Serving northern New Jersey and Rockland County, NY
About Us

Meet the care managers behind Connections Care Management

Founded by licensed clinical social workers Lisa Kolton and Kim Hamilton, each with more than 30 years of experience. Our team helps older adults, people living with mental illness or disabilities, and their families across North Jersey and Rockland County.

Meet Our Team

Experienced, licensed and genuinely caring

Led by founders Lisa Kolton and Kim Hamilton, our team of social workers and care managers brings years of hospital, rehab, mental health and dementia experience to every family we help.

The Connections Care Management team of care managers serving northern New Jersey and Rockland County
The Connections Care Management team
Lisa Kolton, LCSW, C-ASWCM, Founder at Connections Care Management

Lisa Kolton, LCSW, C-ASWCM

Founder

LCSW (NJ)C-ASWCMAging Life Care Association

Lisa Kolton founded Connections Care Management in 2015 with a guiding belief: individuals facing the challenges of aging, chronic mental illness, or complex healthcare needs deserve expert guidance, compassionate support, and professionals they can trust.

With more than 30 years of experience in geriatrics, mental health, and healthcare, Lisa brings extensive clinical expertise and a deeply personal approach to her work. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Advanced Social Work Care Manager, she has dedicated her career to helping vulnerable individuals and their families maintain the highest possible level of independence, dignity, and safety.

Read Lisa's full bio

Lisa earned her Bachelor of Arts from Brandeis University and her Master of Social Work from New York University. Her extensive professional background spans psychiatric and medical hospitals, outpatient mental health settings, residential treatment programs, and private psychotherapy practice.

Earlier in her career, Lisa served as Director of a New York City residence for adults living with serious mental illness, overseeing clinical services, daily operations, and the complex needs of residents and their families. She also maintained a private psychotherapy practice, providing counseling and support to individuals and families navigating psychiatric conditions, emotional challenges, and difficult life transitions.

Lisa later spent many years as a social worker in the home care department of a major hospital, visiting older adults and individuals with acute and chronic medical conditions in their homes while providing guidance and support to their families. She subsequently spent more than eight years with an established geriatric care management firm, gaining extensive experience navigating the complex medical, emotional, and practical challenges of aging.

Drawing on these experiences, Lisa founded Connections Care Management with a philosophy that remains central to the organization today: exceptional care begins with exceptional professionals who feel valued, supported, and empowered to provide thoughtful, individualized service. She believes that investing in her team ultimately translates into better care, stronger relationships, and greater peace of mind for clients and families.

Known for her ability to bring clarity and calm to difficult situations, Lisa combines sound clinical judgment with resourcefulness, creativity, and a genuine commitment to the people she serves. Her expertise includes dementia care, complex psychiatric conditions, crisis intervention, and navigating challenging medical and family situations. She believes exceptional care management goes beyond coordinating services; it requires building meaningful relationships, anticipating needs, advocating for clients, and always being willing to go the extra mile.

Lisa's dedication to vulnerable older adults also extends into the community. She serves on the Board of Directors of Connections at Home, a nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of low-income and homebound seniors through social work support, accessible technology, and connections to essential community resources.

Kimberly Hamilton, LCSW, LMSW, C-ASWCM, Co-Owner at Connections Care Management

Kimberly Hamilton, LCSW, LMSW, C-ASWCM

Co-Owner

LCSW (NJ)LMSW (NY)C-ASWCMNASW

Kimberly Hamilton is a highly respected clinical social worker and co-owner of Connections Care Management, bringing more than 30 years of experience in social work, mental health, and care management. She is particularly recognized for her expertise in managing complex cases and her trusted professional relationships with guardianship attorneys throughout New Jersey.

Kim earned her Bachelor of Arts from Boston University and her Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her extensive career includes work in hospitals and community agencies supporting older adults and individuals with disabilities, with particular expertise in mental health and addiction. Prior to joining Connections Care Management, Kim served as Clinical Director of a large New Jersey care management agency, where she developed innovative approaches to addressing challenging client and family situations.

Read Kim's full bio

Known for her exceptional clinical judgment, resourcefulness, and unwavering advocacy, Kim is frequently relied upon by guardianship attorneys to oversee the care of vulnerable individuals with complicated medical, psychiatric, and personal needs. She has a remarkable ability to navigate difficult circumstances, coordinate multidisciplinary services, and develop practical, compassionate solutions that protect her clients' well-being and dignity.

Kim is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and holds Advanced Professional standing with the Aging Life Care Association. As co-owner of Connections Care Management, she combines her extensive expertise with a deeply personal commitment to ensuring that every client receives thoughtful, individualized care and the highest level of professional advocacy.

Our care team

Every family works with a care manager who knows their loved one, backed by Lisa and Kim's oversight and the whole team.

Katie Bliss, Lead Care Manager at Connections Care Management

Katie Bliss

Lead Care Manager

Katie Bliss brings extensive healthcare experience, outstanding leadership skills, and a sophisticated understanding of the challenges associated with aging and complex medical needs. A valued member of Connections Care Management for nearly five years, Katie is recognized for her exceptional organizational abilities, sharp clinical judgment, and dedication to delivering the highest standard of care.

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Before joining Connections, Katie served for seven years as Director of Social Services at a subacute rehabilitation facility, where she managed complex discharge planning, coordinated interdisciplinary care, and guided patients and families through critical healthcare decisions. She also served as Assistant Director of Social Services in a long-term acute care hospital, further developing her expertise in medically complex cases and transitions between care settings.

Katie's greatest strengths are her ability to anticipate problems, navigate complicated healthcare systems, and develop practical, effective solutions. Highly organized, resourceful, and detail-oriented, she approaches each situation with intelligence, efficiency, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes.

As Lead Care Manager, Katie sets a high standard for thoughtful, proactive care coordination. She combines professionalism and decisive leadership with genuine concern for the individuals she serves, earning the trust of clients, families, and healthcare professionals alike. Her ability to bring clarity, structure, and reassurance to even the most challenging circumstances makes her an invaluable part of the Connections team.

Meghan Gumbman, LCSW, CDP, Care Manager at Connections Care Management

Meghan Gumbman, LCSW, CDP

Care Manager

Meghan Gumbman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Dementia Practitioner with an extensive background in mental health, psychiatric care, and clinical leadership. Her experience spans outpatient behavioral health, acute psychiatric settings, and hospital emergency departments, giving her exceptional insight into the complex relationship between medical conditions, cognitive changes, and emotional well-being.

Read full bio

Meghan is particularly skilled in managing challenging situations involving dementia, behavioral health concerns, and complicated family dynamics. She draws on her clinical expertise to assess needs, anticipate potential crises, and develop thoughtful strategies that prioritize safety and stability.

A strong advocate and skilled communicator, Meghan helps families understand difficult diagnoses, navigate healthcare systems, and make informed decisions during times of uncertainty. Her ability to bring clarity and direction to emotionally charged situations is especially valuable when families are facing difficult care decisions.

Meghan approaches each situation with clinical sophistication, patience, and sensitivity. She is committed to helping individuals receive appropriate care while giving families the knowledge and confidence to navigate even the most complicated circumstances.

Olivia Felibrico, MAASM, ADC, Care Manager at Connections Care Management

Olivia Felibrico, MAASM, ADC

Care Manager

Olivia Felibrico brings a decade of experience in gerontology, dementia care, and aging services, along with a strong background in developing programs that enrich the lives of older adults. She holds a Master of Arts in Aging Services Management from the University of Southern California's Leonard Davis School of Gerontology and is a Certified Activity Director (ADC).

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Throughout her career, Olivia has held leadership positions in dementia care, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care communities. As a former director of a specialized dementia program in New York, she oversaw daily operations, guided staff, and collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to deliver engaging, individualized care. Her experience also includes providing geriatric care management to homebound older adults.

Olivia's particular strength lies in understanding the whole person beyond their medical needs. She recognizes the importance of meaningful activities, social connection, and maintaining a sense of purpose as individuals age. Her knowledge of dementia and cognitive changes allows her to develop creative, practical approaches that enhance daily living.

Thoughtful, approachable, and deeply committed to the people she serves, Olivia builds trusting relationships while helping older adults remain engaged, connected, and actively involved in their own care.

Elyse Fritzsch, MSW, LCSW, Care Manager at Connections Care Management

Elyse Fritzsch, MSW, LCSW

Care Manager

Elyse is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 15 years of experience in the social work field. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Messiah University and her Master of Social Work from Fordham University.

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Throughout her career, Elyse has worked with individuals across the lifespan, from young children and adolescents to adults and older adults. Her diverse professional background includes experience as a psychiatric social worker, where she provided support and care coordination for individuals with complex mental health needs. She also has extensive experience in discharge planning for individuals living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease, helping coordinate appropriate care, resources, and support to promote safety and continuity of care.

Elyse is known for her warm, caring, and compassionate personality. She believes in creating a safe and welcoming environment where individuals feel comfortable, supported, and truly heard. Her calm and approachable nature helps put clients at ease, allowing them to feel understood and valued without judgment.

Elyse is passionate about helping individuals and families navigate life's challenges. She strives to build meaningful connections with her clients and provide thoughtful, compassionate support tailored to each person's unique needs and experiences.

Evonne Malnati, LSW, Care Manager at Connections Care Management

Evonne Malnati, LSW

Care Manager

Evonne Malnati is a Licensed Social Worker with a strong foundation in healthcare social work and a commitment to helping older adults navigate changing care needs. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Messiah University and her Master's degree from Rutgers University.

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Her experience includes supporting older adults in healthcare settings, assisting with discharge planning, coordinating services, and helping individuals receiving long-term care access resources tailored to their circumstances. Evonne has also worked with individuals with developmental disabilities, broadening her understanding of diverse support needs and the importance of individualized planning.

Evonne values the relationships she builds with clients and takes time to understand what matters most to each person. Through attentive listening, advocacy, and practical coordination, she works to ensure that individual preferences and goals guide care decisions.

Evonne's kind and caring demeanor, combined with her genuine desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves, makes her a valued member of the Connections Care Management team. Her warmth, dedication, and personal approach to care help clients and families feel understood, respected, and supported.

Nicola Watson, RPP, Mind-Body Wellness Practitioner at Connections Care Management

Nicola Watson, RPP

Mind-Body Wellness Practitioner

Nicola Watson offers a unique dimension to the Connections Care Management team, integrating her background in psychology with specialized training in mind-body wellness practices. She holds a Master's degree in Psychology, is a certified yoga and meditation teacher, and is an accredited Registered Polarity Practitioner (RPP).

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Nicola's work focuses on the connection between emotional and physical well-being, particularly during periods of aging, illness, caregiving, and significant life change. She introduces gentle, accessible practices that encourage relaxation, self-awareness, and emotional resilience.

Her individualized sessions may incorporate guided meditation, breath work, mindful movement, Ayurvedic lifestyle principles, and energy-based relaxation techniques. These approaches complement traditional healthcare services and offer additional opportunities for stress relief, personal comfort, and connection.

With a calming presence and an intuitive understanding of individual needs, Nicola creates a welcoming space where clients can slow down, reconnect with themselves, and experience a greater sense of balance. Her work adds a meaningful wellness component to the comprehensive services offered by Connections Care Management.

About mind-body wellness sessions

Aging Life Care Association member and proud member of the National Association of Social Workers
Our Philosophy

The highest quality of life, and peace of mind for families

Lisa Kolton sitting with an older client outdoors

Every client is unique

We build on each person's strengths and work with them to honor their wishes and get the best outcomes.

The whole team, together

We work with the client, the family and the entire medical team so everyone is pulling in the same direction.

Open, honest communication

Trust grows from talking openly, which lets us keep the care plan right at every stage.

Testimonials

What families say about us

Hands holding an older person's hands
“
When my 101 year old mom suddenly had a stroke, her needs changed instantly. Thanks to Lisa, I was able to handle the caring and grieving without being distracted by the business of health care. We will be forever grateful.
Annette R.Daughter, Bedminster, NJ
★★★★★
Kim was indispensable to my family in all aspects of senior care. I would never have been able to maintain my sanity without her during multiple serious medical events involving my parents.
Robert B.Denver, CO
★★★★★
When my elderly patients leave my office with Lisa, I know they are in good hands. Lisa is exceptionally caring and kind and truly dedicated to her clients.
Robert Wertheimer, MDEssex Eye Physicians
★★★★★
When my family faced nursing home decisions for my mother, Lisa rescued us from a wrong decision. Knowing the system requires a true professional, and Lisa is the professional to have.
Judy K.Daughter, Scotch Plains, NJ
★★★★★
Lisa's extensive knowledge and years of practical experience have helped me through many difficult decisions in a long distance care plan for my parents.
John A. Vallini, RNSon, Lake Placid, NY
★★★★★
Ms. Hamilton made life-altering transitions for our cousins seamless, from their home of many decades to assisted living and then nursing care. We recommend her without reservation.
Jean and Richard McLaughlinDumont, NJ
★★★★★
Hiring Kim was the best decision I ever could have made for my friend, and for me. She treated her like much-loved family, even going to the ER in the middle of the night.
Edwina GuittariNorth Arlington, NJ

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Our Local Network

We know the people and places that do it right

After years of coordinating care across northern New Jersey and Rockland County, we have a trusted network for nearly any need your family faces.

Talk to a Care Manager
Assisted living, nursing homes and CCRCs
Group homes and boarding homes
In-home care agencies
Transportation services
Geriatricians, psychiatrists and specialists
Home delivered meals
Veterans benefits and government programs
Geriatric and therapeutic day programs
Home visiting doctors, dentists and therapists
Home modifications and safety equipment

Not sure where to start?

Tell us what is going on. We will listen, explain your options and help you decide on the next step. The first conversation is free.

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