Membership Biographies

Cynthia Andrews
Cynthia was born in Yakima, and grew up in Snohomish County, Washington. Cynthia has been working in the nonprofit world for over 25 years, and is currently the Director of the Central Area Senior Center. As Director, she works diligently to make sure older adults have the resources they need to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. For the first time in 2009 the senior center collaborated with the MCAAE on the Annual Legislative Forum. That's when she decided the connection between the center and the MCAAE should be stronger. As a member of the MCAAE, Cynthia is working to increase access to services for African American older adults, especially when they are in need of assistance.

Kameka Brown, Ph.D.
Kameka Brown is originally from Chicago and has been living in Seattle for seven months. She currently works as a Clinical Program Consultant, with Premera. Kameka’s main interests are clinical nursing, research and business. She was also a Nursing Professor at De Paul University and, as an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP), she supervised a team of 150 RNs. As an ARNP she has been personally committed to older African Americans and addressing health disparities. She has a wealth of volunteer experience which includes the Albert Schweitzer Fellows, AmeriCorps, the Peer Mentor Program, and various nursing organization boards. As a MCAAE member Kameka is working to help elders better understand changes in the healthcare system, and would also like to address health disparities.

Carolyn Johnson Davis
Carolyn Johnson Davis is a native of Seattle who has devoted over 20 years to health and human services including early childhood development, education and community development. She has worked in administration, education and direct services for adults, seniors, children, youth, and families in both private and public sectors. Carolyn obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Community Development, Public Administration from Central Michigan University in 2002. Her professional career has included work as an educator, manager, facilitator, case manager, and as a community advocate. She believes community collaboration broadens mutually shared benefits and is best accomplished through networking and relationship building.

Reverend Gwendolyn Phillips Dotson, Chair
Gwendolyn has been active in the Seattle area through Christian ministry and health services for the past seven years. She currently works as a Diversity & Multicultural Outreach Coordinator with Providence Hospice of Seattle, informing the community on end-of-life choices, bereavement services, and Hospice 101. She is a published author of Waiting on My Lunch Date: A Journey Through Grief and a Path to Joy. Gwendolyn also has acting experience and is a singer with production and recording experience.

Martha (Marti) Lindeman
Marti is a Senior Market Manager working in digital media. She has worked in internet, television and radio for 30+ years. Marti has served on the board of directors of Seattle Counseling Service, volunteered for Rebuilding Together and Northwest Harvest. Seattle has been her home since 1973. She has been active in politics, sports, advertising and community relations. Her passion is facilitating good communication.

Michael L. Lusk
Michael is completing a Ph.D. in Counseling from Oregon State University. Additionally, he is a student in the Certificate in Guardianship Program at the University of Washington for Professional and Continuing Education University of Washington. Michael serves a volunteer for the Geriatric Regional Assessment Team (GRAT) at Evergreen Healthcare. He holds a MA in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University and B.A. in Gerontology from Langston University. Michael has fifteen years experience working with the aging population.

Helen Sikov
Helen has been a nursing home administrator since 1984. Currently, she is the administrator at the Washington Care Center. Helen works to provide quality long-term care for the residents. Through her work and community involvement, Helen has many connections within the African, and the African American communities. She currently chairs the Cultural Competency Committee on the Senior Services Board of Directors, and has Clinical Affiliation with the U of W School of Social Work. As a member of the MCAAE, Helen works to address healthcare issues and access to healthcare.