Biography

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About Me:

• Founder & CEO of Living Active Dementia LLC
• Provide energetic & informative presentations
• Challenge people to think outside the box
• Encourage empathy and kindness towards our aging community members
• Positive support towards others going through caregiving
• Member of CVABC

Presenter Experience:

• Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Care Seminars presented at:
  • Cardinal Senior Living
  • Beard Center on Aging (University of Lynchburg)
  • Raspberry Hill Adult Care Center
• First Responder Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Care Seminars presented at:
  • EMS Symposium, Tidewater EMS
• Workshops presented at:
  • Virginia Conference on Aging
  • Faithful Aging Conference
  • ASWA-VA
  • Tidewater EMS Symposium
• Other seminars lead at:
  • Bedford EMT
  • Boonsboro EMT
  • Project Lifesaver
  • Centra Rehab
  • Memory Cares
• Art Fusion Seminars in facilities in regional area with Long Term Care and Dementia Residents

Education:

• Bachelor of Science degree from Old Dominion University in Recreation & Leisure Studies
  • With an emphasis on Recreational Therapy
• Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist (CTRS)
• Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP)
• Certified Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Care Trainer (CADDCT)
• Certified First Responder Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Care Trainer
• Project Lifesaver Trainer

Healthcare Experience:

• Over 22 years as Life Enrichment Director with Adults & Seniors in the following settings:
  • Long Term Care, Assisted Living, Rehab Facilities
  • Memory Care Units, Adult Care Centers, Community, Individual Based
  • Intellectually Disabled, Mental Health, Psychiatric
  • Worked closely with Nurses, Therapists & other Healthcare Providers
• At least 10 years personal companion assistance with Home Safety Assessments with each new client
• Completed Cognitive Testing with residents at various facilities & with individual private clients

Giving Back:

• Logistics Chair for Walk to End Alzheimer’s Planning Committee with Alzheimer’s Association
• Volunteer Trainer with Alzheimer’s Association
• Volunteer Moderator for Alzheimer’s Association Support Group while at Runk & Pratt Assisted Living
• Team Captain for Walk to End Alzheimer’s Fundraiser

Other Talents:

• Languages:  English, German, Spanish
• Focus on Wellness – Physical, Mental, Emotional, Social & Spiritual
• Focus on the abilities versus the deficits on people