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.

Kathy’s need to serve the elderly had been birthed years earlier by the sweet influence her paternal grandmother, Bonnie Howard, a perfect example of taking stewardship over those vulnerable, frail, seniors in her community who had no one to look out for them. Bonnie would ensure that they got to doctor’s appointments, enjoyed hot meals, and maybe more importantly, had the comfort of knowing that someone cared enough to just stop, sit and listen.

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 of almost 40 years, have been residents of Ventura County for over 20 years. 

“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
Administrative Assistant

Vicky Odle, Volunteer Support & Administrative Assistant, is a California native, residing in Ventura with Alan, her wonderful husband of 25 years. After raising their two children, and working along side 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 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 she 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.

Vicky says, “Working for the Ombudsman Program has been a gift. I feel complete, and see only positive things in my future. I wake up every day feeling incredibly blessed, and grateful God has given me the opportunity to serve our seniors and their families.”

IDA BROUSSARD
oMBUDSMAN sUPPORT aSSISTANT

Ida Broussard, Ombudsman Support Assistant, was born in Houston Texas and moved to California with her parents as an infant. She has been a resident of Ventura County for 30 years. Prior to coming to work for Long Term Care Services, she was employed at a large corporation, retiring in 2012. Ida volunteers at her church and with hospice and was very excited to learn about the open position at Long Term Care Services Ombudsman Program. She felt that it was right in line with the work that she was already doing as a hospice volunteer.

Ida says, “She feels happiest when she knows she can help put a smile on a face, comfort a lonely person, or listen and encourage when someone needs to talk. I’m blessed to be a blessing to others during their time of need. That’s where I feel I want to be and who I want to be”.

Ida has a Masters in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix and has three adult children.