Staff

 
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Nancy Houghton, Executive Director – Nancy joined Health Advocates for Older People in 2001.  She has worked in the field of aging since 1991 previously having served as Executive Director of the Annie Tinker Fund.  She has a BS in Nutrition from the University of Alabama and a MA in Psychology from New York University.

 
 
 

Diane L. Magnuson, Director of Development – Diane has worked in organizations of various structures and sizes, from small startups to large agencies, and is co-founder of three nonprofits.  She brings a wealth of experience in fundraising and communications to her role at Health Advocates, including work with senior service organizations.  Throughout Diane's diverse career she has remained committed to making the world a better place.  Diane holds a Master of Public Administration degree from NYU.  In her spare time, she enjoys film and reading and is considered a lay expert in geriatric cat care.

 
 
 

Josh Krasner, Home Safety and Fall Prevention Coordinator – Josh has been with Health Advocates since 2022 and is passionate about making an impact, no matter how big or small. Prior to joining the organization, Josh worked in the mental health field assisting clients with housing, benefits, employment assistance, and social engagement. With proper assessments and modifications, he dedicates his time to ensuring that the city's seniors are able to live gracefully and safely in their own homes. Josh holds a BFA in Painting from Bard College and continues his dedication to painting during his free time.

 
 
 
 
 

Rosemary Bakker, Home Therapeutic Modification Coordinator – Rosemary is a certified interior designer and gerontologist. Prior to joining Health Advocates, she served on the academic staff at Weill Cornell Medical College.  During the last fifteen years, Rosemary has assumed a leading role in promoting the environment and smart technologies to optimize the health function, and well-being of the 50 plus community.  At Health Advocates, she visits seniors to ensure their apartments are safe so that they can remain in their homes for as long as possible.  Health Advocates Home Safety Program also partners with other nonprofit organizations to provide safety visits for their clients and to train their social workers in the importance of maintaining a safe, fall proof home.

 
 
 
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Patricia Baker, Office Assistant and Program Coordinator – Patricia has a Bachelors degree in Business Administration from St. John's University. After a career in insurance she transitioned into the nonprofit field where she has worked for many years. In her position she manages the 87th Street office of Health Advocates overseeing classes and activities held there and handles various administrative tasks. She also manages volunteers for the monthly program calendar mailing distributed to Health Advocates' 1,400 senior members, facilitates home visits via Zoom, assists with fundraising and other events and manages the Health Advocates' Equipment Donation/Exchange Program.

 
 
 

Joan Grove, Bookkeeper – Joan pays and files all invoices and assists with credit card donations.

 

 Joe Mele, Financial Consultant – Joe oversees all aspects of Health Advocates financial affairs reporting to the Board President, the Board Treasurer and the Executive Director.  He reconciles the bank accounts at the beginning of each month, prepares the monthly financial statements, and works with the Board and Executive Director to prepare the annual budget.  He also oversees the preparation for Health Advocates’ annual audit.

 

 Staff