Bunni combines over 30 years of unique experience, training and education to provide services related to aging, long term care and other life transitions. She is currently providing individual consultations, pre- planning, family meetings, professional supervision & Aging Life Mediation and expert legal testimony. As a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and certified care manager (CMC), trained mediator and thanatologist Bunni has a deep knowledge of adjustment to life changes as they affect both individuals and those impacted by the challenges. She uses a goal driven approach to resolve issues in a time efficient cost effective manner.
Bunni has developed, overseen and consulted in a variety of settings for the non-profit, corporate and private sectors. She has non-profit, corporate and private Bunni was a pioneer in the field of Death and Dying. After two years training in a groundbreaking program in Thanatology at UCLA she developed & directed the Life Transition Services Brotman Medical Center. She trained hundreds of professionals an paraprofessionals to work with the terminally ill and bereaved. Using her unique skills she consulted and trained individuals throughout the city, including the VA, VNA and Maple Center, as hospice was emerging as a compassionate option for end of life care. During that time Bunni sat on numerous non-profit boards and organizations involved in end of life and bereavement.
Bunni became Director of Psychological Services for Diabetes Outpatient and Research Center at Century City Hospital developing and implementing a multifaceted approach to psychosocial management of Diabetes. She provided individual and group therapy, classes and educational programs to those that were impacted by Diabetes.
As Director of Care Management Services (SOS) for Jewish Family Services of LA she oversaw both publicly funded case management services and later greatly expanded the fee for service SOS private care management program. During this period Bunni began her role as a recognized leader in the field of aging and long term care involved both on the local and national level. She has participated and represented her profession in many committees, boards of directors and associations.
In her 20 years as Director of Professional Services at LivHOME Bunni was instrumental in developing and providing leadership in a integrated model of providing for those that chose to age in place. With the foundation of Professional Care Managers overseeing all aspects of care including supervision of caregivers and support of families this became the gold standard for aging in place. Her focus was always on the understanding that for the client to cared for the challenges of families, professionals and the caregivers involved had to be addressed.
Throughout her career Bunni has been a consultant, trainer and educator at numerous organizations, professional conferences and universities regarding adjustment to many life transitions and challenges. She has been recognized both locally and nationally as a leader the complex and ever changing challenges of aging, disability and, end of life. Bunni’s knowledge and experience have led to frequent interviews that have appeared in print, radio, television, and the internet She has been quoted and interviewed on multiple platforms including radio, print and internet including NPR, CNN, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and Los Angeles Times.
Bunni received her bachelor’s degree, education credential and thanatology fellowship from UCLA and her master’s degree in Ed Psych from CSUN. She has received mediation and other advanced training in a variety of settings. Bunni has been involved extensive list of national and local organizations, including:
- Aging Life Care Association (ALCA), , past board of directors and current Fellow in the Leadership Academy
- ALCA (formerly NAPGCM), Western Regional Chapter, past board of directors, officer & president
- OPICA Adult Day Care, board of directors Emeritus, past president
- Team of Older Person Services (TOPS), co-chair
- Older Adults Task Force City of Santa Monica, member
- Fiduciary Abuse Service Team (FAST) of LA County, member
- Alzheimer’s Association of the Southland, Professional Training Committee, chairperson of Caregiver Support Advisory Board, Speakers’ Bureau, and 2008 CA Guidelines for Alzheimer’s Disease Workgroup
- American Society on Aging, Health and Aging Leadership Academy, editorial board
- Phillips Graduate Institute, Issues on Aging instructor
- Bruin Professionals, member
- Provisors, member, Women’s Affinity Group, leader
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Past board of directors,
- Adult Mediation and Resolution Services, board of directors
- Organization of Women Executives, member, programing, past board of director
- Bunni has been honored with awards for her service and expertise, including the following:
- Adele Elkind Award, Aging Lifecare Association, National Recognition for Excellence in Care Management,
- Exceptional Woman in Eldercare,The Women’s Business Network of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce
- Rose Kleiner Award for Excellence in Care Management, ALCA, Western Regional Chapter
- MAPS Charities, Community Service Award, Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley MAPS
- B.J. Curry Spitler Community Service Award, ALCA, Western Regional Chapter