Her passion for helping older adults began with a part-time job in a nursing home and grew through hands-on experiences at Penn College—including an internship that led to her current role. As a long-term care planner, Sydney enjoys connecting with clients and guiding them through important life decisions. She’s also certified as an end-of-life doula, reflecting her deep commitment to offering support through every stage of life.
Absolutely! I currently work as the Long-Term Care Planner for our Prep-Planning department in our Williamsport and Muncy offices. My role is to meet with new prospects and current clients to review their situation and goals, then work with them to complete their estate and long-term care plan. I complete all initial consultations for our team's prospects, as well as review appointments for previous clients of the firm who just wish to meet with a member of our office and review their documents previously completed with us. Our office has a myriad of departments dependent on your situation, so I mainly meet with individuals for initial consultations who are under 70 years old and have less than $1.5 million in their estate. I work directly with an associate attorney and we ensure individuals have their estate planning documents in order as well as any asset protection we can recommend to protect assets from potential long-term care and nursing home care costs.
My first part-time job was in a nursing home and at 15 years old, I had the utmost respect and patience for the elderly population. I realized working in that facility that the elderly are a forgotten population and to be able to receive the care you require is incredibly expensive. While I was in college, I had opportunities to work with different populations through my internships; however, I always came back to those in their second half of life. I knew I wanted to somehow work hands-on with the elderly and attempt to assist with their care, where I found Steinbacher, Goodall & Yurchak, and finalized my senior year with an internship through them with their Elder Care Navigator. Although I enjoyed the internship and position of the Navigator, I saw what the long-term care planner did and was absolutely enthralled. I began completing file work and shadowing some of her appointments, which led me to my current position.
I think the most beneficial part of my HSJ degree were the counseling classes. Working with the elderly can be very difficult when there is family turmoil, health diagnoses, and/or death. Being able to talk through situations with clients and also ask appropriate probing questions is very helpful and a key part of initial consultations. Additionally, we are a dementia-focused practice and we assist with special needs planning, so being able to speak appropriately and utilize person-first language is very crucial to respect our clients, which was something I took away from my HSJ classes.
I enjoy two main things. First and foremost, I enjoy meeting with new individuals, learning their situation, and creating relationships with them. Secondly, I enjoy seeing the hands-on difference that our office makes, no matter the situation of the client. We have had situations of all different kinds and our office is always able to assist due to our team's vast knowledge and expertise.
Obtaining my end-of-life dual certification was an interest of my own while an intern at the firm. I noticed that we had departments for all parts of life, except the final end of life days, where loved ones could use an extra hand to plan different items. I was able to find a credible course online and completed quite lengthy training. I have not been able to use this certification as much as I had hoped, but I plan to hopefully utilize it more as time continues.
The thing that most attracted me to Penn College were the small class sizes and ability to schedule time with professors if needed. College was a nerve-racking experience, so the small class sizes were great to feel comfortable asking questions and getting to know your peers.
I would describe the community at Penn College as tight-knit and helpful. Between the professors and the students, the overall community at Penn College was always so welcoming to create new relationships and networks. I never felt uncomfortable going to a student, professor, or any other staff member, and asking questions or for assistance.
The best advice I have would be to get involved. A degree is needed for the goal they are trying to reach, but the experiences and the professionals you meet along the way get you to where you need to be. Additionally, the socialization and time management practice you receive from becoming involved on campus benefited me greatly in my current position.
"The thing that most attracted me to Penn College were the small class sizes and ability to schedule time with professors if needed. College was a nerve-racking experience, so the small class sizes were great to feel comfortable asking questions and getting to know your peers."
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