We believe that the challenges of longer life often find older adults and their families understandably unprepared to deal with them alone. We have a passion for helping people during these times.

Our philosophy is to offer personalized, comprehensive support. It begins with having a deep understanding of our client that comes from listening with EMPATHY. We then apply our EXPERTISE to determine potential courses of action that will achieve the best results as defined by our clients. Finally, we ENGAGE our clients in a manner that they choose to execute a high level of service for the optimal outcome. Our client is at the center of everything.

Together in Caring was formed by three partners whose track record of success supporting older adults in the Rochester Area is long-standing. Lifespan of Greater Rochester Inc., Entrusted Care and Mark McDermott of Touching Hearts at Home, saw a significant need for high quality, comprehensive geriatric care management services. Together in Caring was thus born with deep resources and broad experience as its foundation.

Serving the Greater Rochester Area
Monroe County, Wayne County, Ontario County, Yates County, Seneca County, Northeastern Livingston County

Meet Our Team

MARK MCDERMOTT
MARK MCDERMOTTChief Executive Officer
Mark has over 35 years of home care management, human resources, business and legal experience. He is co-owner of Touching Hearts at Home, a leading companion home care company with four offices and over 200 employees in New York State. He is a member and recent past Chair of the Lifespan of Greater Rochester, Inc. Board of Directors. Mark is a member of the Greater Rochester Area Partnership for the Elderly where he has served on the Advocacy Committee. He is a certified Eden Associate. Mark has a bachelor’s degree Magna Cum Laude from Boston College and a JD degree from University of Buffalo law School.

Mark is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys quiet time at his cabin in remote Quebec and canoe camping in the Adirondacks with his wife. He expects the Buffalo Bills and the New York Yankees to win it all every year. He enjoys reading just about everything, but novels, historical fiction and murder mysteries are his favorites.

KATHY JACOBS, MBA
KATHY JACOBS, MBAPresident, Certified Care Manager
Kathy Jacobs is a proven leader in care management, project management, logistics and financial services. Most recently, she was co-owner of Entrusted Care, a geriatric care management company. She is a certified by the National Academy of Certified Care Managers and is an Advanced Professional Member with the Aging Life Care Association. Kathy is also a Certified Aging in Place Specialist through the National Association of Home Builders and is essentiALZ certified by the Alzheimer’s Association. She has extensive experience working with people with disabilities and those with chronic and/or terminal illnesses. In addition to holding a bachelor’s degree in psychology and an MBA from the Simon School of Business focused on Health Care Operations, she also holds a Gerontology Certificate from St. John Fisher College.

Kathy is married with three adult children. She and her husband enjoy being outdoors kayaking, hiking, and doing landscaping work at their home. She and her family will often travel to the Adirondacks with their three German Shepherds. If not outdoors, then Kathy is likely reading a book!

JENNIFER DEWYEA
JENNIFER DEWYEAOffice Administrator / Care Manager Assistant
Beginning at age 14, Jennifer volunteered at a local nursing home in the recreation department, piquing her interest in working with older adults. Jennifer went on to work with adults living with developmental disabilities in group home and day program settings. She coordinated activities for the residents, focusing on inclusion and ensuring the residents had the same opportunities as others to participate in every aspect of life. She helped manage several high needs group homes. Now, she takes on many responsibilities at the Together in Caring office.

Jennifer is married with 4 children and 1 dog. She enjoys spending time outdoors during every season, usually with a book in hand. Rooting for the Baltimore Orioles, reading, traveling, and yoga are among her favorite hobbies, although with 3 children in travel sports, it can be hard to find the time. Jennifer is a true DIYer, she believes if you can Google it, you can do it!

JESSICA RUSTICI
JESSICA RUSTICICommunity Relations Manager
Jessica is a community relations professional with extensive marketing and case management experience working with older adults, caregivers and healthcare professionals. As a Certified Dementia Practitioner and previous educator at the Alzheimer’s Association, she has expert knowledge regarding individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Jessica earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications from St. Bonaventure University. She also holds a Certificate in Gerontology from St. John Fisher College and is essentiALZ certified through the Alzheimer’s Association.

In her free time, Jessica enjoys being with her family and friends. Jessica is a Rochester native. She is kept very busy by her toddler, and whenever able, she enjoys sunshine, boating, reading, and traveling.

JEN DIORIO, MSW
JEN DIORIO, MSWCertified Care Manager
Jen has spent over 15 years of her career working with older adults in senior living, where she has served as director of various assisted living communities. She holds a master’s degree in social work, and is a Certified Green House Educator, as well as Certified Eden Associate. Jen takes pride in creating a better quality of life for residents and her clients through guidance and support and has a true passion for advocacy. Jen considers the joy, laughs, and wisdom shared by this population to be priceless.

Outside of work, Jen enjoys spending time with her husband, three kids, and two dogs. They enjoy being outdoors. In the winter, they enjoy skiing, and in the summer, they enjoy and spending time with family on Seneca Lake.

CHELSEA CRAWFORD, LPN
CHELSEA CRAWFORD, LPNCertified Care Manager
Chelsea first began her career serving older adults when she was just 15 years old as an aide at a local skilled nursing home. After graduating high school, she became a Licensed Practical Nurse and went on to work as a civilian nurse for the US Army in Hawaii. After returning to Rochester, she completed her bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration and has since then spent her time working in senior living communities. Chelsea has had experience working in admissions, case management, and director of nursing roles, making her extremely well-rounded in this field. Chelsea’s grandmother and mother raised her and instilled the importance of patience, gratitude and compassion, which Chelsea says has helped her work with the senior population so naturally. Chelsea says she truly feels a sense of peace and as if she is “home” working with older adults in our community.

When she is not working, you can find Chelsea reading, boating, grilling, fishing, socializing, spending time with her family, friends and her daughter, Gianna.

 JEANNE MULLEY, LPN
JEANNE MULLEY, LPNCertified Care Manager
Jeanne has been a nurse in the Rochester community for over 35 years focusing on serving the needs of older adults. Her previous roles have included hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, memory care units, adult day care programs and independent living communities. She was the nurse manager of the St. Ann’s memory care community, Ranier Grove at Cherry Ridge, for 13 years. Jeanne is a graduate of the Isabella Graham Hart LPN program. She has a Certificate in Gerontology from St. John Fisher College and is essentiALZ certified by the Alzheimer’s Association.

Outside of work Jeanne enjoys time with her family. Her greatest joy is spending time with her grandchildren. She also enjoys traveling, attending baseball games with her husband, walking, and cooking.

GINA DONNELLY, BSW
GINA DONNELLY, BSWCertified Care Manager
Gina Donnelly is a widely experienced Social Worker and Care Manager with broad health care experience including acute care and nursing home care coordination. Most recently, she was co-owner of Entrusted Care, a geriatric care management company. She has worked in hospital discharge planning, admissions, case management and other human services roles, giving her a truly comprehensive knowledge base to serve the senior community. Gina is certified by the National Academy of Certified Care Managers and is recognized as an Advanced Professional by the Aging Life Care Association. She is a certified Aging in Place Specialist and is essentiALZ certified by the Alzheimer’s Association. She earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Nazareth College.

Gina is devoted to her community. She volunteers for her Church, plans the Taste of Wayne County, and serves on community boards. When not rooting for the Buffalo Bills, Gina enjoys helping on her family’s cattle farm.

SUSAN WILLER, RN
SUSAN WILLER, RNPRI Nurse, Relocation Nurse
Sue has decades of experience as a Registered Nurse and as a Care Manager. She is highly experienced in conducting Patient Review Instrument (PRI) assessments. She has worked in individual and management roles in a variety of senior housing settings including assisted living, “greenhouse” communities and skilled nursing. Her employers have included the Highlands at Pittsford, St. John’s and Maplewood Nursing Home. Sue also assists clients in relocating to another area in the United States.

Outside of work, Sue enjoys attending Rochester Broadway Theatre League Shows and Geva Theatre. She roots for New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills. Susan is also a member of PEO International, a philanthropic women’s organization that supports scholarships for women.

DIANE CIANCIOTTA, RN, BSN
DIANE CIANCIOTTA, RN, BSNPRI Nurse
For the past 27 years, Diane has worked in home care, predominately as a case manager, aide supervisor and trainer. Diane’s early career included working in a hospital setting as an Intensive Care Unit Nurse and in quality assurance for cardiothoracic surgery. Diane obtained her PRI Assessment Certification in 2010 and is highly experienced in conducting Patient Review Instrument (PRI) assessments. Diane finds working with older adults both rewarding and humbling. The shared life experiences, unique history, and wisdom of her patients often helps her learn about each individual and personalize their care even more.

Outside of work, Diane enjoys spending time with family and close friends the most. Her other interests include the theater, music, walking and gardening.

POLLY BOLLAND, LPN
POLLY BOLLAND, LPNRelocation Nurse
Polly started her nursing career in group home settings and long-term care over 20 years ago. Since then, she’s gained experience as a nurse leader, traveling nurse, and home care nurse. Polly believes you can learn much wisdom from the geriatric population that she serves and enjoys making a true difference in a patient’s life.
Her passion for nursing came at a young age when her grandmother was diagnosed with dementia and needed help. Polly became her caregiver and her love for nursing was born.

Outside of work, Polly spends much of her time with her husband and two sons. They enjoy traveling, especially to Florida.

JENNIFER DISALVO, RN
JENNIFER DISALVO, RNPRI Nurse
Jennifer has served the healthcare industry for over 30 years, starting her career as a CNA and working her way up to become a Registered Nurse.
She is highly experienced in conducting Patient Review Instrument (PRI) assessments. Working primarily in long-term care and hospital settings, Jenn has come to love working with older adults. “Especially after being raised by my own grandparents, I love hearing their stories, and learning from them,” she says. “I feel strongly that older people need and deserve advocates to help them keep maintain their quality of life.”

In Jenn’s free time, she is a runner, biker, swimmer, mom of three, and grandmother to three.

Private Geriatric Care Management to meet the challenges of longer life

“I had the opportunity to leverage the Together in Caring services for my mom. Simply said, the services provided and the people I worked with were all top notch! They took the time to understand our unique situation and helped create a solid support plan that was able to grow and evolve over time. I highly recommend this service!”

Alex P., Rochester, NY

“Everyone that we have worked with there has had the utmost respect and care for our family, especially my family member. They have been wonderful to collaborate with, very knowledgeable in finding the right placement, and patient all while preserving our loved ones wishes and desires in her new home. Thank you for making a challenging transition smooth!”

Erica G., Rochester, NY

“During a very trying time this organization was a huge help. They were able to provide an unbiased assessment of my mother’s health. The memory care facility that we moved my mom to was one that they recommended. Finally, Together in Caring provided consultant services that allowed us to better understand the ins-and-outs of the Long Term Insurance challenges and potential Medicaid rules. I highly recommend their services.”

Valerie L., Rochester, NY

“We have had the privilege of working alongside the Together in Caring team to serve the needs of the Rochester community for multiple years. To a person they are compassionate, knowledgeable, and purpose driven to provide the highest level of Aging Care management for all individuals looking to live a longer and healthier life. If you are involved in providing care for an elder friend or family member – Together in Caring needs to be your next call.”

Stephanie L., Rochester, NY

“We have had the privilege of working alongside the Together in Caring team to serve the needs of the Rochester community for multiple years. To a person they are compassionate, knowledgeable, and purpose driven to provide the highest level of Aging Care management for all individuals looking to live a longer and healthier life. If you are involved in providing care for an elder friend or family member – Together in Caring needs to be your next call.”

Julie R., Rochester, NY