Sylvia Taylor-Stein
Executive Director

Sylvia Taylor-Stein Executive Director was introduced to the Ombudsman Program in August of 1999 and became actively involved in September of the same year. Sylvia, and her husband Marc, a native Californian, have five adult children and live in Ventura County. Sylvia’s greatest inspiration in her life was her grandmother who died at 92 years of age after suffering with Alzheimer’s disease for 10 years. It was this love and deep respect for her grandmother that influenced her desire to become involved with the elderly, and the exceptional advocacy work of the Ombudsman Program.

Long Term Care of Ventura County- Ombudsman was honored with a CLvFFie AWARD

Sylvia received her higher education at Ambassador University in Hertfordshire England and the University of Northern Kentucky. Her work experience is extensive in the areas of publishing, marketing, management (including non-profit management) and public relations. She was executive vice president of an international publishing company for 12 years where she also served as director of its private foundation.

Sylvia says, “My grandmother was blessed to live and die at home with loving people around her. This is not the case for most of our elderly in long term care. My goal is to help build a strong ombudsman program here in Ventura County that can provide the effective advocacy, care and support they need and deserve.”

Kathy Terry, MS
Ombudsman Program Manager

Kathy Terry, MS - Ombudsman Program Manager, was introduced to the Ombudsman program while working in the eldercare industry for many years. Although she felt a kinship with the seniors in her facilities, and knew she helped those she served in her own way, she also realized there were limitations to fully advocating while in her capacity as a facility employee. As Kathy became more familiar with the advocacy work of the Ombudsman, she decided, if ever given the opportunity, she would become an Ombudsman. In 2007 she received that gift when she was asked to join the staff.

After joining the program Kathy earned her degree, a Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, with an emphasis on Gerontology, from California State University at Northridge. She and John, her wonderfully supportive husband, have been residents of Ventura County since 1993.

“It is a joy to come to work every day, knowing that this program is making a real difference in the lives of deserving individuals, who have earned the right to be treated with dignity and respect in the golden years of their lives. You can judge a society by how it treats its elders.”

Vicky Odle
Executive Assistant and Preplacement Counselor

Vicky Odle, Executive Assistant and Preplacement Counselor, is a California native, residing in Ventura with Alan, her wonderful husband of more than 35 years. After raising their two children, and working alongside her husband in the family business, Vicky felt her needs grow, both professionally and spiritually. In 2001, Vicky went to work as an Accounts Receivable Specialist. After eight years of office work, Vicky received an opportunity to facilitate and council in the private rehabilitation field. It soon became evident to Vicky that her passions would always reside in an environment where giving back was prominent.

Later, when Vicky found herself in the position of having to advocate for her mother and father during their time of illness, she came to see the vital need for strong advocacy voices in our health care facilities. When offered a staff position at Long Term Care Services, Vicky felt no hesitation, and knew she had found her calling. Being able to help seniors and their families maneuver their way through the difficulties of long term care placement and residency has become an overwhelming passion for Vicky. Watching the program's Ombudsman Volunteers give their time so selflessly to support these resident's issues and needs is also hugely rewarding and inspiring for Vicky.

Vicky says, “Working for the Ombudsman Program has been a true gift. I feel complete. I wake up every day feeling incredibly blessed, and grateful God has given me the opportunity to serve our seniors and their families, while working alongside such inspiring individuals. Helping secure respect to our frail senior population should be a goal for all.”

Debbie NeIl
Field Services Specialist

Debbie Neil, Field Service Specialist, became a State Certified Long Term Care Ombudsman in March of 2012. During that time her passion and efficiency while serving the residents under her watch was so exemplary that she was invited to join the staff, becoming the Field Services Specialist.

Debbie’s role is to ensure that the needs of residents throughout the county are met, by supporting the volunteers when they are unable to make their visits; to investigate particularly challenging cases, and to support the staff as needed.

Cathy Cummins
Accounting Manager

Cathy Cummins, Accounting Manager, has a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She has been a resident of Ventura for 23 years and has worked in the non-profit community for over 17 years. She is happy to be a part of organizations that show so much empathy and dedication for their cause and she greatly appreciates how hard non-profits strive to improve the quality of life in their region.