President
Chris Redmond, MS
Chris is an Indianapolis native and currently resides in Fishers, Indiana. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business/Sports Management from Marian University in Indianapolis and a Master of Science degree Kinesiology/Clinical Exercise Physiology from Indiana University in Bloomington. He has spent most of his career in healthcare dedicated to helping older adults. He has held positions in cardiac rehabilitation, corporate wellness, medical devices, homecare-hospice and palliative care, outpatient/inpatient rehabilitation hospital and real estate. Most recently, Chris has founded a non-profit organization that helps older adults with education and resources to achieve a good quality of life. He has a tremendous passion for geriatrics and has been involved with the Indiana Geriatrics Society since 2007. Chris enjoys spending time with family and friends, running and golf.
Chris Redmond, MS
Chris is an Indianapolis native and currently resides in Fishers, Indiana. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business/Sports Management from Marian University in Indianapolis and a Master of Science degree Kinesiology/Clinical Exercise Physiology from Indiana University in Bloomington. He has spent most of his career in healthcare dedicated to helping older adults. He has held positions in cardiac rehabilitation, corporate wellness, medical devices, homecare-hospice and palliative care, outpatient/inpatient rehabilitation hospital and real estate. Most recently, Chris has founded a non-profit organization that helps older adults with education and resources to achieve a good quality of life. He has a tremendous passion for geriatrics and has been involved with the Indiana Geriatrics Society since 2007. Chris enjoys spending time with family and friends, running and golf.
Vice President
Tamara Wolske, MS, PhDc, CPG
Academic Program Director and Assistant Professor in Aging Studies.
Affiliation: University of Indianapolis, College of Health Sciences, Interprofessional Health & Aging Studies, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Tamara Wolske is the Academic Program Director for Aging Studies Programs, an Assistant Professor in Aging Studies, and an affiliated faculty member of the Center for Aging & Community, University of Indianapolis. She is a credentialed professional gerontologist (CPG) through the National Association for Professional Gerontologists.
Wolske's areas of focus include global ageing, end-of-life, cultural awareness, as well as workforce issues and culture change in long-term care settings. She holds an A.A. in Psychology and a B.A. in Sociology from Marian University, a Master of Science in Gerontology from the University of Indianapolis, and she is currently a PhD candidate in International Business Administration with the International School of Management in Paris, France. Ms. Wolske serves as a member on the Workforce Committee for Indiana Health Care Association, the Institutional Representative for UIndy with the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education, Chapter Representative for the Delta Mu Chapter of the Sigma Phi Omega National Honor & Professional Society for Gerontology, Secretary on the board for the Indiana Inter-College Council on Aging, and Vice President for the Indiana Geriatrics Society.
Tamara Wolske, MS, PhDc, CPG
Academic Program Director and Assistant Professor in Aging Studies.
Affiliation: University of Indianapolis, College of Health Sciences, Interprofessional Health & Aging Studies, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Tamara Wolske is the Academic Program Director for Aging Studies Programs, an Assistant Professor in Aging Studies, and an affiliated faculty member of the Center for Aging & Community, University of Indianapolis. She is a credentialed professional gerontologist (CPG) through the National Association for Professional Gerontologists.
Wolske's areas of focus include global ageing, end-of-life, cultural awareness, as well as workforce issues and culture change in long-term care settings. She holds an A.A. in Psychology and a B.A. in Sociology from Marian University, a Master of Science in Gerontology from the University of Indianapolis, and she is currently a PhD candidate in International Business Administration with the International School of Management in Paris, France. Ms. Wolske serves as a member on the Workforce Committee for Indiana Health Care Association, the Institutional Representative for UIndy with the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education, Chapter Representative for the Delta Mu Chapter of the Sigma Phi Omega National Honor & Professional Society for Gerontology, Secretary on the board for the Indiana Inter-College Council on Aging, and Vice President for the Indiana Geriatrics Society.
Treasurer
Todd James, MD
Todd James is an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine and clinician educator in the UCSF Division of Geriatrics. He received his medical degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine and went on to complete internal medicine and geriatrics fellowship training also at University of Illinois. He was a clinical leader of a new housecalls program at Principium Health in New Jersey. He was also medical director in a new model of care, the Geriatric Resources for Assessment and Care of Elders (GRACE) program at Eskenazi Health, Indianapolis, Indiana. He was a clinician educator at Indiana University School of Medicine where he successfully completed a Geriatrics Academic Career Award (GACA).
Clinical Activities
Dr. James is board certified in geriatric medicine and internal medicine. He provides inpatient care at UCSF Medical Center at 1) the Acute Care for Elders Program and 2) the Geriatrics-Orthopedics Co-Management Program. Dr. James teaches medical students, residents and fellows about geriatric syndromes and principles of geriatric care, including functional assessments, prognosis, care coordination and goals of care. His goal is to promote understanding of the unique and changing needs of those in elderhood.
Academic Focus
Dr. James’s educational and research focus is to promote the transition of health systems towards age-friendly approaches with geriatrics & interprofessional education and program development. He is the Geriatrics Education Site Director for Contra Costa County in the Optimizing Aging Collaborative at UCSF, sponsored by the Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP). He has created curricula for health professionals which address complex patient situations and interprofessional team care. He is co-chair of the Interprofessional Special Interest Group at the American Geriatrics Society and serves on the Communications Committee of the American Interprofessional Health Collaborative.
Todd James, MD
Todd James is an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine and clinician educator in the UCSF Division of Geriatrics. He received his medical degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine and went on to complete internal medicine and geriatrics fellowship training also at University of Illinois. He was a clinical leader of a new housecalls program at Principium Health in New Jersey. He was also medical director in a new model of care, the Geriatric Resources for Assessment and Care of Elders (GRACE) program at Eskenazi Health, Indianapolis, Indiana. He was a clinician educator at Indiana University School of Medicine where he successfully completed a Geriatrics Academic Career Award (GACA).
Clinical Activities
Dr. James is board certified in geriatric medicine and internal medicine. He provides inpatient care at UCSF Medical Center at 1) the Acute Care for Elders Program and 2) the Geriatrics-Orthopedics Co-Management Program. Dr. James teaches medical students, residents and fellows about geriatric syndromes and principles of geriatric care, including functional assessments, prognosis, care coordination and goals of care. His goal is to promote understanding of the unique and changing needs of those in elderhood.
Academic Focus
Dr. James’s educational and research focus is to promote the transition of health systems towards age-friendly approaches with geriatrics & interprofessional education and program development. He is the Geriatrics Education Site Director for Contra Costa County in the Optimizing Aging Collaborative at UCSF, sponsored by the Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP). He has created curricula for health professionals which address complex patient situations and interprofessional team care. He is co-chair of the Interprofessional Special Interest Group at the American Geriatrics Society and serves on the Communications Committee of the American Interprofessional Health Collaborative.
Secretary
Melanie Parks, MS, BSN, RN, CHPN
Melanie is the Palliative Care RN for the OPTIMISTIC project at Indiana University Health. She received her BSN from Indiana University, and a Master’s Degree in Gerontology from the University of Indianapolis. Melanie holds a national certification in Hospice and Palliative Care. Her passion and expertise include Geriatrics, Hospice, and Palliative end-of-life care. Melanie has been a past recipient of the Nursing Excellence in Patient Focused Care award from Community Health Network. She is a Certified Facilitator and Instructor of the Respecting Choices Advance Care Planning program where she engages patients and families in conversations regarding end-of-life treatment decisions that reflect their personal beliefs, values and goals of care. In her role as Palliative Care RN, Melanie provides support to nursing home residents, and education and training to OPTIMISTIC nurses and facility staff through the use of best practice models of care. She participates on the OPTIMISTIC Palliative Care Core and the Education Core. Melanie is a member of the Indiana Geriatrics Society, the National Gerontology Academic Honor and Professional Society of Sigma Phi Omega, and she is a member of several nursing organizations.
Melanie Parks, MS, BSN, RN, CHPN
Melanie is the Palliative Care RN for the OPTIMISTIC project at Indiana University Health. She received her BSN from Indiana University, and a Master’s Degree in Gerontology from the University of Indianapolis. Melanie holds a national certification in Hospice and Palliative Care. Her passion and expertise include Geriatrics, Hospice, and Palliative end-of-life care. Melanie has been a past recipient of the Nursing Excellence in Patient Focused Care award from Community Health Network. She is a Certified Facilitator and Instructor of the Respecting Choices Advance Care Planning program where she engages patients and families in conversations regarding end-of-life treatment decisions that reflect their personal beliefs, values and goals of care. In her role as Palliative Care RN, Melanie provides support to nursing home residents, and education and training to OPTIMISTIC nurses and facility staff through the use of best practice models of care. She participates on the OPTIMISTIC Palliative Care Core and the Education Core. Melanie is a member of the Indiana Geriatrics Society, the National Gerontology Academic Honor and Professional Society of Sigma Phi Omega, and she is a member of several nursing organizations.
Chair Education Committee
Kathy Frank, RN, PhD, AGSF
Dr. Kathy Frank has been a nurse at IU since 1975 and received her Doctorate in Nursing from Indiana University in 2005. She currently is the IU Geriatrics Program Administrator and has been instrumental in the development of the Indiana Geriatrics Society. She has been involved at the national level with the American Geriatrics Society as the COSAR Representative for IGS. She has served on the AGS Program Planning Committee and on the AGS Nominating Committee. She is currently the Co-Chair of the COSAR State Affiliates and serves on the AGS Board of Directors. She was the 2010 recipient of the Mary & Tony Hulman award for geriatrics by the Indiana Public Health Foundation. She has been a board member of the Indiana Health Facility Administrators board since 2000.
Kathy Frank, RN, PhD, AGSF
Dr. Kathy Frank has been a nurse at IU since 1975 and received her Doctorate in Nursing from Indiana University in 2005. She currently is the IU Geriatrics Program Administrator and has been instrumental in the development of the Indiana Geriatrics Society. She has been involved at the national level with the American Geriatrics Society as the COSAR Representative for IGS. She has served on the AGS Program Planning Committee and on the AGS Nominating Committee. She is currently the Co-Chair of the COSAR State Affiliates and serves on the AGS Board of Directors. She was the 2010 recipient of the Mary & Tony Hulman award for geriatrics by the Indiana Public Health Foundation. She has been a board member of the Indiana Health Facility Administrators board since 2000.
Chair Program Planning Committee
Dawn Butler, MSW, JD
Dawn Butler received her Bachelor of Social Work from Indiana State University and Master of Social Work from Indiana University. Ms. Butler received her law degree from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. After beginning her social work career in long term care, Ms. Butler was one of the first social workers to join the original GRACE program at Eskenazi Health (formerly Wishard Health Services) and served in this capacity for seven years, a span that included the research trial. Upon completing her Juris Doctorate, Ms. Butler worked for a general practice firm before returning to IU Geriatrics in 2012 to serve as the Director of the newly established GRACE Training and Resource Center. As the Center’s director, Ms. Butler designs, implements, and coordinates dissemination and training programs to prepare health care professionals and organizations to implement GRACE Team CareTM.
Dawn Butler, MSW, JD
Dawn Butler received her Bachelor of Social Work from Indiana State University and Master of Social Work from Indiana University. Ms. Butler received her law degree from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. After beginning her social work career in long term care, Ms. Butler was one of the first social workers to join the original GRACE program at Eskenazi Health (formerly Wishard Health Services) and served in this capacity for seven years, a span that included the research trial. Upon completing her Juris Doctorate, Ms. Butler worked for a general practice firm before returning to IU Geriatrics in 2012 to serve as the Director of the newly established GRACE Training and Resource Center. As the Center’s director, Ms. Butler designs, implements, and coordinates dissemination and training programs to prepare health care professionals and organizations to implement GRACE Team CareTM.
Chair Public Policy Committee
Michael Sha, MD
Advocacy is an essential aspect to clinical practice of medicine. Public policy is particularly important in the care of our older adults, who may be physically and/or cognitively impaired and who may depend on services to access and receive care or to remain independent.Having served in the Indiana State Medical Association as a member of their Board of Trustees, their Commission on Legislation, and their Family Violence Committee, which addressed elder mistreatment, and having served as the Governor for the Indiana Chapter of the American College of Physicians (the internal medicine society in the state), I can assist the IGS in furthering policies to the benefit of our older adults.As a Geriatrician who trained at IU, who practices geriatric primary care and who visits my patients in their homes and in assisted living facilities, I have a broad perspective of the care needs and challenges that our older adults face and it matters to me how well our older adults are cared for.
Michael Sha, MD
Advocacy is an essential aspect to clinical practice of medicine. Public policy is particularly important in the care of our older adults, who may be physically and/or cognitively impaired and who may depend on services to access and receive care or to remain independent.Having served in the Indiana State Medical Association as a member of their Board of Trustees, their Commission on Legislation, and their Family Violence Committee, which addressed elder mistreatment, and having served as the Governor for the Indiana Chapter of the American College of Physicians (the internal medicine society in the state), I can assist the IGS in furthering policies to the benefit of our older adults.As a Geriatrician who trained at IU, who practices geriatric primary care and who visits my patients in their homes and in assisted living facilities, I have a broad perspective of the care needs and challenges that our older adults face and it matters to me how well our older adults are cared for.
Chair Marketing and Membership Committee
Nick McGail,
Homecare Indianapolis, IN. Nicholas has nearly 15 years of experience in the nursing and home health field.Before working at Anew Homecare, Nicholas worked at Senior Home Companions as the Executive Director.He also worked at the Justus Companies as the Corporate Director of Business Development.His experience also includes being the Director for the St. Vincent Medical Alert Program.He was heavily involved in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk committee and received the Shining Star award for raising the most money for a fundraiser in Indiana.He has been a part of the Indiana Geriatric Society planning committee for the past 5 years an looks forward to continuing his involvement with the committee.
Nick McGail,
Homecare Indianapolis, IN. Nicholas has nearly 15 years of experience in the nursing and home health field.Before working at Anew Homecare, Nicholas worked at Senior Home Companions as the Executive Director.He also worked at the Justus Companies as the Corporate Director of Business Development.His experience also includes being the Director for the St. Vincent Medical Alert Program.He was heavily involved in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk committee and received the Shining Star award for raising the most money for a fundraiser in Indiana.He has been a part of the Indiana Geriatric Society planning committee for the past 5 years an looks forward to continuing his involvement with the committee.
COSAR Representative
Molly Campbell, GNP
Molly Campbell, RN, MSN, AGPCNP-BC, is the Director of Inpatient Geriatric Care at Community Hospital North (CHN). In her role, she is responsible for the Geriatric Evaluation and Management Team (G.E.M.) and NICHE Program, both internal pilots, caring for acute inpatient older adults and support services at CHN. Molly received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Gerontology from Miami University in Oxford, OH. She then entered a 3 year program at Yale School of Nursing in New Haven, CT, to obtain her RN and Master’s Degree in Nursing. Molly’s nursing career began as a student nurse and then a registered nurse for cardiothoracic and peripheral vascular patients at Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven, CT. Upon moving back to Indianapolis, her home town, she became a Nurse Practitioner for the Housecalls and GRACE/Bridge programs at then Wishard Hospital. Most recently, Molly has served as a Nurse Practitioner and Team Lead for the Touchpoint HATS Clinic for close to 6 years. Molly’s professional certifications and associations include American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Certification in Adult and Geriatrics; Nurse Practitioner License; Register Nurse License; CPR trained; American Geriatrics Society Member; Indiana Geriatrics Society Member; Coalition of Advanced Practice Nurses of Indiana Member; and American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Member. Molly has a special interest in promoting geriatric medicine and knowledge, with a focus on dementia and delirium care and research, caregiver support, and palliative medicine. She and her husband, Dr. Noll Campbell, enjoy spending me with their children, Becket & Dory, and dog, Paddington.
Molly Campbell, GNP
Molly Campbell, RN, MSN, AGPCNP-BC, is the Director of Inpatient Geriatric Care at Community Hospital North (CHN). In her role, she is responsible for the Geriatric Evaluation and Management Team (G.E.M.) and NICHE Program, both internal pilots, caring for acute inpatient older adults and support services at CHN. Molly received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Gerontology from Miami University in Oxford, OH. She then entered a 3 year program at Yale School of Nursing in New Haven, CT, to obtain her RN and Master’s Degree in Nursing. Molly’s nursing career began as a student nurse and then a registered nurse for cardiothoracic and peripheral vascular patients at Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven, CT. Upon moving back to Indianapolis, her home town, she became a Nurse Practitioner for the Housecalls and GRACE/Bridge programs at then Wishard Hospital. Most recently, Molly has served as a Nurse Practitioner and Team Lead for the Touchpoint HATS Clinic for close to 6 years. Molly’s professional certifications and associations include American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Certification in Adult and Geriatrics; Nurse Practitioner License; Register Nurse License; CPR trained; American Geriatrics Society Member; Indiana Geriatrics Society Member; Coalition of Advanced Practice Nurses of Indiana Member; and American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Member. Molly has a special interest in promoting geriatric medicine and knowledge, with a focus on dementia and delirium care and research, caregiver support, and palliative medicine. She and her husband, Dr. Noll Campbell, enjoy spending me with their children, Becket & Dory, and dog, Paddington.
Member-at-Large
Nancy Frass, NP
Nancy has been a nurse since 1975,clinical nurse specialist since 1990,completed nurse practitioner training in 2000.As a nurse and clinical nurse specialist,she worked in critical care, coronary care, staff development, in-service education, and developed a CHF program for inpatients.In the past 19 years,she has worked as an adult NP,mostly in geriatrics/ long term care,but also at an acute rehab center Stroke Clinic and hospital rounding with cardiology.Currently she continues her passion for care of the elderly population in long term care facilities with the OPTIMISTIC project through IU Geriatrics.Nancy specializes in goals of care discussions with families and residents,transitions of care management,hospitalizations,medication burden,and providing care that optimizes comfort,functional abilities,and quality of life for her long term care residents.
Nancy Frass, NP
Nancy has been a nurse since 1975,clinical nurse specialist since 1990,completed nurse practitioner training in 2000.As a nurse and clinical nurse specialist,she worked in critical care, coronary care, staff development, in-service education, and developed a CHF program for inpatients.In the past 19 years,she has worked as an adult NP,mostly in geriatrics/ long term care,but also at an acute rehab center Stroke Clinic and hospital rounding with cardiology.Currently she continues her passion for care of the elderly population in long term care facilities with the OPTIMISTIC project through IU Geriatrics.Nancy specializes in goals of care discussions with families and residents,transitions of care management,hospitalizations,medication burden,and providing care that optimizes comfort,functional abilities,and quality of life for her long term care residents.
Past President 2018-2019
Noll Campbell, Pharm-D, MS
Assistant Professor in the Purdue University College of Pharmacy. Dr. Campbell received his PharmD degree from Butler University, completed a pharmacy practice residency at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, a geriatric pharmacotherapy residency at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, NC, and a Masters of Science in Clinical Research from Indiana University School of Medicine. As a clinician, he maintains an active practice as a geriatric pharmacotherapy expert with Eskenazi Health in Indianapolis, IN. As an investigator with the Indiana University Center for Aging Research and the Regenstrief Institute, Inc., his research focuses on personalizing medications for older adults with acute and chronic cognitive impairment. His research is directed at the adverse cognitive effects of medications as well as barriers and interventions for medication adherence among older adults with or at risk of cognitive impairment. Dr. Campbell is the recipient of a New Investigator Award from the American Geriatrics Society, a Hulman Award in Geriatrics and Gerontology from the Indiana Public Health Foundation, and has received grant support for his research from the National Institutes of Health, Astellas, and Merck and Co.
Noll Campbell, Pharm-D, MS
Assistant Professor in the Purdue University College of Pharmacy. Dr. Campbell received his PharmD degree from Butler University, completed a pharmacy practice residency at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, a geriatric pharmacotherapy residency at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, NC, and a Masters of Science in Clinical Research from Indiana University School of Medicine. As a clinician, he maintains an active practice as a geriatric pharmacotherapy expert with Eskenazi Health in Indianapolis, IN. As an investigator with the Indiana University Center for Aging Research and the Regenstrief Institute, Inc., his research focuses on personalizing medications for older adults with acute and chronic cognitive impairment. His research is directed at the adverse cognitive effects of medications as well as barriers and interventions for medication adherence among older adults with or at risk of cognitive impairment. Dr. Campbell is the recipient of a New Investigator Award from the American Geriatrics Society, a Hulman Award in Geriatrics and Gerontology from the Indiana Public Health Foundation, and has received grant support for his research from the National Institutes of Health, Astellas, and Merck and Co.