Director of Education

As the Director of Program Development, I am responsible for guiding, steering, and coordinating the flow of successful programs companywide for 5 residences including the development and implementation of the “I’m Still Here” principles and approach for dementia care.Responsibilities include: • Provide coaching, mentorship, and education to 6 program directors who manage 5 Hearthstone residences • Conduct monthly on-site visits, orientation activity training for new employees, and refresher training for current employees in New York and Massachusetts’ residences • Create Hearthstone-specific programs for residents in the early, middle, and late stages of the disease, including a comprehensive assessment tool to gauge residents’ strengths and abilities (I'm Still Here Skills Inventory). • Design and teach fine art workshops and resident art galleries with residents, staff, family, and volunteers. This includes a full lesson plan on how to conduct a successful art class/workshop for people living with memory loss.

I am fortunate enough to combine the two things I love in life - my career and my love of traveling! Within this role, I’ve been given the opportunity to train and embed the I'm Still Here philosophy all over the world, stretching from New York to Australia!Responsibilities include: • Develop specialized activities and parallel programming, for all levels of dementia, with my client’s staff and their residents • Teach non-pharmacologic approaches of engagement via interactive training techniques • Design and facilitate memory access programs in museums and other cultural institutions to promote artistic awareness and emotional expressionSome of the Institute clients that I have worked with include the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN LifeBridge in Australia, Carillion House in Texas, Elder Care Alliance in California, Veteran's Association in Alabama and many more.In addition, I have instructed many public and private Montessori Inspired Approach to Dementia trainings, as well as I'm Still Here trainings since 2010.

As the full-time Program Director for Hearthstone: Manhattan, I’m responsible for developing, facilitating, and executing meaningful and stimulating activities for 29 residents targeted to their individual strengths, needs, and abilities. In addition, I help to supervise, train, and coach over 30 resident companions (CNAs and HHAs), on a daily basis – providing hands-on guidance as well as overnight support while on-call.Additional responsibilities include: • Plan & coordinate cultural outings and collaborations with institutions across New York City, including Rhythm Break Cares,The Jewish Museum, The Juilliard School, and many others. • Conduct professional tours for potential residential families and global visitors • Provide clinical documentation for resident service plans, while leading individual and group assessments • Manage a Life Quality budget to support ongoing programs & activities