About Us

Our Mission

Cathy and Carolyn Cristofalo, two sisters in a family of six girls, had a strong foundation in their upbringing, with a focus on industry, curiosity, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by aging adults. Their father, a leader in aging research, was a strong influence in their decisions to pursue careers in aging. His influence, along with their firsthand experiences with caring for their grandparents played a crucial role in shaping their perspectives on issues facing aging adults.

For Jane Reitmeyer, her north star began with her mother who served as the executive director of RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program), which recruits and places retirees in volunteer positions. In Jane’s family, there was tremendous value placed on remaining purposeful as we age, strength-based aging at its best. Further shaping Jane’s commitment to aging issues was her family’s care of their grandmother who moved in when her needs became too difficult to manage alone.

The idea of forming Mission Transitions reflects their shared interests in serving and advocating for those who are facing life transitions. Their combined knowledge, experiences, and dedication to the well-being of older adults are critical to the success of their mission. They are committed to making a positive impact on people’s lives when they are at their most vulnerable.

Cathy, Carolyn, and Jane all grew up in large families and learned firsthand how to navigate the complexities of family dynamics, including the need for clear communication and flexibility. They have all served as officers on the board of directors of CARIE (Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interest of Elders). In their time working together to support CARIE, they recognized their shared mission and values for serving others and enhancing the well-being of aging adults including ensuring independence as well as a sense of purpose and industry.

About Our Leadership

Carolyn Cristofalo

MSW, LCSW

Carolyn is a licensed clinical social worker with 28 years of experience working with adults and families in healthcare settings and in the community. She received her master’s degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice. Carolyn practiced social work at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) for 21 years and gained extensive experience in the areas of internal medicine, rehabilitation, oncology and bone marrow transplant. She also spent many years serving as Penn’s first Independent Living Donor Advocate for the Kidney and Liver Transplant Departments. Carolyn currently serves as a Field Placement Coordinator and Field Liaison for the Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research.

She has served the community as a volunteer in different roles for various organizations, including chairing the Board of Directors for CARIE (Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly) for many years. Carolyn’s practice interests include chronic illness, aging and related issues, loss and bereavement, social work education, and advocacy at the individual and community levels.

Catherine Cristofalo

MSN, MBA, ACNP-BC

A nurse by background, Cathy has served in clinical roles both as nurse and nurse practitioner for nearly three decades with various leadership and executive roles within healthcare organizations. Throughout her career, regardless of role, her consistent mission has been to deliver on the core values of service and advocacy. Balancing strategic, operational, and clinical responsibilities has brought her a unique perspective, a wealth of experience and the acquisition of various skills to optimally address the challenges faced by individuals and families.

Cathy received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Villanova University, Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Master of Business Administration (Executive) from Drexel University. She has served as clinical faculty at the University of Pennsylvania in the School of Nursing.

Cathy has served on board of directors, at CARIE (The Center for Advocacy and Rights and Interests of Elders), the National Advisory Board for Women in Healthcare and the American Heart Association Go Red for Women Board.

Jane Bonner Reitmeyer

MSW, LSW

Jane Bonner Reitmeyer is a licensed social worker with over 25 years of experience supporting older adults and their families. Her work is rooted in advocacy, compassion, and a deep understanding of the challenges that come with aging.
Jane’s commitment to aging services began early in her career, while working for the late Senator John Heinz, where she gained firsthand insight into the impact of policy, advocacy, and community support on the lives of older adults. She earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania and went on to work with the Division of Geriatrics at Penn Medicine and as a geriatric care manager at the Penn Memory Center.
Beyond her professional roles, Jane has long been active in the community, including serving on the Board of Directors and as an officer with CARIE (Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elders). She is proud to continue her commitment to aging advocacy as a board member of Connectedly.

Hear From Our Clients

“

After living in my large home since 2001, which housed the accumulation of family records and furnishings from 1960, I called on Mission Transitions to guide me through my journey to a small apartment on one floor. I had no idea how to carry out the demands of such a move. Jane, Carolyn, and Cathy were at my side through the preparation. They helped me decide which furnishings and items I could keep and how the others could be taken care of. The options included donating, selling, or discarding. They recommended excellent resources for each of these options and helped me through the numerous details to make this happen. The next step was packing and moving. They prepared for the exceptionally careful and caring professional mover they recommended. The packing took one day and the move to my apartment took place the next day. I saw the mover’s patience there as he was asked to try different arrangements to reach the best one for several large items.

Cathy, Carolyn, and Jane from Mission Transitions unpacked and placed every item in each room or in the large closets. The apartment was ready for me to begin my new life there. I highly recommend Mission Transitions when you see yourself reaching for a solution that will smooth your move into the next phase of your life. Cathy, Carolyn, and Jane fostered a supportive process.
Shirley H.

“

I called on them to consult with my aging mother who was still living independently but simply wasn’t thriving and clearly needed help. The kind of help my brother and I could not provide not only due to our geographic circumstances but truly because we are both unskilled caregivers. Cathy and Jane met with me and immediately provided feedback and suggestions based on their years of medical, clinical and social work experience. We all understood my mother living alone was simply not safe. Before I could even put in to play the amazing services they provided me for her to safely age in place, my mother had another fall and did a stint in a skilled nursing rehab.

My mother’s home was packed and moved to her new personal care apartment in less than a week and it honestly looked and felt the same. These incredible women from Mission Transitions took the time to place every single tchotchke in the same place on her shelf, made sure her dishes were ready to use, her clothes ready to wear and that her bed was made. All I had to do was drive my mother to her new comfortable home, where she is now already starting to thrive after just a few short weeks! I could not have managed this without Mission Transitions.
Matthew D.

Your Journey, Our Expertise