FEC's team
President of FEC: Doctor DAN OCTAVIAN BACIU
Ana Tudoran – Director of Care – Senior General Nurse
She graduated from the "Victor Babeș" Post-Secondary Sanitary School in Cluj in 1973, specializing in general medicine. In the early years of her professional activity, she dedicated her efforts to patient care, working in intensive care and surgery wards, and later in primary healthcare. In 1997, she completed the Advanced Training Program for Nurses in Community Care, organized under the auspices of the Romanian Ministry of Health and the Baylor University Medical Center, USA.
Starting in the autumn of 1997, in addition to being a founding member of the Foundation, she also worked as a trainer in seminars organized for doctors, nurses, social workers, and volunteers involved in the first stage of developing the home-care service. Since 1999, she becomes Director of Care at FEC, coordinating the Foundation's projects such as: Home Medical and Palliative Care Services, the Medical Physical Recovery Center, the Day Care Center for Elderly People, and the Reminiscence Center. Between 2001–2003, she attended distance-learning courses at the Academy of Advanced Studies in Iași – UID Medical Center THEMIS ART – obtaining certification in Medical Services Management.
In 2004, after completing train-the-trainer programs, she obtained Trainer Certificates in Palliative Care and Community Care.
In 2019, she completed a 30-week professional skills development program, receiving a Graduation Certificate in Palliative Care.
Ramona Alina Pop – Higher Education Level
In July 2005, I graduated from the Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, specializing in Social Work. From my first year of study, I was actively involved in various volunteer activities: providing counseling and moral and material support to children from disadvantaged families, socializing with children in residential care, coordinating recreational and therapeutic activities for children with Down syndrome, offering emotional support to women who have experienced abuse, implementing programs for alcohol addiction treatment (the 12 steps of AA and Al-Anon), running educational and therapeutic programs in three prisons in Romania, organizing social integration activities for delinquent children (through the Prison Fellowship Foundation), and participating in social care activities for the elderly.
Since 2006 I have been working at the Foundation for Elderly Care in Cluj-Napoca as a social worker, where I am involved in caring for and supporting senior citizens both at the Day Center and through Home Care services. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with hundreds of elderly individuals, each with their own story, needs, and vulnerabilities, accompanying them with patience, respect, and empathy.
My extensive experience also includes working with individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's dementia, a group of beneficiaries who require a delicate approach, tact, and a deep understanding of the emotional and cognitive processes they experience. I have learned to turn each interaction into an opportunity for human connection, support, and the restoration of inner security.
Raluca Ioana Kozsan – Principal Social Worker – Higher Education Level
In 2006, she graduated from the Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, Social Work Department. Since her student years, she has been involved in various volunteer activities, such as: actions aimed at reducing the incidence of HIV / AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) among young people aged 15–25 in Romania, especially in rural areas where access to information is limited; group supervision meetings at the headquarters of the Society for Contraceptive and Sexual Education (SECS), where she also attended monthly training sessions. As an intern student, she participated in the activities of the Family Planning Reference Center in Cluj-Napoca, providing informational and decision-making support regarding the importance of contraception and family planning to prevent abortion. She also took part in the project "Intervention for the Recovery of Children at Risk of School Dropout" developed by the Christian Medical-Philanthropic Association Christiana.
Since March 2007, she has been employed at the Foundation for Elderly Care as a social worker. From this moment, she has dedicated herself with seriousness and commitment, coordinating the daily activities of the Foundation's Day Care Center for Elderly People. She is also involved in providing social assistance services at the homes of beneficiaries and conducts training and practical activities for students assigned to the Foundation.
Oltița Lăcrimioara Simu – Social Worker – Higher Education Level
I graduated from the Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, Social Work specialization, at Babeș-Bolyai University in 2008. During my studies, I was actively involved in the social programs, completing internships at FRCCF, the Romanian Cancer Society, and the Estuar Foundation, where I also prepared my bachelor's thesis, in the field of mental health.
Between January 2009 and September 2010, I coordinated the Home Assistance and Care Center for Elderly Persons within the Iara Town Hall, established through the European project "People Helping People." During this time, I supervised a multidisciplinary team consisting of a nurse, a psychologist, a physical therapist, and six home-care workers, with the mission to improve the quality of life for 50 elderly people from the 12 villages of the commune. This experience strengthened my belief that integrated social intervention can profoundly change the lives of beneficiaries.
In 2016, I gained new professional perspectives at the Asistmed Residential Center in Luna de Sus, Cluj County, where I worked as a social worker. There, I discovered a modern approach to residential services for the elderly, different from the traditional image of old-style "nursing homes." I found an environment where dignity, respect, and professional care were priorities, where residents benefited from continuous medical supervision and where meals were prepared in the center's own kitchen using fresh ingredients. The center was equipped according to European standards — a stretcher-size lift for persons, a food transport lift, and high hygiene and accessibility standards. As a social worker, I ensured that residents' needs were fully met, maintained communication with families, provided information to both relatives and the general public, handled residents' personal documents, and managed all responsibilities specific to the profession. This experience profoundly changed my perception of modern residential centers, confirming that they can represent a safe, warm, and dignified environment for elderly people.
In July 2010, I joined the Foundation for Elderly Care, where I carry out my activity with professionalism, dedication, and respect toward every older person I support. I work within the Foundation's two programs — the Day Center and the Home Care Unit — where, together with my colleagues in the multidisciplinary team, we provide integrated services to our beneficiaries. We continuously strive to improve the quality of the services offered, which remain free of charge, by searching for and accessing various funding sources available in the field of elderly care, both locally and at the European level.
Between 2011–2013 I completed the master's program Management of Social Services, coordinated by Associate Professor Dr. Nicoleta Neamțu, where I had the opportunity to deepen my coordination and management skills in the social field.
Through the experience I have gained and the dedication with which I carry out my work, I contribute significantly to the development of the Foundation's services, with the main goal of improving the lives of elderly people and supporting their dignity every day.
Ramona Adelina Ciocotișan – Principal Social Worker – Higher Education Level
She graduated the Faculty of Social Work and holds a European Master's Degree in Children's Rights, with over 10 years of experience in the field. Throughout this period, she has worked with several categories of beneficiaries (children and adults with disabilities, young people with Down Syndrome, Roma youth, elderly persons, and after-school program children).
Since 2020, she has been employed at the Foundation for Elderly Care of the Elderly as a social worker, where she mainly coordinates the IT course for seniors, also holding a diploma as a Computer Programmer Analyst. She is a dynamic and motivated person, focused on finding solutions. Her organizational skills, passion for challenges and communication abilities all contribute to the efficient management of tasks and to creating a collaborative and productive environment.
Cristina Maria Paul – Asistent medical de medicină generală
Cristina Maria Paul – General Nurse
In 2015, I graduated from the "Louis Pasteur" Post-Secondary School in Dej, a program that provided me with a solid foundation in the medical field and in the approach to patient care. My desire to better understand people's needs and to work with them in a comprehensive way motivated me to begin studies in Social Work as well and in 2016 I graduated from the Faculty of Sociology and Social Work at Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca.
Since 2016, I have been working as a nurse within the Foundation for the Care of the Elderly, where I carry out my activity with dedication, responsibility, and empathy toward all beneficiaries. My role includes both medical care and emotional and social support for those who need assistance, which allows me to contribute directly and consistently to their well-being.
I am a calm, empathetic, and detail-oriented person, always focused on professional development and on creating a safe and pleasant environment for the people I work with.
Corina Merdan – Specialist Clinical Psychologist
She graduated from the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences and from the Master's program in Clinical Psychology, Psychological Counseling, and Psychotherapy at Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca.
She began her career in private practice, and in 2011 she joined the Caritas Cluj Association, where she contributed to numerous projects dedicated to children with disabilities and their families. Within the Day Recovery Center for children with disabilities, she developed personalized intervention programs and provided psychological support to both children and their mothers, helping them overcome emotional difficulties, promoting mental health, and strengthening the mother–child bond. In parallel, she offered psychological assistance to adults with disabilities at the Caritas Day Center for Persons with Disabilities, supporting them in managing emotions and developing social skills.
Her interest in holistic care for people in challenging situations led her, in 2020, to complete a Master's program in Palliative Care Management and Strategies at Transylvania University of Brașov. This specialization complemented the experience she had been gaining since 2015 at the "St. Nectarie" Palliative Care Center in Cluj-Napoca.
Since October 2019, she has been part of the team at the Foundation for Elderly Care, providing psychological support both to Day Care Center beneficiaries and to those receiving care at home. Through her presence, she helps elderly individuals maintain emotional balance, dignity and a fulfilling life:
"I work with elderly people because in every encounter I discover a whole life of stories, lessons and vulnerabilities that deserve respect. I believe in the power of presence and human connection and my work gives me the privilege of being alongside people when they need support, understanding and dignity the most."
Karola Pasat – Physical Therapist
I am a physical therapist, fully dedicated to the care, recovery and support of elderly persons. I was born in the city of Satu Mare, a place to which I remain deeply connected and where I discovered my passion for sports and for an active lifestyle. I was a performance athlete in judo, an experience that shaped my discipline, perseverance, and respect for people. I also graduated from the Sports Program High School in Satu Mare — an important step in my journey toward the profession I love today.
My academic path began in 2012 when I enrolled in the Faculty of Physical Therapy and Special Motricity at Babeș-Bolyai University, where I obtained my bachelor's degree in 2015. I continued with a master's degree in Sports Training and Performance, completed in 2017, to deepen my knowledge and become a well-rounded professional.
Since 2018, I have been joyfully and gratefully part of the Foundation's team, where I currently work as a physical therapist. To me, the Foundation is more than a workplace — it is a community where every colleague puts their heart into their work, and together we manage to bring real support to elderly persons who need us.
I am an empathetic, responsible, and dedicated person and my work is based on deep respect for every senior I interact with. I believe that in recovery, not only technique matters, but also patience, understanding and the ability to offer trust and safety.
I had the honor of participating in the Human Capital Operational Programme (POCU) 2014–2020, in the project "GRANDPARENTS – Services for the Elderly," where I worked closely with the team of social workers. Together, we supported people in difficulty through recovery interventions tailored to their needs, contributing to the improvement of their quality of life.
Working with elderly persons has taught me how valuable a warm gesture, a kind word and a caring attitude can be. For me, each day at the Foundation is an opportunity to bring a little light and comfort into the lives of those we accompany.
Viorica Matiș – Senior General Nurse
She graduated from the Sanitary Vocational School in Cluj in 1970, specializing in general medicine. In 2000, she completed the training program "Care for the Incurable Patient." Since 2004, she has been employed part-time at the Foundation for Elderly Care to provide home medical care. After 29 years of work and experience in the ICU – Surgery Department at the Cluj County Emergency Clinical Hospital, she joined the Foundation full-time, dedicating herself to her profession with excellent ability to apply knowledge and with confidence in fulfilling responsibilities.
Maria Petrea – Senior General Nurse
She graduated from the "Victor Babeș" Post-Secondary School in Cluj-Napoca in 2012, specializing in General Medicine. In 2019, she passed the Senior Grade Examination, and in 2020 she completed and passed the professional skill development program in the specialization of Palliative Care. After 7 years of work and experience at the "Saint Nectarios" Palliative Care Center, upon retirement, she joined the Foundation for Elderly Care, Home Care Service for Elderly Persons, applying her professional knowledge with great responsibility.
Gabriela Todoran – Home Care Worker for the Elderly
In 2008 she obtained professional certification as a Home Caregiver for the Elderly. Between 2009 and 2013 she worked at the Iara Town Hall. Since 2014, she has been working at the Heart Institute from Cluj-Napoca.
In 2017 she earned the qualification of Nurse Assistant.
In 2023 she obtained the Professional Qualification Certificate – Level 5, being officially recognized as a General Nurse in the field of Health and Pedagogical Assistance.
Estera Lung – Nurse Aide
In 2016 she obtained the qualification of Nurse Assistant. Since 2016, she has been working at the Heart Institute from Cluj-Napoca as a nurse.
Since January 2025 she has also been employed by the Foundation for Elderly Care as a nurse, providing basic home care to elderly beneficiaries with dedication and professionalism.
Mărioara Coța – Nurse Aide
In 1998 she completed the National Nurse Aide Training Program. For 16 years, she worked as a nurse aide in the ICU – Surgery Department at the Cluj County Emergency Clinical Hospital. Since 2011 she has been employed as a nurse aide at the Foundation for the Care of the Elderly, providing basic care in the homes of beneficiaries within the Home Care Unit for Elderly People.
THE SENIORS' COMMITTEE:
MARIA MUREȘAN – retired, administrative coordinator of the Day Care
Center
VASILE BRUMAR – retired, vice leader, responsible
for discipline and organizing trips
ALEXANDRU CUCU – retired, responsible for organizing and coordinating
cultural-artistic activities
LIVIA VERȘAN & ANA VLAS – retired, responsible for Literary Clubs
GAVRILĂ NĂDĂȘAN – retired, responsible for green spaces
ARPAD POP – retired, responsible for maintenance activities at the Day Care Center
Substitute members:
DUMITRU ROGNEAN – pensionar
CORNEL POP - pensionar
Auditors:
ZAHARIE COSMA
DOMNICA HALIP