About Me
As a child, I was often described as an ‘old soul’. As an adult, I am frequently asked what drives my passion to work in the aging arena. I don’t have a stock answer to offer, except to say I feel extremely fortunate to love my chosen career. Describing what I do as ‘work’ is a misnomer for me, as every aspect of what I do involves the simple beauty of being in service to others. I am humbled by the trust people put in me to support them through challenging moments.
For more than twenty years, I have had the privilege of working with individuals and families facing the joys and challenges of aging. I have been by their side to face the myriad of challenges that often accompany the aging process. The multi-faceted needs that arise often bring unanticipated changes, leaving people feeling vulnerable and unequipped to manage the puzzle pieces they are tasked to put together.
My comprehensive network has been cultivated from years of addressing the multigenerational needs of families. Connecting clients to appropriate support systems to achieve their optimal well being is a passion which drives and fulfills me. Countless hours spent with providers of care has enabled me the privilege of direct access in all realms associated with the needs of older adults.
My skill set enables me to navigate even the most intense moments with precision, expertise, and sensitivity. I understand the unique complexities that accompany the physical and mental challenges of aging. I take pride in the trusted resources I’ve gotten to know through the years, including physicians, attorneys, senior living communities, home care owners, as well as owners of adult foster care homes.
My endeavor to create Karen Faith, LLC has been a dream for some time. Achieving additional licensure and training in various practice modalities has helped bring my vision to life, as I integrate these skills and knowledge into my work with clients.
As I move through life as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, I am excited to add this newest role as Founder & Owner of Karen Faith, LLC. My hope is to continue to build meaningful relationships through this shared adventure we call ‘Life’.
In Gratitude & Connection,
Karen Faith Gordon
ACTIVE MEMBER OF:
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Aging Life Care Association (ALCA)
Geriatric Social Workers of Southeast Michigan (GSWSM)
North Oakland County Board of Realtors (NOCBOR)
National Association of Realtors (NAR)
Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC)
National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP)
Yoga Alliance
PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS: Featured guest on Gracefully Graying podcast - June & August 2019 • Panelist at The Caring Majority Town Hall - May 2019 • Principal participant on Caring Majority Steering Committee for Long Term Care Study Initiative • Panelist at the Michigan Caring Majority Campaign Workshop as part of the Michigan United 2019 Strategy Summit, February 2019 • Participated in the Governing Agenda Leadership Lunch with Lt. Governor candidate, Garlin Gilchrist - October 2018 • Presented at the Annual Area Agency on Aging Conference - Winning the Long-Term Care Study Bill (HB 4674) in Michigan • Interviewed on Michigan Public Radio regarding passage of HB 4674 - June 2018 • Met with Senators in Lansing to present case for HB 4674 - May 2018 • Presented the topic of Aging and Addiction on behalf of the Institute of Gerontology (IOG) • Presented testimony to the Michigan State House of Representatives on behalf of HB 4674 - October 2017 • Presented at the Aging & Society Seventh Interdisciplinary Conference at University of California, Berkeley - November 2017 • Represented Michigan United at Caring Across Generations Advocacy Meetings in Washington, D.C. - June and September 2016 • Featured Speaker on Caring Across Generations National Call - June 2015
AFFILIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS: Certified Social Worker, licensed by the State of Michigan (LCSW) • National Association of Social Workers (NASW) • The University of Michigan School of Social Work Alumni • Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit Working Women Business Networking Group • Children’s Services Network • Therapist Collective • Member of the Michigan Steering Committee for the Long- Term Care Study Bill Commission (Michigan Caring Majority) • Member of Caring Across Generations • Member of Michigan United Leadership • Member of NOCBOR (North Oakland County Board of Realtors) • Co-Chair, Midwest Chapter of Aging Life Care Association (ALCA)
EDUCATION: MSW, The University of Michigan School of Social Work, Ann Arbor, Michigan • Specialist in Aging Certificate, The University of Michigan School of Social Work, Ann Arbor, Michigan • BA, Psychology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan • Licensed Social Worker, State of Michigan (LARA) • Certified Case Manager (CCM), The Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC) • Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, State of Michigan (LARA) • Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) • Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), The National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP) • Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) • Energy Mastery Foundations Course • Additional Specialized Teacher Trainings Completed: Adaptive Yoga Moves Any Body Teacher Training • Dementia Yoga • Chair Yoga
“When you think you’ve covered everything, there is, inevitably, ‘just one more thing’. And
I’ll be there for you
.”
— Karen