Partners in
Health and
Aging.
Partners in Health and Aging.
How it all started
Duet was started in 1981 by The Reverend Dr. Dosia Carlson and Church of the Beatitudes in Phoenix. At that time, our name was Beatitudes Center DOAR (Developing Older Adult Resources), which later changed to Duet: Partners In Health & Aging in 2009. Duet is a non-profit, interfaith organization that promotes health and well-being through its vitally needed, free-of-charge services to homebound adults, family caregivers, faith communities, and grandfamilies.
Duet’s services are based on one person helping another. We partner with individuals, businesses, non-profits, municipalities, government organizations, and faith communities to make that happen. Our trademark is a butterfly created from two equal halves. This represents the many successful partnerships that are needed in order for Duet to provide crucial services to older adults throughout the Valley. The white space around the butterfly contains two faces looking toward each other and a more hopeful future.
We respond to pressing needs that are not being met through other organizations. Duet was the first in the Valley to offer free-of-charge volunteer services for homebound adults, as well as comprehensive services for family caregivers and grandparents raising grandchildren. Duet also introduced the concept to the Phoenix area of congregational health programs led by faith community nurses.
Duet exists because caring partners dedicate time and funding to change lives. Hundreds of compassionate volunteers help fulfill Duet’s mission. Join us as we strive forward in expanding services and providing compassionate help to keep pace with the needs of our growing community.
Discover Duet
Discover Duet is a succinct, one-hour introductory gathering to learn about our vision through facts and inspiring stories of people impacted by our services. Whether you are new to Duet or a seasoned supporter, you’ll walk away realizing there is so much more to Duet than you knew before. Reserve your space at one of our upcoming Discover Duets that works best for you.
LEADERSHIP
Elizabeth Banta
Executive Director
Elizabeth Banta has served as executive director of Duet since 1995. She holds a master’s degree in counseling and a certificate in gerontology from Arizona State University, and undergraduate degrees from St. Olaf College. Prior to her service at Duet, she assisted elders through the Senior Adult for Independent Living program and the Arizona Long Term Care System.
Nichole Barnes
Director of Communications
Nichole Barnes has served as the director of communications of Duet since 2014. She holds a bachelor’s of business administration with a major in marketing from Iowa State University. Prior to her service at Duet, Nichole worked in development and marketing roles at World Vision and UMOM New Day Centers since 1994.
Julie Blake
Director of Operations
Julie Blake has served as the director of operations of Duet since 2013. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in mathematics from the University of Arizona. Julie started as a volunteer with Duet in 2001, helping to edit the Duet website. She was hired by Duet as an administrative assistant for Congregational Health and later as financial secretary.
Patricia Dominguez
Director of Kinship Care Services
Patricia Dominguez has served as the director of kinship care services of Duet since 1998. She holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from Arizona State University. Patricia started at Duet as an intern in 1997 and has developed many of Duet’s kinship services from the ground up.
April Polley
Director of Congregational Health
April Polley, RN, MBA has served as the director of congregational health of Duet since 2017. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing and an MBA from Grand Canyon University. Prior to her service at Duet, April directed Grand Canyon University’s Campus Health Center for 20 years, served as Clinical Adjunct Professor in GCU’s College of Nursing, and has been a parish nurse at Madison Church since 1988. She also served Duet as an educational coordinator for the Foundations of Faith Community Nursing course.
Sue Reckinger
Director of Volunteer Services
Sue Reckinger has served as the director of volunteer services for Duet since 2007. Sue holds her CVA (Certification of Volunteer Management) from the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration and has worked in volunteerism since 1991. Before her service at Duet, Sue worked at the Area Agency on Aging, Region One as a volunteer specialist.
Gordon Sims
Director of Development
Gordon Sims has served as the director of development for Duet since 2016. He has worked in nonprofits since 2005. Before his service at Duet, Gordon worked in development leadership roles at Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, Franciscan Renewal Center, and Sojourner Center.
Ann Wheat
Director of Family Caregiver Services
Ann Wheat has served as the director of family caregiver services since 2014. She holds a bachelor’s degree and has completed graduate studies in recreational management from the University of Arizona. Ann was a member of the Duet Board of Directors from 1999-2005 and co-chaired Duet’s major fundraising events. Before her service at Duet, Ann was an acting deputy director for the City of Phoenix.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ms. Linda Coughenour, President Director, Consumer Affairs, SRP
Ms. Patty Park, President-Elect Vice President Financial Consulting, Northern Trust
Ms. Mary Lou Bessette, Secretary, Community Volunteer
Mr. Matthew Klandrud, Treasurer Lead Financial Consultant, Thrivent Financial
Ms. Elizabeth Banta Executive Director, Duet: Partners In Health & Aging
Dr. Wilma Basnett Emerson Superintendent, Osborn Elementary School District, Retired
Mr. Ramsey Bergeron Owner, Bergeron Training
Ms. Nikky Brooks Sr. Compensation Analyst, Freeport McMoRan
Ms. Ellen Dean Certified Financial Planner, Raymond James Financial Services
Ms. Natalia Espinoza Teacher, Retired
Ms. Carol Heimann Faith Community Nurse
Ms. Stacey Johnson Attorney, Law Office of Stacey L. Johnson
Mr. John Kearns President, Ringler Associates, Retired
Dr. Pauline Komnenich Professor and Director, Nurse Educator Program ASU College of Nursing and Health Innovation
Rabbi Arthur Lavinsky Spiritual Leader
Mr. Neguta Molla Attorney, Retired
Mr. Pat Poulson Owner, Pat Poulson Productions
Mr. Bob Roth Managing Partner, Cypress HomeCare Solutions
Mr. Bill Tabinsky Regional President, One Beacon Insurance, Retired
Mr. Stu Turgel Philanthropy and Nonprofit Consultant, President & CEO, Jewish Community Foundation, Retired
Dr. Karen Vanaskie Sr. Network Care Management Program Director, Innovation Care Partners
Ms. Nancy Zikias Sales and Marketing Specialist, Altria Sales and Distribution, Retired
Financial Reports
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