Reframing Communications About Senior Centers: Lessons Learned from Pennsylvania

Patricia M. D’Antonio, BSPharm, MS, MBA, BCGP is Vice President of Policy and Professional Affairs for the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) and a board-certified geriatric pharmacist. Ms. D’Antonio directs GSA’s policy initiatives and is responsible for developing relationships with organizations in the aging arena. She represents GSA on several policy coalitions and serves as co-chair for the Adult Vaccine Access Coalition, president of the board of the Protecting Access to Pain Relief, and a member of the steering committee for several federally focused coalitions. Ms. D’Antonio is also the executive director for the National Center to Reframe Aging, the central hub to advance the long-term social change endeavor designed to improve the public’s understanding of what aging means and the many ways that older people contribute to our society. She received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Duquesne University and her Master of Science in Health Finance and Master in Business Administration with a concentration in health care from Temple University. She completed a residency in administration and finance at The Philadelphia Geriatric Center.

Hannah Albers is passionate about building communities where all people can thrive at every age. As Director of Program Development at the National Center to Reframe Aging, she leads national efforts to improve the way we talk about aging, challenge ageism, and promote narratives that reflect the full value and potential of all of us as we age. Hannah guides the development of innovative programs, resources, and partnerships that help advocates, policymakers, and organizations across the country reframe conversations about aging. She’s a nationally recognized speaker and facilitator, known for translating research into practical strategies that inspire action and create lasting social change. Before joining the National Center, Hannah worked with a senior services organization, where she built expertise in project management, strategic planning, leadership development, and data analysis—and played a key role in launching a grant-making initiative focused on community based supports for older people. She holds a degree in International Business and Global Service from Valparaiso University.

Reneé Cunningham began working in the field of aging in 2000, when she joined the staff at Center in the Park. She earned her Master of Social Service degree with a concentration in Social Services Management from the Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research. In 2018, she became Executive Director of Center in the Park, only the fourth in the organization’s history. Reneé has served on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Association of Senior Centers (PASC) for more than a decade, including roles as Vice President and Chair of the Advocacy Committee, and currently serves as President of the Board. She is an instructor for various Penn State University campuses in the Nursing Home Administrator and Personal Care Home Administrator certification programs. She also serves on the Board of the Foundation for Health Equity and on Philadelphia’s Mayor’s Commission on Aging.

In 2023, Jason Kavulich was nominated by Governor Josh Shapiro to serve as Secretary of Aging for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, where one in three residents will be age 60+ by 2030. Secretary Kavulich is leading and advocating for an aging network of quality, sustainable programs that support Pennsylvania’s growing older adult population to stay healthy and active, age in their home settings of choice and thrive in their older years with safety and dignity. One of his first actions has been to lead the development of Aging Our Way, PA, a 10-year plan to transform the state’s infrastructure of aging services. A lifelong resident of Scranton, PA, Jason has brought 24 years of experience within the human services field to the mission, most recently as director of the award-winning Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging.