Our History and Mission
Kristin started the agency in 2005 after years in the healthcare business realizing there was a need for quality and trusted advice. Healthcare is one of the most important decisions of our lives and it has become very complicated with people finding it more difficult to locate quality advice centers. This is even more true with Seniors when it comes to their Medicare decisions. We were founded on the principles of long term relationships and being there to help our clients year round, not just being an enrollment center and signing people up. We want to assist you in choosing the plan that meets your needs today and as your healthcare needs change. We are a full service retirement agency and pride ourselves on having solutions for all your retirement needs. We achieve this by doing annual retirement reviews during open enrollment or other special enrollment periods. We're always up to date on Medicare changes and are consistently reviewing all the plans available in the area, so we have a complete understanding and can answer all our clients' questions. Our agency represents many diverse healthcare plans and retirement products with numerous carriers. We ensure we're meeting the specific needs of each client, we understand every situation is different. We'll guide you through initial enrollments, special enrollment periods and enrolling when retiring. There is State and Federal financial assistance available in certain income related situations and we will work with you to ensure you're receiving the benefits you're entitled to. We conduct appointments safely, either in person, at your home or in our office or remotely over the phone or Zoom. We have a team of professionals both in Connecticut and Colorado that are available and ready to serve you and all your retirement needs.
Meet Our Dedicated Team
Kristin Pitarra
Founder, Partner & Senior Agent
Kristin is a lifelong resident of Connecticut, growing up in Madison and always living on the shoreline. She graduated from SCSU in New Haven, CT and spent 10+ years in the healthcare business prior to starting Senior Health and Retirement Service. She transitioned into the Medicare field when the Federal government started requiring a Part D plan for all that were on Medicare. She was at the forefront in assisting seniors in understanding and complying with the new requirements. She continues to ensure the agency progresses and is well equipped to help all who are Medicare eligible. Kristin is involved and has participated in many broker advisory boards and has achieved gold status with a leading Medicare provider. Kristin and John are happily married with 5 children together and their dog Louie. They love to travel and play golf.
James Fernstrom, Medicare Specialist and Janet Fernstrom, Customer Advocate
srhealthinsurance1@gmail.com |
Phone: 860-664-5596
Jim worked for 40+ years in the pharmaceutical business prior to helping Kristin launch and establish the business. He brings a unique perspective to the healthcare business with a thorough understanding of the prescription drug business, the impact it has on our seniors and how the cost can have a dramatic effect on people's lives. Jim and has been with the agency since 2009 and over the years serviced on many broker advisory councils. Janet has also been a tremendous help throughout the years working at the company as a customer service advocate. Where she follows up on our clients to ensure their in the right plan for their present needs. They've spent the last 50+ years living in Madison and Clinton and have three children, Kristin being one of them.
Sean Hunt, Licensed Life and Medicare Agent
Sean is a local resident of Essex Ct where he grew up and spent most of his childhood. He attended Valley Regional High School in Deep River where he played football and ran track. These sports created a love for physical training that was a catalyst for him to become a personal trainer and healthcare advocate. After graduating High School in 2016 he attended University of Tampa and acquired his Bachelors in Finance. Prior to joining our team he worked at Northwestern Mutual focusing on Life insurance and other retirement services. There he got to learn from some of the most knowledgeable professionals in the Industry. Sean embraces the idea of being a full service retirement advisor helping his clients with all their needs starting with Medicare.
Ashton Bohan, Licensed Life and Medicare Agent
Ashton leads the Denver, Colorado team and is focused on bringing our successful customer first model to that state. Ashton is from a small town on the Connecticut Shoreline called Old Lyme. He graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor's degree in Risk Management, Insurance and Finance. His focus is to ensure that each individual on Medicare understands just what their coverage is doing for them as well as their rights and options at the most affordable prices. Whether you are just turning 65 or have already turned, his team is here to guide you through the process of ensuring you have all of your retirement needs met. With all the options out there today it is easy to become overwhelmed and settle for cookie cutter coverage. We are here to help you through the entire Medicare and retirement process.
Isabella Pitarra, Licensed Life and Medicare Agent
Isabella is a local Clinton resident. She attended Morgan High School where she played field hockey and softball and was involved with many community outreach programs. She graduated from Southern Connecticut State University in 2020 with a Bachelors degree in business marketing with a minor in Biology. Isabella is very outgoing, hard working and always strives to take care of all her clients needs. She also goes the extra mile to ensure they full understand their options and are comfortable with their decisions. Isabella’s main focus as an agent with this company is to develop a personal relationship with all her clients so they feel comfortable calling her while completing the difficult initial Medicare process and ongoing as they need help..
Cheryl Cwik, Licensed Life and Medicare Agent
Phone: 203-747-4179
Cheryl, who grew up in Guilford, Connecticut, graduated from Hamden Hall Country Day School and then attended Boston University’s College of Communication. She then relocated to NYC where she experienced a challenging but fascinating career in the entertainment industry. During those ten years, she helped produce commercials, corporate and music videos. Cheryl then returned to her home state where she began her work in the healthcare industry. For the past twenty years, she has managed a shoreline OBGYN office and provided expertise and medical billing consultation to many other local medical practices. Those who know Cheryl best will tell you that she has always been creative, bright and very inquisitive; she has always sought to further her education through professional development and found ways to improve the lives of those she works for, whether her patients or clients. As a certified Medical coder and consultant she demonstrated such passion and dedication in discovering and implementing solutions to improve the billing and practice management of smaller medical practices. She hopes to parlay this expertise and understanding of the healthcare industry to individuals when choosing their appropriate health insurance plans.
John Pitarra Jr.
Principal Partner & Senior Agent
John graduated from the University of Maryland and attended the University of North Carolina for graduate school. Prior to joining the team he had 25 years of experience in the financial services and banking industry. Upon joining the agency he spearheaded an initiative to provide education and increase the knowledge of seniors on how Medicare works and impacts them. This was done through seminars and community events where thousands have been helped. He has built a culture in the agency that focuses on the customer and building relationships. John sits on numerous boards and advisory councils as an award winning agent in multiple states. He has achieved platinum status with a leading Medicare provider. Kristin and John are happily married with 5 children together and their dog Louie. They love to travel and play golf.
Ken Higgins, Licensed Life and Medicare Agent
Phone: 203-895-6354
Ken spent his early career working as a Physical Therapist and in healthcare management with a focus on geriatric medicine. He understands how important proper healthcare is and the partnership between insurance companies, providers and the patient. He grew up on Long Island, settling in Madison CT in 1990. He is married to Ellyn and has three grown children. In his free time Ken plays pool, golf and guitar, and tackles various home projects having attained the moniker of “Kenny can do” from his family due to his ability to ferret out and solve problems. Ken carries this challenge into the insurance business helping seniors navigate the complex and oftentimes confusing world of Medicare insurance. He has achieved Gold status from a leading Medicare provider.
Mark Marcrina, Licensed Life and Medicare Agent
Phone: 860-338-1466
Mark has a vast background in financial services in both personal and commercial banking. Prior to joining the firm he worked for multiple banks such as Rockville, Citizens and Santander. Mark is very involved in the community, providing many educational events at area Senior centers, libraries and senior housing facilities. He prides himself in customer service and ensures that all of his clients are in the best possible situation for their health at the lowest cost possible. In his free time he loves to spend time with his wife Om, golden retriever Simba, family and friends. Also he loves to ski, golf, and bowl. Born and raised in Marlborough he is an avid New England Fan especially the Patriots. With a friendly and warm approach Mark is a great partner to have to help you navigate through Medicare.
Oskar Brejniak, Licensed Life and Medicare Agent
Oskar at age 11 moved to Connecticut from Poland where he spent his early childhood years. In a whole new reality Oskar needed to adapt to a new culture which taught him how to overcome adversity and become more mature at such an early age. He is fluent in both Polish and English and takes pride in knowing both as he uses Polish at home everyday with his family and friends. After graduating Cromwell High School in 2017 he attended Porter and Chester Institute where he got a degree as an Industrial, Commercial and Residential Electrician as he has been a hands-on individual all his life. Oskar has always had a passion for helping people out, so he stepped out of his field and began to educate himself in the Medicare world. Now Licensed as a Health and Life Medicare Agent he is more than happy to help with any retirement needs, and really takes pride in what he does for the community.
Kameron Bohan, Licensed Life and Medicare Agent
Kameron is a Connecticut shoreline native, recently graduated from Southern Connecticut University in 2022 with a Bachelors degree in business management. Prior to college, she attended Morgan High School where she enjoyed running for the track and cross country team. During her free time, Kameron loves spending quality time with her friends and family. Kameron's main focus as an agent to this company is to make sure all her clients medicare and retirement needs are met and to help guide them through the difficult process.
Michael Jordan, Licensed Life and Medicare Agent
Michael comes to our team after 15 years in the Financial Services industry, specifically specializing in the retirement sector for Connecticut public school employees. His previous success can be attributed to a passive and educational approach affording him the ability to gain the trust of his clients. Michael believes in completely understanding his clients needs, educating and providing recommendations, and most importantly including the client as a part of the decision making process. This win-win formula has proven to be a differentiator along his career of helping others.
Michael’s passion for his sons, Michael, Collin, and grand baby son Madden, gives his life meaning and purpose. His pastime consists of being a sports enthusiast, an avid golfer, and dedicated to helping those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction.
Lisa Vecchi, Administrative Assistant
Lisa is a valuable player to the Senior Health and Retirement Service team. She's the first person you meet when walking into the agency and she greets everyone with a smile. She handles all phone calls, schedules appointments, helps with problem solving and attends local fairs and events. Her focus is to make sure everyone of our clients is satisfied with their current plan and help assist them when things change. She joined the agency in 2019 and our clients absolutely love her. Lisa is a lifetime resident of Clinton and has two sons