Dr. Allan Shirks joins Senior Solutions board of directors

A longtime Vermont health care provider and community volunteer has joined the Senior Solutions board of directors. Dr. Allan Shirks of Townshend has more than 35 years experience as a board-certified psychiatrist.

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2017-12-13 / Springfield Dr. Allan Shirks joins Senior Solutions board of directors Dr. Allan Shirks - Courtesy PhotoDr. Allan Shirks - Courtesy Photo SPRINGFIELD – A longtime Vermont health care provider and community volunteer has joined the Senior Solutions board of directors. Dr. Allan Shirks of Townshend has more than 35 years experience as a board-certified psychiatrist, with stints at The Dartmouth Institute, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Brattleboro Retreat, Rutland Regional Medical Center and Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, Texas. He also serves on the Grace Cottage Hospital board of trustees. “Navigating life as an older adult is not an easy endeavor,” said Shirks. “I am honored to join the Board of Senior Solutions in its quest to help people age successfully.” Senior Solutions is a nonprofit group serving 46 communities in Windsor and Windham counties, providing older adults with critical information and assistance like Meals on Wheels, health insurance and mental health counseling, transportation, exercise programs, home based social services and caregiver support. The Senior Solutions board of directors is a nine-member group responsible for oversight of the non-profit organization. “Allan Shirks has a long and distinguished record of community service and expertise in a critical part of health care for older adults; we are very pleased he’ll be sharing his knowledge with our organization,” said Carol Stamatakis, executive director for Senior Solutions. “Hopefully, my broad experience will allow me to contribute to the important work of Senior Solutions in our community,” added Shirks. Shirks earned a bachelor’s degree at California State University at Hayward, his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine, a master’s at The Dartmouth Institute, and he also completed the VA Quality Scholars Fellowship Program. Formerly known as the Council on Aging for Southeastern Vermont, Senior Solutions has provided services to seniors, their caregivers and families for more than 40 years.