Megan Descutner, MSN, RN, CMC, CDP

Owner/Care Manager

A Personal Note from Megan:

“I recognized the impact of retirement and aging as a newly licensed nurse when my grandfather stopped practicing medicine and he longed for his patients and fellow healthcare professionals.   My grandmother was wheelchair bound, with COPD and she was blind.  They moved to a continuing care community and I became a geriatric care manager before I knew the profession existed.  Being the oldest grandchild, they would listen to me when they would not listen to anyone else. At the same time, my uncle had dementia and his wish was to continue living in his own home. Unfortunately, he was tricked by an in-home caregiver to get married. The impact of lives contracting, emerging disabilities, and the importance of advanced planning, guardian/conservatorships, elder law attorneys, and timely intervention have been valuable personal and professional lessons that I rely on to take care of our clients the way I take care of my own family.”

– Megan Descutner 

Megan Descutner is a certified care manager whose 30 year nursing career has spanned rehabilitation, home health, long term care, mental health, and community and government relations. She has a masters degree in nursing and has worked with individuals and families from birth through end of life.

She established Golden Pond in 2011 and merged ElderCare Strategies, another local company which was founded in 1999,  into Golden Pond soon after.  Her company had grown to 6 care managers, (3 nurses and 2 social workers and an activities therapist) over the past 8 years.  Golden Pond ElderCare Strategies, LLC helps clients live their best life. Megan and her team focus on being advocates while serving clients with chronic progressive illnesses like Parkinson’s disease, Cardiac disease, COPD,  Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and clients with acute illnesses.

Megan is appointed to the Loudoun County Commission on Aging, and is a member of The Aging Life Care Association, formally The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.  She is actively involved in community education to improve care for vulnerable, disabled, and elderly individuals providing knowledge and tools to make a difference.

Megan Descutner, MSN, RN, CMC, CDP

Owner/Care Manager

A Personal Note from Megan:

“I recognized the impact of retirement and aging as a newly licensed nurse when my grandfather stopped practicing medicine and he longed for his patients and fellow healthcare professionals.   My grandmother was wheelchair bound, with COPD and she was blind.  They moved to a continuing care community and I became a geriatric care manager before I knew the profession existed.  Being the oldest grandchild, they would listen to me when they would not listen to anyone else. At the same time, my uncle had dementia and his wish was to continue living in his own home. Unfortunately, he was tricked by an in-home caregiver to get married. The impact of lives contracting, emerging disabilities, and the importance of advanced planning, guardian/conservatorships, elder law attorneys, and timely intervention have been valuable personal and professional lessons that I rely on to take care of our clients the way I take care of my own family.”

– Megan Descutner 

Megan Descutner is a certified care manager whose 30 year nursing career has spanned rehabilitation, home health, long term care, mental health, and community and government relations. She has a masters degree in nursing and has worked with individuals and families from birth through end of life.

She established Golden Pond in 2011 and merged ElderCare Strategies, another local company which was founded in 1999,  into Golden Pond soon after.  Her company had grown to 6 care managers, (3 nurses and 2 social workers and an activities therapist) over the past 8 years.  Golden Pond ElderCare Strategies, LLC helps clients live their best life. Megan and her team focus on being advocates while serving clients with chronic progressive illnesses like Parkinson’s disease, Cardiac disease, COPD,  Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and clients with acute illnesses.

Megan is appointed to the Loudoun County Commission on Aging, and is a member of The Aging Life Care Association, formally The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.  She is actively involved in community education to improve care for vulnerable, disabled, and elderly individuals providing knowledge and tools to make a difference.

Sara Watson, BSN, CMC, CDP

Care Manager

Sara Watson brings more than 25 years of nursing experience to her role as a geriatric care manager. Her nursing career has included geriatric nursing in the hospital, home healthcare settings and nursing homes. Her experience also includes case management in the insurance side of the healthcare process, working as a health insurance underwriting assessor and insurance claim case manager. With an elderly parent, Sara has also personally navigated the long-term care issues many aging seniors face including challenges such as long distance relocation and facility to facility transfers.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Carolina University, carrying on a tradition of nursing which now includes three generations, beginning with her late mother and now carried on by Sara’s daughter, a recent graduate of the School of Nursing at Liberty University now serving as a nurse at a hospital in Lynchburg.

Sara has a heart for the senior community and strives to anticipate and meet the needs of her clients. She enjoys her role as an advocate for her clients as well as assisting their families in navigating the often bewildering world of healthcare providers, facilities, and insurers that mediate the care provided to our elderly loved ones in this new age of healthcare in America.

Sara Watson, BSN, CMC, CDP

Care Manager

Sara Watson brings more than 25 years of nursing experience to her role as a geriatric care manager. Her nursing career has included geriatric nursing in the hospital, home healthcare settings and nursing homes. Her experience also includes case management in the insurance side of the healthcare process, working as a health insurance underwriting assessor and insurance claim case manager. With an elderly parent, Sara has also personally navigated the long-term care issues many aging seniors face including challenges such as long distance relocation and facility to facility transfers.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Carolina University, carrying on a tradition of nursing which now includes three generations, beginning with her late mother and now carried on by Sara’s daughter, a recent graduate of the School of Nursing at Liberty University now serving as a nurse at a hospital in Lynchburg.

Sara has a heart for the senior community and strives to anticipate and meet the needs of her clients. She enjoys her role as an advocate for her clients as well as assisting their families in navigating the often bewildering world of healthcare providers, facilities, and insurers that mediate the care provided to our elderly loved ones in this new age of healthcare in America.

Annette Kirk, MBA, BSW, LSW

Care Manager

Annette is an experienced social worker, group facilitator and advocate with a variety of personal and professional experiences. When she married she saw the world with her husband in the Air Force and raised their daughter. In Okinawa, Japan she worked for the chief financial officer of the US Naval base where both her business and psychology degrees were useful. Back in the US she obtained her social work license in Michigan where she was the director of social services and activities in a nursing home. In Butler, PA she created a series of community-based programs, Adult Day Care, among others. In another setting she was a counselor and administrator in a large church where she established a 24-hour hot line for people who needed help. In Bay City, Michigan, she and her husband ran a group home for emotionally disturbed children and they had many success stories — “her boys” still call her and make her proud. Annette’s vast experience gives her insight into connecting with others and her fun-loving spirit is infectious. When she settled in Northern Virginia she was the director of social work in several nursing homes, Manor Care, Sleepy Hollow and The Hermitage. For the past 10 years she has provided educational and social group therapy, and friendly visits to provide enrichment, cognitive stimulation, and enjoyment as part of several organizations including The Insight Memory Care Center. Over the years she has cared for family members, near and far, supporting them as they lived with medical or cognitive conditions. Her family and professional experiences contribute to her depth of understanding and compassion for her clients and their families. She especially enjoys helping people find activities that they enjoy and instill a sense of purpose and connection.

Annette Kirk, MBA, BSW, LSW

Care Manager

Annette is an experienced social worker, group facilitator and advocate with a variety of personal and professional experiences. When she married she saw the world with her husband in the Air Force and raised their daughter. In Okinawa, Japan she worked for the chief financial officer of the US Naval base where both her business and psychology degrees were useful. Back in the US she obtained her social work license in Michigan where she was the director of social services and activities in a nursing home. In Butler, PA she created a series of community-based programs, Adult Day Care, among others. In another setting she was a counselor and administrator in a large church where she established a 24-hour hot line for people who needed help. In Bay City, Michigan, she and her husband ran a group home for emotionally disturbed children and they had many success stories — “her boys” still call her and make her proud. Annette’s vast experience gives her insight into connecting with others and her fun-loving spirit is infectious.

When she settled in Northern Virginia she was the director of social work in several nursing homes, Manor Care, Sleepy Hollow and The Hermitage. For the past 10 years she has provided educational and social group therapy, and friendly visits to provide enrichment, cognitive stimulation, and enjoyment as part of several organizations including The Insight Memory Care Center.

Over the years she has cared for family members, near and far, supporting them as they lived with medical or cognitive conditions. Her family and professional experiences contribute to her depth of understanding and compassion for her clients and their families. She especially enjoys helping people find activities that they enjoy and instill a sense of purpose and connection.

Mary Kay Crain, BSN, RN, CMC, CDP

Care Manager

Mary Kay Crain is a geriatric nurse care manager with more than 20 years of broad-based experience, including working in hospitals, family practice offices, and insurance companies. Her specialties include adult patient care, case management for the Medicare/Medicaid population, and patient education. She also has extensive experience caring for her parents, which has given her additional insight into patients’ and families’ needs.

Mary Kay received her bachelor’s in nursing from the University of Virginia. She also received her Faith Community Nurse certification from Shenandoah University and is a certified dementia practitioner.

Through her professional and personal experiences, Mary Kay has developed a love of working with the older adult population. As a geriatric care manager, she strives to advocate for her clients and their loved ones, offer health education, help coordinate care, and provide resources to ensure a safe living environment while promoting independence as long as possible. She believes support from others, a positive attitude, and a sense of humor are important to all of us, regardless of our age.

Mary Kay Crain, BSN, RN, CMC, CDP

Care Manager

Mary Kay Crain is a geriatric nurse care manager with more than 20 years of broad-based experience, including working in hospitals, family practice offices, and insurance companies. Her specialties include adult patient care, case management for the Medicare/Medicaid population, and patient education. She also has extensive experience caring for her parents, which has given her additional insight into patients’ and families’ needs.

Mary Kay received her bachelor’s in nursing from the University of Virginia. She also received her Faith Community Nurse certification from Shenandoah University and is a certified dementia practitioner.

Through her professional and personal experiences, Mary Kay has developed a love of working with the older adult population. As a geriatric care manager, she strives to advocate for her clients and their loved ones, offer health education, help coordinate care, and provide resources to ensure a safe living environment while promoting independence as long as possible. She believes support from others, a positive attitude, and a sense of humor are important to all of us, regardless of our age.

Teresa Dunbar, MSG, CMC

Care Manager

Teresa Dunbar is a certified care manager and gerontologist, with over 20 years experience working with older adults. Prior to joining the team at Golden Pond, Teresa provided care management services, provided consulting services to churches, managed social service departments in rehabilitation and nursing centers, and provided social services in adult day care.

Her care management experience includes working for care management and home health agencies. In addition to professionally assisting older adults and their loved ones with health care decisions and planning, Teresa has first-hand knowledge and understanding of the challenges of aging with her own parents.

Teresa obtained her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Richmond and her master’s degree in gerontology from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has a passion for advocating for older adults and ensuring they receive the services they need to foster maximum independence and safety, and enjoys addressing the unique circumstances of each client and providing the guidance needed.

Teresa Dunbar, MSG, CMC

Care Manager

Teresa Dunbar is a certified care manager and gerontologist, with over 20 years experience working with older adults. Prior to joining the team at Golden Pond, Teresa provided care management services, provided consulting services to churches, managed social service departments in rehabilitation and nursing centers, and provided social services in adult day care.

Her care management experience includes working for care management and home health agencies. In addition to professionally assisting older adults and their loved ones with health care decisions and planning, Teresa has first-hand knowledge and understanding of the challenges of aging with her own parents.

Teresa obtained her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Richmond and her master’s degree in gerontology from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has a passion for advocating for older adults and ensuring they receive the services they need to foster maximum independence and safety, and enjoys addressing the unique circumstances of each client and providing the guidance needed.

Patti Oberg, MSW

Care Manager

Patti is a care manager with over 20 years of experience in different social work settings, including hospitals, schools, and senior living communities. Much of her professional experience has involved supporting adults with mental health challenges to live as independently as possible.  She enjoys building relationships, finding long-term solutions and collaborating with clients to help them live their best life.

Patti learned some valuable lessons while managing the healthcare of her out-of-state parents.  She navigated their healthcare team, home health care, hospice care, insurance claims, VA benefits and kept her large family on the same page.  She is a fierce advocate.

Patti earned her Master’s in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. 

While working in the Activities Department of a senior living community she came to realize that seniors were her kind of people.  Care management for seniors is a perfect blend of her talents and expertise. 

Patti Oberg, MSW

Care Manager

Patti is a care manager with over 20 years of experience in different social work settings, including hospitals, schools, and senior living communities. Much of her professional experience has involved supporting adults with mental health challenges to live as independently as possible.  She enjoys building relationships, finding long-term solutions and collaborating with clients to help them live their best life.

Patti learned some valuable lessons while managing the healthcare of her out-of-state parents.  She navigated their healthcare team, home health care, hospice care, insurance claims, VA benefits and kept her large family on the same page.  She is a fierce advocate.

Patti earned her Master’s in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. 

While working in the Activities Department of a senior living community she came to realize that seniors were her kind of people.  Care management for seniors is a perfect blend of her talents and expertise. 

Sue Clewis, BS, CMC, CDP

Care Manager

Sue Clewis is a care manager who received her bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation with a minor in Gerontology from Mars Hill University in 1990.  An activities therapist, Sue was a member of the large Recreation Therapy Department and interdisciplinary team at The Veterans Administration Medical Center in Danville, Illinois.

When  she and her husband returned home to Virginia they established an Assisted Living Group Home in Lovettsville which they operated until they had children.  She is an active member of the community.  Her volunteer work includes participating on the Inova Loudoun Hospital Ladies Board and managing their traditional Annual Rummage Sale which funds some of Inova’s community-focused initiatives.

Since 1990 Sue has been providing direct and indirect high quality care to home-bound elderly.  As a part of the Golden Pond Team, Sue provides insightful and solution-oriented care management providing continuity of health care and enhancing quality of life for aging adults living at home and in senior living communities throughout Northern VA.

Sue Clewis, BS, CMC, CDP

Care Manager

Sue Clewis is a care manager who received her bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation with a minor in Gerontology from Mars Hill University in 1990.  An activities therapist, Sue was a member of the large Recreation Therapy Department and interdisciplinary team at The Veterans Administration Medical Center in Danville, Illinois.

When  she and her husband returned home to Virginia they established an Assisted Living Group Home in Lovettsville which they operated until they had children.  She is an active member of the community.  Her volunteer work includes participating on the Inova Loudoun Hospital Ladies Board and managing their traditional Annual Rummage Sale which funds some of Inova’s community-focused initiatives.

Since 1990 Sue has been providing direct and indirect high quality care to home-bound elderly.  As a part of the Golden Pond Team, Sue provides insightful and solution-oriented care management providing continuity of health care and enhancing quality of life for aging adults living at home and in senior living communities throughout Northern VA.

Julie Widman, BS, RN, ACM

Care Manager

Julie Widman is a certified Nurse Case Manager with 30 years’ experience working in the hospital setting. Through her experience she brings a strong knowledge of care coordination in the complex medical arena. Julie has spent years building relationships throughout the community to ensure high quality care for her patients upon return to the community.
As a care manager, Julie is a strong advocate for seniors, educating and assisting clients and families navigate through the increasingly complex health care system.

Julie brings both professional and personal experience to her profession. She uses her knowledge to advocate for the best outcomes for her clients.

Julie received her Nursing degree from Marymount University in Arlington. While working at George Washington University Hospital, she received her BA in Human Services where she gained interest in the need for education and advocacy within the community.

Julie Widman, BS, RN, ACM

Care Manager

Julie Widman is a certified Nurse Case Manager with 30 years’ experience working in the hospital setting. Through her experience she brings a strong knowledge of care coordination in the complex medical arena. Julie has spent years building relationships throughout the community to ensure high quality care for her patients upon return to the community. As a care manager, Julie is a strong advocate for seniors, educating and assisting clients and families navigate through the increasingly complex health care system.

Julie brings both professional and personal experience to her profession. She uses her knowledge to advocate for the best outcomes for her clients.

Julie received her Nursing degree from Marymount University in Arlington. While working at George Washington University Hospital, she received her BA in Human Services where she gained interest in the need for education and advocacy within the community.

Lisa Phillips

Life Support Concierge

Lisa, a Life Support Concierge, provides various services to Golden Pond clients to allow them to thrive at home.  Shopping trips, errands, organizing and preserving memories and collections in electronic form, downsizing, honey do lists, and streamlining work space are all aspects of her client support activities.

Lisa was born and raised in Loudoun County, Virginia and lives in Middleburg, VA.  She has two adult children and a grandson.

She studied Psychology and Early  Elementary Education at Mary Washington College.  In addition to working with Golden Pond she is a behavioral assistant in a self-contained autism program in the Loudoun County Public School System.  She has been a business owner and is an active member of her church and her community. Her experience includes teaching, banking, relocation, and concierge services.

She understands care giving from both the professional and the personal perspective. Over the years she has been the primary caregiver for her elderly parents, other relatives and members of her church.

Lisa Phillips

Life Support Concierge

Lisa, a Life Support Concierge, provides various services to Golden Pond clients to allow them to thrive at home.  Shopping trips, errands, organizing and preserving memories and collections in electronic form, downsizing, honey do lists, and streamlining work space are all aspects of her client support activities.

Lisa was born and raised in Loudoun County, Virginia and lives in Middleburg, VA.  She has two adult children and a grandson.

She studied Psychology and Early  Elementary Education at Mary Washington College.  In addition to working with Golden Pond she is a behavioral assistant in a self-contained autism program in the Loudoun County Public School System.  She has been a business owner and is an active member of her church and her community. Her experience includes teaching, banking, relocation, and concierge services.

She understands care giving from both the professional and the personal perspective. Over the years she has been the primary caregiver for her elderly parents, other relatives and members of her church.