Bridget Ritossa, LSW, CMC
Aging Life Care Manager and Founder

Careplan Care Managers was founded by Bridget Ritossa, Certified Care Manager, Licensed Social Worker. Bridget developed a wealth of knowledge resources in the areas of aging. This is a result of her 30 years of practice working at two major hospital systems in Cleveland. As a matter of fact, she worked at two of the largest healthcare chains in the country.

Her grandmother lived with her while growing up. As a result, this helped develop a genuine love and appreciation for the passion she carries with her as an advocate for older adults.

Studies have shown that living at home is better for the mental health of individuals. This is because they are happier in a familiar environment where they can live independently. However, when home is no longer the best option, Bridget will help families to find the most appropriate placement with her extensive experience in residential and clinical care settings.

Above all, Bridget’s goal was to create a company that would provide adults with the resources and knowledge to live well. Therefore, creating an individualized care plan is at the very heart of Careplan Care Managers.

Affliations:

• 2023 President of the Midwest Chapter of The Aging Life Care Association
• Unit Leader of Greater Cleveland Aging Life Care Association
• Board Member of the Midwest Region of the Aging Life Care Association 9 Years

Member of:

• Estate Planning Council of Cleveland
• The Ohio Injury Prevention Partnership,
• Professional Association Specializing in Seniors,
• The Aging Life Care Association
  
• Volunteer the National Ski Patrol

Lynn Hermensky has over twenty-five years’ experience in the healthcare industry serving both the Cleveland and Akron areas. She started her career in home health care and then worked with hundreds of families in assisted living and dementia care facilities. She has over 12 years’ experience in hospice and palliative care and finds it to be a blessing to be able to assist people with comfort care and support at end of life. She is extremely grateful to work in a field where she can listen, problem solve and find the very best care for each individual and family.

Lynn has worked with physicians, nurses, social workers, and the community to provide exceptional services and resources to people throughout Northern Ohio. She also coordinates outreach services and continuing education to both professionals and the community on a variety of topics.

Lynn has become a leader in her community known for volunteering her services to many organizations. Giving back to others is one of her greatest accomplishments. Some of her favorite volunteer experiences include, but not limited to, A Prom To Remember, Support Group Facilitator for The Alzheimer’s Association, Meals on Wheels and the Adult Volunteer Guardianship Program.

Lynn received a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education from Kent State University. She resides in Macedonia with her husband and 3 children.

Member of the following healthcare organizations:

• Case Management Society of America
• Eldercare Professionals of Ohio
• Western Reserve Hospital Senior Coalition
• PNG Professional Networking Group
• Cleveland East Senior Network
• Portage Senior Service Network
• Past President of University Hospitals Senior Network & The Association of Specialists in Aging

Julie Arnold brings more than 30 years of creative experience and a lifelong passion for using art to inspire connection, expression, and engagement. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Arts from Kent State University in 1997 and has built a diverse career combining creativity, communication, and relationship-building across a wide range of industries. Her background includes designing creative solutions as well as leading marketing and communication initiatives that educate, inspire, and connect people.

As a Cognitive Engagement Facilitator, Julie believes creativity is a powerful tool for enhancing cognitive wellness, encouraging meaningful social interaction, and fostering a sense of accomplishment. She enjoys developing engaging, hands-on experiences that help individuals express themselves, explore their creativity, and create lasting connections.

Creativity has always been woven into Julie’s life. Growing up in a family of makers, she was surrounded by sewing, crocheting, painting, and other artistic traditions that taught her the importance of self-expression through art. Today, her creative interests span an ever-growing list of mediums, including print and digital art, motion design, fine arts, photography, and many other creative pursuits.

Julie is excited to share her enthusiasm, creativity, and compassion with every individual she serves, creating meaningful opportunities for engagement, joy, and lifelong learning through the arts and community involvement.

Gina Kucmanic is a registered dietitian with over 2 years of experience working for Cleveland Clinic Children’s as a pediatric dietitian. She received her undergrad at Kent State University where she dedicated her time to volunteering and working later as a manager at the universities food pantry. She earned her masters degree and completed her dietetic internship at Montana State university.

She has provided medical nutrition therapy to both adults and children. In the adult population, she has taken care of patient populations which include GI, oncology, surgery, ICU, diabetes and more. She is currently the primary pediatric outpatient dietitian for Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospital and is looking forward to expand her dietetics experience to the adult population further.

Paul Chiarilli is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant and valued member of the Careplan team.

He is passionate about helping adults improve their strength, mobility, balance, and confidence so they can maintain their independence and safely remain in the setting they call home.