January 16, 2025
Lifestyle Choices for Retirement & Longevity in Prince William Area
Prince William Area Lifestyle Choices for Retirement & Longevity
January 16, 2025, 6 - 9 PM
January 16, 2025, 6 - 9 PM
Location: Arbor Terrace at Prince William Commons
14080 Central Loop, Woodbridge, VA 22193
MODERATORS
Ms. Kera Wooten
Executive Director, Westminster at Lake Ridge
Executive Director, Westminster at Lake Ridge
Kera Wooten is the Executive Director at Westminster at Lake Ridge where she oversees all aspects of the community's operations, including resident care, financial management, marketing, staff supervision and compliance with regulations. Ensuring a high quality of life for residents while maintaining the financial stability of the community, Kera serves as the primary point of contact for residents, families, staff and external stakeholders.
Kera has 20 years of experience in senior living services, holding various roles at several life plan communities. Her passion for serving active adults has afforded her success in driving superior outcomes in resident care and staff satisfaction.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Communications from Delaware State University and certifications from the Erickson Living Leadership Academy.
Kera has a strong thirst for volunteerism. She was a board member for the Ronald McDonald House Charities for Northern Virginia, a long-standing Chair of the Family and Consumer Science Board for Fairfax County Public Schools, and a board member for the Westridge Civic Association. She is currently active in Streetlight Community Outreach.
When Kera isn’t championing for the lives of seniors, you can find Kera hiking, reading, and participating in Muay Thai.
Tina Close
PWC100 Publicity Director
PWC100 Publicity Director
Tina Close is a seasoned leader with a diverse background. She brings a unique perspective to her role and her extensive experience includes serving as a Peacekeeper in Timor-Leste, participating in military operations in Afghanistan, and undertaking international engagements in Papua New Guinea. She also has a strong track record of collaboration with international organizations, including the World Bank, during times of crisis.
Prior to joining PWC100, Tina dedicated her time to enhancing school safety in her community.
PANELISTS
Retta Young
Owner, Assisted Living Locators
Owner, Assisted Living Locators
Born and raised in New York, I moved to the DMV area in 2000 with my young son to begin a new chapter as a federal government employee. For 22 years, I dedicated myself to awarding and managing multi-million-dollar contracts, ultimately building a career in acquisition management. In 2022, after my son left for college, I decided to pursue my dreams and transitioned into a role that aligned with my passion for helping others.
I became the proud owner of Assisted Living Locators - Northern Virginia in 2022, offering no-cost placement and referral services to seniors and their families. My work focuses on providing the best senior care options, including assisted living, memory care, and independent living, as well as care management services that connect families to a comprehensive network of senior resources.
With a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from the State University of New York (1991) and a master’s degree in Urban Policy and Public Administration from the City University of New York (1997), I have always valued the power of communication and strategic planning. My career began with the New York City Department of Transportation, where I managed a $22 million express bus program, before accepting a federal government position in Washington, DC.
Today, I leverage my analytical skills, community involvement, and personal passion as a Senior Living Advisor. I work tirelessly to simplify the complex and time-consuming process of finding senior living options. My in-depth knowledge of Northern Virginia allows me to guide families to the right care solutions while advocating for seniors at every turn.
I am deeply committed to addressing the challenges faced by the senior community. As an advocate, I actively engage with elected officials to voice concerns about the lack of affordable housing and resources for seniors. Through community involvement, I continue to raise awareness and drive change on these critical issues.
Charlene Beckett, RN, BSN, NC, BC
Director of Business Development, Visiting Angels
Director of Business Development, Visiting Angels
I am a born and raised native of Manassas. I have a passion for serving my community throughout my nursing career. My education includes attending Prince William County School of Practical Nursing and Shenandoah University for my BSN. Recently I became a Board Certified Nurse Coach, one of 34 in the state of Virginia and 1280 in the country. My nursing career began at Prince William Hospital, I worked there for 18 years in nursing roles, then onto teaching at Prince William County School of Practical Nursing for 10 years. Thereafter, other nursing roles in the community - DON of Assisted Living facility, Employee Health, Clinical Supervisor Family Practice clinic, Hospice, Home Health Care - Visiting Angels. I have a passion for helping Seniors and their families navigate through life challenges in the later years of life.
I am happily married to Mike Beckett and we attend Greenwich Presbyterian Church. My family includes 2 grown children and 4 grandchildren and 2 dogs (Bonnie & Clyde). I enjoy taking walks with family and friends, yearly family beach trips, swimming and kayaking. My goal is to purchase a camper in the near future and embrace family camping trips soon.
Donald E. Scoggins, B. Arch., MURP
Workplace Housing Consultant, Urban Planner & US Army Reserve Officer (retired)
Workplace Housing Consultant, Urban Planner & US Army Reserve Officer (retired)
Donald “Don” Scoggins, longtime resident of Prince William County, has comprehensive knowledge and professional experience comprising the private business sector, government, military service and community activities. Don is an appointee to the Virginia Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
With an extensive employment background involving a myriad of housing matters, Don was active with several roles in the housing and urban development field, including within local governments of the District of Columbia and Fairfax County, and numerous housing policy assignments and real estate tasks within several federal government agencies.
Don is former CEO and founder of Scoggins Properties, Inc., a brokerage located within the District of Columbia, that owned and managed for twenty-five years a diverse portfolio of investment properties.
Currently, Don is involved with workforce housing initiatives that include spearheading the development of six one- and two-Bedroom duplex homes for veterans in the City of Manassas. This is a collaborative venture with American Legion Post 114 (Manassas) and People Inc., non-profit housing developers.
Very civically engaged Don is formerly member of numerous groups created to examine and educate citizens about local concerns, these include Prince William Committee of 100, Mid-County Civic Association, Lake Ridge Occoquan Coles Civic Association, Woodbridge Potomac Communities Civic Association and Dale City Civic Association.
Don also has broad and engaging record of past community social justice advocacy service with Prince William NAACP and Prince William County Human Rights Commission.
Active memberships include American Legion Post 114 (Manassas); Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1503; Vietnam Veterans of America Post, Chapter 617; First Home Alliance, board chairperson; Frederick Douglass Housing Corporation, co-founder; and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Don has travelled extensively throughout Europe, Africa and Asia; and is a Bronze Star recipient for meritorious service in Vietnam and is U. S. Army Reserves officer (retired). He graduated from Hampton University with a bachelor’s degree in architecture, and master’s degree in urban and regional Planning from the University of Pittsburgh. He and his wife, Gurmeet have two adult sons, and one grandson. He worships at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Woodbridge, Va.
Brenda Nowlin-Patten
Human Services Program Manager (APS), PWC Department of Social Services
Human Services Program Manager (APS), PWC Department of Social Services
Brenda Nowlin-Patten is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in human services, specializing in support for older adults and seniors. She holds an MBA in Public Administration, equipping her with the skills to effectively manage and advocate for the needs of vulnerable populations. Committed to her field, Brenda stays abreast of new trends and polices, ensuring that she can provide the most relevant and effective services to enhance the quality of life for those she serves.