Who We Are
Andre Santamaria
Andre Santamaria is the Owner of Senior Living Selections and the founder of Senior Medicaid Specialists, created to provide families with an affordable and trustworthy resource for navigating Medicaid applications. A Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), Andre brings specialized knowledge and compassion to families facing the challenges of memory care and long-term support.
Since 2012, he has been dedicated to helping seniors find the right care solutions, building a reputation for integrity, empathy, and expertise across the senior care industry. His combined experience in placement services and Medicaid planning allows him to support families at every step of their journey.
Outside of work, Andre is a devoted husband and father to a son, and he enjoys fishing and visiting family in Tennessee.
Melissa Justice
With a distinguished career in long-term care spanning more than 25 years, Melissa Justice brings unmatched experience, compassion, and operational expertise to our team. She began her journey in senior care in 1998 as a Certified Nursing Assistant, where she developed a deep appreciation for hands-on care and resident advocacy. In 1999, Melissa transitioned into the business office, taking on key responsibilities in HR, accounts payable, and payroll.
By 2011, Melissa expanded her focus to accounts receivable, specializing in Medicaid, Medicare, and complex reimbursement processes. Her extensive background includes roles in LTC Corporate Compliance, Regional Business Office Management, and Central Business Office billing, where she successfully handled high-volume claims and strengthened financial operations. Melissa has also been recognized as a Support Employee of the Year, a testament to her dedication, leadership, and excellence.
A proud Florida native, Melissa has lived throughout the state her entire life. She is the mother of two adult children and loves spending as much time with her family as possible. When she’s not improving workflows or supporting our clients, you can likely find her at the beach-her favorite place-or cheering on her favorite football teams. She is an enthusiastic fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and her beloved Florida State Seminoles.
Melissa’s blend of heart, experience, and commitment makes her an invaluable part of our mission to support seniors and the families who love them.
Kathleen Blackburn
- Director of Medicaid Education and Outreach
- Senior Medicald Specialists
- 941-299-3035
- Kathleen@theseniormedicaidspecialists.com
Kathleen Blackburn serves as the Director of Medicaid Education and Outreach at Senior Medicaid Specialists, where she educates seniors and their families on how to navigate the Florida Medicaid application process and helps identify the financial documentation needed to support long-term care benefits. With more than 30 years of experience working with the senior community, Kathleen brings clarity, compassion, and transparency to what can often feel like an overwhelming system.
Kathleen specializes in Medicaid and long-term care benefits and has an extensive background in both pre-Medicaid and Medicaid admissions. She previously served as a Director of Admissions for long-term care communities, working closely with seniors, memory care residents, individuals living with dementia, and families facing complex Medicaid cases. Known for her ability to explain complicated processes in an understandable way, Kathleen is a strong advocate for seniors and a trusted guide for families during emotionally challenging transitions.
Originally trained as a chef, Kathleen is a graduate of Johnson & Wales College with an Associate of Science in Culinary Arts and brings over 40 years of hospitality experience into her work today. Her career path shifted when she began working in long-term care, where she discovered a deep respect for the generation she served and a passion for honoring seniors’ lives with dignity and compassion. That calling ultimately led her to work directly in senior housing and Medicaid education.
Kathleen believes transparency is the foundation of quality senior care. By setting realistic expectations, responding promptly, and maintaining open communication, she helps reduce stress for families while ensuring seniors are treated with respect and stability throughout the process.
Kathleen has lived in Venice, Florida for over 30 years. She is a proud mother of two daughters and enjoys walking along the beach searching for seashells and sharks’ teeth, window shopping on Venice Avenue, and people-watching by the water. During the winter months, she can often be found at home relaxing with her beloved dog, Luna.
Happy Senior
0
+
Lovely Nurs
0
+
Doctors
0
+
Local Volunteer
0
+
Why Choose Us
Families trust Senior Medicaid Specialists because we focus exclusively on senior Medicaid planning. Our experience, attention to detail, and compassionate communication ensure you feel informed, supported, and confident from consultation to approval.
Respectful Support
We understand how overwhelming Medicaid decisions can be for seniors and families. Our team approaches every case with patience, empathy, and clear communication
Personalized Strategies
No two families are the same. We take time to understand your financial situation, care needs, and long-term goals to create a customized Medicaid plan that truly works for you.
Clear, Honest Guidance
We believe in transparency. You’ll always know your options, timelines, and next steps—without pressure, hidden details, or unnecessary complexity.
Support Beyond Approval
Our commitment doesn’t stop at submission. We continue to support you through reviews, renewals, and changes to ensure ongoing Medicaid coverage and peace of mind.