About - Holistic Aging

Holistic Aging - About Us

Life Care Management services offered through Holistic Aging-Options For Elder Care is based upon a belief that …. the body shouldn’t be looked at as individual parts, but rather our holistic approach looks at how the many parts and systems of the body interact and support one another. Our focus is on the Root Cause of the issue we are helping our clients resolve.

Barbara Kolonay RN BSN MS CCM

President

Bobbi graduated from Duquesne University with her Bachelor of Science of Nursing degree and then from La Roche University with her Master of Science in Human Resource Management.

Certified Case Manager (CCM)
Certified Holistic Nurse (HNB-BC)
On the Board of Directors and current Fellow of the Leadership Academy of the Aging Life Care Association (formerly the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers)
Certified Clinical Aromatherapist
Reiki Practitioner
Herbal Medicine Practitioner
Studied Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in China, Ayurvedic Medicine in India and made a medical trip to Peru and the Amazon Rainforest to study plant medicine in October of 2019.

Professional Background

Bobbi graduated from Duquesne University with her Bachelor of Science of Nursing degree and then from La Roche University with her Master of Science in Human Resource Management.

Bobbi is a known expert in Aging Care. She has garnered the attention of news and literary sources for her work and expertise. Below is a small sample of articles she has been featured in:

Reader’s Digest: 34 Ways to Survive Your Next Trip to the Hospital
Consumer Reports: 5 Steps for Choosing the Right Assisted Living Community
Consumer Reports: Home Care: How to Give Your Parents the Help They Need

Her Story

Bobbi has always acted on her passion for helping elderly. As a young child she sought out opportunities to help older adults in her community. That passion and the 20 years nursing and care management allowed her the expertise to care for her aging mother. This ultimately resulted in Holistic Aging- Options for Elder Care having recognized the need for her expertise to assist families in this healthcare maze.

Our clients were searching for less medicine and invasive procedures as they aged. This need resulted in Bobbi’s searching for complementary practices that would meet her clients needs to age well. She pursues education and international travel opportunities to learn how other nations care for their elderly populations. Bobbi helps the clients at Holistic Aging by offering families clinical expertise, knowledge of complementary medicine allowing for customizing the needs to each individual.

With over 35 years of experience in the care management industry, Bobbi is viewed by her peers as a seasoned expert in the management of care with the aging and disabled population. She has presented at numerous national conferences. including the Alzheimer’s Association, Aging Life Care Professionals, and American Holistic Nursing Association. Holistic Aging – Options for Elder Care, has been assisting the elder and disabled population in Pittsburgh PA and surrounds to age well since 2002.

Bobbi and her husband of 35 years have lived in Pittsburgh their entire life. They raised 3 children and are 32 year residents of Hampton Township, where our office is located.

Kristi Pickens, RN BSN CCM

Clinical Supervisor and Life Care Manager

Kristi is both our Clinical Supervisor and one of our Life Care Managers. Her clinical, home care, hospice and insurance experience is ideal for her role at Holistic Aging.

Kristi is both our Clinical Supervisor and one of our Life Care Managers. Her clinical, home care, hospice and insurance experience is ideal for her role at Holistic Aging. After graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Indiana University of PA, she spent the first decade of her career at Allegheny General Hospital. There she worked with the open heart, pulmonary and vascular surgery unit. She also spent a time as a traveling nurse which included working in NYC at NYU Langone Medical center in a neurology unit. Kristi successfully obtained a Certification in Case Management (CCM) in August of 2020, further acknowledging her expertise the field of care management. Click HERE to learn more!

Once she married and started a family Kristi pursued a few non-direct patient care areas of nursing such as insurance authorizations, assuring appropriate level of care for insurance authorization, and hospital based discharge planning. Ultimately recognizing her passion for hands on she returned to direct patient care working as a hospice nurse case manager. Kristi uses her years of varied experiences to educate our clientele about care management options, manage their health challenges, and advocate for the best possible quality of life. In her free time Kristi enjoys reading, listening to podcasts along with biking and cooking with her husband. She daydreams of traveling more and having grandchildren someday.

Chrissy Kramer, RN

Life Care Manager

Chrissy has been a registered nurse for 20 years. Her background includes extensive clinical experience in Critical Care, Cardiac nursing, Medical Surgical nursing, and home health care.

With a husband in the military, she has had the opportunity to travel and work in numerous hospitals. These include the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals in Cleveland Ohio, Seton Hospital in Austin, TX, Edward McCready Memorial Hospital in Crisfield, MD, Allegheny General Hospital, and UPMC in Pittsburgh PA. Chrissy is a compassionate advocate for every client and their families all while ensuring excellent and knowledgeable nursing care and care management.

Outside work Chrissy enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 daughters, going to the beach at Canadohta Lake, character dancing at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, live music, yoga and cooking.

Jennifer Ilconich, BS MA CCC-SLP

Life Care Manager/Senior Care Consultant Manager

Jennifer has been a licensed Speech Language Pathologist since 2002. She received her Bachelor’s in Hearing and Speech Sciences from Ohio University in 2000 and her Masters from the University of Toledo in 2002.

As a speech-language pathologist, she can assist with dementia staging through education on current and potential future functioning. She can help older adults with the development and implementation of compensatory strategies to assist them and their caregivers to maximizing independence and quality of life.

Jennifer has had the opportunity to work with adults in a variety of clinical settings including acute care, long term acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing, outpatient, and home health. Working with clients who struggle with cognitive and language impairments is her passion. She enjoys being part of an interdisciplinary team to provide a well-rounded and individualized approach to care. Jen strives to be compassionate as well as knowledgeable to provide the highest level of care possible.

She has been married to her husband Jeff since 2005 and they have three beautiful and fun children. As a family they enjoy traveling and have made it a goal to visit all 50 states. They are well on their way! Jen also enjoys reading and swimming but free time is at a premium in this busy family.

Martha Kurth, RN BSN

Life Care Manager

Martha has been a registered nurse (RN) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree for 37 years. She joined Holistic Aging with 10 years of experience as a Life Care Manager at another company.

At this position, she perfected both patient advocacy skills and understanding of the dynamics of Care Management. Martha’s clinical experiences is rounded out with Medical and Surgical Care, Rehabilitation Nursing, and Home Health Care. She has worked for various health care systems including UPMC and HealthSouth Rehabilitation (now Encompass Health).

Martha loves to work with all clients and enjoys her role as their advocate. Martha has personal experience helping her older relatives navigate the health care system. This led to her recognition of her expertise as a patient advocate.

Martha enjoys spending time with her husband and children exploring all the wonderful activities Pittsburgh and the surrounding area has to offer. Martha loves to cook and cross stitch.

Joel Carroll, CNA

Senior Care Consultant

Joel is a licensed CNA with a diverse background. He has worked as a caregiver for nearly six years.

He got his start while living in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Prior to this second career, Joel worked as an Engineer.

Raised in Kutztown, Pennsylvania by artist parents on a small farm Joel grew up caring for horses, ducks, rabbits, cats and dogs, gerbils, guppies and a pet raccoon.

Joel spends his free time with his wonderfully humorous girlfriend, chatting with his creative artist/preacher son, in spiritual discussions with friends, and studying natural healing. He graduated as a Massage Therapist from The Pittsburgh School of Massage therapy in December of 2019

Michelle Wimer

Senior Care Consultant

Michelle came to the realization that her life's purpose was that of a caretaker nearly two decades ago while working for Butler County's victim service agency.

It was through that lead her to that lead her to coaching individuals in anger management and life coaching services. As Michelle searched for more ways to be of service, she obtained a position at a retirement community in the Memory Care Unit as an Activities Assistant. Working with seniors and those in need of memory care brought her a new sense of accomplishment and joy. Michelle is now utilizing her compassionate approach with the clients of Holistic Aging

When not working Michelle designs/concocts meditative Malas from precious stones, jewelry, all natural balms and lotions with essential oils. She enjoys studying the after-life and meditating with her Border Collie Madigan.

Megan Lunz, BS

Senior Care Consultant

Megan has a Bachelors in Psychology and pursued medical oncology research. She has interacted with a variety of individuals.

She experiences a sense of joy and fulfillment when working directly with people, enjoying the simple and small interactions with clients. As her career has progressed over the years, she found that her favorite aspects of her job is working with people.

She loves to stay busy with working out, reading, socializing, hiking and exploring new parts of town. She is very energetic and curious person so she can always be found trying something new.

Margie Prince, RT

Senior Care Consultant

Margie is a 1978 graduate of the Pennsylvania State University with a Liberal Arts and Sciences Associates degree, with concurrent completion of the Radiologic Technology Program at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital School of Radiologic Technology.

For 40 years she has practiced the science, art and skills of working with all age groups to produce diagnostic imaging for St. Clair Hospital in the South Hills. Since 1991, she was also instrumental in the clinical training of students from the newly created Rad Tech program at the Community College of Allegheny County, Boyce Campus. As she retired from her clinical job, she has been teaching as adjunct faculty in the program.

Nearing the end of her clinical years, she was involved in the care of several close family members who chose hospice as their wish for end of life care. Encountering many elderly patients at the hospital as well, she saw the needs of this generation who are often isolated, and yet are determined to stay as independent as possible.

Margie is married to her husband David of 39 years, with 2 daughters, one son and one grandson. Since her grandson is in South Carolina, they travel there often. Her hobbies include sewing, reading, walking and keeping up with 3 very large families; his, mine and ours!

Lori Wynn

17:57 10 Jan 21

As a physical therapist over the last year, I have worked with some of the clients of Holistic Aging. The clients are... accompanied by the excellent caregivers of Holistic Aging to their appointments. I have spent a good amount of time witnessing the way that these caregivers attend to their clients. The clients are treated by the staff like they are family. The details of their lives are well known and their well-being is top priority. On numerous occasions, I have needed to communicate with the staff, and this is always seamless. If I had family in need of elder care, I would be eager to have one of these exceptionally caring staff of Holistic Aging be a part of the team.read more

Julie Densmore

19:52 10 Aug 20

The Best Medical Investment and Care Decision Our Family Has Made I highly recommend Holistic Aging for their Life Care... Manager support of an aging loved one who may be living in the Pittsburgh area. Bobbi and her team of qualified individuals are compassionate and trained in geriatric care management. They have provided unsurpassed medical and general support for my 85 year old mother-in-law (MIL) over the past 2 years while we are living on the West Coast. Their services provide us with peace-of-mind and confidence that our loved one is safe and cared for even when we cannot be present. Their expert care has enabled my MIL to live comfortably alone in her home. They have helped to systematically address and resolve my MILs growing medical issues and ensure that her most pressing challenges are adequately managed. Our life care manager, Kristi - who is a RN - accompanies my MIL to all doctor appointments to ask the right questions during the visit. Kristi maintains a comprehensive picture of my MIL's health conditions and acts as her personal advocate at all doctor visits. We chose Holistic Aging for their fusion of both East and Western treatment modalities that are tailored to the unique individual so along with medical care, my MIL has received acupuncture, nutritional supplements, massage, and myofacial release therapies - all considered to be "alternative" to treatments and normally would not have been offered. However, each of these treatments have majorly improved my MIL's well-being so we welcome the East/West treatment fusion that Holistic Aging provides. We are incredibly grateful and impressed with the service that Holistic Aging provides for our family. I highly recommend them for care of a loved one. Thank you Bobbi and Kristi!read more

Carina Didiano

01:49 20 Aug 18

I just wanted to say how much I appreciate Renee’s work as a nurse with her clients, who are in their early 90’s. I... have worked with her for a while now and she has such a good heart, especially when it comes to her clients well being. She always goes above and beyond for all of them! She deserves the recognition.read more

Dianna Long

01:25 30 Jan 18

Personally sought advice and counsel from the owner - very helpful and knowledgeable about reimbursement and geriatric... aging. Owner keeps up to date on all related geriatric trends and medication trends. True desire to change and help the lives of those aging - to improve the quality of life and ensure maximum reimbursement.read more

Morgan Grimes

20:33 07 Nov 17

Not only does this agency provide excellent care for their cliental, they are a wonderful agency to work for. The... office staff is compassionate and caring not only about their work but their employees as well. The entire staff has very open communication that makes the care individualized and highly affective.read more

Holistic Aging Client

18:23 05 Sep 17

It is difficult to put into words how much Susan’s work with Holistic Aging has meant to our family. After my father... passed away, he left behind our widowed mother, physically weak, depressed and living at some distance from family. She was vulnerable in so many ways, needing help with things including medical and nursing care, physical therapy, transportation, financial protection, troubleshooting and coordinating a complex array of services. We found that we just couldn’t manage everything from a distance, and that what we needed more than anything else was someone acting as Mom’s advocate and coordinating her access to needed supports. Susan stepped in and really took charge of the situation, keeping tabs on everything happening on the medical front, not only making sure that key appointments were made and kept, but also accompanying Mom to them and maintaining organized health reports. Susan ensured that no one was taking financial advantage, that in-home caregivers were providing adequate support, and even that home maintenance problems were addressed. She really made an effort to understand our mother and her unique needs. Susan was willing to play bad cop as necessary, dismissing caregivers who weren’t up to the job, arranging for better ones to be put in place, making sure that physical therapy proceeded on schedule, and pushing back on advice from any service sellers that didn’t serve our mother’s interests. Because Susan was so organized, committed, and pro-active, we are in a much improved situation now: Mom’s health, mental outlook and physical conditioning are all better than they were a couple of years ago. Having Susan there was the closest thing we could manage to actually having a family member on-site to look after our mother.read more

Rebekah Simpson

13:12 19 Oct 16

Bobbi and her team of care manager's have been a "God Send" to our family. My mother has Alzheimer's disease and with... family all over the country, we were not able to assist mom with the needed care she required to continue to live a meaningful life. A friend of ours had used Options For Elder Care services and highly recommend them. They know everything there is to know about Alzheimer's, not only improving my mom's life but realizing the stress of our entire family. We will continue to have challenges as mom progresses through Alzheimer's but feel confident being directed by this care management company.read more

Holistic Aging - About Us

Barbara Kolonay RN BSN MS CCM

President

Kristi Pickens, RN BSN​ CCM

Clinical Supervisor and Life Care Manager

Chrissy Kramer, RN

Life Care Manager

Jennifer Ilconich, BS MA CCC-SLP

Life Care Manager/Senior Care Consultant Manager

Martha Kurth, RN BSN

Life Care Manager

Joel Carroll, CNA

Senior Care Consultant

Michelle Wimer

Senior Care Consultant

Megan Lunz, BS

Senior Care Consultant

Margie Prince, RT

Senior Care Consultant

Kristi Pickens, RN BSN CCM