Elder Care Access prides itself on being a strong advocate for the seniors in our community and for having the dedication and experience necessary to ensure the very best care in a multitude of environments. We specialize in community resources to ultimately help save money and ensure safety. For our team, this work is a calling and every client is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Whether it be to get answers from the medical team, oversee care in the home, offer alternatives for housing, or simply being there when needs change, our dedicated staff takes each client's care personally, just as if they were our own parents. Our team is there to offer individualized attention and available for any crisis or issue that arises.
Our Caregivers
Elder Care Access has built a team of several dedicated caregivers that have worked with our clients for years. Elder Care Access is incredibly proud that the work we do for seniors has inspired our caregivers to remain with us. We often receive compliments about how our small team of caregivers "always show up, are very compassionate and hard working, knowledgeable about dementia behaviors, and are genuine with their clients."
​
​Elder Care Access works with men and women who shine and make a difference every day! We are eternally proud and grateful they choose to do it with us.
Sheryl Fappiano LSW, CMC
Member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. Member Aging Life Care Association.
Sheryl Fappiano is a professional Geriatric Care Manager (GCM) and licensed social worker with over 41 years of experience working with seniors in various capacities such as home health aide, certified nursing assistant, case manager for a local area agency on aging, medical assistant).
​
Sheryl began Elder Care Access because she recognized a need in the community for a trained professional to assist families with the many issues, struggles, and unknowns around senior care. Since becoming a licensed social worker, she has always felt passionate about advocating for seniors, especially those who are vulnerable.
​
After opening Elder Care Access in 2003, Sheryl gravitated towards working with seniors who are vulnerable in the community and those that have no family close by to assist with setting up services to help them age gracefully in place.
​
Working closely with local guardians, families, protective services, and home care agencies has become her passion.
Sheryl has created a team of professionals that works diligently and lovingly to honor the wishes of her clients.
413 584 6950
Debra Berniche
Office Manager
Debra joined Elder Care Access in 2005 as Office Manager bringing many years of administrative experience with her. Debra coordinates communication between our elders, their family members, and our staff with an immense level of professionalism and compassion, and continues to assist in any way necessary to help enhance the lives of elders in our community.
Abby Mish
Administrative Assistant
Abby transitioned to Elder Care Access as an Administrative Assistant after managing Golden Moments Adult Day Health in 2022. She brings over 20 years of Administrative, Finance and HR experience with her as well as her love for the elderly and strong belief in the work that Elder Care Access does. She is passionate about helping Elder Care Access operate as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Brenda Gendron
LPN
Brenda brings over 30 years of experience as a nurse to our team. With a range of experience in pediatric, psychiatric, and geriatric care, she has a passion for making people feel special and accepted just as they are. Brenda compliments our team with her strong interpersonal skills and her considerable knowledge of care in both home and hospital settings. She loves working with her co-workers and all of our Elder Care Access Seniors, they are not only her friends but her family as well. Elder Care Access has been a true blessing to her.
Kathy Hunter
RN, BSN
Kathy has been a registered nurse since 1993, graduating from St Joseph College with her BSN, RN. She worked at Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington MA for 1 year before entering the field of home health care in 1994. Over the past 30 years she has worked in various roles as a nurse case manager in the homecare field as well as in the hospital setting. She has held many positions in nursing intake, quality and supervisory roles. She is passionate about working with the Geriatric population in particular and has a strong desire to be the voice and advocate for all those in need. Kathy is honored to be a part of the Elder Care Access family and is excited to be representing and supporting all of her clients.
Lisa Safron
RN
Lisa has been a registered nurse since 1992, graduating Elms College with her BSN, RN. She began her nursing career at Baystate Medical Center holding many roles during her tenure as charge/triage nurse, and staff nurse in addition to being a focus group member for geriatric and respiratory patients and their families. In 2001 her journey switched to school nursing and held many different roles in the school system such as administrator, asthma data research and direct care. Although these arenas may seem different, Lisa continues to allow her root belief system to guide every role, that of advocacy, a holistic approach to care and finding a voice for those who may not feel heard. She is also a Reiki Master and co-facilitated monthly Reiki nights at the Cancer Connection.
Trish Young
BSN/LPN
Trish Young brings over 40 years of experience in the healthcare field. She began her career as a surgical technician at Baystate and later earned her Bachelor's degree in Nursing in 2013. Trish started her nursing career at Wing Memorial Hospital in the outpatient department, specializing in OB/GYN and Orthopedic nursing. She covered a wide range of specialty clinics, including surgery, dermatology, urology, pediatrics, and primary care. Trish is FEMA certified and has served as an on-call administrator for hospitals and medical centers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked as a point of care personnel, training staff and performing testing to detect COVID-19 antigen antibodies at Baystate. When she's not at work, Trish loves spending time with her family.
