Lifestream Biographies

Robin Fried, LCSW

Robin Fried of LifeStream Associates LLC is a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Geriatric Care Manager (GCM) and she brings over thirty years experience in medical social work and mental health to the field of geriatric care management. Robin Fried holds an undergraduate B.A. degree from the University of Connecticut and a Master's Degree in Social Work from Columbia University. In 1984, she completed a post-masters training program at The New York School For Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy.

Robin has been committed to working with older persons since the beginning of her career at Downstate Medical Center. She worked with elderly patients who were on renal dialysis and those who had general surgery. Robin was instrumental in assisting these patients with complex discharge plans and was involved in every psychosocial aspect of their care.

Robin Fried became an esteemed member of the social work department at St. Lukes/Roosevelt Medical Center where her focus was on training and supervision of services related to the elderly population. She was chosen by the Columbia University School of Social Work to be filmed during training sessions as part of a teaching tool for new social work students. In addition, Robin Fried was cited for creating and implementing an on-going group for stroke patients.

Robin served as an adjunct professor in the Field Social Work Department at Columbia University School Of Social Work. Her work there has served as an educational consultant to both supervisors and students.

She is a member of National Association Of Geriatric Care Managers, New York Association Of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, The National Association For Social Workers, The Society For Advancement Of Developmental Psychology and The Society For The Advancement Of Self Psychology. Robin Fried is also a Board Certified Diplomate Social Worker.

Robin Fried has presented seminars on elderly issues and concerns for numerous organizations. She is available to consult or speak to groups interested in learning more about elder care management.

Gary Elias, JD

Gary Elias is an attorney with over twenty-five years experience. Mr. Elias' practice is concentrated in the area of Elder Law. As an Elder Law practitioner, Mr. Elias provides legal document drafting services on items such as wills, powers of attorney, living wills and health care proxies. The scope of practice also covers matters such as asset protection, guardianship and the legal ramifications of Medicaid/Medicare and Long Term Care Insurance issues.

Mr. Elias graduated college from Syracuse University and received his Juris Doctorate law degree. He is a member of the New York, New Jersey & Florida Bar Associations. In addition, Mr. Elias is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and the Elder Law Section of The New York Bar Association. Gary is currently a Board Member of the East Side Council on Aging (ESCOTA) and holds positions on the Committee for Elder Law Practice, Committee for Persons with Disabilities and the Committee for Guardians & Fiduciaries within the New York State Bar Association.

Mr. Elias holds a Certificate in Article 81 Proceedings for Court Appointed Guardians & Court Evaluators. He was a former prosecutor as an Assistant District Attorney in the Kings County District Attorneys Office and a member of the United States District Courts, Second Circuit & Fifth Circuit. Mr. Elias is a consultant and volunteer to the Sephardic Nursing Home located in Brooklyn which his family has served for three generations.

Mr. Elias has spoken at numerous seminars & conferences on different aspects and issues involving elder law. Arrangements can be made for Mr. Elias to speak on a myriad of elder law issues at any future functions for your organization. To contact Mr. Elias e-mail him at LawElias@aol.com or Lifestrm@aol.com.

Susan Elias, LCSW

Susan Elias is a principal of LifeStream Associates LLC. She is a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Geriatric Care Manager (GCM) with more than twenty-five years experience in the field of gerontology. Ms. Elias received her Master's Degree in Social Work from Tulane University and her B.A. in Psychology from George Washington University. In addition, Ms. Elias did advanced clinical training at The Washington Square Institute For Psychotherapy And Psychoanalysis. She was a supervisor and taught graduate students at The Hunter College School of Social Work.

In her private practice, Susan Elias has specialized in therapeutic techniques that address the unique psychosocial needs of the elderly patient. She has expertise in dealing with the emotional challenges of Alzheimer's Disease. Ms. Elias has served on the advisory board of the Sephardic Home For The Aged and has consulted with the assisted living facilities in program development.

Susan Elias has personally experienced losing a loved one incrementally to Alzheimer's Disease. This loss fueled her passionate commitment to helping others cope with the myriad of challenges.

Susan Elias is a member of The National Association Of Social Workers on which she serves on the gerontology committee. In addition, she is a member of The New York State Clinical Social Work Society, and National Academy of Certified Social Workers. Ms. Elias is a Board Certified Diplomate in clinical social work, a Certified Geriatric Care Manager and a member of The National Association Of Geriatric Care Managers. She is actively involved in the New York chapter of The Professional Geriatric Care Managers and continues to hone her skills at The Brookdale Institute On Aging.

Susan Elias has presented workshops on mental health and the elderly for numerous organizations including The Alzheimer's Association. She is available to consult or speak to groups interested in learning more about elder care management.