5-5-18: VillagesOKC “It’s a Plan-Not a Place!”

This week on The Rise & Thrive OSJ Radio Hour 
Saturdays 9:05 a.m. on The Eagle, KZLS 1640AM or listen in on the OSJ app and website “Home Page” anytime! 

Guest in the OSJ Radio Studio: (L to R) Marilyn Olson-VillagesOKC Executive Director and Dana Ownes-DeLong- President of VillagesOKC NW (It is a PLAN … NOT a Place!)

Dana Owens-Delong 40 years in education as a teacher, department chair, program coordinator, dean, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost. Owned a bed & breakfast in Bethany for 13 years; board treasurer and co-founder of an educational non-profit for 10 years called StoryChasers, certified exercise instructor for Pilates, Yoga, Zumba, and personal trainer; ballroom dancing, pottery, stained glass, gardening, independent higher education assessment consultant 7 years; wife, mom, and “Gam” to 5 almost 6 grandchildren and now the President of the VillagesOKC-NW

Marilyn Olson, a native of Oklahoma City, is an Educator, Businesswoman and Caregiver Coach.  She began as ateacher then spending a decade in advertising before spending more than 30 years in the healthcare, retirement,

nursing home and assisted living industries.  Her passion is to be a help to the caregiver.

Her experience includes opening ten retirement communities several of which are in the greater Oklahoma City area. Most recently she accepted the position of Executive Director for VillagesOKC. “It is NOT a Place – It is a PLAN! 

As a member of the “over-fifty-five club” herself, she knows full well the demands of the

sandwich generation.  Marilyn and her husband Jim keep their interests in multiple worlds by staying involved in the lives of her 102 year old mother along with, three grown children and ten grandchildren.

Her humorous yet practical style has made her a favorite of adults and teens.  She says the challenges of aging are nothing new “because we’ve made it through childhood, teen years and middle adult life – and it’s basically all the same.”

The OSJ Magazine and Radio is a board member and committee planner of VillagesOKC