Letter from the Executive Director
Dear Readers,
We hope your year is off to a great start, and we appreciate you taking some time to read our latest installment of Care Partner Connection — the latest free offering from the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center.
As ADRC’s new executive director, I am deeply excited to share our community’s breaking research and resources that benefit both the people who are living with dementia-related brain changes and those who care for and about them.
This new role is a deep honor. I’ve spent more than ten years serving the ADRC mission — first as the Brain Bank Program Manager, and then as the organization’s Chief of Operations — and, before that, I managed a 450-bed assisted living facility, where I established a memory care unit and expanded our congregate care license.
I’m also a Positive Approach to Care certified trainer and consultant, and was recently honored by Ichor Life Sciences, Inc. for my devotion to our Care Partners. My decades in the industry perpetually deepens this passion.
I am thrilled at how energized and incredible our board has been as we make these team transitions. Alexandra Garnier-Mercier has been named Director of Programs and Services, and Robin Roundtree is the Director of Communications and Media.
These appointments speak to ADRC’s growth and expansion, and it’s been incredible to see and experience this progress firsthand.
This quarter, we are developing a brand-new, six-week Care Partner information series. We’ve been working with the University of Central Florida’s Dr. Daniel Paulsen and Nicole McClure to develop the free evidence-based program, and we look forward to its April 3 launch at Charter Research’s newest Orlando location.
Speaking of Charter Research, we interviewed CEO Jeff Pohlig about his company’s clinical trials and the opportunities they present Central Floridians. This latest newsletter also includes our chat with Orlando meditation teacher Dr. Lezlie Laws about how we all can increase our health and reduce our risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by implementing daily mindfulness and gratitude practices.
Alexandria Garnier-Mercier shares more about the State of Florida Brain Bank Research Program, and Doctor Amanda Fletcher discusses what to do when your loved one’s symptoms seemingly develop or worsen overnight.
We’ve also shared other fascinating breaking news when it comes to Alzheimer’s diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. I do hope you find these articles informative and supportive right now.
Looking ahead, you’ll want to mark your calendars for our next Navigating Early Dementia meeting — a support group on steroids that is specifically intended for people who are diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or are otherwise very early in their voyage. Our intention is to foster peer support, improve self-confidence, and provide supportive tools so that participants can live well during this experience.
On March 6th, we are hosting our ADRC to the Rescue pop-up, in Audubon Park’s Covenant Church at 1 p.m. Two days later, we will host a caregiver conference in partnership with ClinCloud at 1551 Sandspur Rd., Maitland.
And last, but certainly not least, we are hosting our Embrace the Moment Gala, which commemorates our 40th anniversary, on March 21. Orlando Sentinel columnist Scott Maxwell will host the event, which begins at 6 p.m. and will include a performance by Lindsey Alley. If you’re interested in sponsoring a table, please contact our office at your earliest convenience, 407.436.7750.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions. That’s what we are here for! We are glad you’re here.
Until next time, take care,