Pretend I Know Nothing About

Central Ohio Area Agency On Aging

Pretend I Know Nothing About is a podcast about the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging staff and programs. Each episode features staff from COAAA sharing about their role at the agency, how they got here, the committees they serve on, challenges in their work, and ideas for the future. To learn more about the inception and goal, check out the trailer episode “Welcome to Pretend I Know Nothing About.”

  1. 11/17/2025

    S4 E6 - Service Coordination

    If you’ve ever wondered how older adults can age in place safely and with dignity, or what keeps things running in affordable housing buildings, this episode shines a light on the heartbeat of those communities—and on the people working quietly behind the scenes to make it happen. I’m sitting down with Michelle Missler, President and CEO of the American Association of Service Coordinators, and Ellen Carey, supervisor at COAAA, for an honest conversation about service coordination—what it is, why it matters, and why most people haven’t heard of it. You’ll hear more about my guests’ experiences working in affordable housing and aging services. We break down what a typical day looks like for a service coordinator: it’s a whole mix of connecting residents to benefits, offering wellness programs, managing emergencies, and building deep relationships within their communities. Michelle Missler shares how advocacy at the national level is helping improve pay, recognition, and support for service coordinators everywhere. Ellen Carey gives us a glimpse into the daily realities on the ground, from juggling multiple needs to partnering with local organizations. Here are 3 key takeaways for anyone passionate about aging services, housing, or community support: Service Coordinators Are Relationship Builders: The heartbeat of affordable housing, service coordinators form essential connections with residents, helping bridge gaps to benefits, healthcare, and community resources. Their work is personal, proactive, and absolutely vital for helping people age in place.Funding & Advocacy Remain Critical: From HUD grants to creative local partnerships, sustaining service coordination is a major challenge. Recent advocacy is driving real progress, including better pay and deeper support structures – but continued investment is needed at every level.Standardized Tools & Training Make A Difference: Systems like Ask Online and comprehensive training programs from professional associations are leveling up what service coordinators can deliver, amplifying their impact across hundreds of buildings nationwide. Moments 00:00 Service Coordinator Advocacy and Support 05:24 Proactive Senior Case Manager 06:43 Community Support and Coordination 10:04 Community Programs and Partnerships 15:16 "Salary Survey and Advocacy Plan" 18:22 Service Coordinator Funding Methods 20:23 Funding Models for Service Coordinators 23:04 Advocating for Timely HUD Funding 26:39 "Funding Service Coordination Innovations" 31:41 Ask Membership Benefits Summary 35:27 "Service Coordination Data Evolution" 36:58 Building Partnerships for Community Needs 41:39 Ellen's Remarkable Crisis Coordination 45:54 Essence of Relationship Building 49:32 "Aging Autonomously in Community" 51:17 Service Coordination Appreciation Remarks Let me know what you think of this podcast, as well as any ideas you have for an episode. Email me at kwhite@coaaa.org! Copyright 2025 Central Ohio Area Agency On Aging https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

    52 min

  2. 10/21/2025

    S4 E5 - Shallow Rental Subsidy Pilot Program

    Curious about innovative approaches to address housing insecurity for older adults? You won't want to miss this discussion! I sit down with Dr. Katie Calhoun (Assistant Professor, OSU College of Social Work) and Marisa Sheldon (Director, Age Friendly Columbus & Franklin County and the Age Friendly Innovation Center) to talk about the regional Shallow Subsidy Pilot Program and what we've learned about housing instability among older adults in Central Ohio. We kick things off by exploring Dr. Calhoun's background in Denver, where she researched housing stability and worked on the Denver Basic Income Project, which tested guaranteed income as a tool for reducing homelessness. Bringing these experiences to Columbus, she joined forces with our Age-Friendly Innovation Center team and leveraged new data from the Central Ohio Regional Assessment on Aging, revealing a concerning rise in housing cost burdens among adults 50 and older in our region. We discuss the creation of the Shallow Subsidy Pilot: a program offering a modest but sustained rent subsidy to low-income older renters, aiming to help them remain housed while they await long-term support, such as housing vouchers. I walk you through the careful process of designing and launching this pilot—including the crucial role of our COAAA housing staff, collaboration across community organizations, and a randomized controlled evaluation to truly measure the impact. Together, we unpack findings from both quantitative data and powerful participant interviews. The trends show improvements in housing affordability, financial well-being, and mental health, with a notable reduction in emergency department visits among subsidy recipients. At the same time, we underline the unique challenges older adults face, especially those paying far more than half their income on housing, and highlight the importance of choice, dignity, and "aging in the right place." We also reflect on learnings from the staff-focused implementation analysis and discuss how community-driven projects can shape next steps. Moments 00:00 "Income Support to Combat Homelessness" 05:36 "PhD Research on Elder Homelessness" 07:39 Housing & Homelessness Conversations 11:49 Randomized Trial Evaluating Subsidy Impact 15:41 Randomized Trial Participant Process 17:46 Measuring Housing Intervention Outcomes 21:18 "Shallow Subsidies Empower Housing Choice" 23:03 Housing Costs and Financial Well-Being 28:27 "Shuttle Subsidy Cuts ED Visits" 31:05 Refining Housing Cost Burden Insights 34:16 Implementation Assessment Using CFIR Framework 38:21 "Tension for Change Drives Action" 39:45 "Overhauling Housing Support Systems" 42:47 "Money as Community Support" Here are 5 keys you’ll pick up from this episode: Shallow Subsidies 101: What they are, what they do, and why they’re a game-changer for people on fixed incomes.Behind the Science: How randomized control trials work, and why having a placebo group is both tough and crucial for real results.The Real Impact: Hear about direct benefits, from being able to buy “extras” (think: a haircut, a mattress, or a treat for a granddaughter) to fewer ER visits.Housing Is More Than a Roof: Learn why stability and choice in living situations give older adults more autonomy, dignity, and connection to their communities.Lessons Learned: Why piloting something new doesn’t guarantee instant success—and why asking tough questions helps build a better future (plus, the COAAA team's fearless commitment to doing just that!). Let me know what you think of...

    45 min

  3. 09/29/2025

    S4 E4 - Jewish Family Services Helping Refugees and New Americans

    Whether you’re a case manager, community member, or just eager to understand the forces shaping Central Ohio, this conversation is full of insights, untold stories, and a reminder of the relentless human spirit. Welcome to Pretend I Know Nothing, where curiosity leads the way. In this episode, I sit down with Tariq Mohammed, Senior Director for Refugee Programming at Jewish Family Services (JFS), to demystify the realities of refugee resettlement and the journey of new Americans in Central Ohio. Tariq and I talk about the origins and evolution of Jewish Family Services, highlighting its mission to serve not only the Jewish community, but anyone in need—from seniors and job seekers to newcomers navigating life in a foreign country. Together, we unpack the difference between refugees and other immigrants, outline the complex global and federal systems that shape refugee resettlement, and reveal how the U.S. has long been a leader in providing new beginnings to those fleeing persecution. You’ll get an inside look at the practical work JFS does, from employment support and digital literacy to school integration, health care access, and the profound importance of a welcoming environment. Tariq also brings a personal perspective and shares how stories, photography, and lived experience help preserve the narratives of resilience and hope that new Americans bring to our communities. Key Takeaways: JFS Welcomes All: While its roots are in serving the Jewish community, Jewish Family Services now supports people from every background and zip code. Their programs range from helping Holocaust survivors to workforce development and digital literacy for seniors and newcomers alike.Refugee Resettlement is Rigorous & Life-changing: Becoming a refugee is more than just crossing a border—it's a status defined by international law. The resettlement process can take up to 17–20 years for many, but the U.S. has been a global leader in providing a fresh start and supporting integration.Resilience & Contribution: Refugees “arrive with empty hands, but not empty heads.” They revitalize communities, contribute economically, and inspire a vibrant, diverse culture. Support systems like JFS are crucial in ensuring these new Americans thrive. Moments 00:00 Jewish Family Services: Inclusive Mission 04:44 Supporting Community & Holocaust Survivors 08:47 "Refugee Definition Explained" 11:56 Seeking Asylum: Refugee Application Process 15:26 Refugee Resettlement Options Explained 18:05 Refugee Life: 20 Minutes, 20 Years 20:23 Churches' Role in Refugee Resettlement 25:31 Refugee School Integration Program 26:22 Supporting Refugee Families in Schools 31:23 Convincing Landlords Without Social Security 35:07 Expert Guidance Over Family Advice 37:10 U.S. Immigration Process Overview 40:41 Refugee Integration and Support Process 45:35 "America: Top Destination for Refugees" 47:06 Senior Companions: Generational Giving 52:33 Archival Photography for Future Generations 54:02 African Diaspora and Cuba Projects Let me know what you think of this podcast, as well as any ideas you have for an episode. Email me at kwhite@coaaa.org! Copyright 2025 Central Ohio Area Agency On Aging https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

    55 min

  4. 09/15/2025

    S4 E3 - The Ohio State College of Social Work Age-Friendly Innovation Center and the Weather and Aging Resiliency Model

    This episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at how evidence-based, community-engaged research is shaping the future of aging in Central Ohio. I’m your host, Katie White, and today we’re taking the show on the road for a very special conversation at the Age-Friendly Innovation Center at The Ohio State University. Joining me is Dr. Holly Dabelko-Schoeny, professor and director of research at the Age-Friendly Innovation Center, to explore how Columbus and Central Ohio are paving the way for inclusive, age-friendly communities. In this episode, we talk about the transformative work behind the Weather and Aging Resiliency Model—or WARM—a research partnership between the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging and Ohio State’s Age Friendly Innovation Center. We discuss how the movement for age-friendly communities began in Columbus, what it means to truly listen to and collaborate with older adults and people with disabilities, and why issues like climate change and emergency preparedness are now vital to ensuring communities are safe, resilient, and liveable for everyone. You’ll hear why community-based, participatory research is at the heart of this effort, discover the unexpected impacts of extreme weather on affordable housing, and learn about the practical resources—and human connections—that are saving lives. Plus, we share powerful stories from the frontlines, lessons learned, and the impact of bridging research, policy, and day-to-day services. Here are my top three takeaways from this thoughtful episode: Community-Led Research Is Key: Meaningfully engaging older adults and people with disabilities in research and decision-making leads to more impactful, relevant solutions for aging communities.Climate Change Affects Every Aspect of Aging: The Age-Friendly Innovation Center, in partnership with COAAA, is at the forefront of incorporating climate and sustainability as a crucial “ninth domain” that influences housing, transportation, social connection, and emergency preparedness for older adults.Social Connection Trumps Complexity: When it comes to protecting older adults during emergencies, strong social networks (neighbors, case managers, trusted organizations) are often more protective than any state-of-the-art technology or kit. Simple, human connections save lives. Let me know what you think of this podcast, as well as any ideas you have for an episode. Email me at kwhite@coaaa.org! https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Copyright 2025 Central Ohio Area Agency On Aging

    50 min

  5. 07/22/2025

    S4 E2 - Inside Black Men's Wellness Day and Uplift Her

    I had the privilege of sitting down with two incredible guests, Antoine Hayes and Stephanie Andrews, to shine a light on Black Men's Wellness Day and Uplift Her—a community event that’s not only close to our hearts, but also making a real impact in Central Ohio and beyond. What is Black Men’s Wellness Day? If you’re unfamiliar, Black Men’s Wellness Day was founded by John Gregory in 2004 as a 5K walk/run on the east side of Columbus. What started locally has now blossomed into a nationwide movement in 12 cities. The core mission? To confront health disparities among Black men and promote wellness in the Black community in tangible, supportive ways. The event is so much more than a walk. Free health screenings are available, covering everything from cholesterol and blood pressure to kidney health, HIV, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing. Last year’s goal was 2,500 screenings, which they achieved, so this year the bar is set even higher at 5,000. It’s wonderful to see ambitious goals driven by a successful track record. More Than Just a Walk: Uplift Her Stephanie introduced us to another related event, Uplift Her. Recognizing that Black women, too, face significant health disparities, Uplift Her extends the spirit of Black Men's Wellness Day to women in the community. It’s held indoors with health checks, counseling, and plenty of entertainment and guest speakers. This year, thanks to efforts from Melissa Gulteri and the COAA team, attendees who needed blood pressure monitoring could receive cuffs and logs for at-home tracking, along with connections to further services. COAA’s Role: Committee and Community COAA’s involvement includes supporting both Black Men’s Wellness Day and Uplift Her, especially by sponsoring the Senior Pavilion—a dedicated space for older adults (or, as they’re now called, “Distinguished Gentlemen” or “Golden Citizens,” a more celebratory take than “seniors”). At the Pavilion, our committee helps set up, host, and entertain. There are also activities for those who can’t participate in the walk itself, ensuring everyone feels included. The committee at COAA meets monthly, coordinating closely with Pam Shields (who spearheads the seniors’ efforts) to provide everything needed: volunteers, set-up help, swag bags filled with useful information, and a visible presence on walk day. Making Wellness Accessible and Fun A central theme throughout our discussion is that this event is accessible, family-friendly, and joyful. There are activities for all ages—kids’ stations, games for “Golden Citizens,” music, food, and giveaways. Importantly, the drive is to foster trust around health in a space that feels welcoming and supportive for everyone. Immediate access to on-site doctors and even medications is an extraordinary feature, as is the realism and urgency around connecting participants to care if needed. Inclusivity and Community Growth While the event emphasizes Black men’s wellness, it’s clear everyone is welcome—men, women, children, and entire families. Last year’s attendance was enormous, with estimates soaring above 10,000 (some numbers in our conversation reached closer to 100,000, reflecting both community enthusiasm and the event’s growth). In fact, this year marks the last time the event will be held at Livingston Park due to outgrowing the space, which is a testament to its reach and impact. How to Get Involved The best part is involvement is free. You can sign up for a “Passion Team” on the official website, or, if you want to join the COAA team specifically, reach out to us directly so we can add you. Whether you’re walking, volunteering, or just coming to check out what’s happening, your presence makes a difference. Why It Matters Both Antoine and Stephanie shared personal...

    27 min

  6. 07/22/2025

    S4 E1 - National Committee for Quality Assurance | Accreditation Explained

    Welcome to Season 4 of “Pretend I Know Nothing”! I’m Katie White, your host and the administrator at COAAA, and in this kickoff episode, we're talking about a topic that’s shaping how we deliver and measure quality care: NCQA—the National Committee for Quality Assurance. I’m joined by two of my colleagues, Kayla Humphrey and Carrie Oswald, and together, we break down what NCQA is, why it matters to our agency, and how this national accreditation process is making us better at what we do. We talk about everything from why third-party evaluation is so important, to the nitty-gritty of documenting and analyzing our processes, and how we’re striving for even higher standards in long-term services and supports. If you’ve ever wondered how we prove our commitment to person-centered care, or what it actually takes to meet and maintain these gold-standard benchmarks, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look right here. This episode is about more than just policies and paperwork—it’s about teamwork, passion, and our drive to make a real difference for both our staff and the people we serve. Three key takeaways from this conversation: NCQA = Next-Level Quality Accreditation isn’t just a stamp of approval. It’s a rigorous process of defining, documenting, and continually improving our person-centered care. It pushes us to go beyond “good work” and show our measurable results. Custom Metrics That Matter We don’t just follow set national benchmarks. NCQA lets us choose and evolve the metrics that are most important to our clients (like timeliness and participation rates). This ensures that our work stays both relevant and impactful. Empowering Staff & Impacting the Network Going through the accreditation process builds up not just our programs, but our people. The result? COAAA staff leave even more skilled and confident, strengthening the quality of care across our region. Even as they progress in their careers. Moments 00:00 Teamwork in Quality Care Compliance 04:10 Streamlining Accreditation and Storytelling 09:22 Refining and Documenting Work Practices 12:39 "NCQA Emphasizes Person-Centered Care" 14:58 Streamlining Process Development and Implementation 16:52 Accreditation Standards Review Completion 20:38 NCQA Accreditation Importance 24:22 Accreditation Preparation and Reporting Plan 27:42 Accreditation Duration Options 32:14 "Internal Staff Well-being Program" 34:12 Networking and Collaboration Opportunities Let me know what you think of this podcast, as well as any ideas you have for an episode. Email me at kwhite@coaaa.org! Copyright 2025 Central Ohio Area Agency On Aging https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

    36 min

  7. 11/04/2024

    S3 E9 - COAAA Advisory Council

    Thanks to Looking Forward Our Way's Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson for conducting this interview. The episode brings together Anna Tobin and Melissa Owens, two prominent figures in the aging services sector, to share their insights and experiences. Grant Ames, Government and Community Relations Manager at the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA), also provides valuable context about the agency's goals and operations. Anna Tobin: Role as Council MemberAnna Tobin, President of the COAAA Advisory Council and Executive Director of Meals on Wheels Older Adult Alternatives of Fairfield County, shares her extensive experience in social services, emphasizing the importance of advisory councils. Anna describes these councils as invaluable platforms for networking and bringing community needs to the forefront. By participating in advisory council planning sessions, members can support both state and local aging plans. Anna's discussion includes the sharing of legislative information, talking points for advocacy, and insights into funding opportunities, such as the ARPA funds and healthy aging grants. The networking aspect allows for an exchange of vital information with colleagues, enhancing service delivery across regions. Melissa Owens: Benefits to CountiesMelissa Owens, Executive Director for Licking County Aging Partners, elaborates on the benefits county-level stakeholders gain from council meetings. She stresses the importance of educating county legislators and officials about the federal-state-local system, aiding them in understanding and navigating resources at various governmental levels. These meetings also facilitate connections and knowledge gathering from experienced individuals, thereby equipping counties with the tools needed to effectively serve older adult populations. Problem-Solving within the CouncilMelissa Owens explains the council's role as a resource network for problem-solving, noting that other members may have encountered and resolved similar issues. Planning and CollaborationAnna Tobin provides insight into the critical planning process supported by advisory councils, referencing the Ohio Department of Aging's strategic plans. She underscores the importance of aligning local goals with state objectives to ensure quality services for seniors. Shared Innovations and LearningThroughout the discussion, the speakers share examples of successful initiatives and collaboration efforts. Anna Tobin mentions a guardianship service board modeled after Franklin County's initiative, highlighting the process of securing startup funding and adapting successful models locally. Melissa Owens talks about adaptable programs like friendly visitor and senior companion programs, adjusted based on county demographics and needs. Building Connections for New LeadersGrant Ames stresses the importance of strong regional networks in supporting senior services, pointing out the benefits for new leaders to learn from their experienced counterparts. The advisory councils not only aid in navigating complex systems but also foster professional growth and knowledge sharing. Key Moments 00:00 Advisory council collaborates on older adult services. 03:42 Grateful senior services leader with extensive experience. 07:45 Networking, community advocacy, planning, implementing support initiatives locally. 10:00 Learning and sharing process knowledge with counties. 12:53 Advisory council efficiently solves nonprofit organization problems. 17:36 Similar issues in urban, suburban, rural areas. 22:28 Supporting aging plans through local strategic implementation. 25:53 Connecting new leaders with experienced mentors strengthens region. 27:21 Contact...

    29 min

  8. 11/04/2024

    S3 E8 - Media at COAAA

    I'm thrilled to be joined by two exceptional guests, Steve Centofanti, Manager of Communications, and Malika Bryant, Public Relations Specialist. In this episode, we explore the varied and innovative strategies COAAA employs for media outreach, including our use of traditional news releases, targeted email marketing, and the growing significance of social media platforms. Steve shares his insights on the evolving landscape of earned media, the importance of concise communication, and the agency's impressive growth in social media followers. Meanwhile, Malika will get into the behind-the-scenes action of coordinating television segments and creating impactful content for various media channels. We also discuss long-form storytelling opportunities, the sophisticated tools the team uses like Sprout Social, and engaging with their audience through platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Top Takeaways Proactive Media Engagement: Steve Centofanti emphasizes the importance of continuously engaging with media through traditional and modern methods, including concise and well-timed news releases and rewriting stories that initially go unreported. Direct Email Marketing: COAAA utilizes a platform to directly email content to a listserv, ensuring that their messages reach targeted audiences efficiently and effectively. Earned Media Strategies: Steve describes the process of handling media inquiries, from receiving a story idea to coordinating with the right agency expert, highlighting a multifaceted approach to getting their stories in the media. Adapting to Media Trends: There has been a noted decline in dedicated media reporting on specific topics like aging issues. COAAA has adapted by improving the relevance and appeal of their stories. Content Diversification: COAAA creates specific content for different platforms and audiences, including newsletters, social media, and YouTube, using various formats like videos, infographics, and data. Strategic Social Media Use: The growing Facebook following from 700 to nearly 44,000 over ten years demonstrates COAAA's strategic use of social media platforms to engage their audience and build community. Internal Collaboration: Both Steve and Malika encourage internal collaboration by asking staff to share media from events, ensuring active community presence and engagement through social media. Long-form Storytelling: COAAA sees value in long-form storytelling for platforms like YouTube, aiming to produce impactful and educational content that features personal stories and agency highlights. LinkedIn & Professional Networking: LinkedIn content is strategically used to build professional networks and showcase thought leadership, extending COAAA’s influence within professional circles. Newsletters as Core Communication: COAAA's quarterly newsletter, sent to almost 4,000 recipients, is a cornerstone of their outreach, featuring in-depth stories, program updates, and multimedia elements to keep the audience engaged and informed. Key Moments 08:31 Medicare education, outreach, and home energy assistance. 11:48 Collaborates on HR recruiting content and materials. 14:50 Share event photos with details for social media. 20:10 Sprout aids social media growth significantly. 21:16 Social media's effectiveness in our media strategy. 26:02 LinkedIn highlights work culture and shares insights. 27:32 Create engaging, timely, impactful, immersive...

    50 min
See All (37)

About

Pretend I Know Nothing About is a podcast about the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging staff and programs. Each episode features staff from COAAA sharing about their role at the agency, how they got here, the committees they serve on, challenges in their work, and ideas for the future. To learn more about the inception and goal, check out the trailer episode “Welcome to Pretend I Know Nothing About.”

Information

  • Creator
    Central Ohio Area Agency On Aging
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Central Ohio Area Agency On Aging
  • Show Website
    Pretend I Know Nothing About