Sessions
Overview of Dementia
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM Tue
My journey in dementia care began when my stepfather was diagnosed with Alzheimers in 1990. Since that time, I have devoted my career to supporting those living with dementia and their caregivers as a trainer, educator and mentor. Some of my greatest joy has come from successfully implementing strategies and techniques that have a positive impact on the lives of the people I have worked with.
Early on, I realized I had a natural knack for connecting with families and their loved ones as they faced the challenges brought on by this disease. Over 20 years later, I have reinforced this natural skill with hands on experience with hundreds of families as well as professional training and certifications. My first certification was with an international model of care called the Best Friends Approach to Care, Master Trainer. I have additional certifications as a Certified Dementia Practitioner, Certified Positive Approach to Care Trainer with Teepa Snow and a Certified Trainer and Certified Nursing Home Trainer for Second Wind Dreams Virutal Dementia Tour.
At a corporate level, my career has included meaningful and purposeful memory care programming that is sustainable, establishing and implementing standards of excellence in 21 dementia care communities and providing leadership as a Corporate Memory Care Director. Highly engaged in supporting leadership teams in operations -such as, dining experience ,company culture, hiring, training, clinical, environmental modifications, sales and marketing.
In my off time I enjoy volunteering, gardening and just being outside enjoying nature.