Our Team

Elyse Brummer - Executive Director

Elyse Brummer, a Bay Area native, has extensive experience in senior care and non-profit leadership. She holds a master’s in public administration, is pursuing a PhD in gerontology, and is licensed in Nursing Home and RCFE administration. Over the past 15 years, she has managed various senior living communities. Her background also

includes work in venture capital and service on multiple senior-focused boards and commissions. She lives in San Mateo County with her two children and dog, Max. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, hiking, and travel, and aspires to learn mahjong and pickleball while continuing global adventures.

Julie Schneider, MSW - Director of Ombudsman Services

Julie Schneider joined AgeUp in January 2025, beginning her ombudsman journey in San Francisco as a volunteer. She brings over a decade of experience from the San Francisco Ombudsman Program, advancing from volunteer to Volunteer Coordinator and management team member. Julie oversaw certified ombudsman, handled recruitment,

training, supervision, state compliance, and helped guide program strategy. She holds a Master’s in Clinical Social Work from Smith College and brings clinical insight, humor, and heart to her work. Julie fosters supportive environments where staff and volunteers feel valued and residents feel heard. In her free time, she enjoys pickleball, skiing, hiking, and beachcombing with loved ones.

Bethany Dinh - Community Engagement Director

Bethany Dinh has spent over 15 years in senior care, holding leadership roles in enrichment, hospitality, and program administration. She earned her degree in Health Services Administration in 2009 and has since managed volunteer programs, led activity and enrichment efforts, and developed sensory-focused programming for

residents with dementia. Bethany has worked across a range of care settings, from independent living to skilled nursing, and is known for her personalized approach to resident engagement. She is committed to creating meaningful experiences that enhance quality of life for older adults. Outside the office, she enjoys the outdoors and traveling with her family.

Betty Frayman-Kori, MS, MBA - Program Manager

Betty Frayman-Kori began her ombudsman career in December 2016 as a volunteer and advanced to staff ombudsman in June 2018. She currently serves as a program manager. This role represents her third career, following 15 years in the medical industry and subsequent experience in human resources and operations.

Additionally, Betty has contributed over 20 years as a volunteer patient advocate. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Kent, UK; a Master of Science in Biology and Biotechnology from Worcester Polytechnic Institute; and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University.

Kirsten Irgens-Moller, MSW - Program Manager

Kirsten Irgens-Moller rejoined AgeUp in May 2025, after previously serving from 2014 to 2021 as a Field Ombudsman and Program Director. She is an experienced nonprofit administrator who most recently worked as a Supportive Counselor at a large skilled nursing facility in San Francisco. With 25 years in human rights advocacy,

Kirsten co-founded and was the Executive Director of Global Exchange. Her master’s thesis examined Music and Memory’s role in strengthening family relationships in person-centered dementia care. She holds dual citizenship in Denmark and the United States and has extensive experience living and working as a mechanist in both countries and Latin America.

Jannah Perry - Operations Manager

Jannah Perry has lived in the Bay Area for the majority of her life and grew up in San Mateo. She has been with AgeUp since June 2024. Prior to joining, she worked in administration and operations for a school psychologist and an assisted living facility. She holds her bachelors degree in Sociology and Civic Engagement from UCLA, where

she completed an honors thesis on mental health stigmas. She is deeply passionate about mental wellness. Jannah lives in Pacifica with her partner and cat. Outside of the office, you’ll often find her practicing her bassoon or knitting near the ocean.

Michele Epstein - Volunteer Coordinator

Michele Epstein joined us in February 2024. Previously, she served as a Senior Peer Counseling Coordinator in the Older Adult Division of Peninsula Family Service for five years. Her responsibilities included recruiting, training, and supporting volunteer peer counselors, as well as facilitating in-service presentations and special interest discussion

groups in various San Mateo County senior centers, living communities, and on Zoom. Michele also provided resource support and technology training in her position with the City of Daly City Senior Services program. In addition, she currently serves on the San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Spirituality Initiative, promoting wellness and inclusion.

Nicki Manske - Field Ombudsman

Nicki Manske began with the program in January 2002 as a volunteer Ombudsman. In April of that year, she became the Volunteer Coordinator. By June 2007, she was appointed Regional Coordinator for South San Mateo County, supporting a dedicated team of volunteer field Ombudsmen. Nicki holds a degree in Human Relations

from the University of San Francisco. Before joining the program, she built a successful career in the commercial sector, serving in key leadership roles such as Sales Director, Regional Manager, and Vice President of Operations. Her experience and dedication have made her an invaluable asset to AgeUp.

Alan Kornfield - Field Ombudsman

Alan Kornfield joined AgeUp, Inc. in November 2019 after nearly two years as a dedicated volunteer. He earned a Social Science degree in 2014, where a volunteer requirement reignited his lifelong passion for service, including work with the unhoused, healthcare facilities, and nonprofits. A devoted caregiver, Alan supported his mother and

grandmother through dementia and, alongside his wife of 25+ years, cared for her aging mother. Known for his tremendous empathy, Alan is committed to raising the bar for “Person Centered Care.” He takes pride in working with an organization that values dignity and respect for seniors in care facilities.

Tom Sharp - Field Ombudsman

For over 30 years, Tom Sharp built a successful career in leadership roles within the marketing and publishing industries, known for his ability to lead teams, mentor talent, and foster collaboration across organizations. His strengths have consistently centered on people management and achieving results through clear communication

and strategic focus. While he thrived in fast-paced, performance-driven environments, it was the human side of the work that proved most rewarding. That long-standing focus on people led to his current role: advocating for disadvantaged populations in skilled nursing facilities—a meaningful chapter rooted in advocacy, accountability, and equity in care.

Karen Morical - Bookkeeper

Karen Morical was a volunteer for 5 years prior to accepting the position of bookkeeper. She strongly believes in the mission of the organization and felt working here would allow her to work while continuing to support her spirit. She has had over 48 years of billing, collections, bookkeeping, and office management experience. Working in

many different settings from doctors and dentists to architects and musicians has given her a broad view of how to smoothly run an organization. Karen fell in love with yoga over 30 years ago and continues to grow in her practice. Her most recent love is supporting the Valkyries, San Francisco’s new WNBA team with her husband.

Ann Blick Hamer, LCSW - Geriatric Social Worker Consultant

Ann Blick Hamer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to supporting older adults and their families as they navigate aging and dementia. She values the Bay Area’s diverse cultures and works to empower caregivers through education, support groups, and innovative programs. Ann has created services to help older adults thrive and

enjoys learning from their life stories. She is excited to be part of Age Up, believing in its mission to foster connection, dignity, and inclusion at every stage of aging and ability. Ann holds a BA from the University of California at Berkeley and a Master’s Degree from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration.