Catherine Jonas, a Certified Geriatric Case Manager, Certified Dementia Practitioner and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist has been highly regarded as an expert in the field of aging, disability and end of life care for over 20 years. Her mission is to preserve independence, dignity and quality of life for people as they age and enable family members to feel confident that their loved ones are living safe, secure and fulfilling lives.

Her dedicated professional experience includes guidance, advocacy and extensive knowledge about costs, quality and availability of resources. She is driven by an earnest passion for her clients and their families, the desire to provide practical answers and options during times of uncertainty and to reduce worry, stress and time off from work for family members who may be juggling multiple responsibilities.

Catherine is known for her expertise in Major Neurocognitive Disorders (different forms of Dementia) and has many years in working with individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke, Cancer and other chronic illnesses. As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Catherine is trained and experienced working with all individuals from different cultural backgrounds and knows how the whole family system is affected (patient and family/caregiver) and how each other’s coping mechanisms interact.

Linda Karchem has more than 25 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and seniors in residential, out-patient and in-home settings. She has always felt a strong need to continue her professional growth, and building her network of knowledge in geriatric care management has been extremely rewarding. Linda has personal and professional experience with Special Needs Trusts, Hospital Systems, Hospice/Palliative Care, Rehab, Home Health and Skilled Nursing.

Linda is committed to ensuring consistent, high quality client care and conducts comprehensive assessments and oversees the development of customized care plans while providing ongoing oversight and support for family caregivers. Linda’s goal is to make a positive difference in clients’ lives and to help them achieve the best possible care experience. Linda holds a degree in Music Therapy from Arizona State University, a certificate in HR Management from Loyola University, and is a certified dementia practitioner. Fun fact she is a classically trained violist.

Candi Patnett is a Geriatric Care Manager at CJ & Associates Care Consulting, bringing a wealth of experience and compassion to her role from years of experience working in Memory Care Communities.

Candi holds a degree in Child Development from Mount Saint Mary’s and spent a decade as a Pre-K teacher, along with four years running her own family childcare business. Her transition into senior care has not only redefined her career but also reignited her passion for making a difference in the lives of older adults. She finds immense joy in exploring the rich knowledge and life stories of seniors.

With 18 years of experience in Assisted Living Facilities, Candi specializes in working with seniors facing memory impairment and dementia. As a former Memory Care Director, she expertly facilitated assessments, transitioned residents to Memory Care, and crafted individualized care plans while fostering trusting relationships with families. She also established a Family Support Group to assist families and caregivers. Candi served as a Job Coach for four years, mentoring new Memory Care Directors, and is a strong advocate for ongoing education in Dementia Awareness Care.

Candi is committed to providing meaningful experiences for seniors, ensuring they enjoy a high quality of life. Known for her dedication, compassion, honesty, and reliability, she strives to create a nurturing environment for all those she serves.

Christina Andersen is a new Geriatric Associate with CJ & Associates who joins us with a vast background as a professional music teacher with over 8 years of experience. She holds a Master’s Degree in Musical Education and Pedagogy. Christina has worked extensively with elderly people with disabilities and disorders such as blindness, dementia, speech defects, and developmental delays. Her career includes roles at a university of design and applied arts, music and vocal schools, and offering personal lessons.

Before joining CJ & Associates Care Consulting, she was hired by our firm to assist on a very complicated case. She provided her expertise to an older gentleman whose quality of life was diminishing due to dementia and depression. She was able to lead him back to his piano to play once again. She met him weekly until his last breath.

Christina’s expertise and method which focuses on an individualized approach, enhances learning outcomes and overall quality of life. Her passion for working with the elderly, combined with her longing to be of service, led her to join CJ & Associates Care Consulting. She is committed to enriching the lives of seniors through professional geriatric care and the transformative power of music.

Rian Bush joined CJ & Associates Care Consulting nearly a decade ago as the Lead Office Administrator.

Rian has over 15 years of experience in administration and project management. She has a B.A. in Economics from California State University of Fullerton. She prides herself in her problem-solving skills, communication, planning and organization, adaptability, teamwork, process improvement and developing standards.

Rian has experience working in several industries. While in college, she worked in the technological industry where she developed training programs for new software. Her first job out of college was in the construction industry where she gained experience in project management and onsite coordination. She has experience in opening restaurants where she developed training programs for new hired employees. She has developed procedure manuals for construction companies, retail stores and restaurants.

Her mission at CJ & Associates Care Consulting is to ensure that our Geriatric Case Managers have all the tools, resources and support they need, so they can coordinate the best care and support for you and your loved one.