OUR COUNCIL

Directors

Hospitals Partners

Advisors Representing

Board of Directors

Tasked with keeping our mission focused and our vision clear. They oversee the organization’s strategic direction, drawing on feedback from the Advisory and Hospital Boards to make informed decisions that resonate with the needs of those we serve. Responsibilities also include the development and support of tools + resources made available to support members with the organization's mission such as this website, as well Care Navigator & Care Coordinator web applications. In addition the members of this board are drivers behind the quarterly general assembly meetings bringing members from across the continuum together building a strong community approach to care.

Board of Hospital Representatives

Comprised of leadership from area hospital or health system case management & social work departments, each location above participates in our organization. This participation promotes open communication to discuss care coordination, navigation & transitions issues for professionals in the continuum of care. Representatives with each city or metropolitan area are responsible for hosting quarterly general assemblies once annually to maintain strong collaboration, coordination & relations while also bringing a degree of transparency with valuable metrics or insights. When our council meets, they bring to the table the experiences of their respective hospital or health system's.

Advisory Board

Representatives of our Advisory Board bring the voices of post-acute service providers, public agencies and other key organizations involved in the continuum of care to the forefront. They are directly responsible for engaging with our organization's members within their respective sectors, ensuring that the collective input and concerns of these professionals are considered in our planning and actions. This board acts as a channel for the professionals we represent, ensuring their voices are heard and their expertise is utilized in our decision-making processes. Members of this board whom represent service industry sectors, serve renewable annual terms, whereas members from public agencies are appointed by the organization they represent.

Tri-Board Council

The joint efforts of these boards are a commitment to bridge the gap between hospitals and post-acute service providers, public agencies and other key organizations involved in the continuum of care. By working together, we aim to create better tools and clearer pathways for healthcare professionals to collaborate, enhancing the quality of care transitions. This collective governance model helps LOCAH to stay true to our goal: to support healthcare professionals in our community by improving communication and coordination of care, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for those we serve.

Quarterly Our Council Meets to Review Needs of our Healthcare Community

Alivia Huffine Advisory Board: Skilled Nursing Facility Lead

Alivia is a distinguished member of our board with a rich background in healthcare and business development. Raised in a small town in Indiana, her journey into healthcare began in high school when she earned her certified nursing assistant license and started working as an aid in a nursing home. She chose to become a CNA initially with the intent on becoming a nurse. Ultimately she pursued and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training, with a minor in Exercise Science from Indiana University. After college her passion pulled her back into healthcare but in a different role.

Transitioning from patient care to a position in community relations with admission coordination & counseling at Trilogy at the age of 23, Alivia diversified and started building a keen understanding of the healthcare industry's business facets. Her tenure & performance resulted in her taking a mentor role, where she found passion in leadership & helping others to enhance their skillset. Following her position with Trilogy she has served as Regional, & now Senior Director of Business Development for Majestic Care. This role has been marked by significant contributions to improving post-acute service offerings for hospitals and patients alike, showcasing her ability to bridge clinical and business domains effectively.

Alivia's commitment to service extends beyond her professional endeavors. She has held leadership positions in several community organizations, including the presidency of the Rotary Club, and has been actively involved in the Kiwanis Club and various Chambers of Commerce. Her dedication to civic engagement underscores her belief in the power of community leadership and volunteerism to enact positive change.

In her role on our board, Alivia brings a wealth of expertise in navigating the challenges and opportunities within the healthcare sector, particularly in tailoring services to meet the diverse needs of patients across socio-economic spectrums. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and a relentless focus on enhancing care quality and accessibility.

Alivia's vision for our organization is to foster closer integration and communication among healthcare providers, ensuring comprehensive and compassionate care for all patients. Her personal commitment to healthcare excellence is further inspired by her direct interactions with facility residents, reminding her of the profound impact of empathy and support on patient experiences.

Outside of her professional life, Alivia enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new restaurants, and embracing the joys of motherhood. Her personal and professional journeys reflect a deep-seated commitment to improving healthcare delivery and advocating for the well-being of every community member.

Amy Schwieterman, CDP Advisory Board: Assisted Living Community Lead

Amy Schwieterman is the Director of Partnership Development at OALA. She has a Bachelors of Business Administration. She has been in the Senior Living Industry for 17 years and 10 of those years have been in the Assisted Living Industry. She has worked in the industry as a Sales Manager, Sr. Director of Sales & Marketing and Executive Director. Prior to the pandemic, Amy worked for OALA as the Membership Director. In March of 2022, she rejoined the OALA team. Amy has a passion for helping people find solutions. She always enjoyed connecting with residents and their families to understand what they needed to feel happy and stay healthy. That same connection helped Amy to connect with community staff to help them reach goals and make the communities they served happier places to work and live. When Amy isn’t working, she and her husband, Ben, are raising young 2 daughters, Keiara and Kaydence. They enjoy trips to the Columbus Museum of Art, the Franklin Park Conservatory and Columbus Metro Parks.

Angie Hoff, DNP, APRN, CNP Advisory Board: MD, DO & APP Lead

Angela (Angie) Hoff is a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has been a registered nurse since 1993 (Mount Carmel School of nursing grad!), with almost 30 years in the home care/community based industry. She has been a nurse practitioner since 2009 and has been providing primary care in a wide range of facility settings. Angie received her MSN with a concentration in administration from Capital University in 1999. She received her post master’s certificate and NP license from Otterbein University in 2009 and completed a doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) from The University of Alabama in 2014. Her doctoral work focused on dementia and psychotropic drug use. Angie currently owns and operates At Your Door: Visiting Healthcare Services (AYD). AYD has approximately 30 providers who provide primary care in long term care settings such as assisted living communities, independent living communities, and skilled nursing facilities. Angie also co-owns Health First Medical Center in Gahanna, Ohio. She is proud to offer pre-admission testing as well as weight loss treatments, botox, and suboxone treatment. When not working, Angie enjoys reading, walking, and attending OrangeTheory classes. Her favorite thing however, is spending time with her husband, Larry, and their 3 children, Vaughn, Ian, and Bella (and their rescue dog Bama)!

Ashley Stewart, PT, DPT, SCS Advisory Board: Skilled Home Healthcare Lead

Ashley Stewart is a licensed Physical Therapist who started her career in Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, achieving her Board certification as a Sport Medicine Specialist. Six years ago she made the transition to home healthcare, working for an Agency that focuses on seniors. Ashley is currently a clinical liaison for Enliven Home Health, a medical home healthcare focused on providing services to seniors in their homes and senior living communities throughout Central Ohio. She continues to assist with visits as needed to keep her Physical Therapy skills fresh. When not working, Ashley enjoys officiating women’s lacrosse, having officiated several Division III NCAA Tournament games over the past few years. Ashley has two young daughters, Tinsley and Harlowe, that she and her husband spend most of their time having fun with.

Beth Hartman, RN Board of Hospital Representatives: OhioHealth

Bio coming soon.

Brittany Wallace Advisory Board: Behavioral & Addiction Care Lead

Brittany Wallace is an addiction and mental health advocate with over 15 years experience in the healthcare industry. Brittany worked as a medical assistant out of college and most recently has used her platform to help those struggling with mental health and addiction. Brittany works for Superior Behavioral Health and is the co-founder and vice president of Recovery Palooza. Brittany joined LOCAH because it will allow her speak directly to the communities most vulnerable population, and help serve an overwhelmed industry. After losing her grandmother to a fentanyl overdose, she made it her mission to spread awareness about senior substance abuse.

In her free time she loves spending time with family, shopping, sushi dates with her daughter, and traveling.

Brian Menegay Board of Directors: Senior Coordinator

I have been in the health care field for over 15 years. I started as an EMT way back in the day and changed careers but always had that passion to get back into healthcare and marketing since I was a people person. In 2015 I started with Provider Services and worked for 3 years until I was recruited by Heartland Victorian Village. I was recruited again and went to Embassy Health Services where I served for 7 years and many people know me from. I started as admissions and marketing and moved into an area marketing role when they purchased more facilities in the Columbus market. I left Embassy and went to Solvita and served a short term as Director of Memory Care until I left due to closing. In 2023 I started with Lionstone Care and was Hospital Liaison, I made a quick impact and knew many contacts from my past experience making this a very easy transition. Maintaining and filling two buildings and rounding all hospitals of Columbus market. By the end of 2023 the company did away with this position due to budget. Legacy Health Services is where I ended within 2 weeks, where I have been so happy as Accounts Manager/Hospital Liaison of Northwest Ohio covering Legacy of Marion and Bucyrus skilled nursing facilities and multiple hospital systems daily. I can't wait to hit the ground running with LOCAH and look forward to building relationships and making connections along the way.

Dr. Joette E. Greenstein, DO, FAAHPM, CWSP Advisory Board: Hospice & Palliative Care Lead

Joette Greenstein, DO, is the Columbus, Ohio, medical director for VITAS Healthcare.

Dr. Greenstein oversees the medical care and treatment of VITAS patients in their homes, nursing homes, assisted living communities and personal care homes in the metropolitan Columbus area. She consults with patients' attending physicians, supervises VITAS team physicians and educates other healthcare professionals on the benefits of hospice and palliative care for patients and their families. Dr. Greenstein is a clinical assistant professor of family medicine at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. She teaches hospice and palliative medicine to third- and fourth- year medical students and supervises a group of nurse practitioners. She joined VITAS as a team physician in 2012 and was named medical director in 2013. She brings over 18 years of experience as a physician to VITAS, with a background in family practice and geriatrics. Dr. Greenstein received her medical degree from the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine in Athens, Ohio. She completed her family practice internship and residency at Doctor's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. In 2012 she completed a fellowship in academic medicine at Northwestern Medical School in Rootstown, Ohio. Dr. Greenstien is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians and the American Osteopathic Board of Hospice & Palliative Medicine. In 2017, she became a fellow in the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.

Dee Pseekos, BS, RRT Board of Hospital Representatives: Select Specialty Central OH Market

Bio coming soon.

Grace Stanley, MSW, LSW, ACM-SW Board of Hospital Representatives: Encompass | Mount Carmel Rehab Hospital

Bio coming soon.

Heidi Hefflefinger, RN Board of Hospital Representatives: The OSU Wexner Medical Center & East Hospital

Heidi, brings a wealth of experience to our organization. Growing up in Martins Ferry, Ohio, in a close-knit family, she developed strong values from her early life in a stable home and a tight-knit group of friends. Her active involvement in the First Christian Church during her formative years played a significant role in shaping her approach to life and work. Heidi's educational journey is marked by a deep commitment to learning and service. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education, specializing in 7-12th grade English/reading, and a Master’s degree in Social Work. Her dedication to her field is further evidenced by her Licensed Social Worker (LSW) license and ACM certification. Professionally, Heidi's path is a testament to her adaptability and dedication to healthcare. She initially worked as a substitute teacher before joining OSU as an office associate, a strategic move that facilitated her Master's education. Specializing in Geriatrics and Hospital Social Work, Heidi gained diverse experience across various healthcare settings. Her career journey took her from for-profit skilled nursing facilities to non-profit roles, along with significant involvement in adoption assessment and hospital social work at institutions like OSU Wexner Medical Center and Ohio Health. Heidi's professional expertise is a remarkable blend of broad knowledge and adaptability. Rather than specializing in a single department, she has developed a comprehensive understanding of every area within the hospital setting. This wide-ranging experience highlights her versatility and deep commitment to the healthcare field. In 2017, her career took a significant step forward when she earned her accreditation as a certified Case Manager. Excelling in this role, Heidi has not only demonstrated the vital contributions social workers can make in case management but also has paved the way for other professionals in her field to explore and succeed in similar roles. Heidi's leadership style is down-to-earth, simple, and authentic. She is known for her flexibility and genuine connection with her colleagues, always striving to support and advocate for her team. Despite her busy career, Heidi has been actively involved in her local community, particularly through her children’s schools and church activities. Motivated by the need for effective collaboration in healthcare, Heidi is passionate about connecting partners to address social determinants of health and reduce hospital readmissions. She has successfully navigated the challenges of the rapidly evolving medical field, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and adaptability. As a board member, Heidi is committed to learning about the organization and becoming a valuable resource. Her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in adapting departmental structures and collaborating on disaster plans, highlight her ability to lead effectively under pressure. Outside of work, Heidi finds joy in "retail therapy," home decorating, and spending quality time with her family, including her daughters, both elementary school teachers. She looks forward to volunteering in their classrooms after retirement. Heidi advises aspiring professionals to keep an open mind, remain flexible, and always exude confidence. Her approach to problem-solving is solution-oriented, encouraging a positive and constructive attitude in professional settings. Heidi's legacy as a compassionate and effective social worker, case manager, and leader is characterized by her advocacy, collegiality, and mutual respect. Her broad experience, combined with her commitment to healthcare and community, makes her an invaluable asset to our mission and the communities we serve.

Jennifer O'Brien, MHA, RN, ACM Board of Hospital Representatives: Mount Carmel Health System

Jennifer O’Brien has served as nurse leader for over the last 25 years with Trinity Health and Essentia Health, currently as the system leader of Case Management and Utilization Review for Mount Carmel Health System. Jennifer has been involved in development and implementation of health system programs that have addressed acute length of stay, CMS Readmission and high performing case management EMR programs. She is a Registered nurse, with expertise in multiple areas of nursing to include case management, long term care, transitions of care, geriatrics, population health and hospice.

Melissa Swemba Board of Directors: Treasurer

Bio coming soon.

Michael Lochtefeld Board of Directors: President

Michael Lochtefeld is dedicated to compassionately serving as the President of LOCAH in addition to his independent consulting work. Born and raised in the greater Dayton region, his journey in healthcare began early, influenced by his mother's multifaceted career in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. From a young age, he was immersed in the healthcare environment, often spending time after school at facilities where his mother worked, engaging with residents and assisting in various activities. Michael's professional foray into healthcare started at Trilogy Health Services, where he worked in life enrichment for a senior living community. This role was a natural fit, given his background and comfort in the healthcare setting. His passion for the field grew, leading him to withdraw from a software and web development program in college to focus on healthcare. Over the years, Michael expanded his experience across Dayton, Springfield, and Columbus. He has experience in the successful launch of two new constructions CCRCs one in Springfield, OH and one during the Covid-19 pandemic in the suburb of Columbus, OH- Pickerington. His expertise grew to encompass various healthcare sectors, including long-term care psychiatric skilled nursing, dialysis, and underserved populations, particularly in the Franklinton, Whitehall, and Gateway neighborhoods of Columbus. In a unintentional move, Michael co-founded the nonprofit LOCAH with Nick Thompson. Driven by a shared vision to address the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in coordinating care for new or rehospitalized patients. He strives to be a contributor to improving healthcare services in the region though his work at LOCAH. Michael's dedication to healthcare and his understanding of the industry's intricacies, honed from both personal and professional experiences, are drivers behind LOCAHs mission.

Natalie Moscato Board of Directors: Secretary

Natalie Moscato graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Pharmaceutical Science. Natalie started her healthcare career as a pharmaceutical representative before transitioning into the senior healthcare industry. For the past 12 years, she has been involved in community relations for skilled and non-medical homecare companies. She enjoys networking with those in the industry to help seniors connect with all resources available to them. Natalie is currently the Director of Community Relations for Collins and Kruse Law Office, a law office focused solely on elder law. Natalie enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and is a yoga enthusiast.

Nick Thompson Board of Directors: Vice President

Nick Thompson is a co-founder of LOCAH, and currently serves as the Vice President of LOCAH. Graduating with a bachelor's degree in Public Relations from the University of Findlay, Nick's path in public service and community relations has been the forefront of his career. His experience with hospital care coordination, health disparities and equity, mobile integrated health, senior living communities, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice services has given him insight to the many layers of responsibilities in our healthcare ecosystem. Nick is currently a lead strategist with Total Care Connect, a mobile integrated health solution focusing on paramedicine in-home care. When not focusing on work or LOCAH, he enjoys exploring new coffee shops, reading books, and going to yoga.

Seneca Turner Board of Directors: Director of Grants & Philanthropy

Seneca grew up in Columbus, Ohio and was raised by a single mother. Her mother worked several jobs in order to provide her a comfortable lifestyle. This created a sense of respect for hard work, perseverance, and determination. She would often visit her grandparents. It is there that she learned the value of stewardship, as she would watch her grandparents take in homeless people directly off the streets and provide them a safe haven. Her mission in life is to do what God called and created her to do.

Seneca is a graduate of Iona College in New York, where she holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature. She also has a Master of Education degree from Northcentral University in Arizona. She has worn a plethora of hats throughout her career but is most passionate about serving her community and making sure youth who are considered disadvantaged have the opportunity and the resources to shine and be their greatest self. She also loves working with the senior population and ensuring that their voices are heard when it comes to proper care and treatment for senior citizens.

She is a proud wife and mother to two daughters and a son.

On June 24, 2021, her seventeen-year-old daughter, Makenzi, attended a community party at a recreation center on the far east side of Columbus. There with her friends, she was enjoying herself when reckless gang members opened fire on the crowd. Tragically, Makenzi was shot. The bullet ended her life, but not her spirit. Makenzi’s spirit lives on through the Orange Hearts for Makenzi Foundation. The foundation provides scholarships, resources, training, and technical support to help budding entrepreneurs realize their dreams of owning their own businesses. Currently, Seneca works for Senior Star, LLC, where she gets the opportunity to serve the senior population. Seneca was drawn to Senior Star because their values align when it comes to exceptional stewardship and being thoughtful spokespeople for the senior living community. Senior Star’s motto is to “do for one another with love”. A motto that holds true to Seneca’s heart. Having to bury her child is the hardest thing she has ever done; but she finds peace in knowing that she is helping others through stewardship, love, hard work and determination, all the values that her mother and grandparents instilled in her.

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