About

AgingEmpowered was founded with the philosophy that all people can age well. AgingEmpowered offers care navigation and consulting services for older adults and their families as well as organizational consulting for senior living and senior care.



Colleen with dog and husband

Founder Bio:

AgingEmpowered is the most specialized Care Navigation and Consulting firm in the Midwest. With twenty years  in gerontology, Colleen has experience in various settings including assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, home health, hospice, aging research, and nonprofits. This background allows AgingEmpowered to offer practical, evidence-based solutions to age well across settings. Colleen’s passion for aging is noticed in the classroom, too; she is an adjunct instructor for courses on aging. She enthusiastically brings the research and practice to life, and she invites students to choose gerontology as a profession.

Colleen earned a Master’s Degree in Human Development (emphasis in aging) from the University of Missouri (M-I-Z!) and is completing her doctorate at the University of Southern California (FIGHT ON!)  In addition, she is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, Respecting Choices Facilitator,  and Care Manager Certified by The National Association of Certified Care Managers.  The AgingEmpowered practice is proud to host interns and Care Managers-in-training.  Previously, Colleen was the advisor and educator for the University of Missouri’s Geriatric Care Management certificate program prior to its discontinuance.

Colleen is the youngest of 8 children and LOVES working with families. She and her husband, Patrick, with her famous octogenarian (that means 80+) father, “Farmer Frank.” Together, they garden, fix all that breaks, frequent Lowe’s, and host delicious family meals. For fun, Colleen and Patrick read, travel the world, hike, golf, and enjoy family time. Colleen and Patrick have a dog, Ramsey; a cat, Saki; and a son named Aidan.

Professional Memberships and Community Engagement

AgingEmpowered subscribes to the philosophy that lifelong learning and service to the community are pillars to the success of AgingEmpowered’s vision. Colleen is a proud member of the following organizations:

Colleen also participates in the following community service opportunities:




Colleen from AgingEmpowered was instrumental in helping move my mom back to Missouri from Arizona. She helped us arrange travel, gave us tips to make our home more accessible for Mom, and helped us establish healthcare and services in Columbia. It helped us sort through all the information to have an expert on our side. Thank you, Colleen!