Sergei was one of the first people who started a successful private company in the Soviet Union in late 80s.

In 1991 Sergei and his family immigrated to the United States. One of his first jobs in the United States in 1992 was a position of personal care provider to an elderly person in Rockville area.  This is when Sergei learned essential skills every caregiver should have: compassion, respect for the client and the family, attention to the client’s needs, and high standards of work ethics.

During that time, for a number of years, Sergei studied accounting, management, computer science, and information technology.

Since 1997 Sergei worked on different projects creating and implementing accounting software for Baltimore City Public Schools and for several Federal government agencies in Washington, DC, including the Department of Labor, the Department of Justice, and the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation.  From 2000 until 2003 Sergei worked as a senior consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton designing and implementing accounting software for company’s clients.

Having started Circle of Friends, LLC from the ground up in 2002, Sergei is aware of all the excitement that comes with starting a business as well as the pitfalls. His work goes beyond accounting, business management and planning to encompass strategic vision of a business, long term planning and a whole host of other things you need to know and implement as you create and run a successful business.

Sergei and his wife have lived in the Rockville, Maryland area since 1992 where they raised their two children. They are proud grandparents of a beautiful granddaughter.  In his free time, Sergei enjoys gardening, reading, boating, fishing and going to the beach.

Since our agency was created almost 15 years ago all of us have worn many hats.

Since 2002, Tanya Ravinski has been agency executive, manager, coordinator, and key administrator.  She also is a main liaison between clients, families, personal care providers, nurses and social workers, as well as government officials on different levels.

Tanya is responsible for hiring, training, supervising and managing personal care aides, nurses, and people who we hire on a temporary basis.  She conducts interviews with prospective clients, family members and caregivers and determines initial eligibility of clients and caregivers. Her proficiency in three languages — Russian, French, and English — is a great asset for the company.

She oversees maintaining adequate records of services provided.

One of her many responsibilities is to oversee compliance with the requirements of CFC regulations and all relevant state, federal and local laws and regulations.  She also works as a liaison between the agency and state and local health departments and agencies.

Her experience comes from working as a social worker in Montgomery County Government for 17 years. As a social worker she used her expert knowledge to establish eligibility and maintain records of clients seeking or receiving benefits under different programs, such as Food Stamps, Medical Assistance, Help for disabled people, Cash assistance for families with children and Refugee assistance.

She has acted as liaison between our agency and customers to resolve various issues, involving representatives from state and local government agencies and the general public. She was present during the appeal hearings and helped parties to understand each other. She also was a liaison between government agencies and JCC of Greater Washington and Gates, Services for New Americans, representing the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services in both formal and informal settings.  She helped people to apply for the Holocaust survivors program. Tanya developed and conducted numerous presentations about the State and Montgomery County benefits in JSSA, Adult Day Care centers and Senior citizen buildings. With her direct involvement, newcomers learned about Montgomery County benefits, rental and energy assistance, waivers for older adults, and free legal services.  They learned where to go to get free meals and free furniture if they needed it.  Even now people call her and say that they will never forget how she helped them and how they appreciate her personal involvement in matters that took place 20 years ago and that they will always appreciate what she has done for them.

Tanya and he husband Sergei have lived in the Rockville, Maryland area since 1992 where they raised their two children. They are proud grandparents of a beautiful granddaughter.  In her free time, Tanya enjoys gardening, reading, travelling, and going to the beach.

Alex is an essential part to our operation.  He has a background in Business Administration as well as 15 year of Customer Service and Management experience.  Alex is highly skilled in various computer software systems and is well trained in the continuously changing functions of the new ISAS system as well as changes in healthcare regulations.