Grand Challenges for Social Work: February 2024
Read below for more information on this event's speakers.
Lindsay Huddlestun contributed to leadership on creation of dementia-friendly communities while a Sigler Aging Fellow, during her KU social work education—work she has continued in her role as an Eligibility Specialist with the Johnson County Area Agency on Aging.
Dan Goodman is Executive Director of Kansas Advocates for Better Care, an advocacy organization working to improve institutional and community-based care for older adults and people with disabilities. A lifelong Kansan, Dan graduated from Pittsburg State University and began his career in social services starting in Child Protective Services for the Kansas State Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, (SRS). During his 18 years with SRS, Dan held various positions, Adult and Youth Service Supervisor in Olathe, Area Medicaid Manager in Overland Park, Regional Adult Protective Services Supervisor for the KC Metro Region, State Adult Protective Services Program Manager, and Health Care Policy Field Administrator for the KC Metro Region.
Kelly G. Loeb is Community Engagement Manager at the KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Her work builds on her expertise in Medicare and other policy supports for older adults, as well as her practice proficiency in working with diverse communities, to collaborate toward social change.
Kristin Nichols earned her master's in social work from the KU School of Social Welfare. She joined the KU Health System in June 2023 as a clinical social worker for the Movement Disorder Clinic. She also has a history of working in rehabilitation as
an Occupational Therapist for the past 25 years, making her a multidisciplinary practitioner. Kristin is now a social worker at KU Outpatient Neurology.
Eric Sigler earned an MSW after 30 years of a successful career in sales. He found social work in aging so rewarding that he invested in the creation of the Sigler Aging Fellows, to make practice in aging a financially viable career option for more the colleagues he knew he needed to respond to this Grand Challenge. Eric is now a Grief Specialist with KC Hospice.