Master’s Degree in Education.
Prior to joining Clear Guidance in 2020, Dr. Powers was the Vice President of Education and Development for a large nursing home company where she established dementia care training programs for staff, and assisted centers in developing dementia specialty care units. Dr. Powers has also worked as a nursing home administrator where she implemented programs that improved quality of care and facilitated safe transitions across the continuum of care. In 2016, Dr. Powers was recognized by National Council of Dementia Practitioners as a Distinguished Educator.
Dr. Powers brings her years of experience to Clear Guidance with the goal of providing person centered care management for her clients and their families. Her training as a dementia practitioner and physical therapist allows her to assist families that are facing issues around cognitive impairment, dementia, and physical decline.
Michele Stephenson, MS, CSA, CCM, Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), Certified Dementia Care Partner (CDCP)
Ms. Stephenson found her passion working with seniors later in life. Her purpose is to assist seniors and their care partners facing the challenges of aging, while simultaneously recognizing their limitless potential and value.
Ms. Stephenson received a Master’s degree in Gerontology and Aging Services from University of Massachusetts Boston and has 10+ years of experience in residential memory care communities.
Prior to joining Clear Guidance in 2022, Ms. Stephenson worked as the Resident Services Director at an assisted living/day program that focuses specifically on residents living with dementia and their families and friends. She uses her expertise to help clients navigate the physical, psychological complexities of aging, dementia and mental health issues.
Meredith Gingrich, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist, Certified Dementia Care Partner (CDCP)
Ms. Gingrich is a Licensed and Registered Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience in helping adults, seniors, and their families to achieve their goals of rehabilitation, enhancing cognitive abilities, and improving quality of life.
Prior to joining the Clear Guidance team in 2020, Ms. Gingrich managed rehabilitation centers at skilled nursing facilities, and also owned a non-skilled senior home care business.
Ms. Gingrich understands the importance of seeing the whole person, and working together with the family and other caregivers toward short and long term goals. She has a unique ability to connect with clients, to listen, ask questions, observe, and to earn their trust. Ms. Gingrich's care plans are customized to each unique situation, and she has the ability to motivate even the most resistant clients to reach their goals everyday.
Tammy Pozerycki, BC-DEd, MA, CADDCT, CFRDT, CDP, COTP
Ms. Pozerycki is an established thought-leader in dementia care with 25 years of experience working with people living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia, their families, and healthcare professionals.
Ms. Pozerycki holds a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and her primary discipline was as a licensed social worker. She holds credentials as a Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer; Certified First Responder Dementia Trainer; and Certified Dementia Practitioner through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. Ms. Pozerycki is also a Certified Online Training Professional.
Ms. Pozerycki is the founder of Pleasantries Adult Day Services™, one of the first successful home-based social model adult day programs specializing in memory care. She is the founder and owner of the specialized training and consulting business Alternatives in Alzheimer’s Care™.
Ms. Pozerycki established the first Memory Café in Massachusetts known as Create A Better Day Café™ in 2011. She delivers keynote and workshop presentations to numerous state, national, and international organizations such as the 2013 Alzheimer’s Association’s International Conference; Aging Lifecare Association, New England Chapter; Massachusetts Assisted Living Association; and New Hampshire Healthcare Association.
Debi Miller, Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), Certified Dementia Care Partner (CDCP) Director of Business Development
Ms. Miller joined Clear Guidance as an Associate Care Manager in the summer of 2018. Prior to becoming part of our team, Ms. Miller has experience with both Care Management and Private Home Care. She was both the Manager of Private Duty Home Care and a Care Manager Assistant at a non-profit Care Management Practice in Greater Boston.
Ms. Miller has recently taken on the role of Director of Development which provides her the opportunity to enhance our already extensive offering of services.
Paula Lawrence, MSN, RN, CCM, Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), Certified Dementia Care Partner (CDCP)
The focus of Ms. Lawrence’s career had been working with older adults. Ms. Lawrence found her passion for working with the older population early during her undergraduate nursing studies at the University of Pennsylvania. After completing her BSN, she returned to complete a Master's Degree in Geriatric Nursing.
Ms. Lawrence has extensive experience in the field of aging including: Medicare Home Care, Private Home Care, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing and Geriatric Nurse Consulting. Throughout her career, she has held management positions as well as providing individual bed side care.
Because of her prior experience in so many areas, Ms. Lawrence has vast expertise in geriatric assessment. Ms. Lawrence brings her passion, knowledge and support to each client and family she works with at Clear Guidance. She aims to help each elder live life to the fullest, at the least restrictive level of care possible, and to ease the burden of care on their families. As a nurse, she understands the hands-on care older adults need.
From working across the health care spectrum, Ms. Lawrence has a clear understanding of levels of care available and how to identify both the benefits and concerns that accompany each level. Her goal is to provide knowledgeable, compassionate care to help clients and their families adjust to physical, cognitive and emotional challenges through the aging process.
Clorinda "Clo" Cottrell, LICSW, Certified Dementia Care Partner (CDCP), National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities Regional Trainer
Ms. Cottrell is a care manager and social worker with over 15 years of expertise in healthcare. Dedicated to supporting clients at every step, Ms. Cottrell prioritizes their preferences, strengths, and unique life stories. With a blend of compassion, expertise, creativity and strategic guidance, Ms. Cottrell helps individuals and families navigate life’s most challenging transitions with dignity and peace of mind.
Ms. Cottrell specializes in supporting aging adults, dependent adults, and individuals with disabilities to make informed decisions that promote dignity, well-being, and optimal quality of life. She brings particular expertise in care for adults with Down syndrome, autism, intellectual disabilities, and aging-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. During her eight years with Massachusetts General Hospital’s Down Syndrome Program, Ms. Cottrell provided comprehensive life span support to individuals, families and care partners, including co-occurring mental health conditions, dementia, and aging-related challenges. Her collaborative approach simplifies care processes, alleviates concerns, and empowers families to face challenges with confidence and clarity.
As a Certified Dementia Care Partner and National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices Affiliated Regional Trainer, Ms. Cottrell offers specialized guidance on dementia care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She provides in-service training, workshops, and care planning to help families and care teams deliver informed, compassionate support.
Leah Sherman-Collins, LICSW, MSW, CHW, Certified Dementia Care Partner (CDCP)
Ms. Sherman-Collins discovered her passion for working with older adults while founding an intergenerational discussion group at a senior living facility during her undergraduate studies. Before pursuing her MSW, she served as a bilingual Case Manager at a community health center, earning certification as a Community Health Worker. This role provided advanced training in client advocacy, health education, outreach, and navigating health systems.
Ms. Sherman-Collins has extensive experience in older adult care, including her role as a behavioral interventionist for the "Taking Care of Us" dyadic illness management research program, focusing on adults with heart failure and their care partners. As a Clinical Social Worker and Therapist certified in Behavioral Health for Older Adults, she offers a specialized perspective to care management. Most recently, Ms. Sherman-Collins led social work programming at an independent living and assisted living facility.
Her background on interdisciplinary teams equips Ms. Sherman-Collins to understand the complexities of care coordination and the benefits of a team-based approach. She adeptly supports clients in navigating challenges across individual, familial, and systemic levels, with expertise in home care, palliative care, hospice, PACE healthcare, low-income resources, financial planning, and hoarding support. Known for her compassionate, collaborative approach, Ms. Sherman-Collins' practice is strengths-based, trauma-informed, and affirming of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Brian Goddard, MBA, Certified Dementia Care Partner (CDCP)
Mr. Goddard is a compassionate and driven leader with a profound commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities. He brings over a decade of experience to his role, specializing in facilitating positive change within organizations serving the disabled community.
Mr. Goddard holds a Master of Business Administration from Suffolk University's Sawyer Business School. He is known for his exceptional communication skills, collaborative spirit, and unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.
Throughout his career, Mr. Goddard has played a pivotal role in advancing the mission of organizations dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities. As the Assistant Vice President of Programs at United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of MetroBoston, Inc., he oversaw a team of dedicated professionals focused on advancing the independence, citizenship, and productivity of individuals with disabilities.
Mr. Goddard's passion for supporting individuals with disabilities is evident in his hands-on approach. He has spearheaded initiatives to increase outreach, develop innovative training programs, and establish supportive networks within the community. Mr. Goddard's commitment has resulted in tangible improvements in the lives of those served by the organization.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Goddard is a staunch advocate for disability rights and inclusion. He actively participates in volunteer initiatives aimed at raising awareness and promoting equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Jenna Dion, Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), Certified Dementia Care Partner (CDCP)
Ms. Dion is a Certified Dementia Practitioner who has worked in dementia care field for over 17 years. She received her degree in Women's Studies with a special focus on Geriatrics from the University of New Hampshire.
Ms. Dion was inspired to work with persons with dementia while working as a dietary aide in one of her first jobs as a young adult. Being an old soul herself, she fit right in and decided that helping people living with dementia was her passion.
Prior to joining Clear Guidance, Ms. Dion held the position of Dementia Care Consultant at The Alzheimer's Association of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. She has consulted with thousands of families to help navigate the diagnosis and help persons living with dementia focus on their purpose and what they can still do well.
Ms. Dion spent more than a decade working in assisted living communities as both an activities director and staff educator.
As she has for the last 8 years, Ms. Dions continues to run a younger onset care partner support group a "meet up" for those living with dementia. She believes in holding space for community and education.
Jenna lives in Exeter, NH and while she is not working she may be hiking, playing flag football, getting into an intense game of pickleball, or writing poetry.
Lisa Jacobs, RN, MA, LNC
Ms. Jacobs is a highly respected healthcare executive with a broad and deep background in various healthcare settings, including Home Health, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long Term Acute Care, and Skilled Nursing Facilities. Holding a Master’s in Counseling & Educational Psychology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, Ms. Jacobs is both a licensed RN and a certified Legal Nurse Consultant in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Ms. Jacobs’ career is marked by her strategic leadership and innovative approach to enhancing service delivery and resident/client satisfaction. She has extensive experience in addressing the needs of clients with mental health challenges, disabilities, and cognitive impairments. Her past roles include Chief Operating Officer at Golden Pond Resident Care Corporation, Director of Senior Living at Bayada Home Health Care, and Vice President of Clinical Services at Wingate Healthcare. This comprehensive experience across the elder care continuum uniquely positions Ms. Jacobs to provide valuable advice and support for families through Clear Guidance.
Ms. Jacobs is also an active member of the Massachusetts Nurses Association and the American Society of Legal Nurse Consultants. Her professional affiliations underscore her commitment to advancing healthcare standards and practices.
Donna Greenberg, LICSW
Ms. Greenberg is a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with extensive experience providing psychosocial support, counseling, and advocacy to diverse populations across healthcare and community settings.
Ms. Greenberg specializes in conducting comprehensive psychosocial assessments, crisis intervention, grief counseling, and end-of-life care. Ms. Greenberg is skilled in managing complex cases, coordinating community resources, and fostering patient empowerment through education and support. In her past roles, Ms. Greenberg has been recognized for leadership in supervising staff, mentoring students, and facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance patient outcomes.
Ms. Greenberg received her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Vermont, followed by her Master of Social Work from Boston University. She is a Licensed Independent Social Worker, earned her Louis Lowy Certificate in Gerontological Social Work, and has over 35 years of experience in the field.
Ms. Greenberg is strong advocate for patient rights and access to essential resources, ensuring comprehensive and culturally sensitive care. She is committed to excellence and is adept at navigating complex cases with empathy and expertise.
Admin Team
Sandra St. Clair, MA, Certified Dementia Care Partner (CDCP), Client Services Manager
As Client Services Manager, Ms. St Clair focuses on building strong relationships with Clear Guidance clients and family members to ensure they receive the highest level of support.
Ms. St Clair originally joined Clear Guidance as the Office Administrator in the Spring of 2021, bringing her experience in Human Resources and Office Management to support our growing organization.
Before joining Clear Guidance, Ms. St Clair received her Master’s Degree in Management and worked in many different industries. She worked for several years helping families connect with caregivers, where she gained solid customer care expertise. Her broad background, along with her passion for improving the client experience enables her to provide our clients with the exceptional attention they deserve.
Shelley Bernstein, Certified Dementia Care Partner (CDCP), Office Manager, HR Assistant
Ms. Bernstein joined Clear Guidance to support the important objective of the practice: providing families with unparalleled care management. She brings a diverse set of experiences to her role as Office Administrator that range from financial services, human resources, and retail management.
A fairly recent transplant to the Boston area from the Rocky Mountains of Utah, when she’s not working with the team at Clear Guidance, Shelley can be found exploring New England in search of the best food and new running routes.
JoAnne O'Connell, MA Human Services, Certified Dementia Care Partner (CDCP) Engagement Specialist Coordinator
Ms. O'Connell is a compassionate and dedicated professional with over 15 years of experience in supporting older adults and their families. With a background in hospice care and volunteer coordination, she has demonstrated exceptional skills in providing comfort, compassion, and practical assistance to those in need.
Ms. O'Connell received her Master's degree in Human Services from University of the Rockies, Denver, CO.
As a Volunteer Coordinator at VNA Care Hospice, Joanne oversaw a program supporting 85 hospice volunteers, ensuring they were trained, supervised, and placed effectively to provide essential support and bereavement care to patients and families. Her commitment to recruiting, training, and mentoring volunteers resulted in the successful integration of 50 new volunteers within two years.
JoAnne's expertise extends beyond hospice care, as she also coordinated client care at an upscale maternity and early parenting business, providing support and guidance to expectant mothers. Additionally, her experience as a substitute teacher and kindergarten teacher demonstrates her dedication to creating safe and nurturing environments for individuals of all ages.
JoAnne brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to her work with older adults.
Expressive Arts Therapy Team
Silvina Ibanez, MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Certified Dementia Care Partner (CDCP) Expressive Arts Therapist
Ms. Ibanez is a professional Visual Artist, Mental Health Counselor, Art Educator, and Expressive Arts Therapist. She has more than 20 years of experience in the Arts Field, working with individuals, groups, and communities in the United States and abroad. Her educational and professional experience has been focused on contributing to change and healing through the arts.
Ms. Ibanez holds a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts (UNA Argentina), a Master's degree in Visual Arts (UNAM – Mexico), and a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Expressive Arts Therapy (Lesley University, United States). She speaks fluently in Spanish and English.
As a teaching artist and educator, she facilitates art classes and workshops for people of all ages and abilities. As an Expressive Arts Therapist, Silvina dedicates her knowledge and unique approach to individuals living with neurocognitive or neurodegenerative disorders and to those with severe or intensive disabilities. Her principles, based on a humanistic approach and positive psychology, are the roots of her expressive arts therapy interventions. Silvina offers a person-centered, intermodal perspective to promote self-expression, creativity, and communication.
Franci DuMar, MA, RDT, Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Specialization in Expressive Arts, Certified Dementia Care Partner (CDP), Expressive Arts Therapist
Ms. DuMar is a dedicated and compassionate Clinical Mental Health Counselor with a specialization in Drama Therapy from Lesley University. She is experienced in providing innovative therapeutic interventions through expressive arts, drama therapy, and evidence-based practices in clinical and educational settings. Ms DuMar is adept at managing individualized caseloads, facilitating group therapy, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support diverse populations.
Ms. DuMar’s mission is to offer clients opportunities to witness and act in both real and fictional stories to enhance and support their communication, empathy, emotional expression/regulation, and creativity. She integrates diverse Expressive Arts Therapy techniques into her work with clients, to strengthen the therapeutic process using other art mediums and mindfulness techniques. Her goal is to help clients live happier and healthier lives by providing accessible therapeutic support that is tailored individually to each client and their unique passions, abilities, and needs.
Ms. DuMar is also acutely aware from personal experience that memory loss does not just impact the one person who is diagnosed. She believes that a client’s family also benefits from creative arts therapy support. She is dedicated to offering ways for family members to uncover and discuss their complex relationship and feelings in their role as care partners through her work.
Outside of her clinical work, Ms. DuMar has been a Playback Theatre actor, educator, and practitioner for 17 years. A member of a non-profit, interactive Playback Theatre troupe, she performs regularly in the Boston area for public audiences on themes around aging, neurodivergence, bystander intervention, mental health, disabilities, addiction, and community connection. Performances involve audience members sharing their personal stories, and having actors play-back their stories using empathy and improvisation to help validate their emotional experience and inspire social change..