October 2017 – Oklahoma Senior Journal

Rise & Thrive: 11-4-17 Jeff Lara & Lisa Sydnor

October 31, 2017

This week on “Rise & Thrive with the OSJ Radio Hour”

Saturdays 9:05 a.m. on The Eagle, KZLS 1640AM or listen on the OSJ App

Jeff Lara (left) Director of Operations for The Salvation Army, Central Oklahoma Area Command and Lisa Sydnor, (middle) Senior Programs Manager for The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command.

Jeff Lara is the Director of Operations for The Salvation Army, Central Oklahoma Area Command. He has served in that position since 2010 following 28 years in the Fire service. Jeff started his public service career in Liberal, KS as a Firefighter/EMT before moving to Yukon to serve as the Assistant Chief in 1995 then 10 years as Fire Chief for the city of Yukon.

As Director of Operations, he oversees programs and services for homeless shelters, food pantries, social & disaster services, senior programs and transportation for Canadian, Cleveland and Oklahoma County.

Lisa Sydnor has more than 40 years’ experience in the nonprofit world. She served 10 years each with the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City; Oklahoma City University and American Red Cross in financial development.

She served as International Chapter Director for Meeting Professionals International; CEO for Central Oklahoma Community Action and since 2012 has served as Senior Programs Manager for The Salvation Army, Central Oklahoma Area Command.

Rise & Thrive! 10-28-17: Jenna Jeffords and Jennifer Forrester

October 25, 2017

This week on “Rise & Thrive with the OSJ Radio Hour” Saturdays 9:05 a.m. on The Eagle, KZLS 1640AM or listen on the OSJ website here or OSJ App on the go! GUESTS: Jenna Jeffords (left) District Director of Sales at Brookdale Senior Living Communities
and Jennifer Forrester (center) with Oklahoma Hospice Care as the Community Relations Director

Jenna grew up in Duncan, OK She attended the University of Central Oklahoma and obtained her Residential Care Administrators License from Carl Albert State College. She has been with Brookdale 8 years serving in several capacities from Executive Director to District Sales Director. She has been in the Senior Living industry for 11 years. She is currently the District Director of Sales for Oklahoma City and rural Kansas for Brookdale Senior Living. Jenna lives by her company’s mission statement, “Enrich the lives of those we serve with compassion, respect, excellence and integrity.”

Jennifer is a native of Midwest City, Oklahoma. She is a Certified Respiratory Therapist with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership from Southern Nazarene University. She has an extensive history in patient care in the hospital, clinic and private setting in addition to her over 15 years in leadership, management and marketing. Jennifer is involved in various community & networking organizations which support the community. She is currently the Community Relations Director at Oklahoma Palliative and Hospice Care. Jennifer lives by the rule, service before self and always treat others as you wish to be treated.

Rise & Thrive! 10-21-17: Joan Clark & Carla Scull, Alzheimer’s Association

October 17, 2017

This week on “Rise & Thrive with the OSJ Radio Hour”

Saturdays 9:05 a.m. on The Eagle, KZLS 1640AM or listen on the OSJ App (see below)

Joan Clark (middle) founder of the Santa arket Craft Show and also Carla Scull from Alzheimer’s Association (left)

Joan Clarke, founder and chair of the 8th Annual Santa Market Craft Show benefiting The Alzheimer’s Association of Oklahoma.

Carla Scull is the Education Coordinator for the Oklahoma Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education from the University of Oklahoma. Previous work experience includes, Special Education Teacher, Senior Companion Supervisor, Life Enrichment Director and volunteer.

Rise & Thrive: 10-14-17

October 11, 2017

This week on “Rise & Thrive with the OSJ Radio Hour”

Karen Youngblood and Bruce McIntyre

Karen Youngblood is the Executive Director of Customized Education at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) – which creates customized education solutions through certifications, conference management, contract partnerships, and courses to equip businesses, government, community organizations, groups, and individuals with the knowledge and skills that benefit personal growth and organizational success.

Bruce McIntyre serves as the Executive Director of the Parkinson Foundation of Oklahoma. As the author of Thrive Anyway, Parkinson Positive and Graceful Transitions, Bruce shares his expert guidance and warm humor with thousands of people each year.

As a caregiver for his wife for the past 12 years, Bruce understands the world of chronic illness and caregiving. He has led the Caregiver Fundamentals Project in Oklahoma City and served caregivers as a business, church, and non-profit leader. Bruce is also the author of Resilient Life. You can learn more about him at BruceMcIntyre.com.

10-7-17: Rise & Thrive! Gwendolyn Caldwell, Consumer Advocate/Lobbyist

October 6, 2017

This week on “Rise & Thrive with the OSJ Radio Hour”  My guest in studio: Gwendolyn Caldwell, President of Caldwell and Associates and Consumer Advocate/Lobbyist

Gwendolyn Caldwell, President of Caldwell and Associates, has over a decade of experience at the state capitol as a consumer advocate lobbyist. Caldwell has been involved in passing several key pieces of legislation and promoting issues for her clients including the Oklahoma Silver Hair Legislators.
Caldwell has a deep understanding of the processes thanks to her behind the scenes experience in the President’ Pro Tempore’s ofﬁce in the senate. She is on-site at the capitol each day during the legislative session to educate lawmakers on the beneﬁts or consequences legislation will have on her clients.