Board of Directors
Liz Nielsen
BOARD VICE CHAIR /
BOARD PRESIDENT
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.
Yoselís Y. Ramos Hernandez
BOARD SECRETARY
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.
Gary "Chip" Skinkis
BOARD MEMBER
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.
Julia Menegay
PAST 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.
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.
Hema Ramaswamy
BOARD MEMBER
Founder/CEO
Sunlit Live
Hema Ramaswamy is an award winning technology leader who has built and scaled global
product and engineering organizations by 3X, opened up new product verticals such as health care, marketing, finance and launched new commercial products to global user-bases. Hema has led and developed mission critical and business analytics systems from innovation to launch that powered Fortune 100 companies for technology giants: Oracle Corporation (NYSE: ORCL), Hewlett-Packard Enterprise (NYSE:HPE) and Teradata (NYSE: TDC ) as well as for Seed-Series-B startups delivering multi-million dollar product portfolios. She was awarded the AdExchanger and AdMonsters Tech Trailblazers award for 2024 Top Women in Media Ad Tech. Hema is currently the Founder and CEO of startup - Sunlit Live, an AI powered technology platform that streamlines senior caregiving journeys for family caregivers. She is looking to apply her 30+ years of product development experience to reduce the stress for 38 million family caregivers. Hema is passionate about raising the profile of underrepresented people in the technology sector. She promotes K-12 STEM activities around the Central Texas region for IEEE organization, advises technology startups on scaling product-engineering and mentors many to step into leadership roles. IEEE recognized her with Region 5, Outstanding Achievement Award. Hema received her M.S. in Computer Science, from the University of Florida and her B.S. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from A.C. College of Engineering and Technology, India. Hema lives with her husband in Austin, Texas where they enjoy numerous cultural activities and spend time with their adult daughters. She practices, performs and teaches Bharatanatyam, an Indian classical dance.
Jamie Matusek
BOARD MEMBER
Owner/CEO
Bloom Communications
Jamie is a visionary leader with over 30 years of corporate experience, bringing a unique blend of expertise, passion, and purpose to her role as CEO and Owner of Bloom Communications. Her Dedication to empowering others, especially women in leadership, is evident in her commitment to fostering a culture of growth and collaboration. Jamie's extensive background in operations, team and culture development, and strategic direction enables her to guide organizations in achieving differentiation and growth through innovative, integrated marketing communications strategies. Under her leadership, Bloom Communications continues to thrive in its mission to inspire meaningful action through compelling storytelling that supports healthier, more sustainable communities. Together she and the Bloom Communications team lead the charge in expanding services for nonprofit and purpose-driven organizations, including strategic planning, marketing, donor stewardship, and digital education solutions. At the heart of her work lies a deep commitment to helping individuals discover and cultivate their passions and strengths, driving impact for the agency, her team, and the clients they serve.
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.
Nick Owens
BOARD MEMBER
Vice President
Centric Commercial.
Nick Owens is a Vice President at Centric Commercial, specializing in office tenant and buyer representation. Over the course of his career, he has represented commercial real estate owners alongside local, regional, and national businesses occupying office and flex/industrial properties around Austin. His expertise spans tenant/buyer representation, dispositions, and acquisitions, providing strategic real estate solutions that align with his clients’ long-term business goals. Beyond his professional career, Nick is deeply committed to the Austin community. He serves on the board of the Young Men's Business League (YMBL), a historic organization dedicated to leadership development and philanthropy serving Austin Sunshine Camps, and AGE of Central Texas, a nonprofit supporting older adults and family caregivers. In his personal life, Nick enjoys hiking with his two golden retrievers, following all things related to his alma mater LSU Tigers, and exploring live music in Austin. .
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
Janelle Palfreyman
BOARD MEMBER
Grant Williams
BOARD MEMBER
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.