Our Mission:
Our mission is to connect family caregivers of older adults to resources and respite that will empower them to be the best caregivers they can be.
Our History:
Caregiver Connections, formerly known as Eagle Valley Senior Life, was initiated in 2011 by a group of caregivers and other invested individuals in response to the need for services and programs for older adults who require full-time care and their caregivers. The Senior Spot was the first and remains the only adult day program in Eagle County.
Staff
Samantha Hodgkins, Executive Director
Samantha joined Caregiver Connections in the summer of 2024, assuming the role of Executive Director in support of the outstanding team leading programs, education, respite and support services. Samantha brings a deep passion for impacting community development to make Eagle County a prosperous and inclusive place to live.
From an early age, Samantha’s mother showed her that age does not matter in relationships, but rather compassion, respect, dignity and engagement make all the difference. She cared for both of her parents through illnesses in her young adult life, and lost them both way too early, so has experienced firsthand the value of respite care and other forms of support.
Samantha also serves on the Boards of Eagle Valley Community Foundation (EVCF), Walking Mountains Science Center, the Development team of Roundup River Ranch, and the leadership team of Women’s Impact Network of Eagle County (WIN).
Edna Fesler, Director of Respite Programs
Eddi relocated to Eagle from Edina, Minnesota in 2016 to be near her daughter, son-in-law and two grandsons. She was a caregiver for her husband Rick for eleven years until he passed away from Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) in November of 2021. For 35 years, she worked alongside her husband in their specialized incentive travel business, arranging and fulfilling trips to world class sporting events including Olympic Games, Masters Golf Tournament, Kentucky Derby, etc.
Eddi now spends her free time attending art workshops and pursuing her love of painting.
Debbie Ainsworth, Director of Care Services
Debbie
Board Members
Monica McCarroll, President
Monica has worked adjacent to Caregiver Connections for many years in her role as a physical therapist serving primarily older adults in our community. She appreciated the support Caregiver Connections offered her clients and decided to get more involved by joining the board in 2022.
Monica has worked as a physical therapist in Eagle County for over 20 years, primarily working with clients in their homes. She worked for Homecare and Hospice of the Valley more than 10 years. Given her background, she has a particular interest in our Medical Supply Closet service which allows people to borrow durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs and walkers. This is an acute need in our community and she likes to contribute her expertise in this area.
When not working, Monica enjoys hiking, mountain biking, staring at the mountains and clouds, and identifying the birds at her feeder.
Robert Mann, Treasurer
Robert has been on the board as Treasure for over six years. Robert became aware of Caregiver Connections when caring for his mother-in-law who lived with him for17 years. After seeing all they offered people in his situation, he immediately decided to get involved.
Robert is a long-time local since 1991 and has had his own CPA practice in Eagle since 2009 after leaving East West Partners to go out on his own. His undergrad and MBA are from University of Miami and obtained his CPA after coming to Colorado. He loves helping businesses navigate the complexity of the US Tax Code and working with business owners through the start up phase and guiding them through the most common mistakes business owners can make.
For fun, he referees middle school and high school football as well as being president of the University of Miami Band of the Hour Alumni Association.
Celynn McClarrinon, Secretary
Celynn McClarrinon joined the board in 2019 and serves as the Secretary. She got involved with the Board because of her passion for their mission. Growing up in the Vail Valley she has watched the older adult community grow. During her time as a Social Worker for Home Health, she relied on resources to help caregivers with their loved ones. She understands and is compassionate about helping the pioneers of the valley stay in their community.
Celynn's educational background includes a Masters in Social Work from Portland State University in Portland, OR and a B.A in Communications from St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN.
When not seeing clients, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter. She is a Colorado native and loves being outside whether she is biking, hiking, or enjoying the patio.
Jose Elizalde
Jose is a bi-lingual/bi-cultural healthcare professional and licensed clinical social worker who was born in Chihuahua, Mexico. Jose moved to Eagle county at the age of 7, and he considers Colorado his home and place of upbringing while also staying very involved in the Hispanic community and his roots as a dual citizen of Mexico.
Jose obtained his Bachelor’s of Science in psychology from University of Colorado, and later obtained his Master’s degree in clinical social work from Metropolitan State University of Denver. As a behavioral health provider through various stages of the life spectrum, he has practiced clinical social work in hospital settings, inpatient treatment settings, and currently as the Director of Social Services for Castle Peak Senior Life and Rehabilitation.
Jose enjoys helping other human beings as well as helping analyze and optimize healthcare setting systems, advocating for equality and quality of care in whatever venture he is involved in.
During his free time, Jose enjoys playing classical guitar, spending time with family & friends, and connecting with nature via a newly found love of Tai Chi.
Chris Barr
Chris has been on the board of directors since the spring of 2024. Chris was an activity buddy in the fall of 2023 and was recruited for the board soon after that. Chris holds a BA in Biology from Kenyon college. He had a career as an executive selling hospital information systems for over 30 years.
After that he started a senior non-skilled homecare company in Denver, providing care to seniors. His business provided senior care for over 3 years, with Chris often providing care to seniors himself. He discovered how satisfying it is for him to help seniors in need of care.
He is passionate about helping seniors and wants to continue his involvement with senior care. Chris lives in Vail where he teaches snow skiing for Vail resorts. He also enjoys cooking, cycling, hiking and tennis.