If you're a working caregiver—or if you support them—you need to hear this one. In this episode, we sit down with elder law experts (and longtime friends of the show) Eric Goldberg and Clelia Pergola from the NJ Elder Law Center. Together, they drop some serious knowledge on navigating Medicaid, protecting assets, and creating real systems of support for families in crisis.

This conversation gets personal, gets practical, and—most importantly—gets to the heart of what caregivers are up against. We dive into everything from care coordination and legal documentation to family dynamics, generational friction, and what employers really should be doing to help. If you’ve ever wondered what makes elder law so crucial—or if you’ve avoided the paperwork altogether—this episode is the nudge you’ve been waiting for.

Episode Highlights:

[2:15] - Meet Clelia and Eric, and hear how their caregiving and legal paths became one.
[7:27] - How personal chaos led to a systemized, compassionate elder law practice.
[8:32] - Eric explains the types of cases they handle and the three phases of long-term care planning.
[12:06] - The must-have legal documents every family should prepare before a crisis.
[13:36] - What Medicaid actually covers, and why it’s often misunderstood.
[16:24] - The real challenge behind Medicaid applications—and why counties can make or break it.
[20:11] - Clelia’s powerful case for why employers should bring elder care resources to work.
[22:19] - How to have “the talk” with your parents—without a total meltdown.
[26:53] - Why geriatric care managers are secret weapons for families navigating uncertainty.
[32:59] - Debunking the myth that elder law is just for the wealthy.
[36:52] - Toughest questions families ask—and the surprising legal consequences of good intentions.
[38:20] - The sibling divide: managing conflict between hands-on caregivers and money managers.
[41:35] - Final takeaways: plan ahead, talk early, and don’t try to DIY elder care in a crisis.

Links & Resources:

• About Eric: https://njelc.com/our-team/eric-goldberg/
• About Clelia: https://njelc.com/our-team/clelia-pergola/
• Goldberg Law Group: https://njelc.com/
• Aging LIfe Care Association (Geriatric Care Managers): https://www.aginglifecare.org/
• Interview with Geriatric Manager/Aging Life Care Professional Elyse Weber-Sacks: https://www.invisibleemployeesbook.com/real-working-caregivers-stories-1-7
• Clelia's books: “The Law Firm Revolution” : https://www.amazon.com/Law-Firm-Revolution-Clelia-Pergola/dp/1543911595 and “Life, Lessons, & Legacy“: https://www.amazon.com/Life-Lessons-Legacy-Grandmother-Changed/dp/1667803662

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

In this heartfelt and deeply insightful episode, we sit down with Bob Mastrogiovanni, a devoted husband, retired IRS professional, and co-president of the Well Spouse Association. Bob opens up about his powerful caregiving journey for his late wife Kathleen, who battled multiple sclerosis for decades. From the moment of diagnosis just two years into their marriage, Bob shares how their love, resilience, and adaptability helped them navigate the emotional and practical challenges of being a caregiving couple.

Together, we unpack the unique experiences of caregiver spouses—those caring for their life partners—and explore how this journey differs from other types of caregiving. Bob also dives into the vital role the Well Spouse Association plays in offering emotional support, community, and resources to those walking this path. If you're a working caregiver, a spouse currently in a caregiving role, or someone who supports them—this episode is for you. Don’t miss Zack’s challenge to organizations to step up and support the Well Spouse mission!

Episode Highlights:

[1:25] – Welcoming listeners and introducing Bob Mastrogiovanni, a retired IRS agent and caregiver spouse.
[4:11] – Bob begins sharing his caregiving journey for his wife Kathleen, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
[6:21] – How Bob and Kathleen made lifestyle choices to maintain a sense of normalcy after diagnosis.
[7:50] – Balancing full-time work and caregiving, and the role of professional home caregivers.
[9:28] – Discovering and joining the Well Spouse Association and eventually becoming co-president.
[11:13] – Why spousal caregiving is different and how Well Spouse provides vital support.
[13:05] – The therapist recommendation that led Bob to Well Spouse.
[16:46] – Employer flexibility: how the IRS helped Bob stay employed while caregiving.
[17:56] – Bob’s advice to employers: educate HR on caregiver challenges.
[19:38] – Why caregivers should communicate openly with employers.
[21:51] – Credit hours, workplace flexibility, and practical tools that helped Bob balance work and caregiving.
[22:52] – The emotional cost of burnout and delayed caregiver identification.
[23:16] – What Bob would tell his younger self about family, caregiving, and preparation.
[24:30] – Overview of Well Spouse programs: Zoom support groups, chat forums, respite weekends, and more.
[27:07] – Zack challenges an organization to be the first to donate and show support for Well Spouse!

Links & Resources:

• Well Spouse Association: https://wellspouse.org/
• Riverwinds Restaurant, shout out to Foti Farmakis: https://theriverwindsrestaurant.com/menus/
• Caregiver Centered Care, University of Alberta: https://www.caregivercare.ca/
• Former Gov. Marty Schreiber’s Story: https://www.invisibleemployeesbook.com/real-working-caregivers-stories-1-2-1
• My Two Elaines by Marty Schreiber: https://mytwoelaines.com/
• Paul Wynn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulwynn/
• Zack’s challenge to organizations – be the first to support Well Spouse Association: https://wellspouse.org/

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

We’re kicking off our Global Caregiver Advocate Series by heading north to spotlight the amazing work being done in Canada. We sat down with three incredible advocates—Christa Haanstra, Sharon Anderson, and Amy Coupal—who are making waves across the country when it comes to caregiver policy, support, and visibility. Join us as we explore how Canada is leading efforts to recognize caregiving as both a personal journey and a workforce strength.

Episode Highlights:

[2:54] Meet Christa, Sharon & Amy—leaders with personal stories & national impact
[6:46] How National Caregiver Day creates space for awareness and advocacy
[12:06] The National Caregiving Strategy—how it came to be & its goals
[14:32] Paid Family Leave in Canada: progress & gaps
[18:00] Workplace roundtables & the Working Caregiver Project
[27:13] Caregiver education in healthcare: University of Alberta’s model
[32:21] “The Hidden Workforce” report: framing caregiving as economic infrastructure
[40:25] Advanced Caregiving Plans: preparing before crisis
[46:07] Reframing caregiving as a workplace strength
[51:05] Guest “One Wish” for Canadian caregiver policy in the next year

Featured Guests:

👩‍💼 Christa Haanstra, Founder, 4C Strategy
With 25+ years of strategic leadership experience, Christa uses the power of storytelling to advocate for family caregivers. She champions their integration as essential partners in healthcare and policy.
LinkedIn | Podcast Interview

🎓 Dr. Sharon Anderson, University of Alberta
A researcher and educator with a PhD in Family Gerontology, Dr. Anderson co-leads caregiver-centered education and research to better embed caregiver support in healthcare systems.
LinkedIn | Podcast Interview

💡 Amy Coupal, CEO, Ontario Caregiver Organization
A visionary nonprofit leader supporting Ontario’s 4 million caregivers. Amy’s personal caregiving experiences fuel her mission to amplify caregiver voices and improve systemic support.
LinkedIn | Ontario Caregiver Organization

Links & Resources:

📌 Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence (CCCE)
📌 National Caregiver Day – April 1, 2025
📌 Workplace Roundtable Report
📌 University of Alberta – The Hidden Workforce Report
📌 Ontario Caregiver Spotlight Report (2024)
📌 Caregiver-Centered Care Education
📌 Stories from Real Working Caregivers: Katie MacDonald

🎙️ Check out: Episode 013 with Dr. Donna Benton

Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates!

Caregiving doesn’t just happen at home—it happens at work, too. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Donna Benton, the Director of the Family Caregiver Support Center at the University of Southern California, to discuss the often-overlooked challenges faced by working caregivers. With over 28 years of experience, Dr. Benton shares invaluable insights on how workplaces can better support employees who are juggling their careers and caregiving responsibilities.

Episode Highlights:

[1:23] – Welcome to the show! Meet Selma, Zack, and our guest, Dr. Donna Benton.

[2:30] – Dr. Benton shares about her roots in Los Angeles and the diversity of her neighborhood.

[4:24] – The personal journey that led Dr. Benton into caregiver advocacy and research.

[6:57] – How universities like USC are leading the charge in caregiver education and support.

[9:53] – What does a Family Caregiver Resource Center actually do? Dr. Benton explains her day-to-day work.

[13:07] – How employees can access caregiver resources—even if their workplace isn’t offering support.

[15:43] – Can employers nationwide bring in educational workshops for caregivers? (Hint: Yes, and Dr. Benton tells you how!)

[19:36] – Why advocating for the Older Americans Act and work-life balance policies is crucial for working caregivers.

[22:07] – The biggest challenges employers will face in 2025 when it comes to supporting caregivers.

[27:07] – The myth of “vacation time” for caregivers—why we need better workplace policies.

[28:36] – The #1 thing caregivers wish they had known earlier (and what you need to do now).

[31:22] – Our challenge to HR leaders—who will be the first to take action?

Links & Resources:

· Dr. Donna Benton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-benton-74463118/

· USC Family Caregiver Support Center: https://losangelescrc.usc.edu/

· Jason Resendez and the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC): https://www.caregiving.org/

· Caregiver Nation Summit by NAC: https://www.caregivernationsummit.org/

· Rosalynn Carter Quote for Caregivers

· Liz O'Donnell and Working Daughter website and Facebook: https://workingdaughter.com/ https://www.facebook.com/workingdaughter/

· Liz O'Donnell and Working Daughter PRIVATE Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/workingdaughter

Zack challenges their listeners as to who will be the first HR leader to reach out to Dr. Benton and inquire about an educational program for their organization.

Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Madhavi Vemireddy, a powerhouse advocate for working caregivers and the Chief Executive Officer at Cleo. Dr. Vemireddy shares her personal caregiving journey—from navigating her son’s congenital heart disease and autism diagnosis to supporting aging parents—all while balancing a demanding career. We dive into the hidden struggles of working caregivers, the critical gaps in employer support, and how technology is stepping in to bridge the divide.

Are you a working caregiver feeling overwhelmed? Do you lead a team and want to create a more caregiver-friendly workplace? Tune in to hear Dr. Vemireddy’s expert insights on population health, caregiving burnout, and how employers can better support their invisible workforce.

Episode Highlights:

[1:36] – Welcome to the show! Zack and Selma introduce this week’s guest.
[2:17] – Dr. Vemireddy’s personal journey as a caregiver to her son and parents.
[9:33] – The emotional and physical toll of caregiving while working full-time.
[11:54] – How Cleo is using technology and coaching to support caregivers.
[17:30] – Why caregiving is hidden in the workplace and what employers can do about it.
[25:09] – The mental health impact of caregiving and why it’s costing companies more than they realize.
[31:37] – Why Dr. Vemireddy left traditional medicine to focus on caregiver advocacy.
[36:51] – How employers can connect with Cleo to build a more caregiver-supportive workplace.

👩‍⚕️ About Dr. Madhavi Vemireddy

Madhavi Vemireddy, MD is the CEO of Cleo, having previously served as Chief Clinical Officer. A board-certified internal medicine physician, she has over 20 years of experience in clinical analytics, population health, and digital health solutions.

As a working caregiver herself, Dr. Vemireddy co-founded CareTribe, a company dedicated to supporting family caregivers, which was acquired by Cleo in 2022. She has held leadership roles at ActiveHealth Management and Aetna Care Management (CVS Health), designing evidence-based programs that serve over 22 million Americans.

📌 Links & Resources

💡 Connect with Dr. Madhavi Vemireddy:

🚀 Who will be the first employer to take action? Dr. Vemireddy is ready to help—schedule a free call today!
🔗 LinkedIn
🔗 Cleo – Supporting Working Caregivers

📖 Related Articles & Stories:
🔗 January 14th Edition of Working Caregivers-The Invisible Employees Newsletter
🔗 Mike George’s Story – Real Working Caregiver
🔗 Learn More About the Caregiver Nation Summit (Dec 3rd, 2024 Newsletter)

🎙️ More from the Podcast:
🔗 Episode 9: Jason Resendez on Caregiver Advocacy & Workplace Culture

🏛 Caregiver Advocacy & Resources:
🔗 National Alliance for Caregiving
🔗 National Alliance for Caregiving’s Caregiver Nation Summit
🔗 West Status – Supporting Women with Cancer
🔗 Connect with West Status Founder Haley Wyrsch
🔗 Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers

If you enjoyed this episode,

In this episode, we sit down with Dahlia Sizer, an HR leader and passionate advocate for caregivers, to unpack how companies can create a more supportive and flexible work environment for employees juggling caregiving responsibilities.

Dahlia shares her personal caregiving journey, the impact it had on her career, and the lessons she’s carried into her HR leadership role. We talk about flexible work policies, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and how leadership can step up to better support caregivers. Plus, Dahlia offers practical advice for both employees and managers on navigating workplace benefits, advocating for change, and ensuring that caregiving doesn’t come at the cost of professional success.

Dahlia Sizer is the former Director of DEI for Saint-Gobain, NA. An accomplished Human Resources Practitioner with expertise in Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Dahlia is adept at navigating complex organizational structures to deliver strategic vision and tailored solutions. Known as a catalyst for change, Dahlia consistently drives impactful results. Integrating deep expertise in global diversity, equity, inclusion, employee engagement, organizational behavior, project management, and recruitment, Dahlia effects substantial and positive transformation. With over a decade of experience in human resources, Dahlia's approach blends strategic vision with a deep understanding of HR policies and team leadership to foster an inclusive culture that not only retains talent but also propels the company forward.

Episode Highlights:

[3:32] - Dahlia’s personal caregiving story—how supporting her mother changed her life.

[9:55] - The power of building a caregiving support system—you can’t do it alone!

[12:41] - What working caregivers experience in the workplace and why workplace culture matters.

[16:53] - Tips for managers on how to support employees who are also caregivers.

[18:48] - How employees can approach their managers to ask for flexibility and support.

[21:03] - The role of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in advocating for caregivers.

[23:01] - Why Dahlia sought out education on caregiving for her company and how it made an impact.

[26:07] - The power of awareness—how workplace conversations about caregiving are changing.

Links & Resources:

• Dahlia Sizer Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dahlia-sizer-a90130240/
• Rehoboth Beach, Delaware: https://www.rehoboth.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Gina Anderson, a learning scientist and advocate for working caregivers. Join us as we explore her personal caregiving journey, her groundbreaking compassionate care policy, and the profound ripple effects such policies can have on workplaces and beyond. Dr. Anderson shares her experience of caregiving for her mother while balancing the demands of running a business, offering practical advice and inspiration for employers and caregivers alike. We also dive into how businesses can create a culture of support and trust, the importance of human connection in the workplace, and Dr. Anderson’s work in behavioral learning and safety with her company, Luma Brighter Learning.

Dr. Gina Anderson is on a mission to help motor carriers grow their safety culture through meaningful learning that inspires and engages employees. She has focused her attention on studying how adults best learn for more than twenty-five years, consistently growing her methodology by engaging in the trucking industry and learning professionals. Gina is the CEO of Luma Brighter Learning, an award-winning company that provides an enterprise learning management system (LMS) tailored to the transportation and logistics industry. With a focus on maximizing safety, ensuring compliance, and boosting employee retention, Luma supports the entire organization with individualized coaching programs, customizable content, digital forms, compliance reporting tools, and unlimited secure file storage. She routinely publishes new, measurable, science-based techniques specifically focused on adult learning to help companies improve their safety scores and uphold compliance.

Episode Highlights:

[3:03] – Dr. Anderson shares a beautiful tradition from her Charleston community and reflects on its connection to hope and resilience.

[4:37] – Dr. Anderson recounts her caregiving journey, balancing her role as a daughter and business owner while caring for her mother.

[12:33] – Discussion on Dr. Anderson’s Inc. Magazine article about implementing compassionate care policies and their impact on employees and families.

[18:44] – How Luma Brighter Learning is revolutionizing behavior change and safety in the transportation industry.

[24:30] – Changes in workplace culture after implementing the compassionate care policy and the importance of building trust and transparency.

[31:26] – Dr. Anderson introduces her upcoming book Thrive: How Learning Can Ignite a New Way Forward and its focus on reconnecting and thriving in life.

[33:55] – How to connect with Dr. Anderson and access her resources for learning and mental well-being.

Links & Resources:

• Inc article: This Unexpected Gift Will Make Employees Happier. Dec. 16, 2024 by Dr. Gina Anderson. https://www.inc.com/dr-gina-anderson/this-unexpected-gift-will-make-employees-happier/91066321
• Website: https://www.learningwithgina.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-anderson-luma/
• Luma Brighter Learning: https://lumabrighterlearning.com/
• Book: Thrive: How Learning Can Ignite A New Way Forward https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dr.-Gina-Anderson/author/B0CP1HQRLH?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

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In this episode we welcome Jason Resendez, a leading advocate in the caregiving and Alzheimer's space, to the podcast. Together, we discuss the critical challenges facing working caregivers and how systemic changes can create supportive environments both in the workplace and in society. Jason shares his personal caregiving journey, the groundbreaking advocacy work of the National Alliance for Caregiving, and practical tips for employees and employers navigating caregiving responsibilities. From public policy changes to personal empowerment, this conversation sheds light on the invisible struggles and triumphs of working caregivers. Plus, Jason provides a sneak peek into the 2025 "Caregiving in the U.S." study, offering a glimpse into the future of caregiving data and trends.

Jason Resendez is a nationally recognized caregiving advocate. He currently serves as the President and CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving, where he leads research, policy, and programmatic initiatives to build health, wealth, and equity for America’s 53 million family caregivers. In 2023, Jason was named one of the most consequential leaders in health and medicine by STAT News. Prior to joining NAC, Jason was the founding executive director of the Us Against Alzheimer’s Center for Brain Health Equity where he pioneered the concept of Brain Health Equity through peer-reviewed research, public health partnerships, and public policy. In 2020, Jason was name done of America’s top influencers in aging by PBS’s Next Avenue alongside Michael J. Fox and Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. He has been quoted by The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, STAT News, and Univision on issues related to caregiving and health equity. Jason is from South Texas and graduated from Georgetown University.

Episode Highlights:

[1:07] - Introduction to Jason Resendez and his advocacy work for caregivers.
[5:00] - Jason’s personal caregiving story and its influence on his career.
[10:58] - The creation and impact of the Caregiver Summit.
[17:32] - Insights into Alzheimer's and the intersection with caregiving.
[22:27] - Credible resources for addressing early signs of dementia.
[24:58] - Preview of the upcoming 2025 "Caregiving in the U.S." study and its significance.
[29:20] - How employers can support working caregivers and real-world examples.
[34:02] - Advice for employees: Navigating conversations about caregiving with managers.
[38:07] - A challenge to employers to create a culture of caregiving.

Links & Resources:

• National Alliance for Caregiving: https://www.caregiving.org/
• Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org/
• BrainGuide by UsAgainstAlzheimer’s: https://mybrainguide.org/
• AARP Caregiving Resources: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/
• Jason Resendez LInkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonresendez/
• Caregiving in the U.S. 2020 (NAC and AARP report):
• Year end review Working Caregivers-The Invisible Employees Newsletter
• National Alliance for Caregiving and Caregiver Summit Nation focus newsletter by Working Caregivers-The Invisible Employees

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at