Board of Directors
Julia Menegay
BOARD PRESIDENT
Chief Operating Officer
Texas Nurses Association
Julia’s career in human resources allows her to help businesses succeed by providing employees the opportunity to do what they do best. Julia began her HR career with a telecommunications company, and quickly realized HR was where she wanted to be. As an HR Consultant for 13 years, she worked with small businesses in Austin advising them on all aspects of HR. She is currently the Chief Operating Officer for the Texas Nurses Association, where she oversees Operations and HR, ensuring employees have the support and resources they need to be successful. Julia grew up in Austin and graduated from St. Edward’s University with her BBA, summa cum laude. She holds senior HR certifications and has been active with the Austin Human Resource Management Association (AHRMA). Before serving on the Board of Directors of AGE of Central Texas, she volunteered with Meals on Wheels and Communities in Schools.
Liz Nielsen
BOARD VICE CHAIR /
President Elect
Founder
Nielsen Law PLLC
Attorney Liz Nielsen of Nielsen Law PLLC has guided hundreds of families through the estate planning process, serving as their trusted advisor to bring peace of mind to their lives. As a wife, mother, and business owner, she understands how overwhelming an estate plan can feel. As an attorney, she knows just how important it is to have that plan in place. Liz is Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She practices exclusively in the areas of estate planning, special needs planning, and estate administration. Liz received her Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, in Psychology and Religion with a concentration in Human Rights from Barnard College of Columbia University, and her J.D. with honors from The University of Texas School of Law. Liz is very engaged with the legal community as well as the larger Austin community. In addition to serving on the board of AGE of Central Texas, she is on the board of the Travis County Women Lawyers Association and serves as the Publicity Co-Chair. She is an active member of Impact Austin, one of the largest women’s philanthropy groups in the nation, serving on grant review committees for the past three years. When she is not working or volunteering, Liz and her family enjoy going on walks around their Northwest Austin neighborhood, traveling around the world, spending time with friends and family, and watching sports, including the Texas Longhorns, Iowa Hawkeyes, and Chicago Cubs.
Shalana Poole CFP®, CDFA®
BOARD TREASURER
Financial Advisor
Flashpoint Financial Services
Shalana Poole CFP®, CDFA®, began her professional career in the Aerospace industry as a software engineer at Raytheon Missile Systems. It was during this technical period that she learned how to explain complex situations in layman’s terms and uses this skill as an added benefit in her financial planning career, particularly as it relates to the details of financial matters like IRAs, annuities, investing and retirement/financial planning. She also found that she really enjoyed the teaching/education component of the role. Finally, it was also during this time that she realized the importance of planning and that carries over today in her fundamental belief of having a financial plan before anything else. In parallel with advancing her technical career, she also decided to further her education and received a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Arizona: Eller School of Business, which eventually helped to evolve her career into the financial planning industry. After relocating to Austin, TX and starting a family, she launched her new career in the financial services industry as an Advisor with Edward Jones where she cut her teeth, learned the ins and outs of the business, and grew a successful business in a small suburb outside of Austin. She later transitioned to JP Morgan Securities for a several years, earned her CFP® designation, but decided to work in a smaller organization, especially given the very personal nature of finances, and thus started her independent business with Flashpoint Financial Services, a financial planning and wealth management business, alongside a long-term colleague. As a result of several life changing experiences and going through a domestic restructuring (i.e. a divorce) – and given her passion for “helping those that help others” – she decided to focus on the specific requirements of groups of individuals that have also gone through similar transitions, and who are willing to work on helping themselves just as they help others and their families through financial planning. Her overall mission is to give back to our communities by offering a sense of understanding and planning that will help guide their financial lives individually and through their families.
Gary "Chip" Skinkis
BOARD SECRETARY
Retirement Business Services
Charles Schwab
Chip has more than 20 years’ experience in the Retirement and Savings industry. In his current position with Charles Schwab, he provides business services to clients of the Retirement Business Services group, working closely with various operation teams to ensure accuracy and efficiency of trust administration – including compliance with all Charles Schwab Trust Bank policies and applicable state and federal banking regulations. Prior to Charles Schwab, he lived in Atlanta where he worked at MetLife and led the Defined Benefit Group leading numerous Fortune 500 client relationships. In addition, while in Atlanta, he owned and operated a property investment and management firm. Chip has earned degrees in Business Management and Applied Behavioral Sciences. His list of certifications and credentials include: AIF – Accredited Investment Fiduciary; Charles Schwab Aspiring Leadership Program; and Atlanta Board of Realtors – Lifetime Million Dollar Club Member. Chip was raised in Wisconsin and remains an avid Packer and Badger fan. In addition to football, he enjoys travel, wine and thoroughbred horse racing.
Catherine Vergara, BSN, RN, CCM, TxCG
BOARD PAST PRESIDENT
President
CareFor
Catherine Vergara is a Registered Nurse, Certified Case Manager, and a Private Professional Guardian. She is currently the President of CareFor, a Care Management and Private Duty Home Care Firm headquartered in Austin, Texas. CareFor is also a Private Professional Guardianship Program serving as Guardian of the Person and Guardian of the Estate for individuals in Central Texas. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Saint Louis University. Catherine has experience both in clinical bedside nursing and leadership development. Her passion is to meet the growing needs of the medically complex and aging through unique solutions that keep the patient first. Catherine also enjoys helping create sustainable and scalable work environments that support the employee while delivering exceptional services to the client. Catherine enjoys traveling, exploring the newest restaurant in town, and spending time outside. Catherine and her husband Martin have two children: Millie and Frances.
Christie Hilliard
BOARD MEMBER
Director of Enterprise Sales
Papa, Inc.
Christie Hilliard has 14 years of healthcare experience, most of which has been focused on addressing the needs of older adults and other vulnerable populations. Christie is currently the Director of Enterprise Sales at Papa, a mission driven Social Determinants of Health company that provides companionship and in-home assistance to those that need it most. In this role, she partners with health plans and other at-risk entities to provide social support and close gaps in care for Medicare, Medicaid, and Commercial populations. Previously, Christie spent 13 years at Medline Industries, a medical supply manufacturer and distributor, in the post-acute space. In her various roles, she established best-in-class clinical programs for nursing homes, home health, and hospice agencies, and she partnered with Managed Care Organizations to create member Health and Wellness and Fall Prevention Programs. Christie is a native Texan and attended the University of Texas Austin, with a BS in Advertising and a Concentration in Business. Christie and her husband, Todd, keep busy with their two wonderful children, Penny and Billy, and their very own pound puppy, Charlie.
S. Alessandro Insolia
BOARD MEMBER
President and Founder
Bouquet Homes Assisted Living
S. Alessandro Insolia is an entrepreneur with business experience in the areas of real estate development, retail consumer goods, and government contracting (to name a few). He has established and grown multiple companies, most recently revitalizing a ski resort and community in New Hampshire. His passion, however, is medicine and caregiving for the vulnerable. Currently, he is the President of Bouquet Homes Assisted Living, a new residential assisted living company based in the greater Austin area. His mission for this passion project is providing a home-like experience for older adult residents, while giving their families peace of mind, knowing that their loved one is comfortable, safe, engaged, and respected. Alessandro was pre-med, has a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Columbia University, holds an MBA from IE Business School in Madrid, Spain, and has completed dozens of medical mission trips to clinics in Latin America. He is a certified Assisted Living Manager, volunteered as an EMT in his home state of Massachusetts, and speaks Italian and Spanish. When not working or volunteering, Alessandro enjoys spending time with family, scuba diving, snowboarding, wine, and travel.
Ismael Martinez
BOARD MEMBER
Public Information Officer Sr.
Travis County District Attorney’s Office
Ismael Martinez is the Public Information Officer Sr. for the Travis County District Attorney’s Office. He previously worked at Univision for 18 years and returned to KAKW Univision Austin as the station’s News Director in August 2016. Ismael rejoined the Univision Austin station from KWEX Univision San Antonio, where he was News and Operations Supervisor from 2014 to 2016, organizing day-to-day workflow and special projects for the news team, and coordinating coverage of major events. He previously spent 11 years at Univision Austin in various roles, including Assignment Director, Producer, Executive Producer, and News Director. Ismael graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor’s of Science in Radio-TV-Film and a Bachelor’s in Broadcast Journalism in 2002.
Jason McBride
BOARD MEMBER
Senior Vice-President, Medicare Operations
Superior Health Plan
Jason has worked for more than 15 years in various areas of the healthcare sector with a focus on managed care operations. He currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Medicare Operations for Superior Health Plan. Jason has worked with healthcare provider partnerships, social determinants of health, coordination of services across Medicaid and Medicare for both health and social services, and also recently returned from the United Kingdom where he worked with the National Health Service (NHS) developing population health management programs. Moving to Indianapolis in 2006, Jason has worked with a variety of community organizations including Leadership Austin, Health Start Foundation, Children’s Optimal Health, Social Venture Partners of Mission Capital, Capital Area Workforce Solutions, Texas Humane Heroes, and the Austin Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife are founding Board Members and still active dog foster parent with Austin Dog Rescue along with their two “failed foster dogs”, Bert and Walter.
Brianna McKinney
BOARD MEMBER
Founder & Owner
Bloom Communications;
Founder & Owner
Florescence Health
Brianna is the founder and owner of Bloom Communications, the first and only B Corp Certified marketing agency in the state of Texas.
Additionally, she is the foundera nd owner of Florescence Health, a functional nutriion and health wellness coaching private practice.
Brianna is a health and wellness coach, board certified with the National Board of Health & Wellness Coaching (NBC-HWC), a collaboration with the National Board of Medical Examiners, and a certified Functional Nutrition Counselor (FNC), board eligible with the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. She recieved a BA in Sociology from the University of Texas at Austin, Magna Cum Laude.
Yoselís Y. Ramos Hernandez
BOARD MEMBER
Manager
Pappasitos Mexican Cantina
Yoselís is the Manager at Pappasitos Mexican Cantina in Austin. Previously, she was the Department Chair and high school Spanish teacher for the Manor Independent School District. She has led training in restorative practices and relationship building among her peers. She’s worked previously as an activities assistant and caregiver specializing in dementia care/programming in assisted living when she first moved to the Austin area in 2016. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in gerontology and a Bachelor’s degree in foreign language pedagogy. She’s set to graduate May 2021 with a Master’s in Education from Texas State University in educational leadership. When she’s not molding young minds, Yoselís enjoys reading YA novels, educating herself on social justice issues, and learning to speak French.
Lina Supnet-Zapata, MBA
BOARD MEMBER
CEO
Mir Senior Care & Care Consultants, Inc.
Lina has more than 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry. As Community Educator and Area Director for ten years in the hospice industry, she worked with families and health care providers educating and advocating for increased awareness and better understanding of issues that emerge during end of life care. In 2013, she joined her mother-in-law, Frances Mir, to oversee operations for Mir Care Consultants, Inc. founded in 2004. Lina’s passion, commitment and dedication for patient advocacy, consumer health education, ensuring accountability and excellence in care, assure individuals’ choices are honored. As CEO of Mir Senior Care & Care Consultants, Lina advocates that pre-planning in a complex health care system will help their clients and families to maintain control of their choices and achieve greater peace of mind. Lina serves on the boards of AGE of Central Texas, the Aging Life Care Association, and is an active member of Women’s Business Enterprises, Texas Guardianship Association, Dementia Friendly America and the Austin LBGT Chamber. When not working or volunteering, Lina spends time with her husband Orlando, three grown children, three dogs, playing pickle ball and traveling.
Luz Lopez-Guerrero
BOARD MEMBER
Director of Growth and Broker Relations
WellMed Medical Management, Inc.
Luz was raised in East Austin, where she witnessed the needs of the community. She has been involved in several volunteer opportunities to help the less fortunate, and enjoys working with the Aging population in Austin and surrounding counties. Luz works for WellMed Medical Management, Inc. as Director of Growth and Broker Relations where she educates Agents and Agencies about the WellMed Model of Care for our Medicare Eligible population. Having been an Insurance Agent specializing in Medicare Advantage to help the Medicare eligible population with their Healthcare options, she knows the important role agents have with their clients. Luz is involved in several organizations and commissions in the Austin Area, which give her the opportunity to both assist her community, and at the same time bring awareness to the community about WellMed and services they provide. She is a proud graduate of the 2010 GAHCC Hispanic Austin Leadership, Past Chair of the GAHCC HAL committee and Alumni committee, Past Co-Chair of the GAHCC Health and Wellness Committee, member of the Annual Conley-Guerrero Senior Luncheon committee, and she served on the COA Board and Commission on Aging. Currently, she sits on the Board of the Austin Geriatric Center, GAHCC Foundation Board, and the Austin Group for the Elderly of Central Texas. Recognitions include Star Committee member for Safe Kids Austin, AHA and the 2015 GAHCC Volunteer of the Year and the 2020 GAHCC Gus Garcia Service Award, HABLA Latina Community Leader, and 2023 TAMACC Women of Distinction. In her spare time, Luz loves to spend time with her family, travel, music, dancing, painting and cooking.
Ronnie Taylor
BOARD MEMBER
President
Homewell Care Services
Ronnie Taylor is the President of Homewell Care Services of Austin, which provides caregiver services to families and facilities around the Greater Austin area. His mission is to provide exceptional service and support for families that have a loved one recovering or aging-in-place at home. Ronnie graduated from Stephen F Austin University with a BBA in Management, and spent 30 years with Randalls Food Markets in various executive roles before leaving in 2017. He has held various positions with non-profit organizations including Central Texas Food Bank and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), and he is currently the Board President of Candlelight Ranch. Ronnie loves to be outdoor grilling, checking out the newest restaurants in town, or playing golf. Ronnie is married to Aleida and has three children: Blake, Bryce, and Bryleigh.
Ellen Stewart
BOARD MEMBER
Partner
Barnes, Lipscomb, and Stewart PLLC
Ellen is a board-certified estate planning and probate attorney who represents clients in guardianship, probate, fiduciary litigation, and estate planning matters. Ellen’s practice encompasses all aspects of guardianship and estate/trust administration. She continually represents executors, trustees, heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors, in routine estate administrations as well as complex and contested matters through the state of Texas.
Ellen, and the entire BLS team, work directly with clients to provide individually focused representation.
Outside of the legal community, Ellen has served as an advisor to college students at Southwestern University and Texas State University. Ellen previously served as the local president of the Greater Austin Alumni Association of Southwestern University from 2007-09 and still participates in the local alumni events. Ellen and her family reside in Austin, where both of her children graduated from AISD. Ellen and her family are members of St. Theresa Catholic Church and former members of St. Thomas More Catholic Church.
Education
- Baylor University Law School JD 1996
- Southwestern University BA Magna Cum Laude 1993
Professional Associations and Memberships
- State Bar of Texas, Member 1996–present
- State Bar of Texas, Real Estate, Probate and Trust Section
- State Bar of Texas, Litigation Section
- Texas Bar Foundation – Life Fellow
- Texas Bar College
- Austin Bar Association
- ABA Estate Planning and Probate Section (Board of Directors 2007-2013; Chair 2010-11; Chair-Elect 2009-10)
- ABA Litigation Section
- Real Estate Probate & Trust Law
- Williamson County Bar Association
- Admitted - United States District Court for the Northern and Western Districts of Texas