Howard Stein is an accomplished corporate and community leader with over 25 years of experience driving innovation and operational excellence across healthcare, financial services, and technology. During his tenure at Aetna, he led enterprise product management, digital transformation, and customer experience initiatives that improved care delivery and engagement nationwide. His earlier leadership roles at Citi and Smith Barney focused on client experience, digital strategy, and large-scale systems integration.

As President and Owner of Home Helpers Home Care of Freehold, NJ, Howard has grown the agency from a startup in 2020 to an award-winning organization recognized as a Best of Home Care Employer and Provider (2022–2026) and Caring Super Star (2023–2026). His approach blends compassionate service with process innovation and technology-driven efficiency, ensuring seniors and Veterans receive exceptional care and families enjoy peace of mind.

Beyond his business achievements, Howard is an active community volunteer and advocate for veterans, frequently partnering with local and national organizations to expand access to care and support programs across NJ. His leadership reflects a lifelong commitment to purpose-driven growth, building teams, businesses, and communities that thrive.

As the Pro Experience Manager for Home Surplus, Natalie Burbelo drives growth for a company specializing in brand new, high quality solid wood kitchen cabinets, bath vanities, kitchen and bath countertops, sinks, doors, and more for your home. With over 15 years of experience in sales, marketing, and business development, Natalie brings a strong track record of building customer relationships and expanding market reach. Natalie is dedicated to delivering the best available products at the right price.

Beth Ganley is the Regional Director of Community Relations for Marquis Health Consulting, where her heart and career are deeply rooted in community connection and senior care advocacy. With 17 years of experience in healthcare, Beth is passionate about educating patients, caregivers, and families so they can confidently navigate their care journeys.

She is dedicated to helping families understand their needs, connecting them with the right resources, and ensuring they feel supported every step of the way. Beth has a strong focus on the continuum of care, working closely with hospital systems and post-acute programs to bridge gaps and make transitions seamless.

Beyond her professional role, Beth is deeply involved in the communities she serves. She sits on numerous health and wellness committees throughout Ocean and Monmouth Counties, contributes to local Mayor’s Wellness initiatives, and supports Alzheimer’s advocacy efforts in New Jersey.

Her mission is simple: empower families with knowledge, build meaningful community partnerships, and make sure every individual receives the care and guidance they deserve.

Dena is the Regional Director of Business Development for Monarch Communities/Brandywine Assisted Living, bringing over 20 years of experience in the healthcare and senior services industry. Her healthcare career began with Brandywine Assisted living, where she quickly recognized the importance of cultivating strong, trusting relationships with residents, their families, and the community. While driving revenue growth and expanding services, her true passion lay in connecting with residents on a personal level—listening to their stories, offering emotional support, and ensuring they felt heard and valued. These meaningful connections shaped her approach to business development, and she’s committed to continuing that personalized, family-centered method in every aspect of her role. Over the years, Dena has served on many senior advisory boards and committees, such as the Visiting Nurses Association, and currently, The Monmouth County Senior Advisory Board and Caring Connections of New Jersey.

As the dedicated Hospice Liaison for AffinityCare, Melissa is deeply committed to the mission of providing dignity and comfort to every patient. With a strong background in healthcare and genuine empathy, she approaches the deeply personal decision of starting hospice with the sensitivity it deserves.

Melissa is your expert resource for eligibility, insurance, and ensuring effortless transitions by collaborating closely with healthcare and facility staff.

Joanne Messinger is the Owner of Payroll Vault of Jackson, where she helps small and mid-sized businesses streamline payroll, HR, and workforce management while staying compliant with ever-changing employment regulations. With more than 25 years of experience in human resources, payroll, and business operations, Joanne is known for helping organizations solve complex workforce challenges and build efficient, compliant systems that support long-term growth.

Prior to launching Payroll Vault, Joanne held senior leadership roles supporting organizations across multiple industries, where she led HR strategy, payroll operations, and workforce initiatives that improved operational performance and employee experience.

Deeply committed to supporting the local business community, Joanne actively collaborates with business owners, advisors, and professional organizations to help small businesses succeed. Her leadership reflects a strong dedication to building trusted partnerships, strengthening the local business ecosystem, and helping companies operate with confidence and clarity.

Sheli has built her career around one central mission: empowering older adults and family caregivers with the guidance, advocacy, and compassion they deserve. With over 25 years of experience in aging services, Sheli is widely recognized as a trusted expert in elder care, dementia support, and family education.

Known for her warmth, insight, and unwavering dedication, Sheli approaches every family she works with as if they were her own. She believes that no one should face a diagnosis, care decision, or crisis alone and she has made her life’s work to provide the clarity, comfort, and direction family caregivers need during life’s most challenging moments.

Whether she is guiding clients through complex planning, speaking in the community, or supporting caregivers at The Dementia Center, Sheli’s passion remains the same: to ensure that older adults and their families always feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Francine Porges, MBA, CALA brings extensive leadership experience across healthcare operations, community engagement, education, and entrepreneurship. She currently serves in a regional role with CVCJ, leading community engagement initiatives and volunteer recruitment efforts that strengthen organizational outreach and impact. Her background includes senior leadership positions with St. Peter’s Hospital, DaVita Dialysis, and Executive Director roles overseeing multi-site operations, where she is recognized for driving operational efficiency, team development, and service excellence.

In addition to her healthcare leadership, Francine teaches graduate and undergraduate business courses at Georgian Court University and is passionate about mentoring future leaders. An entrepreneur at heart, she is also expanding her work in the travel industry, building on her experience as a former agency owner in Fair Haven, with a focus on leisure and group travel. Francine’s diverse professional background and commitment to community and education align strongly with the mission and values of L.E.N.S.

Andrea hosts SCAN FYI, a weekly video series highlighting information for the senior community. She is also co-host of the Senior Moments Podcast. SCAN specializes in producing high value community events, and Andrea schedules and curates monthly Lunch & Learns as well as the Annual Brain Health Fairs that take place in both Monmouth and Ocean Counties. She is a founding member and moderator of the panel “Empowered Aging: How Community Resources Make Aging in Place Possible.”