Williamsport―The Elder Care Law Firm of Steinbacher & Stahl is pleased to recognize its social workers during National Social Worker Month this March. While it is not common for a law firm to employ social workers, founding partner Julieanne E. Steinbacher, CELA* is personally committed to the value of involving a social worker. According to Steinbacher, “Combining a social worker perspective with that of an attorney results in a very comprehensive plan that not only addresses legal planning goals but also provides options for needs or concerns that are affecting the person’s current quality of life.” Because Attorney Steinbacher began her career as a geriatric social worker, she understands how a social worker’s approach strengthens the client’s planning. She noted that “Many clients have a pressing need for resources, information, or help with navigating systems. Steinbacher & Stahl social workers effectively complete applications for Medical Assistance and Veterans benefits, explore care options, facilitate family decision making related to a client’s needs, communicate with facilities or providers regarding billing concerns on behalf of a client – each day brings opportunities to problem solve.” Understanding how all the pieces fit together becomes less complicated when a social worker is involved in the client’s estate and long-term care planning. Employees recognized this month include Tammy Zilske, Kristin Daugherty, and the firm’s Executive Director, Perry Landon.
Tammy Zilske has been employed as a long-term care planner with Steinbacher & Stahl since 2007. Tammy primarily meets with those who find themselves in a health care crisis. A graduate of Eastern University, Tammy holds a bachelor’s degree in social work with a minor in gerontology. Prior to her employment with Steinbacher & Stahl, she worked as a Home and Community-Based Waiver case manager for an Agency on Aging in Vermont. After she and her family relocated to Pennsylvania she was employed as a home health and hospice social worker. Tammy lives in Williamsport with her husband, Matt, and son, Kaleb.
Kristin Daugherty is part of Steinbacher & Stahl’s long-term care planning and wealth protection teams. Kristin works closely with the firm’s attorneys to provide clients a range of services that meet their planning needs. She also is a valued member of the community relationships team. Kristin graduated from Lycoming College with a bachelor’s degree in sociology/anthropology and a minor in psychology. She worked for the STEP Office of Aging for five years as a case manager for the Pennsylvania Department of Aging Waiver program. Kristin was trained through the Pennsylvania Institute of Protective Services to perform Older Adult Protective Services for individuals at high risk for abuse and neglect. Kristin resides in Hughesville with her husband, Kyle, and daughter, Kendall. They are excited to welcome their second child this month.
Perry Landon is the Executive Director of Steinbacher & Stahl. He offers a broad range of knowledge and experience in geriatric human services, long-term care planning, government programs and organizational management. His experience includes ten years in the Social Services Department at Divine Providence hospital as a social worker and as the director of the department; fifteen years as a geriatric care manager in an elder law office; plus over four years as the executive director of the Albright LIFE program. Perry is a past owner of a personal care home and is licensed in PA to sell life, health and annuity products. Perry grew up in Canton, PA, and is a graduate of Lock Haven University. He lives with his wife, Anne, in Loyalsock Township. They are parents of four children and grandparents to a granddaughter.
*Certified as an Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation
