We’re excited to announce that the “EAIME Team” has grown with the addition of a seventh Advocate in our Elder Service Connections Program. Joanna Stokinger joined the team in mid-June and has already jumped into casework with several clients in her region, which includes Franklin, Oxford, Androscoggin, Somerset, Waldo, Kennebec, Knox, and Lincoln Counties.
Originally from Maine, Joanna, who holds a Master’s degree in Criminology from Thomas College, spent time in Florida and Alaska before returning “home” with her husband, Brent, in 2016. She most recently served as a Homicide Victim Surviving Family Victim Advocate in the Maine Attorney General’s Office, just one position in a long career in victim advocacy. In fact, Joanna first made a connection with the Elder Abuse Institute of Maine when she worked with Meg London on a domestic violence case involving an older client. When she saw that the organization was hiring for a new Advocate position, she jumped at the chance to come on board. She reports that the person-centered approach which informs Advocates’ work with clients was a key “deciding factor” in taking this position.
Away from work, Joanna enjoys time with her husband, their dog (Olive), and two cats (Linda and Cisco). She’s the proud mother of two adult children who loves to craft, go thrifting and upcycle her finds, eat at fabulous restaurants, and travel.
Welcome to the team, Joanna!