From rallying for dress code reform and free school lunches in high school to advocating for elder rights today, social justice has always been both a calling and throughline in my life. There have been detours—intaglio printmaking in Paris, writing short stories—but I’ve always found my way back to advocacy.

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My journey into elder justice began when I became the first director of the San Francisco Consortium for Elder Abuse Prevention. Since then, I’ve helped launch the California Elder Justice Coalition, designed college courses on elder abuse and ageism at City College of San Francisco, and now serve on the Steering Committee of the National Network of State Elder Justice Coalitions. These days, I’m also exploring international efforts to advance elder rights. Intergalactic justice? Tempting, but it’ll have to wait.

 

My special interests include undue influence, restorative justice, and coalition building. Most of my writing so far has been geared toward professionals in aging and elder abuse prevention. But now I’m working on a book for the general public—for family members, friends, and concerned citizens who are increasingly asking the kinds of questions my colleagues face every day. Questions like: How do I stop my brother with dementia from making massive donations to a political grifter he wouldn’t have tolerated years ago? Or, What right did mom’s assisted living facility have to keep me from visiting long after COVID restrictions were lifted for everyone else? Others are simply asking how they can help protect the rights and dignity of older Americans—and ensure that justice reaches everyone striving to live full, meaningful lives.

 

This site is a place to collect past work and share new ideas. I’m glad you’re here.