Washington Co. WI – Interfaith Caregivers of Washington County hosted its annual Judy Phillips Influencers in Aging Award banquet on Tuesday night and the Grand Hall at Cedar Ridge was packed with decades of service, kindness, and late-night phone calls answered simply because somebody needed help.
Every year Interfaith Caregivers honors individuals and organizations making a profound difference in the lives of older adults across the county. The evening quickly became less about awards and more about humility, gratitude, and the quiet power of people who spend their days helping others age with dignity.
The first award of the evening was presented to Alissa Becht, who appeared genuinely stunned by the recognition.
“Wow, am I overwhelmed,” Becht said. “I’m so incredibly honored.”
As she listened to the nominations being read earlier in the evening, Becht admitted she was “fighting tears,” and quickly shifted praise away from herself and toward the broader network of caregivers and professionals serving seniors throughout Washington County, WI.
“My influence is so small compared to the rest of the team at the ADRC, my colleagues, our partner agencies, the other nominees that are in this room, and all of the people who aren’t in this room that work with older individuals in Washington County every day,” she said.
Becht said when asked how she felt about being nominated, her first reaction was unexpectedly candid.
“I actually hoped I wouldn’t win because I don’t feel it’s deserved,” she said.
Becht closed with a reflection. “In a world obsessed with being extraordinary, there is great peace in just being a good human,” she said. “So please just continue to be good humans.”
The second award recipient, Audrey McGarvie, spoke from a lifetime spent caring for others.
“As a retired nurse, I kind of cared about people my entire life,” she said. “I’m happy if I can do something that improves someone else’s journey.”
The evening’s third award recognized the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers serving Washington County. Representative Steve King said this was the program’s first year operating in West Bend and Germantown, where volunteers assisted more than 400 residents with filing tax returns.
The organization not only helped seniors file current returns, but also amended returns dating to 2022.
The fourth award of the evening went to Sarah Malchow, who painted aging services as both sacred responsibility and daily labor of compassion.
“My path into senior living was a little bit more of an accident, a happy accident,” Malchow said. Seven years ago, she joined the team at Cedar Community and quickly discovered a calling.
“Beyond the honor of serving those who can no longer care for themselves and speaking for those who can no longer care for themselves, feeding those who can no longer care for themselves, and showing dignity to those who deserve dignity because they have lived extraordinary lives before they were older adults,” she said, “That’s an honor and a privilege for every one of us.”
Malchow also praised the coworkers and caregivers she serves alongside every day. “This is work of the heart,” she said. “It is good and noble work. Thank you to all of you who are sitting in the audience who do the good and noble work every day in the trenches, at the bedside, doing things that are beyond me.”
The final Judy Phillips 2026 Influencer of the Year Award went to Tracy Ermer, the founder of Serenity Villa in Slinger.
Janean Brudvig, the winner in 2025, presented the award and praised Ermer for nearly two decades of service to seniors and families across Washington County and Wisconsin.
Brudvig called the award “a huge, huge honor,” reflecting on the many stories shared during the evening about caring for older adults and the impact caregivers have “in the trenches.”
Introducing Ermer, Brudvig traced the roots of Serenity Villa back 17 years to its first assisted living facility in Slinger, where Ermer opened the doors with what she described as a “simple but powerful vision” that every resident “should feel at home.”
“Not just comfortable, not just cared for, not just another mouth to feed, but home,” Brudvig said.
She praised Ermer not only for the growth of Serenity Management and Serenity at Home, but for the compassionate way the organization was built.
“What makes this year’s influencer extraordinary isn’t just what she’s built, it’s how she’s built it,” Brudvig said. “With genuine empathy and unwavering commitment to quality and these deeply amazing personal relationships with both her residents and her staff. She has created something truly rare in this industry, a community rooted in love and dignity.”
Brudvig said Ermer is helping hundreds of seniors and families navigate some of life’s most difficult moments.
“She has walked alongside countless individuals through some of life’s most tender and raw moments, ensuring that they never walk alone,” she said.
When Ermer took the stage, she admitted she was caught completely off guard.
“I’m completely surprised and I’m not prepared to speak at all,” she said. “I’m very honored.”
Ermer became emotional as she reflected on her longtime friendship with the late Judy Phillips, for whom the Influencer in Aging awards are named. She said the two first met in 2003 while working together at Heartland Hospice.
“She was a huge, huge inspiration to me. She was a mentor to me,” Ermer said.
Ermer shared memories of Phillips’ humor and adventurous spirit.
“It was wonderful,” Ermer said.
Profiles of the award winners are below.
Alissa Becht –
Alissa serves as the supervisor of the Information and Assistance Specialists at the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Washington County. In this role, she supports both her team and the individuals who rely on the ADRC to navigate services and access resources.
She is recognized for her strong knowledge of available programs and her ability to guide individuals through complex situations. Her leadership helps ensure that each person who reaches out is treated with respect and receives thoughtful, individualized support.
Her nomination highlights her work with a woman and her daughter who were at risk of homelessness. After struggling to find support through other avenues, they connected with the ADRC. Alissa took the time to understand their situation and worked through multiple barriers to help secure stable housing.
Her work reflects a consistent focus on advocacy, problem solving, and ensuring individuals receive the support they need during challenging circumstances.
Audrey McGarvie –
Audrey McGarvie leads the Low Vision Support Group at Cedar Ridge, where she provides opportunities for education, connection, and shared support for individuals living with vision loss.
She is responsible for organizing monthly meetings that include guest speakers, educational topics, and group discussions. These sessions cover a range of subjects, including vision health, adaptive tools, and strategies for maintaining independence. She also coordinates occasional field trips and experiences that allow participants to stay engaged in the community.
Her nomination highlights the thought and consistency she brings to the group. She actively seeks input from participants to ensure that programming remains relevant and useful, and she works to create an environment where individuals feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their experiences.
Through her leadership, the group provides both practical information and a sense of connection for those navigating vision loss. Her efforts help participants remain informed, supported, and engaged.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide –
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is a volunteer-based program that provides free tax preparation and electronic filing services, primarily serving older adults in the community. While the program operates nationwide, its impact is most clearly seen at the local level through the individuals and families it supports each tax season. In 2026, more than 200 tax returns were completed locally, with an average refund of approximately $1,500.
This past year marked an important step forward locally, with services returning to the West Bend Library after several years and expanding to a new site at the Germantown Library. These locations made it easier for seniors in Washington County to access reliable, in-person tax assistance close to home.
During tax season, each individual sits down one-on-one with a volunteer who takes the time to understand their situation, review documents, and prepare their return. Every return is checked for accuracy and explained clearly before being filed, ensuring that each person feels informed and supported throughout the process.
For many, this service not only provides financial benefit, but also peace of mind and a trusted place to turn each year.
Sarah Malchow –
Sarah Malchow serves in a leadership role at Cedar Community, where she oversees areas including marketing, philanthropy, and volunteer engagement. Her work supports both the day-to-day operations of the organization and its long-term connection to the broader community.
She is recognized for her ability to build and maintain strong relationships with residents, staff, volunteers, and community partners. Through her role, she helps coordinate outreach efforts, support fundraising initiatives, and strengthen volunteer involvement, all of which contribute to the overall experience within the community.
Her nomination highlights her collaborative approach to leadership. She works closely with different teams to ensure that communication remains clear and that programs and initiatives are aligned with the needs of residents. She is also known for being accessible and responsive, making her a reliable point of connection across the organization.
Sarah’s work contributes to creating a welcoming and engaged environment, both within Cedar Community and in its relationships with the surrounding area. Her efforts support not only organizational growth, but also the continued quality of life for those who live and work there.
Tracy Ermer –
Tracy Ermer is the founder of Serenity Villa, which she opened in 2009 in Slinger. Since that time, she has expanded her work throughout Washington County and across Wisconsin through Serenity Management.
Her leadership has focused on creating supportive living environments and maintaining high standards of care for seniors. She has also contributed to expanding services through Serenity At Home, allowing individuals to receive care within their own homes.
Her nomination highlights her long-term commitment to serving seniors, including supporting individuals and families through important life transitions. Her work reflects a focus on both quality care and consistent service.
Tracy’s contributions have had a lasting impact on aging services in the region.
Established in 2022, the Influencers in Aging Awards honor the legacy of Judy Phillips, whose dedication to older adults continues to inspire the community.
The awards celebrate those who go above and beyond to enhance the aging experience, whether through caregiving, advocacy, innovative programs, or community initiatives.
AARP Tax Aide, Sigrid Lubner, Alissa Becht, Sarah Malchow, Carly Bogdan, Audrey McGarvie, The Dream Team of Al Fine & Bob Reischel, Amy Mueller, Tracy Ermer, Kari Nihls, Sarah Fuller, Tamarack Adult Day Service, Allie Gilmore, Washington Co. Home Delivered & Congregate Meal Program, Hartford City Taxi, Kaitlyn weyzk, Barb Herrman, and Bobbi Holiday.
“We are excited to recognize the individuals and organizations making a difference in the lives of older adults in our community,” said Melanie Gonring, Executive Director of Interfaith Caregivers of Washington County. “These awards highlight the dedication and compassion that ensure Washington County remains a welcoming and supportive place to age.”
On a side note:
-This year’s awards banquet was held in the Grand Hall at Cedar Community.
Interfaith Caregivers of Washington County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving seniors 60 and older by providing compassionate volunteer services that promote independence and connection. Interfaith has been helping individuals age in place since 2005. To learn more, visit interfaithwashco.org or call (262) 365-0902.