RSSN Virtual Workshop #3 : Hoarding
Three to five percent of the US population struggles with hoarding. In this training, LifeSTEPS facilitators Beth Southorn and Meredith Chillemi will lead a discussion focusing on practical ways to think about and address hoarding behaviors within the context of affordable housing. Topics will include: interdisciplinary teams, the dangers of clean-outs, finding common ground with the Clutter Image Rating Scale, and skill building.
About the Speakers:
Beth Southorn, Executive Director
Beth Southorn has been a leader in the social services field for over 30 years. Experienced in working with numerous special needs populations, her approach to housing and the prevention of homelessness was shaped and has continuously evolved from her spent time working at Mills/Peninsula Hospital and the Shelter Network of San Mateo County. Beth has built a career out of a unique combination of experience in diversity, leadership, training, and program development that have allowed her to form successful national models that are inclusive of vocational rehabilitation, supportive services, and affordable housing programs. As Executive Director of LifeSTEPS, Beth has propelled LifeSTEPS to its current status as one of the premier social services providers in affordable housing, now serving over 38,860 homes throughout the entire state of California from the border of Oregon to the edges of San Diego County. Beth has not only created and grown a successful model of resident empowerment for affordable housing communities throughout California, but has also been actively addressing the “Trapped in the Gap” paradigm faced by many seniors, in her efforts to assist older adults to thrive in place.
Meredith Chillemi, Director of Aging and Education Services
Meredith, a Gerontologist, has a background working in various social service and health care settings since 1994, including the Department of Veterans Affairs Geriatric Education Center, Continuing Care Retirement Communities, Adult Day Care, and at a senior health insurance plan. Meredith has also facilitated programs funded by the Area Agency on Aging, including home delivered meals, shared housing, and case management. Meredith joined the LifeSTEPS team in 2002 and now oversees our Thriving in Place initiatives, long term services and supports collaborations and the Older Adult RN Case Management Program. She has been instrumental in developing and guiding the programs and services LifeSTEPS offers to more than 90,000 residents.