Are you curious about a career that makes a lasting impact on individuals and communities? Join us for Careers & Conversations: Pathways into the Field of Aging, a dynamic panel discussion designed for college students ready to explore meaningful work in the aging services sector. Our panel of professionals will share their personal journeys into the field, offering insights into what inspired them, the steps they took to get started, and how they’ve built successful and fulfilling careers. You’ll gain practical advice on:

• How to set yourself up for success in the job market
• What skills and experiences employers are looking for
• The variety of roles available in aging services—from healthcare to policy, education, and beyond
• How to align your passions with career opportunities
• Tips for networking, internships, and building a strong resume

Whether you're just beginning to explore your options or already passionate about working with older adults, this conversation will help you take the next step with confidence.

PANELISTS

Dr. Patrick Doyle is the Vice President of Operations at Brightview Senior Living and Principal Faculty at Johns Hopkins Center for Innovative Care in Aging. Dr. Doyle's professional life has focused on understanding and improving the experiences of people living in assisted living and nursing homes. His academic, research, and applied/clinical experiences have fostered a desire to make meaningful improvements to the care and services provided to people living with dementia. 

Carmen Hallman is a bilingual professional with extensive experience in Learning and Development, organizational development, and strategic planning. Carmen's diverse career includes a significant tenure with the United States Army, where she served in various operational and leadership roles, including Program Director with a Criminal Investigations Battalion. Her leadership in Afghanistan earned her the Bronze Star Medal. She also launched a federal program across three states for unaccompanied minors with the Office of Refugee Resettlement.

 In her current role as the Marketing and Community Outreach Manager for Anthem Ohio, she is responsible for crafting and implementing community relations and marketing strategies for Medicaid and MyCare programs while managing an outreach team throughout the state.

 Academically, Carmen holds a Master's degree in Multicultural Studies/Education from Mount St. Joseph University and a Bachelor's degree in History & Accounting from Gonzaga University.

Dr. Tara McMullen is the Deputy Director for the Division of Quality Measurement at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). In this role, she leads national strategies for quality measurement across 19 Medicare programs, including Post-Acute and Long-Term Care, Hospital Inpatient, and ESRD settings. With over 13 years of experience in healthcare quality and clinical strategy, she specializes in advancing care models that drive measurable improvements in clinical outcomes and align with emerging trends. Her role supports the development of digital measures and the enhancement of care quality for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.

Michelle Missler is a dedicated leader in aging services with a career spanning over 16 years across senior housing, service coordination, public sector leadership, and healthcare innovation. Her journey demonstrates the diverse and meaningful career paths available in the aging field.

 Michelle began her career at National Church Residences, working directly with older adults in affordable housing. Her passion for supporting seniors and building community led her to a leadership track, where she progressed into clinical quality assurance and ultimately became Director of the Service Coordinator Program, overseeing more than 600 professionals nationwide. This role allowed her to mentor emerging leaders and shape programs that improved the lives of older adults across the country.

 Eager to broaden her impact, Michelle transitioned to the Healthcare Collaborative of Greater Columbus as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, where she applied her expertise to bridge the gap between clinical care and community services. Her work helped develop innovative referral systems and foster collaboration across the healthcare ecosystem to improve outcomes for patients.

 Michelle’s career later expanded into the public sector when she was appointed Director of the Franklin County Office on Aging. There, she managed the distribution of senior services levy funding and oversaw Adult Protective Services for the largest county in Ohio—ensuring that vulnerable older adults could live safely and with dignity. Now serving as President and CEO at the American Association of Service Coordinators (AASC), Michelle continues to influence the future of aging services through national leadership and strategic development.

 Michelle holds a master’s degree in sociology from Arizona State University and a Certificate in Leadership in Human Services Management from The Ohio State University. She is also a former Licensed Social Worker in the state of Ohio. Her career reflects how a passion for service, combined with leadership and collaboration, can lead to meaningful impact in the lives of older adults—and demonstrates the broad potential of a career in aging services.