September 24, 2025
4:30PM - 5:30PM EST
Careers & Conversations: Pathways into the Field of Aging
Real Stories, Smart Strategies, and Steps to Launch Your Career
VIRTUAL
Careers & Conversations: Pathways into the Field of Aging
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 seasoned leader in aging services with over 16 years of experience spanning senior housing, service coordination, healthcare innovation, and public sector leadership. She began her career at National Church Residences, working directly with older adults in affordable housing before advancing into clinical quality assurance and ultimately leading the Service Coordinator Program, where she oversaw more than 600 professionals nationwide. Her work in this role allowed her to mentor emerging leaders and shape impactful programs that improved the lives of seniors across the country.
Michelle later served as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at the Healthcare Collaborative of Greater Columbus, where she helped bridge clinical care and community services through innovative referral systems. Her public sector leadership as Director of the Franklin County Office on Aging included managing senior services levy funding and Adult Protective Services for Ohio’s largest county. Now, as President and CEO of the American Association of Service Coordinators (AASC), Michelle continues to drive national strategy and innovation in aging services. She holds a master’s degree in sociology from Arizona State University and a leadership certificate from The Ohio State University, reflecting her commitment to service, collaboration, and meaningful impact in the aging field.