Calm. Compassionate. Collaborative.
Meet the Sage Solutions team
Kathryn Freda, MA, CMC, CDP
Kathryn Freda is a Gerontologist, Geriatric Care Manager, Eldercare Consultant, and founder of Sage Solutions. Kathryn has over 20 years’ experience helping older adults and their families by optimizing the services and resources available to them.
Kathryn holds a master’s degree in human development/gerontology from Saint Joseph College and is a Certified Care Manager (CMC) by the National Academy of Certified Care Managers. She served on the State of Connecticut Commission on Aging for three terms, including two years as Chairperson, and she has completed the Mediation Certificate Program at Quinnipiac University School of Law as well as an advanced Elder/Adult Family Mediation training program.
In addition, Kathryn has completed the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care curriculum through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (CDP) and is a Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional (CMDCP). She has also completed the University of Massachusetts Medical School’s eight-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course, a renowned training program centered on mindfulness meditation and increased self-awareness.
Kathryn has extensive training and experience in holistic health education, including 160 hours of Holistic Lifestyle Educator training at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lenox, MA.
Her unique background, both in the field of aging and in holistic health, has inspired her to create a wellness model for aging adults, rather than an illness model. Through a confluence of knowledge, experience, and creativity, Kathryn’s methodology has evolved into an individual, customized planning approach that is designed to improve the quality of life for her clients.
"Let the beauty of what you love be what you do." – Rumi
Casey McGannon, MA, CDP
Casey McGannon is a Gerontologist who also earned her master’s in human development/gerontology from Saint Joseph College. She was Director of Programs and Education for the Alzheimer’s Association in Connecticut for several years, before moving to Prince Edward Island (PEI) in 2005. She owned and operated a Home Instead Senior Care office for six years, working day to day with Island seniors and their families to ensure they had the most appropriate level of care and were apprised of all care options available.
She coordinated a two-year education project with the Alzheimer Society of PEI working with first responders and long-term care facilities on understanding issues of wandering and methods to avoid flight risk. She also co-facilitated a two-day course for professionals at the University of Prince Edward Island Centre for Lifelong Learning: “Heightening Health Care Professionals to the Realities and Subtleties of Dementia.”
Casey worked as the Grief Support Coordinator for Hospice PEI, and as a member of the Integrated Palliative Care Team, worked collaboratively with volunteers, medical and administrative staff and most importantly, families and individuals at the end of their lives to ensure they all received compassionate, caring support; she also continues to volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter.
Casey has returned to her home and brings her expertise in holistic care at end of life and care for individuals living with dementia to Sage Solutions.
"Aging is an extraordinary process whereby you become the person you always should have been." – David Bowie
Kerry Rausch, MSN, APRN
Kerry Rausch is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with 30 years’ experience working with older adults. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). She is a Yale trained family nurse practitioner certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Kerry is also a certified Continence Care Nurse and Menopause Practitioner.
Her experience includes 15 years working in female urology at Starling Physicians where she developed the Continence Care Center. In addition, she is an adjunct clinical faculty member at Netter Medical School at Quinnipiac College and at Yale School of Nursing. She has spoken at various venues on Urological Care of the elderly. She is currently the president of the local chapter of Urologic Nurses. Her experience also includes coordinating and facilitating research at the Center on Aging at University of Connecticut.
Kerry has been certified as a life coach as well as taken many classes in stress reduction and relaxation techniques. She provides patients with a holistic experience with focus on their physical, emotional, and social needs, while also supplying extensive education and counseling to all patients and family members.
“Everything in moderation, and there's a perfect balance in this life if we can find it.” – Ryan Robbins
Susan Sokol, RN
Susan Sokol is a Registered Nurse with over 35 years working with older adults. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa and has lived in several states before settling in Connecticut over 22 years ago.
Susan’s work history includes 30 years’ experience in Senior Housing, Assisted Living, Home Care, Palliative Care, and Hospice. She has served on the Board of the Connecticut Assisted Living Association as well as the Hospice and Palliative Care Advisory Committee for the Connecticut Association for Healthcare at Home.
Susan’s passion for working within the holistic philosophy around end of life care makes her a strong advocate for older adults as they set goals, make decisions, and navigate through this complex health care system.
"Live life when you have it. Life is a splendid gift-there is nothing small about it." – Florence Nightengale
Geraldine Burke, MS, CDP
Geraldine Burke has been working as an Engagement Specialist since 2009. She holds a BS degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation; an MS degree specializing in work with differently abled people; a four year training in a Body Oriented Gestalt Therapy; and directed activities for residents at an elder residential community. Geraldine has completed the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care curriculum through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (CDP).
In 2009 Geraldine became aware of the pervasive need for many elders to experience opportunities which stimulate cognitive, social, and emotional pathways. Geraldine created her own company which she operated until 2021. Her program is client centered and designed to incorporate past interests, hobbies, and maintaining relationships with family and friends. Many clients simply want to converse: to be listened to, and feel cared about.
Expanding her knowledge of the latest research and learning new methods of engagement with clients is viewed by Geraldine as essential to the success of her work. Her goals are to nurture a client’s ability to thrive and add to their quality of their life.
"There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done.One is called Yesterday and the other is called Tomorrow. So Today is the right day to Love, Believe, Do, and Mostly Live." – Dalai Lama
Racquel Lunser, BS
Raquel Lunser is a social worker with over 20 years of experience in long term care settings.
She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Salve Regina University in Newport, RI with a double major in Social Work and Psychology and a minor in Administration of Justice. She pursued Master's Level Courses at the University of Connecticut and Long Term Care Administration Coursework.
Raquel has over 25 years of experience in elder care advocacy and casework. She finds work-life balance running her fitness studio in Hartford, CT as well as finding joy in raising her 12-year-old son who plays AAU Basketball and National Team Football.
"The purpose of human life is to serve, show compassion and the will to help others." – Albert Schweitzer
Patricia Kiely, MA
Patricia Kiely is a Gerontologist earning her graduate degree in Human Development/Gerontology from the University of St Joseph.
Prior to joining Sage Solutions Patricia served as the Director of Care at Home by JFS, the nonmedical home care arm for Jewish Family Services of Greater Hartford for 17 years.
Prior to that role Patricia worked in banking at Peoples United Bank serving older adults with their finances including retirement planning.
In addition to her education and experience working with older adults and families, Patrica engages in advocacy related activities in and outside of her community, including serving on the West Hartford Senior Citizen Advisory Commission and her work as an ally for LGBTQ+ older adults.
“If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don’t hesitate. Give in to it.” — Mary Oliver
Tully Meyer, JD
Tully Meyer is a graduate of New England School of Law in Boston, Massachusetts. After practicing law for a number of years she transitioned into the healthcare field and never looked back. Over the years Tully has worked in Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living, Independent Living, Private Duty care, and Home Care & Hospice.
Being a patient listener, trusted partner and knowledgeable resource for our aging population and their families is what she truly prides herself on.
"Whenever you find yourself doubting how far you can go, just remember how far you have come. Remember everything you have faced, all the battles you have won and all the fears you have overcome" – Unknown
Peggy Coburn
Peggy Coburn has over 25 years of experience in the senior healthcare industry. She is a licensed nursing home administrator with professional experience that includes managing nursing homes, assisted living facilities, geriatric care management and managing a home health and hospice agency.
Her experience combined with her approachable style and ability to grasp situations quickly makes her a great resource to assist you on your journey.
“Pooh, what’s the bravest thing you have ever said?” asks Piglet. “Help,” said Pooh.