Charlene L. Martin, Ed.D., a specialist in older adult learning, established Pathfinders Retirement Innovations after almost thirty years of experience in higher education. Most recently she was the Dean of Continuing Education at Assumption College in Worcester, MA where she advised and created programs for adult and older adult learners. She was also the founding director of the first Learning in Retirement Institute in Central Massachusetts, the Worcester Institute for Senior Education (WISE).
She earned a doctorate in educational policy, research, and administration with a specialty in higher education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her research and publications focus on educational opportunities for older adults in retirement.
Charlene presents seminars around the country on issues pertaining to older adults and the Boomer generation. She was the Chair of the Older Adult Learner Network for the international organization, Association for Continuing Higher Education, served on the association's Board of Directors, and received the ASL Distinguished Service Award and the ACHE Emeritus Award for her contributions to higher education. She was also awarded several community service awards for her involvement in local programs for older adults.
For many years, I helped adult and older adult learners reach their personal and professional goals through higher education. Playing a role in their achievements was personally very rewarding. I hope to continue to assist those who are at a point in their lives where they are looking ahead and developing new goals for themselves. The transition years to the life stage we traditionally call "retirement" are often confusing ones. My mission is to assist individuals during this transition as they find their way to a meaningful second half of life.
