Rhoda Janosik, M.S.W., L.C.S.W.
Rhoda Janosik has personally experienced the life of a caregiver and knows the challenges you are facing. During the past 30 years, she has been a caregiver to individuals coping with major strokes, diabetes, congestive heart failure, Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, and a variety of surgeries. Rhoda has also coped with issues related to employing 24-hour in-home nursing care.

She has helped other families cope with the stress that comes with caregiving. Rhoda is a frequent presenter to community groups and organizations. She has provided training to nursing home personnel on topics ranging from behavioral health issues to the emotional needs of the elderly. She is passionate about using her expertise to help prepare other caregivers for the challenges that they face now or in the future.

Rhoda has been recognized in the New River Valley for her professional and volunteer work with mental health services.   Her educational experiences include a Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) degree from East Carolina University and a Master's of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree with a concentration in mental health from Virginia Commonwealth University.   Rhoda was licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in 1993.   Her professional experiences includes working in a North Carolina nursing home, a Boston senior services agency, St. Albans Psychiatric Hospital, and the Carilion outpatient clinic in Giles County.   She had her own private practice in Pearisburg, Virginia before becoming involved with Preparing Caregivers, L.L.C.

Teri Schuster, R.N.
Teri has 17 years of experience working as a Registered Nurse with a Family Physician. She has also worked in the hospital Medical-Surgical Units, ICU, Cardiac Care Unit, and as a hospital supervisor. Her hospice experiences and direct in-home care as a nurse have given her considerable knowledge on what families go through as they cope with illnesses and disabilities. Using both professional and creative skills, Teri has developed methods to help others maintain the activities of daily living for loved ones in the home setting. She strives to educate both patients and family members to promote an improved quality of life.

Teri has been a caregiver to her parents, whom were diagnosed with lung and brain cancers. She has provided primary care to her in-laws addressing multiple medical issues including diabetes and dementia. She and her husband have also raised children with various special needs, requiring numerous surgeries. Through personal and professional experiences, Teri understands the difficulties many family members have as they try to navigate the health care system and communicate concerns to doctors and specialists. Teri brings nursing care knowledge and experience to others who now find themselves in the role of a caregiver.