About us
A state-of-the-art Center
Our mission
To provide Confidence, Connection, and Support to seniors living in Collier and southern Lee counties.
Initially founded in January 2014, Baker Senior Center Naples (BSCN) was the first senior center in Collier County. As one of only 111 Nationally Accredited Senior Centers, our evidence-based care is delivered by credentialed professional staff and vetted volunteers.
Our nurturing environment invites seniors to socialize, stay active, and learn at their own pace, while our programs offer essential human services and enrichment for a growing senior population.
Looking Forward
Our “Building Our Future” capital campaign was launched in 2019 to create a permanent home with ample room for creative programming and professional services, as well as peaceful outdoor gardens. The successful capital campaign included full completion of the new facility and outdoor areas, as well as an endowment to secure the future for our community’s seniors.
We opened the doors to our new 30,000-square-foot building on January 11, 2023, allowing BSCN to expand programs and services to support a growing population of older adults in our community.
The proven impact of our programs is only made possible thanks to the past, present, and future generosity of our donors, members, clients, and volunteers. Our work is far from done, and the number of seniors who need our help increases every day. We thank you for your interest in BSCN and we look forward to meeting you.
Leadership Team
Dr. Jaclynn Faffer
President/CEO
Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, President/CEO of Baker Senior Center Naples, has been a visionary leader in the field of human services for over 35 years.
Dr. Faffer currently chairs the Department of Elder Affairs Collier County Dementia Care and Cure Initiative. She is a past chair of the Collier County Leadership Coalition on Aging and is a graduate of Greater Naples Leadership Class XVIII.
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Dr. Faffer has served as a consultant to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society on issues related to the psychological impact of chronic illness and disabilities. She has been an adjunct professor at Adelphi University, Hunter College, Yeshiva University, and Barry University, all graduate schools of social work where she taught clinical practice, social welfare administration, and human behavior in the social environment.
She received her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Tulane University and her Doctoral Degree in Social Welfare from Yeshiva University. Dr. Faffer’s doctoral research was in the area of social work practice with adults who have chronic physical disabilities.
Dr. Faffer has published numerous articles in professional journals on social work practice and administration and human resource development. She was awarded a scholarship from the Harvard Club of Naples to attend Strategic Perspectives in Non-Profit Management, the Harvard Business School Executive Education program for CEOs.
Amanda Ignasak
Chief Senior Center Officer
Marisa Luizzi, CDP
Chief Cognitive Health Officer
Timothy J. Morrison, CFRE
Chief Development Officer
Wanda Rodriguez
Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer
Staff
To reach a staff member, please contact info@bakerseniorcenternaples.org.
Alexandra Barba-Rodriguez
Senior Center Assistant
Mark Beland
Community Liaison
Stephanie Cakov, MSW
Social Worker
Gisela Chamberlin
Senior Accountant
John Colgin
Facility Manager
Renee Del Duca
Executive Assistant
Megan Edwards, CCM
Director of Geriatric Case Management
Kelley Findlay
Administrative Assistant
Carol Golly, LCSW
Social Worker
Tatiana Harris
Geriatric Case Manager
Holly Henderson
Administrative Assistant
Nicholas King
Administrative Assistant
Debbie Lageman
Volunteer Services Manager
Paula Matta, BMT
Music Therapist/Facilitator
Riley McLean, MSW
Social Worker
Geralyn Poletti, LCSW
Director of Social Work Services
Jodi Rubenstein, CCM
Lead Case Manager
Cassidy Rudzitis
Geriatric Case Manager
Jayne Schandl
Development Database Manager
Beata Sulek
Director of Finance
Board Officers
Karen Heithoff
Chair
Brian F. Bremer
Vice-Chair
Lucinda H. Stebbins
Treasurer
Phyllis Barolsky
Secretary
Prentiss C. Higgins
Immediate Past Chair
Board of Trustees
Jay H. Baker
Dr. Thomas P. Felke
David D. Hidy
Susan Horovitz
Alan S. Jaffe*
Elliot Kaplan
Janet Kennedy
Marvin Lader
John Levy
Dr. Sunil Pandya
David W. Rutstein*
Stephen L. Schwartz
Davey Scoon
Gail Smith
Leda Zbar
Judith Zickler
*Past Board Chair
Press
The latest articles and news about the organization
Memory Café at Shy Wolf Sanctuary
October 11, 2024, Naples Press
Senior Center Month Celebrates Powerful Connections
August 25, 2024, Naples Daily News and Naples Press
Storm Planning with Special Needs in Mind
August 14, 2024, Naples Press
Funding helps senior center keep up with high demand in Naples
July 26, 2025, Naples Daily News
Baker Senior Center receives grant to support homeless women
July 11, 2024, Florida Weekly
Baker Senior Center Naples Hosts Flag Day
June 17, 2024, Naples Daily News
What is like to turn 106
June 13, 2024, Naples Daily News
Electric Bill Help
June 3, 2024, Naples Daily News
Senior Center gives older adults power of connection
May 5, 2024, Naples Daily News
Women in Business 2024
May 1, 2024, Gulfshore Business
Baker Senior Center Naples Receives Grant to Support Seniors
February 2024, Naples Bayside
Filling the gap for Geriatric Mental Health Counseling
January 7, 2024, Naples Daily News
Seniors empowered toward exploration, self-discovery
September 3, 2023, Naples Daily News
Baker Senior Center Naples sees success with fellowships to fill hard-to-find social workers
July 31, 2023, Naples Daily News
Study: Fla. ranks in middle on quality of life for seniors
June 14, 2023, Naples Daily News
New Homes arriving for seniors impacted by Hurricane Ian
Collier Community Foundation
Moorings Park Foundation awarded a $60,000 grant to Baker Senior Center Naples to expand its weekly classes
Bella Magazine
Why Do I Volunteer
June 2023, Federation Star
On the Move
27 May 2023, Florida Weekly
Collier sees big jump in homelessness due to Hurricane Ian and rising rents
April 20, 2023, Naples Daily News
Baker Senior Center members feed kittens during Humane Society Naples event Friday
August 2023, Naples Daily News
New homes for Collier County seniors after Hurricane Ian destroyed theirs
June 23 2023, Wink
Treating mental health at Baker Senior Center Naples
June 1 2023, Wink
Healers, Jaclynn Faffer
The Naples 100
Baker Senior Center Naples is an equal opportunity organization and does not discriminate against any person or groups of persons on the grounds of race, ethnicity, age, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status or disability.