I know firsthand the challenges of being a caregiver to an individual diagnosed with dementia. I first became more aware of those challenges when I became the primary caregiver for my granduncle, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in his 80s. After being able to have him stay in his home for three years after his diagnosis, I finally had to make the difficult decision to transition him to a long term facility for Veterans with a memory care unit. I could never imagine that I would be facing this disease again with another family member.

This time it was my mother, who was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. My life changed drastically this time as I became my mother’s caregiver. After the death of my father, I noticed changes in my mother that led me to make the decision to focus on ensuring that she had the care and attention needed at home. I sold my home and moved myself and my son back to my parent’s home to care for my mother. Being her primary caregiver for six years exposed me to even more challenges as a caregiver. It also allowed me to experience the difficulties in navigating care with healthcare professionals, local organizations and businesses to identify resources for my mother. I knew if I were facing these challenges even with my knowledge of the health system, others that were not as familiar were having difficulty in getting the services needed for their loved ones as well.

I have worked as a Registered Nurse in a variety of healthcare settings over the past three decades. My work experience has allowed me the opportunity to provide direct patient care for older adults who were facing either chronic illnesses that plague many in this population, as well as cognitive impairments due to Alzheimer’s Disease and other related Dementias. In December 2023, I completed my goal to pursue a degree in Health Administration and graduated from St. Joseph College of Maine with a Bachelor of Science degree.

My journey of seeing the vision for this business directed me to pursue training to receive my certification by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioner and I successfully was approved as a Certified Dementia Practitioner. I am a believer in educating my community and participated in the Dementia Dialogue training hosted by the University of South Carolina, Office for the Study of Aging.

With my personal and professional experiences and my passion for advocating for my clients and their caregivers, I have a commitment to assist them to have a good quality of life in their homes using resources available to support every stage of their journey.

With over 30 years of experience in the field of nursing in long-term care, I have dedicated my career to enhancing the quality of life for elderly individuals and those with chronic health conditions. From a very young age I have felt joy out of assisting others, which lead to me pursuing my nursing journey. I initially became a Licensed Practical Nurse, LPN and worked for the Department of Navy in Sicily, Italy for two years. Upon my return to the US, I was employed at the Department of Veterans Affairs, in Washington, DC. While employed there I worked in a variety of specialties to include rehab, hospice palliative, skilled long-term care and med-surgical units. My years of hands-on experience and commitment to providing compassionate, individualized care led to my desire to go into leadership and management. Continuing my education, I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, BSN from Howard University, in Washington, DC. Throughout these three decades in nursing, I developed a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges associated with aging and have consistently strived to provide compassionate and comprehensive care.

Driven by a profound commitment to supporting the elderly, I have specialized in dementia/elder care for much of my career. This focus stems from both professional expertise and personal passion, motivated by a desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those living with dementia, the elderly and their families. I have witnessed firsthand the struggles and triumphs of patients and caregivers, fostering a deep empathy and a proactive approach to eldercare. Over the years, I have received certifications and facilitated trainings in geriatric and dementia care, which reflect a continuous pursuit of knowledge and best practices in the field. Over the years, I have been instrumental in developing innovative programs, leading support groups, and advocating for policies that improve dementia and eldercare services. I am committed to providing personalized, compassionate, and effective care navigation services. My extensive experience and heartfelt dedication will ensure that each client receives the support and resources needed to navigate the complexities of aging with dignity and hope.