Workshop #2

Transforming the Elder Justice Landscape:
Enhancing a Community-based Safety Net for Elder Abuse

Tuesday, December 16, 2025
10:00am - 12:00pm
Workshop cost: $60.00

Non-JASA Staff Registration JASA Staff Registration

Description:

The objective of this workshop is to create a comprehensive and community-oriented framework aimed at preventing elder abuse and safeguarding the rights and well-being of older adults. This involves integrating resources, services, and support systems at the local level to build a robust safety net that empowers vulnerable older adults.

Presenters:

Rev. Susan Frawley
Reverend & Project Manager
Elder Abuse Summit Implementation
Lifespan of Greater Rochester, Inc.

Rev. Susan M. Frawley is a retired School Counselor/Administrator. She is the pastor at Hamburg Unitarian Universalist Church. Susan has worked in the area of advocacy for older adults for many years. She has been a Project Coordinator for a grant focusing on older adults in Niagara County. She has also promoted older adult issues as a board member of Niagara Pride, a non-profit LGBTQ+ organization. As a clergy member, Susan continues to work diligently to connect faith communities on areas of concern for older adults, including issues of elder justice.

Tracey Siebert-Konopko, LMSW
Director of Education, Training, & Research Initiatives
Lifespan of Greater Rochester, Inc.

Tracey Siebert-Konopko, LMSW, has dedicated over a decade to her role as the Director of Education, Training, and Research Initiatives at the Upstate Elder Abuse Center at Lifespan. Since beginning her professional journey in 2008, Tracey has passionately dedicated herself to the well-being of older survivors of abuse and the professionals who support them. Her profound enthusiasm and commitment are evident in her multifaceted role. Not only does she manage direct case responsibilities, but she also spearheads Education, Training, and Research Initiatives, significantly contributing to the center's impact and outreach. Tracey Siebert-Konopko is a prominent speaker at various levels, sharing her insights and expertise on Elder Abuse and related topics. Her influence extends from local to statewide and national platforms, where she continues to make meaningful contributions to the field. Co-authoring the Elder Abuse Risk and Evaluation Tool (EARAE)© reflects her commitment to developing practical resources that guide elder abuse work and track outcomes for Lifespan and affiliated organizations. Tracey earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from SUNY Brockport in 2006, laying the foundation for her understanding of human behavior and motivations. Her pursuit of excellence led her to complete her master's degree in Social Work from the Greater Rochester Collaborative Program in 2008, specializing in coursework and field practicum focused on developing social work competencies for working with older adults.

Michael Sanchez
Associate Director of Older Adult Centers
JASA

Currently, the Associate Director of JASA’s Bronx Older Adult Centers, Michael has over 24 years of experience delivering and managing social services for the aging community in the Bronx. He also serves as Co-Chair of JASA’s Outreach Committee and Co-Chair of BRICA, the Bronx Regional Interagency Council on Aging.

Before this, Michael was the Assistant Bronx District Director for JASA’s Bronx Services, Clinic Administrator for JASA’s Geriatric Mental Health Outreach Services, and Director of JASA’s PEARLS program—a short-term mental health treatment program that worked with older adults at risk of depression using a Problem-Solving Treatment and Behavioral Activation model. He supervised JASA’s East Bronx Case Management Program in partnership with the NYC Department of the Aging. Michael was also the Program Manager of JASA’s Special Needs Unit, providing individual supportive counseling and assistance with accessing entitlements and benefits to socially isolated, homebound seniors. Additionally, he worked as a case worker for NYC’s Adult Protective Services program and has supervised direct care staff and managers for over 19 years. Michael holds a certification in Seminar in Field Instruction (SIFI) and has provided field instruction to Bachelor’s and Master’s level social work students for more than 14 years.

Moderator:

Takai Forde-Hillman, LMSW
Associate Director of Government Affairs
JASA

Takai Forde is JASA's Associate Director of Government Affairs and the former Queens JASA Elder Justice Social Work Supervisor. A New York State Licensed Master Social Worker, Takai received her Master’s degree in Social Work from New York University in 2016 and has made it her mission to serve the older adult population with dignity and respect. Takai served as a vital component in Elder Justice at JASA and in the larger community, collaborating with organizations like the NYPD, NYC Elder Abuse Center, the Office of Victims Services, and others. In her desire to provide improved comprehensive resources to older adults, Takai strives to advance racial equity for older adults and those who support them. She has been highlighted by the NYC Elder Abuse Center’s Racial Equity Task Force, sharing her insight on the unique aspects of abuse for older adults in their African-American and Black communities. Takai demonstrates her expertise through staff training and her work with student scholars. Her desire to promote educational field experience in the evolution of elder justice fuels her commitment to nurture a solid foundation for the next generation of social workers.

Continuing Education Information

2 CEU credits. Training certificates will be available.

Jewish Association for Services for the Aged is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0643.