Look and Listen

Biography

I didn't grow up longing to be a writer. However, I always knew I wanted to help people. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, I worked in a hospital laboratory helping people indirectly, for twelve years. I took a short break from the work force to be home with my two young children. Their photographs are featured in my book. When they started school, I became a volunteer educator at their school. I eventually taught classes at several schools in the area. After a number of jobs, I returned to school to pursue a career as an Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant(COTA) so I could help people more directly.. Even as a student, I could see I was a natural at helping the elderly, especially those with dementia. After graduation, I became the Activities Director at a nursing home with a dementia unit. Here is where my interest in writing had its beginning. I designed many books and other contraptions for the residents to use. I got some of my ideas from the many workshops and seminars, I participated in. Some of my ideas came from the numerous books I read about Alzheimer’s disease. But the majority just came from my head. I have always been highly creative. I decided I wanted to expand upon a book I had written for the residents. I wanted to share it with more than the 120 residents I work with. The residents of Hunt Nursing Home helped me by their reactions to various things I tried. I had others throughout the country try a prepress edition of my book with their residents, loved ones, or clients. I sent a copy of the prepress book to Dr. Paul Raia of the Alzheimer’s Association in Massachusetts. He thought it was just what the Alzheimer’s community needed. I decided to self publish so this book could bring joy and purpose, to those with dementia, and those who care about them. I am featured in the 2007-08 and 2008-09 Cambridge Who’s Who Among Executives and Professionals. I was a guest on the Mike Dresser, nationally syndicated, radio show on February 19, 2007. I am going to be on the John Ronan television show in January of 2008. An article about me is going to be in the next issue of the Berkshire news letter. I have spoken at an Alzheimer’s support group in Fort Pierce Florida on February 5, 2007. Most recently I spoke at a breakfast seminar with neuropsychologist Dr Janice Funk on June 13. I am gong to be speaking to a group at an over 55 community in Leesburg, Florida in March of 2008 I have written dozens of online articles about the elderly,several specifically, about dementia. I wrote a letter to the editor of USA Today. It was in the July 9th issue. I have made countless suggestions for articles for the Danvers Herald and have written may letters to the editor. I have been included or featured in many articles in the Salem Evening News. I belong to several professional online groups. I am married to a wonderful man, Stanley, a mortgage officer. We live in Danvers, Massachusetts and have a second home in Fort Pierce, Florida. We have two grown children, Joe, 28 and Alex, 25. I believe in keeping physically and mentally fit so I exercise and “surf the net” daily.

Inspiration

Because I wanted to help those with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, as well as their loved ones and professionals involved in their care, I wrote the book, "Adorable Photographs of Our Baby-Meaningful, Mind-Stimulating Activities and More for the Memory Challenged, Their Loved Ones, and Involved Professionals", a book for those with dementia and an excellent resource for caregivers and healthcare professionals. I now have a website and several blogs devoted to giving people tips on how to prevent dementia in the first place. Also discussed are practical ways to slow the progression of these diseases