Meet the S+AGE™ Team
Dan Osterweil, MD
Dr. Osterweil is a Professor of Medicine at UCLA, and the founder of the Specialized Ambulatory Geriatric Evaluation (S+AGE™) Clinic. He is the
Emeritus-editor and founder of the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association (JAMDA.) He is a member of the editorial board of Caring
for the Ages. Dr. Osterweil has co-authored two editions of Medical Care in the Nursing Home, is the co-editor of Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment,
and has published over 50 articles in peer-reviewed journals. His areas of expertise include cognitive and functional assessment, particularly
fall assessment, management of dementia, pressure ulcers and continuous quality improvement in the nursing home.
David H Stern, MD
After 30 years as an internist and gastroenterologist in private practice, Dr. David H. Stern returned to UCLA Medical Center for additional training to become a specialist in the practice of geriatric medicine. Originally a New Yorker, educated at Columbia and then SUNY Downstate Medical School, he relocated to southern California where he has lived since 1969. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Geriatric Medicine. Dr. Stern is currently the Associate Medical Director of S+AGE and Clinical Instructor at the UCLA Department of Medicine, geriatric division. Dr Stern's research has been published in medical journals and he has given many presentations regarding various aspects of geriatric medicine. He has served as relevance reviewer for geriatrics for the American Board of Internal Medicine and has written questions and critiques for the 2006 and 2008 editions of the Geriatric Review Syllabus.
Annette Swain, PhD
Annette Swain, Ph.D., ABPP
is a Clinical Neuropsychologist at S+AGE™ . Initially trained at the Benton Neuropsychology Laboratory at the University
of Iowa and later at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital, she is now an Associate Clinical Professor at the UCLA Department of Psychology.
Dr. Swain is board certified in Clinical Psychology. Her areas of expertise include neuropsychological and psychodiagnostic assessment of geriatric,
neurological, general medical, and psychiatric patients. She is a frequent presenter in the community on topics involving aging, dementia, mental
health, and Neuropsychology.
Jennifer Watson, PhD
Dr. Jennifer Watson is a Clinical Psychologist and Geriatric Neuropsychologist who has worked as a psychologist for over twenty-five years. As a member of the S+AGE team, she provides diagnostic neuropsychological evaluations and psychotherapy to help individuals and their families develop emotional and cognitive strategies to cope with the impact of neurological and psychiatric illness. Dr. Watson completed a PhD in Social-Clinical Psychology in1984, a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Clinical Geropsychology and Neuropsychology at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Hospital in 1986, and Predoctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships at Didi Hirsch Community Mental Health Center in 1983 and 1985. In her private practice, she works as a Forensic Neuropsychologist completing in home forensic capacity assessments of seniors-at-risk for elder law attorneys and geriatric care managers. She provides family mediation, serves as a consultant to the Los Angeles County Area on Aging Financial Abuse Specialist Team; the Alzheimer’s Association, California Southland Chapter and conducts caregiver supports groups at a number of settings in the community.
Debbie Speciner, LCSW
Debbie Speciner is a licensed clinical social worker with interests in healthcare and aging. As the Care Manager for S+AGE™ (Specialized Ambulatory Geriatric Evaluation), Ms. Speciner is actively involved in working with geriatric patients, families and caregivers. As a member of the S+AGE™ inter- disciplinary team, Ms. Speciner works closely with individuals to improve quality of life and level of daily function as well as to reduce caregiver stress. Prior to joining the staff at S+AGE™, Ms. Speciner was the Lead Case Manager for SCAN™ Health Plan, a not-for-profit, Medicare Advantage Health Maintenance Organization. Ms. Speciner’s social work experience has also included work at Miami Heart Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Children’s Home Society, and the Florida Department of Children and Families. Ms. Speciner has a BS from Nova University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida International University. Email Debbie.
Nursing Staff
Tracy Gray, LVN
Tracy Gray is a licensed vocational nurse. Originally from Los Angeles, Ms. Gray graduated from Casa Loma College in 2004 and began her nursing career in 2006. She has worked exclusively with the elderly, in long-term care and now at S+AGE™. Ms. Gray is currently working toward licensure as a Registered Nurse. Email Tracy.
Dorothy Montanio, RN
Dorothy Montanio is a Registered Nurse with extensive experience in geriatric nursing. She holds a certificate in Gerontology from UCLA and has worked at S+AGE™ for over 20 years.
Administrative Staff
Marcella Montano-Valles - Office Manager
Marcella Montano-Valles has worked in healthcare in the San Fernando Valley for 20 years, the past 10 years at S+AGE™. She would say she has found her heart in geriatrics. As Office Manager, Ms. Valles has complete satisfaction in the knowledge that she has been part of a valuable service to help families cope with changes in their aging loved ones. Email Marcella.
I am writing this note to call attention to the care, consideration, and kindness provided to me as a caregiver above & beyond the call of duty. Many thanks to all!”