“By Your Side Care Management is the best! Thank you so much for all you do for people. I love my job when I can recommend a resource that is so respectable, kind, and acts with such integrity.” -Local Area Information and Resource Professional

Katie Deprey, RN, BSN, CCM
Founder and President | RN Care Manager

Katie is a Registered Nurse with several years of experience in nursing, most recently in the area of case management working in an Emergency Room setting. Katie obtained her Bachelors in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, where she graduated with honors. Katie found her love for the geriatric population as a child while visiting weekly with her elderly neighbor for good stories and lots of laughs. Katie has continued to pursue that love of working with the elderly in her roles in nursing. Katie has worked with the senior population in the home health, public health, assisted living, and acute care settings. Katie has served on the Senior Commission in Wauwatosa, helping seniors identify and address older adult issues in the community. Katie demonstrates a high level of professionalism, compassion, and concern for her clients. She loves working with clients to help them maintain their independence and safety while preserving their wishes as much as possible. Katie wants to bring her unique experience in several care environments to clients and families to work with them to solve challenging care situations.

Betsy James
Co-Founder | Patient Advocate

Betsy obtained her Bachelors in Secondary Education – Broadfield Social Science with an emphasis on psychology and sociology at the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh. She completed her studies as a Professional Patient Advocate at the nationally recognized Professional Patient Advocate Institute. Betsy has spent her life in service to others – as a teacher, volunteer, and community outreach organizer for seniors. Her deep conviction that age should not influence the quality of care that an individual receives, her caring nature and compassion, and her motivation not only to fulfill but surpass expectations makes her a valuable asset to By Your Side Care Management.

Dr. Michael Brin, DO, FACEP, MPH
Consulting Physician

Dr. Brin is currently the Medical Director at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Ozaukee Emergency Department. He has also served on the Columbia St. Mary’s Foundation Board, served as medical Staff President and Chief of Staff. Dr. Brin works with By Your Side Care Management in a consulting capacity reviewing documentation as needed for insurance appeals and assisting clients to obtain other needed benefits and services.

Cheryl Stephan, RN, BSN
RN Care Manager | Lead Care Manager

Cheryl has worked as the Director of Nursing at two local skilled nursing facilities for over 25 years prior to joining By Your Side Care Management. Cheryl’s nursing knowledge, communication, and leadership skills make her a strong natural advocate for her clients. Cheryl has a tremendous knowledge of skilled nursing and assisted living regulations. Cheryl obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Concordia University.

Carolyn Mahan
Care Manager | Care Management Training Specialist | Medicaid Specialist

Carolyn joined By Your Side Care Management in 2022. Carolyn is an experienced Care Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the care management industry. Carolyn is skilled with various social services, having worked as a Certified Information and Referral Specialist for the Racine County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). Carolyn is very knowledgeable in assisting clients with Medicaid applications including all follow up procedures. Carolyn’s detail-oriented nature has enabled By Your Side to obtain a 100% approval on all of the applications she has assisted with. Carolyn also has experience working with those with developmental disabilities. Carolyn obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Beloit College.

Jessica Saler, CSW, BSW
Care Manager | Intake Coordinator | VA Specialist

Jessica has earned her Bachelor’s of Social Work degree from Marian University in Fond du Lac. Jessica started her career working as a CNA and then continued her passion of working with seniors as a Social Worker for over 10 years. Jessica has a background in Skilled Nursing, Home Care, Geriatric Care, Dementia and Aid and Attendance benefits through the Veteran Affairs Department. Jessica has a wide knowledge base to assist clients with a variety of needs.

Benjamin Johnson, BA
Care Manager | Intake Coordinator | Marketing Liason

Benjamin graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee with a degree in Psychology. He has been working in Case Management for 9 years in multiple capacities. Benjamin’s background consists of working with those with Persistent Serious Mental Illness, homelessness, children with Developmental Disabilities and Autism Spectrum, specializing in Mental Health. Ben’s positive attitude, caring demeanor, and enthusiasm are a true asset to By Your Side.

Christina Nielsen, OTR/L, CM
Care Manager

Christina has worked as a Level 3 Occupational Therapist in the area for over 25 years and is highly experienced in the hospital and health care settings. Christina obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy (OT) from Mount Mary University. Christina combines her experience in healthcare, her organizational skills and problem-solving skills to deliver outstanding customer service to her clients.

Jackie Lasage, PT
Care Manager

Jackie works part time for By Your Side and assists with PT evaluations to help create documentation for insurance appeals, as well as assess client function and status to determine level of care. Jackie currently is employed full time in patient access for a pharmaceutical company.

Molly Warner, CNA
Administrative Coordinator

Molly has worked as a CNA for over 30 years in the home care, assisted living, and nursing home settings. Molly helps support the By Your Side team behind the scenes to ensure business operations run smoothly and clients always hear a friendly voice when they call.

Joyce Carrol-Deer, RN, BSN
RN Care Manager

Joyce has a background in psychiatric nursing as well as correctional nursing for over 30 years. Joyce’s calm demeanor and care for her clients helps enable them to get the services and care they need. Joyce joined the By Your Side Care Management team in 2023.

Jenni Cialdini, BSW, CSW
Social Work Care Manager | Medicaid Specialist

Jenni obtained her Bachelor’s Degree at St. Norbert College in both Sociology and Psychology. She is works part time with By Your Side and full time as a Long Term Care Specialist for Northwestern Mutual. She is highly passionate in working with Elders and brings immense knowledge and experience regarding Long Term Care to the By Your Side team.

Teresa Sukkert, BSW, MSW
Social Work Care Manager

Teresa graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater in Social Work, and obtained her Master’s of Gerontology Social Work from the same school. Teresa began her Geriatric career volunteering at the local Senior Center, which opened the door to Social Work. Most of her Social Work experience is in the Long Term Care setting.

Lynsey Stefanko, MSN, RN, CCM
RN Care Manager | LTC Insurance Specialist

Lynsey has extensive case management experience and obtained her Master's in Nursing from University of Arizona and her Bachelor's in Nursing from Marian University. She has also obtained her Certified Case Manager Certification. Lynsey works part-time for By Your Side and is a strong and persistent advocate for the clients she works with. 

Rachel Kaehny-Frank, BA
Medicaid Specialist

Rachel currently works as a Quality Assurance and Support Unit Supervisor for the WI Department of Health Services. In addition, she has worked as the ADRC Director for Milwaukee County as well as for local ADRC’s and MCO’s. Rachel’s upbeat and kind disposition, along with strong work ethic and knowledge are a huge asset to By Your Side.

Lydia Rivera
Insurance Specialist

Lydia joined By Your Side in 2023. Lydia brings a background in working for CMS (Centers for Medicare Services) monitoring calls for quality assurance and regulation verification. Lydia assists By Your Side Care Management with insurance appeals for various services, and also long term care insurance activation and follow up.