People: Crissa Markow, Jessica Yurtinus, Michael Gonzalez appointed at Sanford Center for Aging at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine

The Sanford Center for Aging at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine has appointed Crissa Markow to director of community services, Jessica Yurtinus as assistant director of Nevada Geriatric Education Center, and Michael Gonzalez to program coordinator of health and wellness.

Markow formerly worked as project manager of AmeriCorps Seniors and the Volunteer Transportation program. In her new role, she will continue to oversee her previous programs, but will be responsible for leadership of the Senior Outreach Services program as well.

Before Sanford, Markow worked for the Office of Sponsored Projects at the University of Nevada, Reno, and the Davidson Institute for Talent Development.

She also has experience with Circle of Life Hospice. She earned a Master of Social Work degree in 2002 and has many years of social work experience.

Jessica Yurtinus 

Yurtinus is a physical therapist with experience at Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center, Reno Orthopedic Clinic Physical Therapy and Sports Performance Center, and USA Freestyle Kayak Team. She was also an instructor at Western Nevada College teaching human anatomy, physiology, and nutrition.

She holds a master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Miami and is currently pursuing her doctorate degree in physical therapy from the University of Montana.

Before joining Sanford, Gonzalez served as a payroll specialist for On-Track and has administrative experience with Bruce Olson Construction.

He also provided a supervisory role and visual information interpretation to the blind and visually impaired at Aira Tech Corp. He earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno.

As a program coordinator of health and wellness, Gonzalez will be responsible for the coordination of a variety of evidence-based programs for elders and their caregivers.

Michael Gonzalez