Meet Our Staff!
Mandy Klarman, LCSW, Director of Onboarding and Client Coordination
Mandy Klarman first came to the Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center in 2018. A stay at home mom engaged with many activities at her children’s school, Mandy was eager to do more to give back. She gravitated to Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center because of a personal connection--her grandmother had battled the disease. Although she was not her grandmother’s caregiver, she saw how it affected her mother and grandfather as they cared for her.
Right from the start, Mandy fit in at Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center. Initially a volunteer, she quickly joined Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center’s staff as the Director of Onboarding and Client Coordination. Today, utilizing her skills and knowledge as a licensed clinical social worker, Mandy works to ensure a smooth transition into Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center’s programs and services. In this position, she welcomes diagnosed individuals and their caregivers into a safe and supportive environment, conducts intakes and assists in Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center’s day programs.
“I bring compassion, patience and understanding to my work,” says Mandy. “With this community, you need to be flexible and understanding. During the intake process, potential clients and caregivers can have some apprehension and may need guidance about the disease and the journey ahead.”
Mandy’s friendly face can also be found in the day-to-day programs at Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center’s center. “What I appreciate about older adults is that they have so much to share and so much history. Face-to-face interaction allows them to express their humanity, maintain dignity and have joy in their day.” She unfailingly treats everyone with compassion and respect and allows Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center’s participants to be as independent as is safe for them. She is outstanding at recognizing concerning behavior, such as someone being unsteady on their feet or refusing to eat lunch. Mandy plays a vital role in supporting families every step of the way at the Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center.
“Mandy has a unique warmth that makes all the difference when working with our families. Her approachability helps families feel comfortable and eager to become a part of the Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center” Melissa Katz, LMSW, Director of Caregiver Services and Grant Management, Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center.