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About Consumer Voice

Advocating for quality care and quality of life for all consumers of long-term care

What We Do

Consumer Voice empowers long-term care residents, their families, and advocates in the pursuit of quality care and services, quality of life, and protection of rights.

11,720

advocates in our network

49

years of advocacy

8,167

advocates attended Consumer Voice training in the last year

Our Vision & Mission

Consumer Voice is the leading national voice representing consumers in issues related to long-term care, helping to ensure consumers are empowered to advocate for themselves. We are a primary source of information and tools for consumers, families, caregivers, advocates, and Ombudsmen to help ensure quality care for the individual.

To carry out our mission, we:

Advocate

Advocate for public policies that support consumers’ needs in all long-term care settings.

Empower & Educate

Empower and educate consumers and families with the knowledge and tools they need to advocate for themselves.

Train & Support

Train and support individuals and groups that empower and advocate for consumers of long-term care.

Promote

Promote the critical role of direct-care workers and best practices in quality care delivery.

Consumer Voice envisions a world in which all consumers of long-term care, services, and supports are treated with respect and dignity and have a wide range of affordable, quality options across all settings. These options will make it possible for individuals to receive care and services in the location and manner of their choice and to attain a high quality of life.

Stay Connected

Be an active supporter and the first to know about Consumer Voice’s new resources and updates on important policies affecting long-term care consumers.

Podcast

Subscribe to the Pursuing Quality Long-Term Care podcast to join us as we talk with national experts and advocates about strategies you can use in the pursuit of quality long-term care.

Consumer Voice History

The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care was formed as National Citizens’ Coalition for Nursing Home Reform (NCCNHR) in 1975 because of public concern about substandard care in nursing homes. Today, Consumer Voice continues to be the preeminent voice of long-term care consumers at the national level.

Meet the Team

Consumer Voice’s staff is comprised of knowledgeable professionals with expertise and passion for empowering long-term care consumers.

Lori Smetanka

Executive Director

Amity Overall-Laib

Director, National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center

Sam Brooks headshot

Sam Brooks

Director, Public Policy

Jocelyn Bogdan

Senior Program & Policy Specialist

Libby Laubert

Program Specialist

Katie O’Hearn

Manager, Program and Outreach

Katie O’Hearn joined the National Ombudsman Resource Center in November 2015 and currently serves as the Manager of Program and Outreach. In her role, she is responsible for updating and managing the NORC website and clearinghouse of information, assisting with special projects, providing technical assistance, and enhancing outreach and communication with state and local Ombudsman programs. Prior to joining the Consumer Voice, she worked as an intern for C-SPAN, volunteered in a nursing home, and worked as a Communication Consultant with the Consumer Voice and NORC. Katie graduated Magna Cum Laude from Saint Vincent College in 2015 with a B.A. in Communication and a minor in Marketing.

Alejandra Ona

Manager, Finance & Operations

Carol Scott

Manager, Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program & Policy

Tina Steier

Manager, Communications, Membership, & Events

Lori W headshot

Lori Walsh

Policy and Program Specialist

Consumer Voice Leadership

Consumer Voice’s leadership is composed of three bodies - the Governing Board, Leadership Council, and Consumer Advisory Council - each responsible for different facets of the mission and management of the organization.

Alison Hirschel, JD

President
Elder Law Attorney
Lansing, MI

Michael Bonamarte, JD

Levin & Perconti
Chicago, IL

Kelly Bagby, JD

AARP Foundation
Washington, DC

Melissa Edwards

Family Caregiver
Clinton Township, MI

Aisha Elmquist

Treasurer
Attorney
Arden Hills, MN

Cristina Flores, PhD, RN

San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA

Elizabeth Halifax, PhD, RN

President-Elect
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, CA

Naomi Karp, JD

Secretary
Stanford Center on Longevity
Washington, DC

Denise Wells

Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency of the Bluegrass, Inc.
Lexington, KY

Katherine Bradley

Secretary
Our Mother's Voice
Lugoff, SC

Mitzi McFatrich, Vice Chair

Kansas Advocates for Better Care
Lawrence, KS

Richard Moore

Dignity Alliance Massachusetts
Uxbridge, MA

Sarina Nicola

Lake Placid, NY

Gwen Orlowski

Disability Rights New Jersey
Trenton, NJ

Sarah Slocum

Chairperson
Lansing, MI

Teresa Teeple

Tennessee State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Nashville, TN

Jessica Trudell

Wisconsin State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Madison, WI

Pamela Walz

Community Legal Services, Health & Independence Unit
Philadelphia, PA

The Consumer Advisory Council is made up of a group of energetic and motivated individuals who receive long-term care services and supports. They come together to voice what they’re experiencing in long-term care right now and share advocacy strategies with each other. Their experiences and insights inform our advocacy. We are always looking for dedicated advocates to join the council of consumers.

To join our Consumer Advisory Council, or to recommend a long-term care consumer, email info@theconsumervoice.org.

Annual Report

Our Annual Report provides a bird’s eye view of our education and advocacy initiatives, organizational structure and metrics, and highlighted successes in raising the voice of long-term care consumers.

Internship Opportunities

Interning with Consumer Voice is a dynamic and exciting opportunity for students to get hands-on policy and advocacy experience. Interns will have the opportunity to make a real difference while learning the ins and outs of a fast-paced nonprofit organization. Internship duties include:

  • Researching and analyzing public policy issues;
  • Writing issue briefs, white papers, policy updates and newsletter articles;
  • Assisting in creating advocacy and education materials.
VIEW REQUIREMENTSVIEW OPEN INTERNSHIPS

Contact Us

Consumer Voice is a nonprofit organization advocating around long-term care issues at the national level. We are not a direct services agency. For assistance with individual concerns, contact your local long-term care Ombudsman program.

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