Saint Cloud State University

My senior care career spans over 23 yrs. As a long distance caregiver for my dad, diagnosed with dementia while living in Minneapolis, I put aside my career in catering and moved him here to live with me. My father survived Alzheimer's disease for 17 yrs., living with me for 10. I was blessed by our time together and all I learned while caring for him. 5 yrs. into being his fulltime caregiver, I opened our home as a residential care facility for elderly. I received ongoing training as an RCFE Administrator and provided private consultation and concierge services for seniors in our community. For 8 yrs., our home specializing in dementia, cared for 29 residents. Seeing how well our residents did inspires me to share my knowledge with others facing the same challenges. I appreciate how the environment, level of stimulation and the behavior of those around them affects their moods. Having company, activities, music, singing, laughter and good food can be their source of joy. I provide personal attention and care for those being challenged by aging, illness and dementia, striving to promote wellness and the best possible quality of life. As a family caregiver, I know the complexity of trying to balance time between kids, spouse and career while caring for an aging parent. It has always been my mission to support family caregivers and provide outstanding care for their loved ones. Having owned a care home, worked in large assisted living facilities and provided one on one care, in this season of my life I prefer to provide one on one care. I am a gifted care manager, who can oversee an estate, communicate with medical professionals and family members regarding multiple and/or complex health issues, manage medications and supplies, provide hands on assistance with activities of daily living, provide reliable transportation to appointments and errands, cook tasty nutritional meals and help with the quality of life by keeping clients as engaged and stimulated as possible.

I have been in the direct care field for 6 years now. I have completed therapeutic intervention and behavior management courses that help people with special needs from birth to death. I currently work as a special needs teacher for the Monticello school district. I have a deep passion for individualized assistance. I recognize how important it is to be dependable and punctual so i make it my strengths. I have versed in medical terminology and medicine procedures