Who We Are
Natasha Faria Smith
Principal Care Manager and Educator
An Aging Life Care Manager since 2017, Natasha Faria Smith was previously a teacher and school administrator, then a psychotherapist in various settings. Natasha obtained a license as an Independent Clinical Social Worker in 2016, after having practiced for ten years prior. Currently an Advanced Professional member of the Aging Life Care Association, as well as a Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager in the National Association of Social Workers, Natasha is also a Certified Dementia Practitioner, and trained End of Life Doula.
Natasha’s work with elders includes making connections with people who are experiencing a loss of autonomy and control, allowing them to share their hopes and fears, and finding pathways to planning and implementing a way forward. She has experience managing healthcare for elders with multi-systemic comorbidities, including identifying practitioners to diagnose and treat illnesses ongoing. Natasha also supports elders who are moving from home to a more supportive environment, or who are moving back home after a change in functional status due to an injury or medical event. She is committed to helping elders to stay safe and sane during major transitions, and prefers to support her clients “from diagnosis to death.”
Natasha is committed to education and social justice. She has conducted trainings on topics such as care management services, advance directives, interventions for memory loss, the importance and procedures of reporting abuse and neglect, and the role of an End-of-Life Doula. Natasha’s pursuits as an educator include providing continuing education units (CEUs) for social workers and nurses, providing training and support for program staff, and sharing industry wisdom with students in institutes of higher education. She is a Certified Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care Trainer for CADT so she can help others become Certified Dementia Practitioners. Natasha is also a certified Ageless Grace © educator because she enjoys playing as a way of stimulating neuroplasticity.
(857)867-2273
Cherise Detwiler
Care Management Associate
Cherise is a compassionate advocate for holistic senior care, blending her knowledge as a Certified Dementia Practitioner and End-of-Life Doula with her background in Human Services and Holistic Health and Wellness. With over five years of experience in medical administration, Cherise has developed skills around navigating complex healthcare systems to ensure the highest quality of care for her clients.
As a member of the Aging Life Care Association, Cherise is committed to providing support to seniors and their families who are navigating the challenges that come with aging. I addition to having studied at the BU Center for Aging and Disability Research to achieve a case management certificate, Cherise has diverse experience spanning various human services settings. This includes work in day programs for young adults on the autism spectrum, transitional housing for families facing housing insecurity, and community organizing initiatives focused on food access and local agriculture.
Cherise's journey into elder care began through her role as a programming assistant in assisted living, where she discovered her passion for working with seniors. Today, Cherise is driven by her dedication to empowering older adults to live fulfilling and meaningful lives, hoping to make a positive impact in their journey towards wellness and quality end-of-life care. Cherise took a learning trip to Japan in 2025 to learn about how elders are cared for in that culture. She cultivates a special interest in working with LGBTQ+ elders, and providing culturally sensitive care and support tailored to unique needs.
(857)707-5654
Jo White
Care Management Associate
Jo White is a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 29 years of experience working with older adults, their caregivers and their health care providers in multiple settings. It is her passion and privilege to collaborate with older adults to ensure their dignity and a high quality of life as they address the complexities of aging.
Jo has worked as a psychotherapist in a Community Mental Health Center and served as the Director of Social Services in 2 local nursing facilities. At Springwell Elder Services, Jo worked as a Care Transitions Case Manager helping older adults utilize new programs that allowed them to leave nursing homes and receive a higher level of service in their own homes. This was extremely rewarding work that provided experience interacting with staff and systems in hospitals, rehabs and home care agencies. Eventually, Jo moved into management positions at Springwell and implemented new programs to address the needs of older and disabled adults. She started Springwell’s Private Geriatric Care Management Program, administered Healthy Aging Workshops, and managed contracts with health care systems to provide the services of Community Health Workers to their patients.
In addition to her professional experience, Jo counts her journey of care for her parents and older sibling as a key factor in her formation as a compassionate and effective Care Manager.
Now in semi-retirement, Jo is thrilled to work with the Smith Integrated Care team on a part-time basis. Listening deeply to understand the stories and struggles of her new clients, she guides them through the complexities of aging with respect for their unique history, preferences and needs.
(857)381-4081 ||
Heather Nahas
Care Management Associate
Heather Nahas brings over thirty years of experience in health and social service agencies, spanning federal, state, and local government as well as the private and non-profit sectors. As an Associate Care Manager on our team, she helps older adults and their families navigate complex medical and social challenges — guiding them toward a future that is dignified, joyful, and empowered.
Heather spent over ten years at Springwell, an Aging Services Access Point, where she held several roles: SHINE counselor, helping older adults navigate Medicare, Medicaid, and health insurance access; Assessment Specialist, supporting care planning for aging in place; and Benefits Support Specialist, assisting with MassHealth applications and public benefits. She found this work deeply rewarding, assisting older adults to navigate the often-complex systems of Medicare and MassHealth. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she supported Massachusetts residents through roles with three different health departments. Throughout her career, Heather has been a steadfast advocate for a population that often struggles to understand and access the services available to them.
Heather's own experience as primary caregiver for her aging mother deepened her commitment to this work. That experience confirmed her decision to focus exclusively on serving older adults — she understands the challenges of aging both professionally and personally. Heather brought a strong foundation to this path, having earned her Master of Public Administration in Health Policy from New York University early in her career, which has grounded her work in health and social services ever since.
Outside of work, Heather volunteers at Mass Audubon's Habitat sanctuary. A mother of two adult children, she enjoys spending time outdoors, walking, and hiking. She is an avid gardener and active member of her local Garden Club, where she runs a monthly floral design program for residents at a local long-term care facility.
(857)707-9291
