Meet the Authors
Katherine Autin
Katherine is the founder and CEO of Parkinson Partners, LLC, board-certified patient advocate (BCPA), bestselling author, speaker, and host of the Visionary Caregivers Show. Known as the “Parkinson’s Lady,” she empowers people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers through expert advocacy, education, and compassionate guidance drawn from lived experience.
Christina Buchanan
Christina, M.S., CCC-SLP, CDCS, is founder and CEO of Trinity Rehabilitation & Wellness, a speech-language pathologist, dementia care specialist, bestselling author, and speaker. With nearly 20 years of experience, she advances person-centered rehabilitation, interdisciplinary care, and dementia education, empowering individuals, families, and healthcare professionals to improve quality of life and aging outcomes.
Debbie DeMoss Compton
Debbie, CCC, CCA, is a nationally recognized caregiver advocate, speaker, CEO of The Purple Vine, and international bestselling author of 12 books. A three-time family caregiver, she equips caregivers with practical strategies to reduce stress, prevent burnout, and find hope. Connect at ThePurpleVine.com or LinkedIn.com/in/debbiedcompton
Cheri Davies
Cheri, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, Alzheimer’s caregiver, advocate, speaker, and co-founder of Surviving the Now, a multimedia community supporting women caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s. Inspired by her husband’s younger-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis, she champions caregiver support, early detection, research, and public policy while helping families navigate dementia with compassion and hope.
Dr. Makeba Morgan Hill
Dr. Makeba, EdD, MHSA, is a spiritual life coach, conscious leadership strategist, three-time bestselling author, and founder of Living 4.Love™. Drawing on more than 20 years of executive leadership, she helps caregivers and purpose-driven professionals restore balance, prevent burnout, and reconnect with themselves through transformational coaching, retreats, and soul-centered practices.
Kathleen Plummer Gordon
Kathleen, MSW, CAI, is a retired Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 40 years of experience serving older adults and families. A court-appointed investigator, speaker, and nonprofit board member, she specializes in senior care, guardianship, hospice, and caregiver support, providing practical guidance through education, advocacy, and community outreach.
Theodore Ihenetu
Theodore is founder of Raphe Adultcare Centre, an academic, and a care partner advancing person-centered care for older adults. With expertise in social gerontology and dementia care, he champions education, advocacy, and innovative care solutions that promote dignity, informed decision-making, and stronger support systems across Nigeria and beyond.
Meira Gross
Meira is an occupational therapist, entrepreneur, and founder of Assistex, which creates dignified, engaging tools for people living with dementia. With more than 15 years of experience, she helps caregivers foster meaningful connection through practical, purpose-driven resources. Today, Assistex products support families and care communities around the world.
Kaley Johnson
Kaley is a certified health, life, and caregiver coach, speaker, and advocate with more than 25 years of caregiving experience. Drawing from roles as a foster parent, professional caregiver, and family caregiver, she empowers caregivers to prevent burnout, manage stress, build resilience, and create sustainable lives through compassionate coaching, mindset, and practical strategies.
Esther C. Kane
Esther, CAPS, C.D.S., is a retired occupational therapist, Certified Aging in Place Specialist, and Dementia Care Specialist. Founder of SeniorSafetyAdvice.com and co-host of the Daily Senior Safety Advice Podcast, she empowers family caregivers with practical, compassionate guidance that helps older adults live safely, independently, and with dignity.
Denyse LeFever
Denyse, MBA, C-IAYT, is a certified yoga therapist specializing in cancer care, brain health, chronic pain, and healthy aging. Inspired by her father’s dementia journey, she helps caregivers and older adults reduce stress, improve well-being, and build resilience through therapeutic yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices.
Beth Meek
Beth, HNC, INHC, is a certified holistic nutrition expert and health coach who helps midlife women caregivers restore their energy, rebuild their health, and prioritize self-care. A two-time caregiver herself, she combines compassionate guidance with practical nutrition, mindset, and sustainable habits so caregivers can thrive—not just survive.
Carlos Olivas
Carlos L. Olivas III is a family caregiver, author, speaker, and Alzheimer’s advocate. Creator of The Caregiver Mindset, he empowers dementia caregivers through authentic storytelling, education, and policy leadership. Featured in the PBS documentary Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s, he champions compassionate caregiving, mental health, and dignity for families navigating Alzheimer’s disease.
Kelly Ott
Kelly is a Certified Senior Advisor, Certified Dementia Practitioner, award-winning author, and elder care advocate. Drawing on more than 30 years in healthcare and her experience as a family caregiver, she helps families navigate aging, dementia, and care decisions with confidence, compassion, and personalized guidance that reduces stress and improves quality of life.
Barbara French Ritchey
Barbara, CDP, ADC, CMHFA, CFPC, CSEC, LC, is founder of Senior Lifestyle Consulting LLC, author, educator, and senior care consultant. With more than 40 years of experience, she empowers families and professionals through dementia education, senior resource navigation, fall prevention, advocacy, and compassionate support that enhances quality of life.
Susan J. Ryan
Susan (Sue), CCA, ACC, is a business leadership strategist, certified caregiving advocate, coach, TEDx speaker, and bestselling author. A dementia family caregiver for multiple loved ones, she co-founded The Caregiver’s Journey®, co-hosts its award-winning podcast, and empowers leaders and caregivers worldwide to navigate change with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Kerry Ann Sandsmark
Kerry Ann, GBS, CDP, CSA®, CNA, is owner of Keys-for-Caregivers LLC and Manager of Thelma A. Schrock Homestead Adult Day Services. Author of Balance of Dignity, she helps caregivers create supportive, person-centered memory care environments that honor each individual’s life story, dignity, independence, and quality of life.
Veronica Scheers
Veronica, RN, is a certified end-of-life doula, former hospice and critical care nurse, founder of Guiding Your Light at End of Life, international bestselling author, and speaker. Inspired by personal loss, she helps individuals and families navigate end-of-life planning with compassion, confidence, dignity, and peace of mind.
Leslie Sedille
Leslie, M.Ed., CSA, CMDCP, CGCM, is Family Liaison at Paradise Home Health Care and a nationally recognized senior care advocate. A Certified Senior Advisor and Geriatric Care Manager, she educates families on dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and aging while championing the dignity, rights, and quality of life of older adults.
Nancy Y Treaster
Nancy, Certified Caregiving Consultant, is a former software executive, dementia care advocate, and co-founder of The Caregiver’s Journey®. Having cared for family members with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and frontotemporal dementia, she equips caregivers with practical guidance through speaking, writing, and the award-winning The Caregiver’s Journey podcast.
The Caregivers Advocate Volume 2 Authors
George M. Ackerman
Ph.D., J.D., George is an educator, author, and Parkinson’s disease advocate. Founder of TogetherForSharon®, he honors his late mother by raising awareness through books, speaking, research, and community events. His mission is to advance education, support caregivers, and advocate for better treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
Selma Archer
JD, MBA, Selma is cofounder of Invisible Employee Advocates, helping organizations create workplace cultures that support working caregivers. Drawing from her legal, executive leadership, and personal caregiving experience, she equips employers to improve retention, engagement, and employee well-being while empowering caregivers to thrive both professionally and personally.
Lisa Berry Blackstock
Lisa Berry Blackstock is founder of Soul Sherpa® Healthcare Advocacy Services and an internationally recognized independent patient advocate. Combining expertise in healthcare navigation, public policy, and estate administration with personal patient experience, she empowers patients and caregivers to confidently navigate complex healthcare systems and achieve better outcomes.
Christina Buchanan
Christina, M.S., CCC-SLP, CDCS, is founder and CEO of Trinity Rehabilitation & Wellness, a speech-language pathologist, dementia care specialist, bestselling author, and speaker. With nearly 20 years of experience, she advances person-centered rehabilitation, interdisciplinary care, and dementia education, empowering individuals, families, and healthcare professionals to improve quality of life and aging outcomes.
Debbie DeMoss Compton
Debbie, CCC, CCA, is a nationally recognized caregiver advocate, speaker, CEO of The Purple Vine, and international bestselling author of 12 books. A three-time family caregiver, she equips caregivers with practical strategies to reduce stress, prevent burnout, and find hope. Connect at ThePurpleVine.com or LinkedIn.com/in/debbiedcompton.
Linda L. Goodwin
Linda is an ordained minister, retired pediatric chaplain, author, caregiver coach, and dementia caregiver advocate. Drawing from a decade of caring for her husband with Alzheimer’s disease, she encourages caregivers through faith, compassion, and practical support, helping them find hope, resilience, and spiritual renewal throughout their caregiving journey.
Pearl L. Harmon
Ed.D., Pearl is founder of Aging Care Navigators, where she equips caregivers with practical tools, coaching, and encouragement. Combining more than 12 years of personal caregiving experience with decades of leadership in education, she empowers caregivers to navigate aging with confidence, resilience, and compassionate support.
Celeste Heyerichs
B.A.Sc., CPCA, SHSS, Celeste is founder of Caring Hands Services and an eldercare planner dedicated to helping seniors and their families navigate aging with confidence. Drawing on her background in financial planning and personal caregiving experience, she provides compassionate guidance, advocacy, and practical solutions that reduce stress and bring peace of mind.
Reagan Hopkins
Reagan Hopkins is CEO of One by One Care, providing brain-stimulating activities for people living with dementia. Inspired by her experience in memory care and in-home caregiving, she equips caregivers with engaging resources that enrich daily life, foster meaningful connections, and bring joy to families navigating the dementia journey.
Dr. Mara Karpel
Ph.D., Mara is a psychologist, speaker, bestselling author, and founder of Compassionate Caregiving Coaching. Combining more than 30 years of professional experience with personal caregiving advocacy, she empowers caregivers to confidently navigate healthcare and long-term care while helping older adults receive the compassionate, dignified care they deserve.
Missy Krugh
CDP, Missy is Founder and CEO of Illuminate Senior Services, helping families confidently navigate senior living and care transitions. With more than 20 years of experience in dementia care, senior living, and family advocacy, she provides compassionate guidance, personalized placement services, and trusted resources that bring clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
Michael Lewis
CFA, MBA, Michael is Chief Behavioral Officer and Senior Financial Advisor at Family Legacy Financial Solutions. Combining Wall Street expertise with personal caregiving experience, he helps families navigate caregiving costs, estate planning, and retirement strategies. A board member, speaker, and author, Michael is dedicated to helping caregivers build financial confidence and security.
Shona McIntyre
MSW, CDP, Shona is founder of Senior Community Connections, helping families confidently navigate senior care decisions. With nearly 20 years of experience in social work, dementia care, and senior living, she combines compassion, expertise, and advocacy to ensure older adults receive the dignity, support, and quality care they deserve.
Carlos L. Olivas III
Carlos L. Olivas III is a family caregiver, author, speaker, and Alzheimer’s advocate. Creator of The Caregiver Mindset, he empowers dementia caregivers through authentic storytelling, education, and policy leadership. Featured in the PBS documentary Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s, he champions compassionate caregiving, mental health, and dignity for families navigating Alzheimer’s disease.
Kelly Ott
CSA, CDP, Kelly is a Certified Senior Advisor and Certified Dementia Practitioner who helps families confidently navigate elder care. Drawing on more than 30 years in healthcare administration and her personal caregiving experience, she provides compassionate guidance, advocacy, and practical solutions that reduce stress and empower informed care decisions.
Nancy R. Poland
M.A., Nancy is a caregiver advocate, speaker, and author of Dancing with Lewy and Remarkable Caregiving. A former Alzheimer’s Association community educator, she draws on both professional expertise and personal caregiving experience to equip caregivers with practical strategies, encouragement, humor, and hope through her writing, speaking, and Grace’s Message ministry.
Barbara French Ritchey
Barbara, CDP, ADC, CMHFA, CFPC, CSEC, LC, is founder of Senior Lifestyle Consulting LLC, author, educator, and senior care consultant. With more than 40 years of experience, she empowers families and professionals through dementia education, senior resource navigation, fall prevention, advocacy, and compassionate support that enhances quality of life.
Kerry Ann Sandsmark
Kerry Ann, GBS, CDP, CSA®, CNA, is owner of Keys-for-Caregivers LLC and Manager of Thelma A. Schrock Homestead Adult Day Services. Author of Balance of Dignity, she helps caregivers create supportive, person-centered memory care environments that honor each individual’s life story, dignity, independence, and quality of life.
Veronica Scheers
Veronica, RN, is a certified end-of-life doula, former hospice and critical care nurse, founder of Guiding Your Light at End of Life, international bestselling author, and speaker. Inspired by personal loss, she helps individuals and families navigate end-of-life planning with compassion, confidence, dignity, and peace of mind.
Leslie Sedille
Leslie, M.Ed., CSA, CMDCP, CGCM, is Family Liaison at Paradise Home Health Care and a nationally recognized senior care advocate. A Certified Senior Advisor and Geriatric Care Manager, she educates families on dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and aging while championing the dignity, rights, and quality of life of older adults.
Paul Wynn
Paul is a family caregiver, healthcare journalist, and patient advocacy consultant with more than a decade of caregiving experience. He has written for nearly 70 publications, including AARP, U.S. News & World Report, and Brain & Life, and partners with healthcare organizations and nonprofits to advance patient-centered education, advocacy, and support.
Rena Yudkowsky
Rena Yudkowsky is a professional memory coach, geriatric social worker, and founder of Memory Matters. With more than 25 years of experience in brain health, dementia care, and aging, she empowers adults 50+ to improve memory, strengthen cognitive health, and age with greater confidence through coaching, education, and practical strategies.
The Caregivers Advocate Authors
Karen Hulme Alegi
Karen is a Maryland attorney with extensive experience in estate planning, guardianship, and elder law. Passionate about educating families, she helps caregivers and loved ones prepare for life’s challenges through practical legal planning that protects dignity, independence, and peace of mind.
Alexis Baker
MT-BC, CDP, Alexis is a board-certified music therapist and founder of Bridgetown Music Therapy. She helps people living with dementia and their caregivers experience greater joy, connection, and quality of life through engaging, evidence-based music programs that inspire meaningful interaction, movement, relaxation, and lasting moments of connection.
Michelle Briggs
PMHNP, Michelle is an integrative psychiatric nurse practitioner, psychotherapist, and CEO of Code Green Healthcare, LLC. With more than 30 years of mental health experience, she helps caregivers and patients explore holistic approaches to emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being through compassionate, evidence-informed care.
Frank Byrum
Frank Byrum is an inventor, scientist, technologist, bestselling author, and lifelong student of spiritual growth. Through decades of research and personal practice, he teaches practical strategies for healing, mindfulness, and resilience, encouraging others to cultivate inner peace, purpose, and well-being through daily spiritual and wellness practices.
Ellen Donovan
RN, CDP, Ellen is President of One Life Consulting, helping older adults and their families navigate aging, dementia, and late-life care with confidence. With more than 30 years of nursing experience, she provides compassionate guidance, patient advocacy, and practical solutions that promote dignity, informed decisions, and peace of mind.
Daneika D. Farmer
Daneika D. Farmer is founder of Angelic Sphere, LLC, a technology platform designed to support families caring for loved ones with dementia. Drawing on years of professional caregiving experience, she combines innovation and compassion to help caregivers stay connected, informed, and confident while improving quality of life for those they serve.
Brenda Freed
MMus, Brenda is a music therapist, educator, singer-songwriter, and co-creator of the Mackenzie Meets Alzheimer’s Awareness Program. A pioneer in hospital-based music therapy, she uses music and education to help families, caregivers, and children better understand Alzheimer’s disease while fostering connection, compassion, and hope.
Amy Friesen
Amy is founder of Tea & Toast, bestselling author, educator, and eldercare planning expert. She helps seniors and their families confidently navigate housing, healthcare, and aging transitions through compassionate guidance and personalized planning. Amy is a recognized leader and advocate for caregiver support and innovative eldercare solutions across Canada.
Diane Marie Gallant
Diane is a Mental Fitness Coach, Reiki Master Teacher, and Death Doula who helps caregivers reduce stress, build resilience, and create lasting well-being. Combining neuroscience-based coaching with holistic healing practices, she empowers individuals to develop positive habits, strengthen their mindset, and thrive through life’s most challenging seasons.
Kathleen Plummer Gordon
Kathleen, MSW, CAI, is a retired Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 40 years of experience serving older adults and families. A court-appointed investigator, speaker, and nonprofit board member, she specializes in senior care, guardianship, hospice, and caregiver support, providing practical guidance through education, advocacy, and community outreach.
R. Scott Holmes
Scott is an intuitive energy practitioner and transformational coach who helps caregivers and professionals find healing, balance, and renewed purpose. Inspired by two decades of caring for his wife and daughter, he combines holistic healing techniques with compassionate coaching to support personal growth, resilience, and emotional well-being.
Kim Kasiah
Kim is a dementia educator, Certified PAC Dementia Trainer, Certified Dementia Coach, and PAC Champion Teacher. Inspired by her family’s caregiving journey, she has spent more than a decade helping families and professionals better understand dementia through education, coaching, and compassionate support grounded in Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care®.
Cheryl M. Kinney
MSW, Cheryl is a licensed clinical social worker, life coach, and cofounder of Memory Keepers. With more than 35 years of experience and personal insight as a dementia family caregiver, she equips older adults and caregivers with evidence-based programs that improve cognition, quality of life, confidence, and hope.
Michael Lewis
CFA, MBA, Michael is Chief Behavioral Officer and Senior Financial Advisor at Family Legacy Financial Solutions. Combining Wall Street expertise with personal caregiving experience, he helps families navigate caregiving costs, estate planning, and retirement strategies. A board member, speaker, and author, Michael is dedicated to helping caregivers build financial confidence and security.
Susan J. Ryan
Susan (Sue), CCA, ACC, is a business leadership strategist, certified caregiving advocate, coach, TEDx speaker, and bestselling author. A dementia family caregiver for multiple loved ones, she co-founded The Caregiver’s Journey®, co-hosts its award-winning podcast, and empowers leaders and caregivers worldwide to navigate change with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Nicky Sargant
Nicky Sargant is an Alzheimer’s advocate with eight years of experience as a live-in dementia caregiver. Passionate about improving quality of life, she promotes compassionate, person-centered care and healthy lifestyle practices that support brain health, empower caregivers, and encourage greater understanding of those living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr .Carol Sargent
Ph.D., Carol is founder of Sargent Group Consulting and former CEO of MindforYou, a pioneering dementia vacation organization. Combining scientific expertise with personal caregiving experience, she helps people living with dementia and their care partners enjoy meaningful travel through education, advocacy, and practical, dementia-friendly vacation planning.
Veronica Scheers
Veronica, RN, is a certified end-of-life doula, former hospice and critical care nurse, founder of Guiding Your Light at End of Life, international bestselling author, and speaker. Inspired by personal loss, she helps individuals and families navigate end-of-life planning with compassion, confidence, dignity, and peace of mind.
Rev. Dr. Karen Schuder
EdD, MDiv, MAM, Karen is a speaker, coach, and author specializing in resilience and sustainable caregiving. Drawing on years of leadership and global experience, she equips caregivers and helping professionals with practical, research-based strategies to build resilience, maintain life balance, and thrive while caring for others.
Rena Yudkowsky
Rena is a professional memory coach, geriatric social worker, and founder of Memory Matters. With more than 30 years of experience, she helps adults 50+ improve memory and brain health through coaching, education, and practical strategies, empowering them to age with greater confidence and cognitive vitality.
Debbie DeMoss Compton
Debbie, CCC, CCA, is a nationally recognized caregiver advocate, speaker, CEO of The Purple Vine, and international bestselling author of 12 books. A three-time family caregiver, she equips caregivers with practical strategies to reduce stress, prevent burnout, and find hope. Connect at ThePurpleVine.com or LinkedIn.com/in/debbiedcompton.