Dr. Maria D’Souza is a geriatrician who brings special expertise in dementia care and caregiver support to JFS. Dr. D’Souza participated in the development and evaluation of an innovative multidisciplinary dementia care program during a geriatrics fellowship at Duke University, which she published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. One of only 7,500 geriatricians in the US, Dr. D’Souza previously served as Medical Director of a PACE program, enabling older adults with complex medical and social needs to continue living in their own homes. She has 15 years of experience providing holistic medical care for older adults in a variety of settings including primary care, acute hospital care, nursing facilities, assisted living, memory care units, house calls, and hospice and palliative care.
A graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Dr. D’Souza completed her residency training in internal medicine at the University of Washington, a 3-year geriatrics fellowship at Duke University, and a Masters of Public Health degree at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. She is a member of the medical staff at ChristianaCare.
Dr. D’Souza is thrilled to be part of the JFS mission of strengthening individuals, families, and the community as Medical Director of the JFS COMPASS program, providing team-based medical care for individuals with dementia and guiding families through their journey.
“My patients and their families often tell me how much they value the way I listen. Each older adult has a unique story that I am passionate about hearing and honoring in order to provide true person-centered care. Discussing individual values and goals allows us to formulate a plan of care together and partner with all members of the care team to achieve those goals. Geriatrics is a team sport!”
Kate is a geriatric social worker with a Bachelors Degree in Social Work from Ohio University. She has experience working with diverse populations and spent a large part of her career working in supportive housing for adults with mental health and/or substance use disorders; most recently, Kate served as the Social Services Director in a long-term care setting, which introduced her to JFS’ services. Kate is part of the JFS COMPASS and Care Navigation teams to provide personalized support to older adults and individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
Kate is originally from Ohio and has also lived in Connecticut, Maryland, and now Delaware. She is married and has two young sons. In her spare time, Kate enjoys rowing, hiking, photography, and being outside.