Our Care Managers
Our Team
All Human Network Systems (HNS) professionals are members of Aging Life Care Association (ALCA), previously known as National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM). All are Certified Care Managers (CMC) or Certified Case Managers (CCM). Co-Owners are also National Certified Guardians (NCG) and members of the National Guardianship Association (NGA) and the Colorado Guardianship Association (CGA).
Professional Care Managers
Director/Co-Owner:
Erin Custer Dougher, MA Gerontology (Long-Term Care Administration), CMC, NCG, RCFE
Erin joined HNS in 2006 and became Co-Owner in 2015. She is an expert in long-term care options and specializes in situations with complex psycho social dynamics and multiple providers/ family members. Post-master’s experience includes nursing home, social services and assisted living administration. After moving to Denver in 2002, Erin acted as Health Services Director at Heritage Club Denver (now Brookdale University Park) for over three years. She has been on various planning committees for the professional organization ALCA and has participated/participates in local professional committees in the Denver Metro area. Erin is fluent in Spanish and has served as Co-Guardian of individuals since becoming Co-Owner. Erin oversees/coordinates the various day-to-day operations of HNS.
Director/Co-Owner:
Cheryl Hampton, MA Counseling, CRC, CCM
Cheryl joined HNS in 2014 and became Co-Owner in 2021. She has a Master’s degree in Counseling, and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and a Certified Case Manager. Cheryl is one of the strongest advocates for our clients and currently covers some of HNS’ most difficult cases. Her prior work included experience with developmentally disabled adults, substance abuse counseling, domestic violence counseling, mental health, and family therapy for child protective services. She is skilled at writing comprehensive long-term needs assessments and has experience working with Personal Injury (PI) attorneys developing life care plans for individuals with catastrophic injuries or illnesses. Cheryl is involved in ALCA WRC and has participated in various conference committee work.
Clinical Supervisor/Marketing Director:
Jennifer Pagano, MA Gerontology, CMC
Jennifer joined HNS in 2007 after 7 years at a geriatric care management agency with a home care division in Charlotte, N.C. While in N.C., Jennifer helped develop a specialized adult day program for the Alzheimer’s Association. Jennifer’s specialties include dementia care training for family and professional caregivers, as well as managing some of HNS’ most difficult family/client cases. Jennifer has been active for years in both the Southeast and Western Chapters of ALCA to include conference planning, presentations, and committee work. In 2018, Jennifer joined the ALCA WRC Board of Directors and was appointed as President Elect in 2019. She was the WRC-ALCA President in 2020 and is currently serving as co-chair for the 2022 National ALCA Conference in Orlando, FL. Upon joining HNS, Jennifer was involved in re-establishing and leading the former Colorado Local Unit of ALCA. She was named Outstanding Member of the Southeast ALCA chapter in 2005 and the Western Region Outstanding Chapter Member for 2020.
Aging Life Care Professional®:
Erin Forinash, MA Occupational Therapy, CMC
Erin joined HNS in 2019 after over 10 years’ experience in skilled nursing facilities as a lead Occupational Therapist (OT) with the latter 6 of those years as Director of Rehabilitation Services. As Director, she oversaw all therapies (PT, OT, ST), treatments provided and coordinated with multiple disciplines to ensure a continuum of care. Erin has also worked as an OT for home health agencies in Colorado. Erin collaborates very well with individuals at all professional levels to identify areas that need attention, improvement, and guidance. She has a gentle approach when dealing with difficult situations and personalities. She is very detail-oriented which is imperative when working with various caregivers and their involvement/engagement with our clients and their support network. With her past in depth experience, advocacy and strong clinical judgment, Erin is a solid member of our HNS team.
Aging Life Care Professional®:
Heather Kays, MSW, CMC
Heather joined HNS in 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. She learned the role of Care Manager quickly and was adaptable to the ever-changing dynamics of Care Management and the regulations of the systems we encounter. Heather came to HNS with a strong background in Social Work and previous experience in skilled nursing facilities where she worked as part of an integrated care team. Heather is skilled in navigating Medicare and other managed care plans, strong client advocacy, assessing mood and behaviors and discharge and safety planning, Heather’s cheerful demeanor and thoughtful approach to her job help her to relate to some of our more determined clients.
Geriatric Care Manager:
Robyn Phelps, Registered Kinesiotherapist, CSPT
Robyn joined HNS in 2021 after 9 years of experience running her own business, Senior Functional Fitness, providing one-on-one therapeutic exercise for seniors and people with disabilities. Robyn’s training in Kinesiotherapy has provided her the skill-set in working with the dementia population, as well as a vast knowledge of disabilities. As a former business leader and current senior care professional, she brings the right balance between management rigor and care for customers. By the empathy and professionalism in which she serves, Robyn provides peace of mind to loved ones.
Administrative Support Staff
Administrative Assistant:
Michelle Linzy
Michelle joined HNS in 2018. She started as a temp when we were in a bind and was a great fit. Michelle helps with front end and paperwork management as well as triaging calls. She is the first line in taking new referrals and calming frustrated clients and family members when they need immediate assistance. Prior to working at HNS, Michelle owned a secondhand children’s store for 5 years. We are all appreciative of Michelle’s role in implementing casual Fridays.