I have been a nurse for over 20 years, and I have had the privilege of working with persons living with dementia throughout my career.  I oversaw a memory care unit and assisted with the redesign of that unit to maximize its residents' experience.  I have held support groups for family members and caregivers of persons with dementia.  I am affiliated with Positive Approach to Care, or PAC, the Teepa Snow-founded organization dedicated to improving the lives of people diagnosed with dementia.  I have spoken at conferences at the state level, at a number of long-term care centers and home health agencies, and have conducted numerous webinars on dementia-related topics.

I have found over my nursing career that there is a gap in our understanding of what people with dementia experience and what they are actually seeing, hearing and feeling.  By providing education, support, and guidance to those providing care, I believe that we can close this gap and maximize quality of life for anyone suffering with this disease, as well as minimizing caregiver stress.  I feel called to this mission of “closing the gap” by using the knowledge and expertise I have gained throughout my career to improve the lives of this very special population.  

I live in Fairview Park, Ohio with my husband of 21 years, Brian, and my daughter Bailey, who is currently attending Kent State University.  I have 2 dogs and 2 cats.  I enjoy reading, traveling, volunteering, and taking care of my (many) houseplants!