FALLBROOK – During the 22nd annual conference of the Western Region Chapter of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, held recently in Santa Rosa, Calif., Fallbrook resident Colleen Van Horn was elected president of the Chapter for 2013. The western region of the NAPGCM includes geriatric care managers from Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Van Horn is a registered nurse and CEO of Innovative Healthcare Consultants since 1997. In 2008, Van Horn worked on developing standards and protocols for local units for the national organization. In 2011, Van Horn received the first Dorland Health Silver Crown Award for Geriatric Care Manager and Innovative Healthcare Advertisement

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She has been a guest speaker for public service classes, educational television and radio programs. In 2012, she was a guest speaker on ESPN 1700am radio, answering questions and contributing information as "nurse in your pocket." Van Horn’s overall goal is to enable senior individuals to maintain the greatest amount of independence and dignity in an environment that is safe and also in line with their financial resources. Van Horn and her company play a pivotal role in linking consumers with providers and individuals with caregivers. They advocate for ethical, competent, and effective services to meet the individual needs of each client. Their website is www.innovativehc.com.