Debbie's Angels

003 aging well 2024 5x7

Not Pictured Here: Richard Bozof, J.D., Patricia Plander, BS

A man with dark hair, wearing a navy blue sweater, is seen smiling softly against a blurred green background, possibly indicating a garden or forest.

Since 2023

Richard Bozof, J.D.

Richard Bozof, JD, MD, grew up in Maryland. After undergraduate studies at Dartmouth, he earned an MD degree from Yale. He then attended law school at UC Berkeley to pursue his interest in becoming an environmental attorney. After law school, he utilized his legal/medical background as a lawyer-scientist with the Office of General Counsel of the U.S. EPA in Washington, D.C. Following his tenure at EPA, he moved West to join an LA law firm to work on a wide range of environmental and related public health matters. After over 11 years in California, Richard moved back to the D.C. area to be closer to family, practice law and do a pro bono stint advocating for environmental justice. Richard retired early from his law practice so that he could provide full-time assistance and care for his elderly mother. In his spare time, Richard enjoys classical and other genres of music, reading, classic movies, nature, discussing politics, and spending time with friends and family.

A middle-aged man with short gray hair and a beard, wearing glasses, a blue sweater, and a blue collared shirt, is smiling in front of a green, outdoor background.

Since 2017

Scott Brown, MA

Scott Brown, MA, completed his Master’s degree in anthropology at George Washington University, Washington, D.C., with a focus on human evolution and museum studies. After graduation, he worked at the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum as a museum exhibit researcher and also helped repatriate Native American skeletal remains back to indigenous tribes. In 1991, he began a career as a medical journalist. In 2006, he stopped working to care full-time for his elderly mother, helping her remain active and engaged for the last 10 years of her life. That experience made him keenly aware of the need for eldercare services to decrease isolation among the elderly. Scott volunteers with his church to feed the homeless and is involved with his local community “village,” part of a nationwide effort to help seniors age in place. In his spare time, he enjoys music, computers, hiking, and being with family.

Smiling woman with long, wavy gray hair wearing a red patterned shirt. She is outdoors with a blurred green background.

Since 2025

Debbie Cain

Debbie Cain spent most of her life in Bethesda and Gaithersburg, Maryland.  She began her career as a Medical Assistant and enjoyed that work for 25 years. Her appreciation for the unique needs of older adults began during that time and continues today as she supports her aging mother. As her children grew up, she wanted to volunteer and be available to them and especially enjoyed being a Girl Scout leader, school event supporter, para-educator for Pre K children, and mom during this time. Debbie loves traveling with her husband and two daughters, as well as swimming, hiking, puzzles, movies, serving her church and working with children.

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a pink blouse and standing in front of a blurred green and autumn-toned background, likely outdoors.

Since 2021

Lucy Ferris, BS

Assistant Director of Debbie's Angels

Lucy Ferris, BS, grew up in Maryland, but lived for many years in Florida. She moved back to this area in 2017. Lucy earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Maryland and went on to earn a Primary Montessori Teaching Certificate from the Washington Montessori Institute. She taught for over 25 years both as a preschool and elementary teacher in several Montessori schools. Lucy enjoys reading, cooking, live music, arts and crafts and helping others.

A woman with braided hair, wearing hoop earrings and a blue shirt, smiles at the camera. She is outdoors with a blurred green background, suggesting a park or garden setting.

Since 2024

Vivian Howie, BSW

Vivian Howe, BSW, grew up in Washington, DC. She recently returned to school and graduated from UDC with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. She feels strongly that she was called to work with older adults and loves the fact that her training focuses on the whole person. She is active in her church and has enjoyed visiting parishioners who are in a nursing home, either temporarily or permanently, as part of her work as a Lifetime Missionary. During her free time she enjoys spending time with family, listening to contemporary jazz, going to jazz/gospel concerts, visiting The Kennedy Center, watching her son in any creative arts programs, and dancing.

A woman with long brown hair wearing glasses and red earrings is smiling in an outdoor setting with blurred green foliage in the background. She is dressed in a black top with a red necklace and earrings.

Since 2021

Suzanne Levin, BS

Suzanne Levin, BS, earned her Bachelor’s degree in Family Studies at the University of MD in College Park. She has worked with people in many stages of life – as a preschool teacher, with children in a domestic violence shelter, counseling women in reproductive health clinics and in the later part of her careerworking as an activities assistant in Independent Living, Assisted Living, LTC and Memory Care units. Up until the COVID 19 Pandemic she volunteered at The Washington Ear where she read and recorded newspaper articles for the visually impaired. Suzanne lived in Phoenix, AZ for 16 years where her son still lives. She came full circle when she moved back in to her childhood home in Silver Spring to live with her elderly father after her mother’s passing. Since her fathers’ death she has been enjoying slowly redecorating the whole house. Suzanne also enjoys live music, dancing, playing volleyball, discussing politics and spending time with friends.

A smiling woman with long brown hair is wearing a red sweater over a white blouse with floral patterns. She stands outdoors in front of a blurred background of green foliage and trees.

Since 2020

Laura Miller, BS

Laura Miller, BS, was born in Miami, FL but has lived in the Washington, DC area most of her life. She received a BS in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of MD. She had the privilege of working with a wide range of patients at the National Institutes of Health until her second child was born. Over the years she has worked at The Word Among Us magazine, Mother of God School, and ran a summer camp at her home for neighborhood children for many years. She and her husband have 5 children and 4 grandchildren. Her faith is an important part of her life. She also enjoys sewing, quilting, reading, cooking, walking, and spending time with family and friends.

A woman with shoulder-length, wavy blond hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a white collared shirt under a dark green sweater. The background is outdoors and blurred, with shades of green indicating trees or foliage.

Since 2017

Darcy Newell, BA, MS

Director of Debbie's Angels

Darcy Newell, BA, MS, is from the Midwest. She received her Master’s Degree in clinical psychology from Fort Hays State University, located in Hays, Kansas. Darcy has lived in the D.C. area for over 12 years, with the exception of a two year stint in Cambodia. She has worked as a child and family therapist, a clinical care reviewer, and was a community liaison officer for the U.S. State Department while living in Cambodia. In addition to her role as Debbie’s Angels Coordinator, she also helps with client intakes and administrative work in the business office. Darcy’s interests are exercise/running, sports, reading, and volunteering as a co-facilitator for a grief support group.

A woman with long, curly black hair is smiling at the camera. She is wearing a green top and a red scarf. The background shows blurred greenery and some autumnal colors.

Since 2022

Kendra Parham, MSW, LMSW

Kendra Parham, MSW, LMSW, is a native of Washington, DC. She earned her BA from Marymount University in psychology and her MSW from Columbia University. She has worked at The Children’s Inn at NIH and the Metropolitan Jewish Hospital System in NYC, providing hospice services. She has served in a variety of positions assisting seniors. Kendra enjoys reading, movies, helping out at her church, and spending time with friends, family, and her cat.

Elderly man with glasses and a white beard smiling, wearing a light blue shirt. He is outdoors in a sunny setting with a blurred green background, suggesting a garden or park.

Since 2024

Richard Piper, BA

Richard "Dick" Piper, BA was born in Buffalo, New York. He went to college in Rhode Island and moved to Washington, D.C., for his first job in 1973. To his surprise, he never left. He ended up in the construction business for 35 years as a project manager and estimator. He has been married to Susan Blum since 1981 and they have three grown children. Dick loves skiing, tennis, classical guitar, and traveling with his wife.

An older woman with glasses, light skin, and long, light brown hair is smiling. She is wearing a purple and white striped sweater with a floral pattern and two necklaces with pendants. The background is a green, blurred, leafy scene.

Since 2023

Patricia Plander, BS

Patricia “Pat” Plander, BS, is a seasoned healthcare professional with over 42 years of experience in home care and Epidemiology. Graduating from Southern Connecticut State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Pat has dedicated her career to understanding and fighting diseases. Outside of work, Pat enjoys spending time with her family, doing needlepoint, crocheting and other crafts. She also enjoys exploring nature through hiking and camping, as well as traveling. Pat has visited all 50 states, as well as traveling to Europe, and the Caribbean. Pat's true passion lies in helping others. Through medical mission trips to Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Azerbaijan, she has made a meaningful difference in communities worldwide.

A smiling man with a bald head, glasses, and a gray beard stands outdoors. He is wearing a brown checked blazer over a dark green shirt. The background is blurred with a mix of green and autumn-colored foliage.

Since 2018

Andy Robbins, BA

Andy Robbins, BA, is a native New Yorker who came to Washington DC to attend American University. Andy graduated with a double major in education and business. He taught for two years in the local Montgomery County Public School system. After teaching, he found his true passion and began a career in the automotive industry. He sold vehicles on a retail level and then worked in automotive finance with both Ford Motor Credit Company and Volkswagen Credit. His business career helped him develop strong interpersonal and communication skills. During this time Andy made a commitment to volunteerism and has been a Hospice and Transitions volunteer with Jewish Social Services Agency, JSSA since 2007. Andy wanted to give more of his time, since retiring, to supporting families whose needs include spending time with an elder family member. Andy has two adult daughters. Since retirement, Andy fills his time with his enjoyment of music, attending concerts, film, and reading.

Smiling older woman with short gray hair, wearing a blue shirt and pink sweater, standing outdoors with greenery in the background.

Since 2024

Lisa Sharafinski, BS

Lisa Sharafinski, BS, has lived in Montgomery County since graduating, with a degree in Biology from Mount Saint Mary’s College. After a successful career in Technology Sales, she focused on home-schooling her children and caring for her aging parents. Lisa and her husband Doug, have 3 daughters with the youngest still in high school. In addition to her sales and management experience, she has worked as a CNA in a nursing home, as a writer for a non-profit Catholic magazine, as a bookkeeper, and, of course, as a teacher.  Lisa is active in her church and community. She enjoys golf, tennis, cooking, reading, conversation, and classic movies.

Key to Staff Credentials

  • BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • C-ASWCM – Advanced Social Work Case Manager
  • CCM - Certified Case Manager
  • CDP – Certified Dementia Practitioner
  • CMC – Care Manager Certified
  • JD – Juris Doctor
  • LCSW-C – Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (in MD)
  • LICSW – Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (in DC)
  • LISW – Licensed Independent Social Worker (in DC)
  • LMSW – Licensed Master Social Worker
  • LPN – Licensed Practical Nurse
  • MOT – Master of Occupational Therapy
  • MPH – Masters of Public Health
  • MS – Masters of Science
  • MSN – Masters of Science in Nursing
  • MSW – Masters of Social Work
  • NHA – Nursing Home Administrator
  • OTR/L – Occupational Therapist, Registered and Licensed
  • PHR - Professional in Human Resources
  • RN – Registered Nurse
  • SHRM-CP - Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional