Cara M. Hernandez, LICSW, MSW, CSW-G, earned both her B.A. in Political Science and Master of Social Work with a focus in geriatrics, palliative care, and end of life from Eastern Washington University. She also holds a Nonprofit Management certificate from the University of Washington. Cara is a licensed clinical social worker with a specialty in geriatrics.
For more than 17 years, Cara has worked to improve the quality of life of aging and dying individuals across clinical, legal, healthcare, program, and leadership roles. Throughout her career, Cara has worked in elder law, estate planning, and long-term care. She has worked in an executive capacity in nonprofit hospice and palliative care, leading social work, chaplain, and adult and adolescent bereavement programs. She has developed and led statewide implementation of a Durable Power of Attorney and Surrogate Decision Maker process for incarcerated adults and seniors, and she has directed senior nutrition services for a Meals on Wheels program. Additionally, Cara and has taught courses in aging and diversity as an adjunct professor at Eastern Washington University and practiced as a social worker in emergency medicine and outpatient geriatric behavioral health settings.
Cara serves on the American Society on Aging's Public Policy Committee, where she contributes to national policy efforts affecting older adults, and is the elected Eastern Washington Representative and a Legislative Action Council member for NASW-WA. A 2023 Tri-Cities Young Professional, 2024 graduate of Leadership Tri-Cities, and a 2026 graduate of Emerge Washington, Cara is passionate about advancing work and policies that support dignity, autonomy, and quality of life for older adults and individuals facing end of life.
