From the people who answer our phones to the people who come to your home, we have assembled a team of professionals with big hearts. Working together we each bring our knowledge, insight and wisdom to guide you and your family through the elder care journey.
Our team includes:
Bonnie Shimko, Founder
Bonnie Shimko is a transformative leader in the elder care sector, recognized for her ability to navigate the complex intersection of healthcare, law, and person-centered advocacy. As the Founder of Arizona Care Management Solutions, she has dedicated her career to dismantling the silos of senior care, building integrated systems that ensure no senior—or their family—has to navigate the aging journey alone.
With a career spanning over three decades, Bonnie’s expertise is both broad and deep. She has scaled multi-market teams, launched successful in-home care companies, and pioneered residential care initiatives. Her tenure as a Northern Arizona Liaison at Jackson White Law Firm solidified her reputation as a formidable expert in the legal and financial landscapes of aging, specifically regarding VA benefits and ALTCS navigation.
A sought-after speaker and cross-sector collaborator, Bonnie is a force for systemic change. From implementing Medical Home grants for children with special needs to serving on the Regional Leadership Council for the Alzheimer’s Association, her influence is felt across the entire continuum of care. Bonnie doesn’t just manage care; she champions a standard of excellence that honors the dignity of every individual she serves.
Connect with Bonnie on LinkedIn
Bob Shimko, Board Chairman
Bob Shimko is the Co-Founder and Board Chairman of Arizona Care Management Solutions, bringing more than 40 years of leadership and management experience in the retail and financial sectors. His extensive background equips him to guide leadership, while also shaping the organization’s strategic direction.
Within Arizona Care Management Solutions, Bob plays a key role in training, leadership development, and fostering a culture of excellence across all teams. His commitment to organizational growth and team-based care coordination ensures the delivery of high-quality elder care management throughout Arizona.
Kristin Rice, COO
Kristin Rice assumed the role of COO at Arizona Care Management Solutions on February 1, 2024. Kristin acts as a crucial liaison between clients and the care management team, handling scheduling, client relations, care management development, and service coordination. She ensures client needs are met and facilitates communication with families.
Kristin holds a Bachelor of Science from Liberty University and has over 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector. Kristin is a devoted wife and mother of four who has a genuine love for family and a desire for all generations to thrive.
Kristin is committed to ensuring all the needs of our clients are being met with care and efficiency. As COO, Kristin works across all care management teams at Arizona Care Management Solutions.
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Amanda Szuch | Care Manager
Originally from Pennsylvania, she is dedicated to providing high-quality, professional support that honors the dignity of every individual she serves.
Originally from Southern California, Andrea relocated to the Verde Valley and brings a wealth of experience advocating for quality care in various healthcare settings. Known for her hard work and dedication, Andrea is described as having a servant’s heart.
Andrea’s compassion shines through in her dedication to providing excellent care. Andrea is Market Director of our Verde Valley team.
Colleen Lyons
Colleen Lyons is a dedicated Care Manager with over 19 years of experience in healthcare, education, and community advocacy. A former Program Service Evaluator for ALTCS and AHCCCS, Colleen was recognized as one of the top ten evaluators in the state of Arizona. This deep expertise in state systems allows her to navigate the complexities of long-term care eligibility with unparalleled precision, ensuring her clients receive the maximum support available.
Prior to joining ACMS, Colleen served as a Care Coordinator for NACOG Aging, where she specialized in home-based assessments and resource referrals. Her diverse background also includes work in data security and emergency dispatch, equipping her with a meticulous eye for detail and a calm, steady presence in high-pressure situations.
Colleen is passionate about community integration and is known for her “boots-on-the-ground” approach—whether she’s advocating for services or helping clients stay socially engaged. She finds great joy in helping seniors navigate the transitions of aging with dignity, clarity, and a supportive hand.
Jennifer Cable, MSW | Care Manager
Jennifer is a compassionate advocate with over 10 years of experience in medical social work across acute care and skilled nursing environments.
A Master of Social Work graduate from ASU, she specializes in psychosocial assessments and complex discharge planning for seniors. With a background that includes victim advocacy and crisis intervention with the Phoenix Fire Department, Jennifer is dedicated to connecting families with essential community resources and emotional support.
She previously took time to stay home with her children and is now eager to bring her lifelong passion for helping seniors to our Phoenix community.
Rachel Staenberg, MSW, CMT
Rachel Staenberg is a Master of Social Work professional specializing in supporting older adults and their families. As a Care Manager with Arizona Care Management Solutions, she brings expertise in dementia care, Parkinson’s support, and resources for individuals navigating complex health needs. Rachel has facilitated workshops nationwide, equipping caregivers and support group leaders with practical tools and resilience strategies.
Originally from New Jersey and now based in Phoenix, Rachel enjoys cooking, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her two dogs. She values connection, resilience, and helping people live with dignity and independence.
Rick Basulto, LHPP, CMT, ALCA
Rick Basulto, holding LHPP and CMT certifications, brings over 20 years of leadership and operational expertise in the medical field to Arizona Care Management Solutions. Rick’s extensive background includes finance, EHR integration, and staff development, with a proven ability to develop and execute successful organizational strategies. He excels in managing work processes and focusing on key data and metrics.
Rick has held numerous leadership positions, including Business Manager at Integrated Orthopedics and management roles at Canyon Surgery Center and CareChoices Hospice and Palliative Services. Rick holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration and is a member of the Aging Life Care Association. He is fluent in both English and Spanish.
Rick is dedicated to ensuring top-quality care management services and fostering strong relationships with patients, physicians, and community partners. Rick is an invaluable member of the PhoenixCare Manager team.
Susan Balensky, BSW, M.A.
Susan Balensky is a compassionate and dedicated Care Manager at Arizona Care Management Solutions, bringing over 20 years of experience in social work to her role. Her career is distinguished by two decades of service with the State of Arizona’s Department of Child Safety, where she worked closely with families to help them overcome life’s struggles and learn to keep their children safe. This background gives her a profound understanding of the need for every individual to feel safe and significant.
Susan holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Northern Arizona University and a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. As a Care Manager, she comes alongside clients to address their safety needs, support their quality of life, and help them navigate the later stages of life with grace. She is a strong advocate for a holistic approach, working with the entire family to ensure each person feels valued and heard.
Susan’s commitment to service is deeply personal and multifaceted. She was the primary caregiver for her father through his journey with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and remains very involved in the lives of her mother and her younger brother, who has cerebral palsy. An Arizona native and a U.S. Army veteran, Susan has also dedicated her time to volunteering on community and school boards, with hospice, and as a public speaker advocating for child safety.
Kelli Santamaria
Kelli Santamaria is a dedicated Care Manager Assistant for Arizona Care Management Solutions in the Verde Valley. Kelli has demonstrated a natural ability for working with the senior population and is described as creative, engaging clients in a variety of stimulating and enjoyable activities.
Born and raised in the Verde Valley, Kelli pursued her education through Paul Mitchell, where she developed a passion for assisting seniors. Kelli enjoys spending time with her family, thrift shopping with her husband, and caring for her pets. She is described as an “old soul” and enjoys antiquing and the classics.
Kelli has a deeper passion for assisting seniors and brings creativity and engagement to her work. Kelli is a valued member of the Care Management team in the Verde Valley.
Laurie Shultz
Laurie Shultz brings over 17 years of experience in the medical field to her role at Arizona Care Management Solutions, with a particular passion for helping seniors. For the last 15 years, Laurie served as an office manager for a local gastroenterologist, where she developed her love and compassion for people, especially seniors. She enjoys identifying issues and meeting the needs of our senior clients.
Laurie has a long-standing career in the medical field. Laurie and her husband, Bob, are actively involved in their local church and enjoy hosting Bible studies and gatherings in their home.
Laurie truly enjoys helping identify and meet the needs of seniors. Laurie is a dedicated member of the Verde Valley Arizona Care Management Solutions team.
Karla Ayers, Office Manager, VV
Karla Ayers brings over 36 years of clerical experience and a genuine enjoyment of connecting with people to her role at Arizona Care Management Solutions. Karla has a strong administrative background, including 12 years as an administrative assistant in a church office and various other clerical positions. She excels at building relationships and making new friends.
Karla holds a Bachelor of Science from Grand Canyon College. She and her husband, Jim, have lived in the Verde Valley for over 30 years, where they raised their family. Karla and Jim enjoy walking in the Verde Valley and can often be found at Dead Horse Ranch State Park. They have seven grandchildren.
Karla enjoys getting to know people and is a friendly point of contact for the Cottonwood office. Karla supervises our office location in Cottonwood.
Lydia Long, Client Services & Marketing Coordinator
As a key member of the administrative team at Arizona Care Management Solutions, Lydia Long combines professional rigour with a deep-seated desire to serve others. She brings a wealth of experience from the non-profit and school sectors, where she previously held leadership roles in finance and administration, including serving as an assistant Preschool Director.
Lydia’s background is rooted in a “people-first” philosophy. Whether she is managing financial tasks or greeting a new client, her goal is to provide a supportive and seamless experience. Originally having studied nursing at GCU, she finds her fulfillment in roles that allow her to give back to her community. Lydia lives in Phoenix with her husband and three children, drawing on her diverse life experiences living in California and Mexico to connect with people from all walks of life. She is available in our Phoenix office and is always ready to offer a helping hand or prayerful support.
Becca Timm, Director of Finance
Becca brings a decade of institutional knowledge and financial precision to Arizona Care Management Solutions. Serving as the Finance Lead for AZCMS, Becca brings a consistent, solution-driven mindset to the team, enabling care teams to thrive. Her professional philosophy is rooted in ensuring financial integrity and in providing compassionate care to clients.
In addition to her ten-year tenure with the organization, Becca has held a long-standing leadership role in the global non-profit sector since 2012. This operational experience, paired with her specialized certification in Accounting and Bookkeeping, allows her to manage complex financial landscapes with a high level of sophistication and integrity.
A graduate of Grand Canyon University, Becca’s professional rigor is fueled by a personal passion for advocacy. As a mother of two and a dedicated foster mama, she has spent years “being a voice” for those in need. This commitment to championing others extends to the local community, where she manages club sports teams alongside her husband, proving that her leadership is as effective on the field as in the office.
Becca is committed to ensuring that every family is backed by a solid foundation of fiscal and operational integrity. As Director of Finance & Operations, Becca works across all teams at Arizona Care Management Solutions.
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