Meet Our Trusted Senior Living Advisor Team
We offer the resources you need to find the right senior care option for your family in the Ventura County and LA County areas.
Tami, Kelila and their team are fully informed on issues that can confront families: such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia, and the significant social, emotional and financial needs of seniors. They have immediate access to all of the ancillary local experts who provide experienced care for elders, such as: In-Home Care, Assisted Living, Independent Living Homes, Retirement Homes, Memory Care, Alzheimer’s Care, Dementia Care, Residential Care Homes (Board & Care), Respite Care, Skilled Nursing Facilities (Nursing Homes), Hospice, and more Senior Living options near you.
Tami Podell
Owner/Founder
Senior Care Partner
RCFE Administrator
Tami’s passion for helping others grew after watching her father’s painful decline through dementia. The process of finding placement for her father was overwhelming. Tami realized there were others like her who needed support and information from a knowledgeable and unbiased source.
As a result, Tami’s mission became providing this resource to others. She obtained her Residential Care for the Elderly certificate and founded Assisted Living Connections. Tami has helped families since 2009 find the best fit for their loved one’s care needs at an affordable price without sacrificing dignity.
Tami has lived in Agoura Hills since 1994 with her husband Glenn. They have a college-aged son and two older sons with their own families. Tami grew up in the San Fernando Valley and she and her brothers are all former Bruins.
Kelila Heller
Owner
Senior Care Partner
RCFE Administrator
Kelila’s entry into senior living began in 2007 when her mother fractured her hip followed by a major stroke and vascular dementia. Kelila helped her mother move into an assisted living community and later into a board and care home. Kelila’s maternal aunt and grandmother suffered with Alzheimer’s Disease. This has made Kelila sensitive to the needs of families who need help caring for seniors. Families in crisis don’t know where to begin; the process is overwhelming. Kelila is a resource and counselor for families, helping them obtain the best information as they explore assisted living and other home care choices together.
Kelila grew up in a rural community in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Northern California. She and her husband Rob met when they attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. They have been together for 45 years, have two sons and one grandson and have lived in Thousand Oaks for over 30 years.
Kelila is a Certified RCFE (Residential Care Facility for the Elderly) Administrator with the State of California Department of Social Services.
Jan Bearss
Senior Care Partner
Jan Bearss started her journey with seniors at the early age of 16 assisting the elderly as a Certified Nurses Aid in her hometown Grand Rapids, Michigan. As fate played out Jan was lucky enough to become a major caregiver for her grandmother helping her through her final days. Knowing she was destined to work in this field again, she changed roles, married and moved out West. After successfully raising three children with her husband she eventually re-started her career with the elderly as a Marketing Director for an Assisted Living Community in Montana.
Wherever her travels took her, working with families and their loved ones has always been a passion for Jan. Today she resides in California with her daughter and granddaughter.
Joanna Carnes, MFT
Office & Technology
Joanna has a diverse education and background in providing individual therapy, group counseling, and group administration. She feels strongly that a supportive community is a strong community and works to provide resources and connection to local residents, in-person and by social media.
Joanna is a trained facilitator for the Alzheimer’s Association and supports families and caregivers. She feels honored to work with our clients and provides a welcoming and helpful environment for new families who contact us.
Having grown up in the Conejo Valley, Joanna is proud to raise her own children in Ventura County.
Lucille Kosmatka
Customer Service
Lucille graduated from California State University Northridge with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, specializing in Sociology. She enjoys helping her community especially through fundraising for children’s causes. Lucille also counsels grieving families, helping them assess difficult options. She has lived in Ventura County since 1985. Lucille enjoys connecting with our clients and assisting them to find the best solution for themselves and their loved ones.
Mark Stelzer, MSW
Dementia Care Specialist
We want our clients to have the best outcomes whether it is staying at home, getting in-home care or moving to a community. To address these challenges, we offer a complimentary consultation with Mark Stelzer. Mark is a Master Social Worker who also specializes in dementia care. He is a member of the ALC team who can help with difficult situations. He can assist our clients in getting the support that will meet whatever best serves the senior and the family.
