The JHC LifeCare team is proudly committed to providing professional services to all of our clients. We provide comprehensive assessments and planning, guidance in selecting appropriate care and help identifying resources for financial support and professional consulting. Our team members work collaboratively to ensure that we are each aware of all clients’ needs and can cover when a member is out of the office.
Susan Ritz, OTR/L, CMC

A registered and licensed occupational therapist and certified Aging Life Care Professional®, Susan works directly with elders and their families. Her professional training in occupational therapy informs her detailed functional assessments and home safety evaluations, and she has extensive experience working with clients who have Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological disorders.
A fierce advocate for clients, Susan understands the aging process and the difficulty of moving a loved one through the care system.
Susan is a member of the Aging Life Care Association®, (ALCA) and its New England chapter, the Worcester Alzheimer’s Partnership and other local networking groups. She is a past president of the Auxiliary of the Jewish Healthcare Center (JHC) and served as a member of the JHC Board of Directors. Susan also serves as a member of the Jewish Community Center’s Board and Executive Committee, as well as leading many successful fundraisers over the years.
Susan is a graduate of Boston University’s Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Aside from her professional and community work, she enjoys life with her husband and family.
Nicole Kanis, MS, CMC, CDP

Nicole earned her undergraduate degree from Assumption College in Sociology with a concentration in Gerontology. She went on to earn her graduate degree from University of Massachusetts, Boston in Gerontology. Nicole is a Certified Aging Life Care Professional® and a Certified Dementia Practitioner. She has spent her career working with older adults and family caregivers.
Nicole is a member of Aging Life Care Association (ALCA) and its New England Chapter, the Northern Worcester County Alzheimer’s Partnership, the chair of her local Council on Aging and belongs to other local networking groups. Nicole also enjoys spending time with her three young daughters and husband.