Caring Strategies was founded in 2007 and is owned by Jeanie Moores Tauss, a licensed clinical social worker, gerontologist, and certified care manager. She is joined by a team of highly educated and seasoned professionals who have decades of experience in guiding families in making wise decisions in a wide variety of care and health circumstances. Caring Strategies care managers adhere to a national code of ethics and do not accept referral fees of any kind.
JEANIE MOORES TAUSS, MSG, MSW, LCSW, C-ASWCM
Owner and Certified Care Manager
Jeanie was destined to work with older adults, beginning with an exceptionally close relationship with her grandparents and their friends, eventually fueling a fierce desire to help older adults maintain their independence and enjoy the highest quality of life possible. Caring Strategies’ SPARK! activities program was born out of this desire to bring back joy and new experiences to those in the later stages of life.
She is a licensed clinical social worker and certified care manager with over 30 years of experience guiding older adults and their families in making wise care decisions. She received her master’s degrees in gerontology and social work from the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology at the University of Southern California, the oldest school of gerontology in the country. She also earned her undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University and is a Certified Dementia Care Partner®. She has special expertise in assisting persons with memory loss and their families and led an early-stage memory loss support group for many years. Jeanie’s experience includes work in geropsychology, memory clinics, hospital seniors’ programs as well as private practice. She grew up in Decatur and returned to Alabama after living on the West Coast.
JULIE SMITH, MM – Director of Operations
Julie’s wealth of experience includes 20 years in senior care including medical and non-medical home healthcare. In 2011, she became a Certified Senior Advisor and continues to hold that distinction. Her background includes networking, marketing, and community education. She has been, and remains, a sought-after speaker for national, state, and local conferences and is well-versed in a variety of topics related to successful aging, dementia and resources for family caregivers. In 2017, she was appointed by the governor to serve a 3-year term to the State Respite Coalition as an advocate for family caregivers. Julie joined Caring Strategies in 2023 as the Director of Operations. She also plays a key role in helping our clients understand their Long Term Care Insurance and successfully filing claims. Julie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Judson College and a Master of Management degree from the University of Phoenix.
LAURIE HILL, BSN, RN – Care Manager and Nurse
Laurie graduated from UAB School of Nursing with a BSN degree, becoming a licensed nurse in 1994. Her first position as a new RN was in a skilled nursing facility in Huntsville 30 years ago. Although she went on to work in a wide variety of settings including nursing education, cardiovascular care, and family care, she always stayed connected with the field of geriatrics. Laurie joined the Caring Strategies team in 2017. In January 2024, she became a Certified Dementia Care Partner®. Caring Strategies clients appreciate Laurie’s calm, thoughtful approach combined with her wealth of nursing knowledge as she creatively meets their care needs. She also plays a key role in our Medication Management program. Her engagement with older adults, families, and children brings great joy and fulfillment to her life.
CARLA DURHAM, LICSW, MT-BC – Care Manager
Carla is a Licensed Independent Social Worker and board-certified music therapist with over 25 years of experience in hospitals, hospices, clinics, schools and private practice. Carla’s unique blend of music therapy and social work skills richly enhances the care and well-being of her care management clients. Her playful sense of humor and can-do spirit energize everyone she touches. A Huntsville native, Carla earned both her undergraduate degree in music therapy and her master’s degree in social work from The University of Alabama. In June 2023, Carla became a Certified Dementia Care Partner®.
ANGELICA GARGULINSKI, LPN– Care Manager and Nurse
Angelica is an experienced Licensed Practical Nurse and U.S. Army Veteran with hands-on nursing experience in a broad array of medical fields including inpatient cardiac care, intensive care, behavioral health, and outpatient internal and family medicine. Angelica also has several years of experience in nursing administration and care management in both home health and assisted living communities and is a Certified Dementia Care Partner ®. Her passion and warmth allow her to foster meaningful connections with her Caring Strategies clients as she leverages her wealth of experience, attention to detail, and efficiency to ensure each client receives the highest quality of service.
ASHLEY SPARKS, LPN– Care Manager and Nurse
Lisa brings more than two decades of experience supporting individuals and families navigating aging, chronic illness, and end-of-life care. Her passion for serving older adults began early—first as a teenage candy striper in nursing homes, and later as a hospice volunteer. These formative experiences inspired a lifelong dedication to social work and compassionate care. Lisa holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker as well as a Certified Case Manager. Over the years, she has worked extensively with geriatric populations, helping families make thoughtful decisions about long-term care, transitions, and supportive resources. Her clinical expertise spans hospice care, complex case management, and end-of-life guidance. Lisa’s career has taken her across the globe, including a leadership role in Europe, where she supported military families both on and off base. She later served as a regional leader in Alabama’s Integrated Care Network, providing clinical oversight and quality guidance to case management organizations across the northern part of the state. Her approach is grounded in dignity, empathy, and advocacy, ensuring that each individual and family she works with feels supported, informed, and empowered.
MAKAYLA CARR, MS, ADC, CCM- Care Manager
DIANNE PIERSON, M.ED, CDP– SPARK! Activities Curator
Dianne graduated from Maryville University in 1987 with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy and has worked in many different areas of physical therapy over the years. She received her Master’s degree in Education in Healthcare Professions from North Carolina State University. After being in healthcare for over 20 years she shifted her focus to education and advocacy activities with the Alzheimer’s Association. As a volunteer with the Association, she has made connections with senior care communities and care partners across Alabama and has been a speaker for local and state conferences. She is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and in 2024 joined the Caring Strategies team as a SPARK! Curator focusing on personalized engagement activities with clients. Dianne lives In Gurley with her husband, son, and 4 cats.
TAYLOR McBRIDE – Administrative Assistant
Taylor earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Taylor has supported veterans and older adults through roles focused on resource navigation, documentation, and scheduling. Before beginning her civilian career, Taylor served in the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer, where she developed exceptional time management and communication skills. In 2024, she joined the Caring Strategies team as an Administrative Assistant, where she helps keep operations running smoothly behind the scenes with organization, accuracy, and a calm, can-do attitude. Taylor lives in Toney with her husband and two daughters. She stays on the go with their sports schedules and enjoys winding down with a good book whenever she gets the chance.
