Administrative Team

                           (L-R): Ruby Zavala, Carole Watson, Susy Elder Murphy, Liz Zarate, Sieglinde Peterson.

Susy Elder Murphy (since 1993)
Owner
Susy Murphy

Susy Elder Murphy, BA, CMC joined Debra Levy Eldercare Associates in 1993, and helped build the practice in her long-time role as Director of Care Management. She assumed day-to-day responsibilities for running the business in the summer of 2012 and full ownership of the practice on June 1, 2013.

Susy is a Certified Care Manager, accredited by the National Academy of Certified Care Managers. She is also a member of the Aging Life Care™ Association and served as an at-large Board Member of their Mid-Atlantic Chapter from 2013 – 2015 and as President in 2016 and 2017. She also served as co-chair for their regional conference in 2014. Susy is also a member of the American Geriatric Society and co-chair of programming for the metro Washington, DC chapter. She is an active member of the boards of various organizations serving the needs of local seniors, including a hospice.

Susy’s first job working with older adults was as the Nutrition Director for a federally funded nutrition program in Hailey, Idaho. She was also the founding coordinator of JCA’s Connect-A-Ride program and a volunteer coordinator for the Family Friends program.

She attended Oberlin College and graduated with Honors from the University of Michigan. In addition to working with our clients, she enjoys baking for her family and exploring different cuisines and cultures with her husband and two adult children.

Sieglinde Peterson, BA, JD (since 2013)
Human Resources & Billing Manager
Sieglinde Peterson
Sieglinde Peterson, BA, JD, earned both her Bachelor of Arts and Law degrees from Washington University, St. Louis. She has worked for corporations and non-profits with 20 years of experience in the departments of human resources, employee safety and compliance, legal relations, marketing, and fund raising. Most recently Sieglinde served as Operations Officer for a non-profit organization that emphasizes community, ecological sustainability, and promotes the celebration of non-material values. In her spare time, Sielglinde enjoys reading, biking, and baking bread.
Carole Watson (since 2003)
Office Manager
Carole Watson
Carole Watson, Office Manager, has over 25 years professional experience as an office administrator in charge of technology, human resources, facilities management, finance and administration. In addition to her work with Debra Levy Eldercare, Carole is a Maryland and DC licensed Real Estate Agent with Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc and a Certified Senior Housing Specialist. She enjoys interior decorating, entertaining and vacationing in Negril, Jamaica, her favorite travel destination.
Ruby Zavala (since 2010)
Office Coordinator
Ruby Zavala
Ruby Zavala, Office Coordinator, started working with Debra Levy Eldercare Associates in 2010 when she was a junior in high school and has now joined our staff as our office coordinator. What she has enjoyed most about her work in different office settings is the opportunity to help people–whether it is our clients or our care managers. Ruby also completed a veterinary assistant program at Montgomery College and has volunteered at VCA Columbia Animal Hospital as a vet assistant. In her spare time, Ruby enjoys being outdoors, training her puppy, attending sporting events and traveling with friends and family.

Key to Staff Credentials

  • C-ASWCM – Advanced Social Work Case Manager
  • CMC – Care Manager Certified
  • MSW – Masters of Social Work
  • LGSW – Licensed Graduate Social Worker
  • LCSW-C – Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (in MD)
  • LICSW – Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (in DC)
  • LISW – Licensed Independent Social Worker (in DC)
  • BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • RN – Registered Nurse
  • MPH – Masters of Public Health
  • MSN – Masters of Science in Nursing
  • MS – Masters of Science
  • NHA – Nursing Home Administrator
  • JD – Juris Doctor
  • CDP – Certified Dementia Practitioner