Our Team – Decades Group

The Decades Group

Founded in 2001, Decades provides comprehensive elder care services in New Mexico.
Our team specializes in providing guardianship and conservatorship services while maintaining the dignity and integrity of our clients.
Founder and CEO Nancy Oriola is one of only four nationally certified Master Guardians in the state of New Mexico.
Decades is a trusted and knowledgeable partner for facing the financial and healthcare decisions associated with aging…

Meet the Team

Nancy Oriola LCSW, NMG, CMC, CFP® President/CEO

Nancy Oriola LCSW, NMG, CMC, CFP® President/CEO

Nancy is Founder and CEO of both age-related service companies and an online consultation service for seniors and their families. Nancy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Certified Life Care Manager, a National Master Guardian and, since 1989, a Certified Financial Planner®. For more than 20 years she has served the complex needs of seniors, guiding them, and those who love them, through the maze of care and decisions we face as we age. Her practice and expertise in healthcare navigation, managing finances and elder legal matters make her uniquely qualified to speak to many age-related topics.

Nancy has founded several companies over the last 20 years. During that time, she has also taught gerontology classes at the master’s level, often presented on age-related topics at conferences and served locally as President on several boards. She is currently a member of Aging Life Care Association™, as well as both the National and New Mexico Guardianship Association and is a board member for the New Mexico Estate Planning Council.

Nancy’s passion is advocating for the best quality of life possible for seniors as well as their protection from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. In her own words, Nancy is a part of the “Boomer” generation that sees retirement as a time of doing more of what you want, love, and enjoy. For her, that continues to mean innovating new ideas and services to help others. Nancy also frequently visits her “Casita” in Vermont.

Guardians / Care Managers

Susan DeWitt MSN, RN, CCM, NCG

Susan DeWitt MSN, RN, CCM, NCG

Director of Clinical Operations, Decades LLC

As the Director of Clinical Operations for Decades LLC, Susan provides leadership and guidance to the Care Management team to ensure exceptional standards of care that enhance the well-being and peace-of-mind for clients and their family members. Susan received her BSN from Northwestern University and earned her MSN from the University of Alabama. She is a RN and Certified Care Manager. Susan brings a broad range of clinical and leadership experience gained during her 35-year career in Nursing, Administration, and Care Management, which includes working on the frontline as a Nurse Clinician, Care Manager, and Patient Navigator, and in many Leadership roles at leading university hospitals and medical centers throughout the U.S.

As a manager and team leader, Susan focuses on developing each team member’s unique strengths, and building a great workplace culture. Susan’s passion for Care Management is found in the personal connections she makes with team members and in working with clients to improve their quality-of-life as they navigate the transitions of aging. Susan is committed to growing and expanding Decades Care Management services and building upon the team’s reputation as the provider-of-choice in Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Las Cruses.

Outside of work, Susan enjoys hiking, skiing, and spending time with her four children (including triplets) at a summer cottage on Lake Michigan.

Chris Dunlap RN, CRRN, NCG

Chris Dunlap RN, CRRN, NCG

Guardian Coordinator, Nurse Care Manager, National Certified Guardian, Certified Rehabilitation Care Manager, Decades LLC

In 2019, Chris joined the team at Decades LLC. Chris brings a high level of exceptional skill and experience to provide our clients with specialized care. In her capacity as a care manager, Chris coordinates clients’ medical care, housing, quality of life services, and more. As a Nurse Care Manager, Chris provides guidance and resources to individuals and families who care for the elderly & disabled.

Prior to joining the Decades team, Chris was a Field Nurse who specialized in pediatric care and adult care. She was also a Clinical Manager at Bayada Home Health Care, where she managed Quality Assurance and the implementation of the care plans for over 50 clients.

Chris has an associate degree in Nursing. She is a Registered Nurse. She has a Certification in Rehab Nursing and is a Dementia Educator.

Besides dedicating her life to serving the elderly and the disabled, Chris loves spending time with her three grandchildren, and she likes to go rock hounding in her spare time.

Tina Muth, BSW

Guardianship Coordinator

Tina Muth began with Decades, LLC., June 2020. Tina comes to the Corporate Fiduciary world as a former House Manager and Service Coordinator with the New Mexico Developmental Disabilities Waiver program. Tina brings 15 years’ experience in the DD Waiver community to her position as a Guardian Coordinator. Tina is a 2005 graduate of New Mexico Highlands University with a bachelor’s in social work and an Associates in Criminal Justice. In her spare time, Tina enjoys attending High School functions with her daughter and spending time with her grandson.

Luca Burns

Guardianship Coordinator

Luca Burns began with Decades, LLC., as a Guardian Assistant in April 2019. Over the course of the first year of his employment, he quickly demonstrated an adept understanding of Corporate Fiduciary work and has since been promoted to a Guardian Coordinator position. Luca believes that all of his clients are entitled to quality, person-centered support, and the opportunity to live their lives independently to the maximum extent safely possible. Luca, an Albuquerque native, is a Senior at UNM and hopes to graduate with a degree in Business with a focus on entrepreneurial studies. In his spare time, when not in school, Luca enjoys cooking, meditating, and studying alternative methods of healing. Luca also enjoys advocacy for various local non-profits in order to help citizens in the Albuquerque community.

Gary Field, LMSW

Gary Field, LMSW

Licensed Master Social Worker Care Manager, Decades LLC

Gary’s is a Social Work Care Manager at Decades Santa Fe office. In his professional capacity, Gary works to support aging individuals by creating individualized care plans that meet the needs of each individual while addressing their unique situations.

Prior to Decades, Gary was a Care Manager and House Manager in Santa Fe, where he collaborated with family members to create care plans for individuals who were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Gary has experience managing entire private households and estates, where he directed staff and coordinated the daily living of elderly & disabled individuals.

Gary has a Master’s from New York University, where he graduated summa cum laude. He is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and has numerous awards and achievements, including the founding of his own company, a New York based private non-profit. Besides his professional experience, Gary enjoys volunteering for Big Brothers and Big Sisters in Santa Fe, NM.

In the summer, you can find Gary gardening, enjoying dinner outdoors, hiking and embarking on road trips. When there is snow, he likes to ski in Santa Fe, Taos and Colorado. And, all year-round, you can find Gary at the dog park with his two mutts or “puttering around” his house re-decorating and challenging his cooking skills.

Aura Gonzales, NCG

Aura Gonzales, NCG

Guardian Coordinator/Care Manager, Aging Life & Decades LLC

Aura serves in several roles at Decades, so she “wears many hats” and provides invaluable support to our clients. As a Guardian Coordinator, Aura is responsible for ensuring guardian services with the courts and enhancing the overall welfare of each person she serves. As one of our trusted Care Managers, Aura also specializes in helping senior and disabled clients gain access to resources needed to ease the challenges of their daily living.

Prior to joining our team at Decades, Aura developed a very accomplished career. She excelled as a dedicated waiver consultant for those with special needs and has held several Program Director positions. Aura is very client-focused, an expert in community outreach, and she has extensive skill and experience in helping people live enriched lives.

Aura earned a Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Science from the University of New Mexico. She is a Certified National Guardian and is trained in state-approved courses such as ANE (Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation), Rights and Advocacy, and Assistance with Medication Delivery.

In her personal time, Aura likes to volunteer as a Special Olympics Bowling and Poly-hockey coach, which she has enjoyed doing since 2011.

Alexis Watkins LMSW, CCM, CNG

Alexis Watkins LMSW, CCM, CNG

Licensed Master Social Worker & Guardian Coordinator, National Certified Guardian, Certified Care Manager, Decades LLC

Alexis Watkins, LMSW is a Licensed Master Social Worker with an extensive background in care management. Alexis completed her master’s degree in Social Work at New Mexico Highlands University. Serving as a Care Manager since 2013, she has been advocating and assisting those in need with their daily lives, their families and loved ones.

As a Care Manager, Alexis provides home and living-facility care visits; attends doctors’ appointments; and secures medical equipment for her clients based on each individual’s needs. With personalized and individual care plans, Alexis also coordinates with healthcare providers and facilities to assist with a smooth transition from hospital to home.

In addition to her work at Decades, LLC, Alexis has an extensive background with in-patient behavioral health. With the experience she gained through her work in behavioral health, Alexis has developed a foundation of improving the long-term effectiveness of mental health care.

Alexis, along with her husband, is raising two amazing teenage boys. Traveling with family; settling in with a good book; and snuggling with Gracie and Jackson (the family dogs) is how she enjoys spending free time.

Joy A. Gomez MS

Joy A. Gomez MS

Care Manager, Decades LLC

Joy is a Care Manager at Decades Las Cruces office. She is an expert at providing solutions-based social services to diverse populations in our client-focused setting. Joy’s passion lies in serving her neighbors, their families, and the surrounding community. In her own words,

“The things I value most in life are community and family. This defines who we are and serves as the very building blocks of our society. At Decades, I strive to ensure every client and family member is treated with the same dignity and respect as I would want for my own family.”

Joy has a wealth of work experience in the areas of behavioral health, substance abuse, adult welfare, and healthcare. Prior to her work at Decades, Joy was an Executive Director for three highly reputable senior living facilities. She supervised day-to-day operations of entire properties and worked to ensure the highest possible level of resident satisfaction. Joy’s professional experience also includes a supervisor position for the geriatric clinic at Molina Healthcare in El Paso, Texas.

Joy has a Master of Science in Counseling, Marriage, Family & Child Therapy from the University of Phoenix. She is a Certified Nursing Assistant, “Nurturing Parenting” Facilitator, as well as CPR & First Aid certified.

Outside of her professional life, Joy would like you to know she is incredibly proud of her culture. She was born in El Paso, TX and has lived in Dona Ana County her entire life. As her parents are also from the area, Joy prides herself in understanding deeply the diverse and unique culture that binds all residents of the Southwest.

Financial Managers

Holly Lowe

Holly Lowe

Office Manager, Decades LLC

Holly’s work as Office Manager is fundamental to everything we do. She serves in a multi-faceted role where she works with IT, performs HR duties, assists with accounting and payroll, and provides essential administrative support to our entire team. Holly helps us to “keep the trains running on time” with high standards of efficiency and attention to detail that makes it possible for our team to maintain an organized, well-run operation.

Before joining our team, Holly worked as the Operations Director at the New Mexico Museum of History Foundation, customer service representative, sales associate, among other important roles.

Holly studied Radio, TV & Film at Purdue Fort Wayne. She values diverse communities and champions for those with special needs and seniors.

Holly has been happily married for five years, she enjoys spending time with her three dogs and one reclusive cat.

Chance McGilvray BBA, NCG

Chance McGilvray BBA, NCG

Financial Manager & National Certified Guardian, Decades LLC

At Decades, Chance manages over 70 clients’ personal finances. Drawing upon his wealth of education & experience, he helps navigate complex issues to ensure confidence in our clients’ care as well as the organization and conservation of personal finances.

Chance’s experience comes from his time working as an intern at two different financial organizations. During his internships, Chance adopted the solid core values and high ethical standards that instill confidence and trust with his clients. Chance’s qualifications and experience in financial management enable him to provide clients with professional decision making and directly manage their day-to-day finances. Chance’s work also includes serving as the Personal Representative for estates.

Prior to his work as an intern, Chance earned not one but three college degrees. He holds two Associate degrees from New Mexico State University, as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of New Mexico. Chance also serves on the Board of Directors for New Mexico Business Professionals of America.

Chance is a proud “Dog Dad” to a German Shepherd/Blue Heeler mix named Artemis. He loves hiking the Las Piedras trail in the Sandia Mountains, as well as spending quality time with his four nieces and nephews.

Patricia Soukup BA, MPA, NCG

Patricia Soukup BA, MPA, NCG

Financial Manager, National Certified Guardian, Decades LLC

Patricia is one of our highly trusted Financial Managers here at Decades. She serves our clients in many roles as a highly experienced court-appointed conservator, personal representative, daily money manager and power-of-attorney liaison.

Prior to joining Decades, Patricia served as the Special Projects Officer and Bookkeeper for the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande. She was also the Executive Director of the state licensing board for certified public accountants. She holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of New Mexico.

In addition to her professional experience, Patricia is an ordained Deacon in the Episcopal Church and currently serves as the Archdeacon for the Diocese of the Rio Grande. She has a passion for nursing home ministry, and greatly enjoys her work with the senior and disabled population.

Patricia and her husband, Mike have been happily married for 35 years, and they enjoy spending time with their 5 cats.

Adrianna Robertson

Adrianna Robertson

Financial Manager’s Assistant, Decades

Adrianna plays a vital role for our team, and her work ensures that our office runs smoothly. With Adrianna’s help, our care managers, social workers, and financial managers can focus on the issues that are most important to our clients.

Adrianna’s prior experience includes five years in several customer service positions. Her time with the Department of Motor Vehicles, and working as a cashier, sales associate, senior server, and customer service agent fostered an enthusiasm that our clients and staff admire. Adrianna consistently goes out of her way to help her co-workers and she is vital to our team in maintaining effective communication and a positive rapport with clients.

Adrianna is currently attending school where she studies business and marketing. She adores her two dogs and loves to go hiking.

Administration

Rhonda Miller BBA, MBA

Rhonda Miller BBA, MBA

Business Manager, Decades

Rhonda single-handedly manages the finances and accounts of our sister companies. This includes billing, processing payments, tracking incoming deposits, bookkeeping, paying bills for over 60 clients and countless other responsibilities. She is a self-starter who excels at multi-tasking and is always looking for ways to expand her contributions to the role she occupies.

Prior to joining Decades, Rhonda held several administrative and accounting positions. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Accounting from UAGG The University of Arizona Global Campus.

Outside of her professional life, Rhonda is a proud mother to a high school senior basketball star, and her daughter, who is a teacher. She is also a dedicated champion of health & fitness, proclaiming herself to be a workout fanatic.

Jenna Soherr

Jenna Soherr

Administrative Assistant, Decades LLC

Jenna is a very gifted, “juggler” who excels with multi-tasking. She is our receptionist, mail processor, paperwork handler, and digital file organizer. Her high attention to detail and diligent work ethic provides our office with an organized and streamlined system that our team depends on. We could not function so well as a mostly paperless office without Jenna.

Jenna Graduated from New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology with a degree in General Studies.

Prior to working with Decades, Jenna dedicated herself to several volunteer endeavors. She operated the raffle counter and managed the sound mixer for Folk Madness, a folk dancing group based in New Mexico. She also volunteered at a summer camp for dogs, helped with a reading program at Albuquerque Public Libraries, and walked dogs for an animal shelter.

Before turning 18, Jenna had a passion for volunteering and helping animals. The highlight of her youth was being chosen for a junior ambassador volunteer program which coordinated with a thrift store to send all its proceeds to an animal rescue shelter. Jenna also adopted two rescue dogs herself and spends her free time doting on them.

Contact us today to book a free consultation

The Decades Group

Meet the Team

Nancy Oriola LCSW, NMG, CMC, CFP® President/CEO

Guardians / Care Managers

Tina Muth, BSW

Luca Burns

Financial Managers

Administration

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