Certificate in Aging Leadership
The Certificate in Aging Leadership is a comprehensive, online 4-course program designed to equip both recent graduates and current professionals with the essential knowledge and skills for leadership roles in the aging sector.
This 12-unit program provides an in-depth exploration of the current challenges, opportunities, and innovations shaping the field of aging and longevity.
Participants will engage with a curriculum that integrates industry insights and practical applications in conjunction with a required mentorship experience, projects and networking opportunities to advance their careers and make a meaningful impact in this dynamic and rapidly evolving field.
Program Modality: Online
Course Duration: 4 eight-week courses, plus ongoing mentorship discussions.
Time to Completion: 1 year (spring and fall term, with time over summer for mentorship)
Cost: $1,500/class or $6,000 for the 4-class certificate
What Will I Learn?
This program provides an in-depth exploration of the current challenges, opportunities, and innovations shaping the field of aging and longevity.
Participants will engage with a curriculum that integrates:
- Industry insights
- Practical applications
- Required mentorship experience
- Projects and networking opportunities
Courses
Biopsychosocial Dimensions of Aging
This course offers a comprehensive examination of the aging process through the lens of the biopsychosocial model, which considers the complex relationship between biological, psychological and social factors that influence health and longevity.
Business of Aging: Macrotrends in Longevity
Explore the intersection of aging demographics and business, focusing on the macrotrends driving longevity and their impact on various industries.
Leadership for an Aging Society
Learn the skills you’ll need to lead organizations successfully while navigating the dynamic landscape of an aging society.
Professional Preparation Seminar
Receive a comprehensive overview of career opportunities across the continuum of care for older adults, spanning non-profit organizations, healthcare settings, long-term care, and support services.
Registration Details
If you are interested in enrolling in the Certificate in Aging Leadership Online program, you can:
Your Instructor
Michelle Matter
Michelle Matter is the Director of Aging for the Center for Excellence in Aging & Longevity. She brings more than 25 years of experience working in state government, higher education, and the nonprofit aging sector. Michelle has a doctorate in organizational change and leadership and her dissertation is a promising practice study examining the benefits of senior nutrition programs as a cost savings to Medicare.
Steve Hornberger
Steve Hornberger, MSW has more than 30 years of senior-level leadership in human services, community building and technical assistance. He is a strong advocate for family, peer to peer and community involvement to increase equity and has been successful engaging and sustaining collaboration among federal, state and local stakeholders. Currently, Steve is the Director of the San Diego State University Social Policy Institute and Co-Director of SDSU Center for Excellence in Aging & Longevity. Steve serves on numerous Boards and Advisory Councils, teaches MSW classes and leads the SDSU Board Fellows program. He was elected a NASW Pioneer in 2008 for “innovation and impact” in his career.
Joe Garbanzos
Joe Garbanzos is AARP California’s State President, serving as a volunteer spokesperson and chairing the all-volunteer Executive Council. Previously, he spent six years on the council, leading Asian American Pacific Islander outreach, co-leading livable communities efforts in San Diego, and chairing committees on telehealth and high-speed internet. He has an extensive background in leadership, public health, and policy. Joe was CEO of Samahan Health Centers and played key roles in launching the Affordable Care Act in California and the Coordinated Care Initiative in San Diego. He also teaches healthcare courses at Alliant International University.
Scott Tarde
Scott Tarde is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, as well as a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly Administrator. Scott has been the CEO of the George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers, Inc.®️ since 2015 and prior to that, he served as a volunteer member of the Glenner Centers’ Board of Directors (2013-2015). Scott has an extensive operational background in multi-site management of skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities. Scott is a past President of the San Diego Health Care Association, past Vice-Chair for Region V of the California Association of Health Facilities and Vice-Chair of the San Diego Senior Alliance. Scott graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in Psychology.
Jennifer Sinnott
Jennifer Sinnott is a dynamic leader with over 20 years of dedicated experience in aging services. Currently serving as the Vice President of Health & Social Services at Serving Seniors, she plays a pivotal role in overseeing the integration of essential services such as social work, health education, dental, and wellness programs. Jennifer’s passion for enhancing the lives of seniors extends beyond basic care; she actively fosters collaborative partnerships and initiatives that prioritize a holistic “whole person” approach to well-being. Jennifer’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University and a Master of Social Work from Boston College. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing the field of aging services, working tirelessly within both nonprofit and county government systems to develop innovative solutions that address the diverse needs of older adults.