Program: Sports Medicine '06

My primary professional objective is to enhance the lives of individuals with dementia through the implementation of best care practices and increasing public awareness. Some specific areas of focus are enhancing the quality of direct care worker training, reducing the stigma associated with Alzheimer’s disease, and reducing stress associated with caregiving for individuals with dementia.

I am the President of CarePartners, a volunteer-led nonprofit organization that provides support, education, resources, and respite to family caregivers. I hold a Master of Public Health degree in Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences from the University of Texas School of Public Health and have worked in health-related nonprofit programs for over 10 years. Throughout my career, I have led multiple programs focused on supporting individuals with dementia and their families. In my current role, I focus on developing quality programming incorporating national best practices into innovative interventions for individuals and families to improve their wellness and quality of life.

I have worked in dementia care for over 10 years in a variety of capacities including project management, direct services, and education and training. I have served as the Project Director for the Houston Alliance to Address Dementia, Texas Takes on Dementia, and Dementia Connections, three federally funded projects focused on improving the region’s capability to respond to and serve people with dementia and their caregivers. I served as the director for the BakerRipley Dementia Day Center, the first dementia-specific adult day center in Texas and as the director for the dementia case management and caregiver support departments.

I began my career in nonprofit work at the Alzheimer’s Association, Houston and Southeast Texas Chapter where I focused on developing education programs and trainings for families affected by dementia and professionals who work with them. Specifically, I developed and implemented continuing education programs, workshops, seminars, and conferences for both community and professional audiences.