Thornton Care Team Members

InnovAge Colorado PACE

Regional Medical Officer – Central Region
/media/MyInnovage/Clinical-Staff-Headshots/Colorado/STRANGE_MD.jpg?ext=.jpg

My father always said, "It takes courage to age." I enjoy working with the interdisciplinary team at InnovAge, and courageous seniors, to keep our worlds large, and our time meaningful.

Dr. Strange earned her Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the St. Louis University School of Medicine, and is a diplomate with the American Board of Family Practice. A Colorado native, she has spent her career in private practice and residency faculty positions, teaching the next generation of family physicians in Pueblo. In 2015, the Association of Family Medicine Residency Directors gave her the Bronze Program Director Award. Under her leadership, Southern Colorado Family Medicine in 2012 and 2015 received NCQA Level 3 recognition for providing patient-centered medical care. Dr. Strange’s husband is also a family practitioner and they have three children. She enjoys volunteering with her church, riding bicycles and hiking.
Professional Bio

Center Director
/getmedia/4d9644b7-578a-46d7-ae39-8b808c9df06c/Whyte_Lynda-170x210.jpg?width=170&height=210&ext=.jpg

I spent a lot time interacting with my grandparents and as they got older I found myself caring for them. I was able to take them to doctor’s appointments, administer medications, and met other personal needs. This helped me realize my passion and led to my wonderful career at InnovAge. I enjoy making a positive difference in the lives of the seniors we serve by responding through the lens of my grandparents and my 87-year-old dad.

Linda Whyte became director of the Thornton PACE center in November 2019. Over the last ten years, she has held several roles with InnovAge, including as provider relations manager and in leadership positions for adult day center operations, and administrative services. She began her career with InnovAge as an administrative coordinator at the Lakewood PACE center. Linda holds a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in healthcare management from Colorado Technical University in Colorado Springs.
Professional Bio

Medical Director
/getmedia/0990ae29-67d0-4ae4-887a-66c3ec96b3cb/RICHMAN_170x210.jpg?width=170&height=210&ext=.jpg

Every person has a story and unique experiences in life. Seniors deserve to be able to maintain their dignity and independence as much as possible, which is of the utmost importance to me.

Dr. Richman earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Buffalo, School of Medicine. He is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Teaching future physicians has been important to him throughout his career. In addition to leading PACE physicians across all InnovAge Colorado PACE centers, Dr. Richman is also an associate clinical professor at the University of Colorado Medical School. He has worked in leadership roles in private practice and hospitals. He has a special interest in working with stroke and brain injury patients.

Dr. Richman is married, has two sons, one cat and one dog. He has a varied list of interests and hobbies that includes dogs, football and music. He and his wife are recognized breeders of rare Olde English Bulldogges. As a Buffalo, NY native, he is a big fan of the Buffalo Bills. He also played the French horn with the Buffalo Philharmonic.
 
Professional Bio

Medical Director
/media/MyInnovage/Clinical-Staff-Headshots/Colorado/LITVAK_MD.jpg?ext=.jpg

Aging and illness sometimes make it hard to experience quality living. My goal is to help ease those difficulties so patients can enjoy life and participate in things that make them happy.

Dr. Litvak enjoys coming to work to learn from others, including patients, and is proud to be part of a medical team devoted to helping older adults. Following in her father’s footsteps, Dr. Litvak pursued a career as a physician. She earned her Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She has worked in hospitals and private practice, including St. Anthony Hospital Systems and their affiliated clinics. She is board certified in Family Medicine. Dr. Litvak grew up in Michigan and has lived in Colorado since 1968. She is happily married and has three sons. She enjoys many hobbies such as softball, gardening, bonsai, travel, reading and golf.
Professional Bio

Primary Care Doctor
/getmedia/f973e070-8f83-4320-980a-5e9697c3f2c0/Kaplan_Jeremiah_170x210.jpg?width=170&height=210&ext=.jpg

I feel like I’ve spent my entire career preparing to be a doctor with InnovAge. I’ve cared for seniors in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, hospice care, rehabilitation hospitals and home visits. InnovAge truly provides a community of support to help older adults to maintain their health and independence.

Dr. Kaplan earned his Medical Degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin and completed a residency in internal Medicine at the University of Nevada School of Medicine.  He is board certified in internal medicine.
 
Nearly all of his work experience is in the area of senior care. His experience includes a hospital inpatient rehabilitation unit, private practice as a geriatrician, hospice care and long-term care.
 
Dr. Kaplan enjoys spending time with his family, cross-country skiing and he plays the mandolin.
 
Professional Bio

Primary Care Doctor
/media/MyInnovage/Clinical-Staff-Headshots/Colorado/GRUSHAN_MD.jpg?ext=.jpg

At one time in my career I made house calls. Most of my patients were older adults, often with dementia. Many were WWII veterans. During this time I developed an appreciation of seniors. They deserve the very best care; they’ve earned it.

Dr. Grushan grew up in New York but is a long-time Colorado resident. He previously worked at the People’s Clinic in Boulder, teaching new physicians at the University of Colorado/Rose Family Medicine Residency Program and most recently at Physician House Calls. He has expertise in Geriatric Medicine, Community Medicine and Pain Management. He earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and is board certified in Family Medicine. Dr. Grushan has also worked as a volunteer at the Samaritan House clinic. He speaks English and Spanish. Dr. Grushan is a self-proclaimed “Huge Colorado Sports Fan.” He is married with three children and enjoys skiing and biking.
Professional Bio

Nurse Practitioner
/getmedia/e0a5f455-4770-40ef-a3d7-7ccefe538de3/Hazley_Ryan_170x210.jpg?width=170&height=210&ext=.jpg

I strive to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being while maintaining functionality, and dignity for all participants.
 

Ryan earned her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Rutgers University and earned advanced degrees from the University of San Diego. She has a graduate degree in Advanced Practice Nursing, specializing in Geriatric medical care, and a Doctoral Degree in advanced clinical nursing and healthcare leadership. She is ANCC board certified in gerontology and family nurse practice.

Ryan brings many years of hospital care experience to her current practice including acute care cardiology, rehabilitation, and medical-surgical specialties.

Ryan grew up on the Jersey Shore in New Jersey. She enjoys being in nature and listening to live music.
 
Professional Bio

Dentist
/media/MyInnovage/Clinical-Staff-Headshots/Colorado/KIMBALL_S_DDS.jpg?ext=.jpg

I absolutely love working at InnovAge because the participants are such a joy to be around. I love hearing their stories and sharing time with them.

Dr. Kimball enjoys working in an upbeat, patient-centered environment where days are spent making a difference in patients’ lives, the quality of work is top-notch, and the whole team is invested in success. He attended high school in Minden, Nevada, followed by college in Colorado Springs, and dental training at University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. His focus is geriatric dentistry, oral manifestation of systematic disease, and/or effects of polypharmacy on oral health. Dr. Kimball has lived in a variety of states in the South and West, but his favorite place to live is Colorado. He minored in theater in college, was a swing dance instructor, and performer. He met his wife swing dancing; they now have two daughters and a cat.
Professional Bio

Nurse Practitioner
/media/MyInnovage/Clinical-Staff-Headshots/Colorado/LOFTHOUSE_NP.jpg?ext=.jpg

I enjoy the relationship that develops over time at InnovAge among participants, their family members and our staff.

Joanne Lofthouse is a geriatric nurse practitioner, collaborating with physicians to provide primary care including physical assessments, evaluation of acute complaints and teaching. She is also a member of the multidisciplinary team developing and implementing plans of care.

Joanne earned Bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and nursing, and a Master’s degree in nursing from the University of Rochester in New York. She is also certified as a Gerontology Nurse Practitioner and specializes in geriatrics.

Joanne comes from a large family that is spread across the U.S. and U.S. military bases. She previously lived in Buffalo and Rochester, New York and now lives in Colorado. She enjoys hiking and snowshoeing.
Professional Bio

Primary Care Doctor
/media/MyInnovage/Clinical-Staff-Headshots/Colorado/KIMBALL_T_MD.jpg?ext=.jpg

I believe in creating a partnership with my participants.

Dr. Kimball is a board certified wound management specialist physician with additional qualifications in undersea and hyperbaric medicine, vascular medicine, geriatrics and surgery. She has a passionate focus on being a key opinion leader in the wound care industry and introducing innovative human designs that seek to improve the quality and delivery of care to patients.
 
Dr. Kimball received her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School, completed her general surgery residency at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, and completed vascular surgery research at the University of Utah. Dr. Kimball's primary professional goal is to build a thriving, self-sustainable wound management practice.
 
Dr. Kimball has two children, a son and a daughter.
Professional Bio