Diane Hischke, R.N., M.S.N., C.M.C.
Founder, President and Professional Geriatric Care Manager
Fellow, Leadership Academy of NAPGCM

As the founder and president of Serving Seniors, Diane Hischke understands what it’s like to balance the care of an aging loved one with the demands of a career and family.

A registered nurse for over 40 years, Diane recognized the need for an organization of professional care managers while experiencing the challenges of caring for her own mother, who had developed Alzheimer’s. Like many caregivers, she often tried to do everything by herself – a formidable juggling act even for an experienced nurse – all while being a mother to then 5-year-old twins, and instructing psychiatric nursing at Oakland and Wayne State Universities.

Diane’s own experience inspired her to found Serving Seniors in 1992, with a commitment to personalized, quality care. Since then, Serving Seniors has grown to become a trusted resource for caregivers seeking the best quality of life for their loved ones.

Recognized as one of the Top 20 Geriatric Care Managers in the United States, Diane is a co-author of The Alzheimer’s Answer Book and The Parkinson’s Answer Book, and founder of the Geriatric Care Manager Network of Southeast Michigan. Diane is a Fellow in the Leadership Academy of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM) and a past Board Member and Vice President of the Michigan chapter. Her professional affiliations include the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau Honorary Nursing Society, and the National Academy of Certified Care Managers.

Diane possesses a Masters of Science in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, with a Minor in Teaching, from Wayne State University.

Darcy MacKenzie, R.N., B.S.N., C.M.C.
Clinical Supervisor, Certified Geriatric Care Manager

For Clinical Supervisor, Darcy MacKenzie, one of the most gratifying things about her role at Serving Seniors is being able to make a difference in the life of a client, while enabling them to remain as independent as possible.

A registered nurse for over 25 years, Darcy answered her calling to the nursing profession while still in high school as a nurse's aide. She continued to direct and enjoy a career in geriatrices after attending Michigan State University. After her own father suffered a stroke at age 61, Darcy gained personal experience helping to care for him as the only local sibling. This helps her empathize with local and long-distance family members. Darcy truly loves the time she spends with older adults, and appreciates all she learns from them.

Darcy’s experience includes 8 years as a Residential Nursing Supervisor for older adults with mental illness, 6 years experience as a Nursing Supervisor for a geriatric inpatient unit, and 4 years working with adults with developmental disabilities. She also worked at a nursing home while living in England.

A Member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, Darcy has been with Serving Seniors since 2000, where she enjoys the opportunity to make an ongoing contribution where her heart truly lies – helping seniors maintain their quality of life.

Darcy possesses a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Michigan State University, and is a member of the National Academy of Certified Care Managers.

Crystal Carrier, L.P.N., B.S. Gerontology/Human Services
Geriatric Care Manager

For Geriatric Care Manager, Crystal Carrier, one of her great rewards is helping clients and their families through stressful, often difficult decisions.

A licensed practical nurse with over 30 years of experience in hospital, home health care and adult day care settings, Crystal always had a strong calling toward gerontology. While in college, she developed and coordinated a support group for family caregivers through a local senior center, and later authored a resource guide for seniors.

With experience including 8 years as director of an assisted living facility that she helped to develop and open, and 3 years as assistant coordinator of a senior center, Crystal frequently found herself called upon to assist with the care of elderly family members and friends – a calling she has always found challenging and rewarding.

A member of the Serving Seniors team since 2007, Crystal continues her commitment to quality care – from arranging home care and assisted living placements, to ensuring her clients receive the quality care they deserve.

Crystal is a member of NAPNES, the National Association for Practical Nurse Education & Service, and possesses a BS in Human Resource Development, with a specialization in Human Services and concentration in Gerontology, from Oakland University.

Linda Meinberg, B.A.
A Family Friend

Known to the many seniors under her care simply as “A Family Friend”, Linda Meinberg shares her warmth and engaging personality to look after the social, emotional and companionship needs of Serving Seniors’ clients.

Working in collaboration with Serving Seniors’ Care Managers, Linda calls upon her experience to provide valuable social interaction, companionship and client advocacy. Whether it’s helping a client adjust to a new living setting, relaying valuable information to caregivers and family members, or organizing a lifetime of memories and photos into scrapbooks and albums, Linda is always gratified by the profound difference her involvement and attention has made in the lives of her clients.

It’s the same type of advocacy and support she was so grateful to receive from social workers while caring for her own family members over the years – an experience that made a heartfelt difference in her life and inspired her to pursue a career working with seniors.

Linda joined Serving Seniors in 2000 with experience as Director of Social Services for a nursing care center, followed by over 4 years of experience as Manager of a residential retirement facility.

She possesses a BA in Psychology, with a concentration in Gerontology from Oakland University, with post-baccalaureate studies at Wayne State University School of Social Work.