If you have ever been around a person who makes YOU feel special, who is warm, compassionate, passionate and giving of herself to all, under whatever circumstance, then you have met Linda Burhans

Linda Burhans is a national speaker and radio show host dedicated to the mission of caring for caregivers. As she says “I am the Gal Who Cares for Caregivers with Love, Laughter and Lessons Learned.”

Her caregiving journey began in 2006 when her mother moved from New York to Florida. Shortly after, her mother was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. This was not the plan and this is something Linda hears from caregivers daily.

As an expert in Caregiver Advocacy, Linda has facilitated over 2000 support groups, speaking engagements and workshops for caregivers. She shares lessons learned and coping tools with thousands of caregivers who attend her events or read her work. Her weekly radio show, Tips for Caregivers and blogs provide expert guidance on resources and best practices for caregivers all over the United States.

She is ever awed by the strength, resilience, and commitment of the caregivers she meets and seeks to remind them that they are not alone. Help is available and it is okay to accept that help. Caregivers that seek to take on everything on their own often decline in health. The most important thing she teaches is that caregivers need and deserve the time and space to take care of themselves.

Please visit Linda’s website: LindaBurhans.com

Adaptive Equipment & Caregiving Corner produces educational and instructional videos. Our mission is to enhance continuity of care from healthcare facility to home, increase client and caregiver safety during daily care and improve and maintain the client’s optimal level of functional independence.

Cindy graduated in 1992 with a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from Washington University in St Louis, MO. The majority of her career has been spent in Home Healthcare, with short stints in skilled rehabilitation and outpatient therapy clinical settings. Her passion is to assist people in maintaining their independence, especially when it makes the difference in their ability to remain in their home.

Physical Therapy’s main focus is mobility.

Christina graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Master’s degree in Speech/Language/Dysphagia Therapy. She has spent most of her career treating patients in the skilled nursing facility environment. Of all the speech therapy areas speech therapists treat, her passion is working with people that have difficulty eating, chewing and swallowing after illness or disease.

Speech Therapy’s main focus is communication, cognition and swallowing difficulties.

Please visit AE Corner’s website: AECorner.com

Arlene Grosso is a Licensed Building Contractor that specializes in Mobility and Accessibility Solutions to help people Age In Place and help businesses comply with ADA requirements.

Ms Grosso is CAPS (Certified Aging In Place Specialist) from the National Association of Builders and received her ECHM (Executive Certificate of Home Modification) from University of Southern California’s School of Gerontology.

As an AARP Ambassador Arlene promotes and presents the HomeFit Program offering No Cost-Low Cost solutions to help seniors Age In Place.

She also serves as Chair of the St Petersburg Mayor’s Commission on Aging.and has served on the Affordable Housing Advisory Council of the City of Largo.

In 2022 she was honored to be inducted into the St Petersburg Senior Hall of Fame for her volunteer work and helping people to safely Age In Place along with accessibility solutions to people with disabilities.

She founded and Chairs the Falls Free Florida Falls Prevention Coalition bringing together Senior Service Professionals dedicated to reduce falls through Education, Awareness and Resources.

Homefit Guide available at: AARP HomeFit Guide

Brooke Lovekamp is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with AccentCare Hospice. Brooke brings years of experience working in the field of hospice care. Brooke served AccentCare as a social worker and is now serving as the Director of Patient Experience, where her role primarily focuses on ensuring quality care is provided to each and every patient. Brooke has experience with both the pediatric and adult palliative care and hospice communities and brings a wealth of information to share.

Please visit Deb’s website: AccentCare.com

Dr Cate McCarty

Shadows on the Journey

We have days of sunshine, walking hand in hand beside one another
We have days of deep woods, both of us unable to see the other
Once we walked hand in hand through both the shade and the sun,
They were fine days that we look back on with longing,
Days where shadows were natural and taken with ease.
Today the shadow of diagnosis causes dis-ease, of the brain, of the heart.
Shadows that extend for each of us—one ahead, one behind.

– Dr. Cate, 2022

 Dr Cate is a Gerontologist and dementia care coach whose personal and clinical experience includes over 40 years of creating quality of life for individuals with dementia. She has a Master’s degree in Thanatology from Hood College and holds a doctorate in Aging Studies from University of South Florida with a focus on dementia.Having returned to her native state of MD during COVID, Dr. Cate is loving virtual work coaching individuals and families; offering support groups, memory café and webinars.

Dr. Cate’s mission is to create a world where all those living with dementia thrive with well-being, resilience, security and above all – hope.

Please visit Dr Cate’s website: CateMcCarty.com

Christy Yates is a Licensed Building Contractor that specializes in Mobility and Accessibility Solutions to help people Age In Place and help businesses comply with ADA requirements.

Christy Byrne Yates, M.S., LEP is a Licensed Educational Psychologist, author, speaker, and coach. In Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation, she shares her journey as a working mom caring for parents with dementia.

A retired school psychologist, she now delivers keynotes, workshops, and coaching to support caregiving families. Christy co-hosts Untangling Alzheimer’s & Dementia, a podcast by AlzAuthors.com, is a member of the Board of AlzAuthors and part of the management team there. Christy has been featured in Women’s World Magazine (Jan 2025) and has been interviewed on over 20 podcasts. She’s also a contributing writer on Sandwich Generation caregiving topics.

Please visit Christy’s website at: Christy Yates

Deb Imbach Deb Imbach is an Registered Nurse with AccentCare Hospice. decades of experience working with individuals receiving hospice care services. She is an excellent educator and an even better hospice nurse and leader. Deb has served in both direct service roles and administration roles while with AccentCare and brings a wealth of information to this presentation. Deb understands the ins and outs of hospice care and is excellent at sharing this information with others to help the community.

Please visit Deb’s website: AccentCare.com

Heather Roush is a community liaison by title and a connector by nature. She is passionate about connecting people with the resources to best fit their current needs. With a history of nonprofit team leadership and customer service training, Heather desires to make the journey of caregiving authentic and digestible to all people. As the representative for a Private Duty Home Care Agency, she has the opportunity to match families with their right caregiver and build a team of “helpers” to support the primary caregiver and family.

Please visit Heather’s website: SouthernComfortHomeCare.com

Rev. Dr. Jade Angelica is a writer, spiritual director, and dementia educator. She designs and leads workshops, presentations, church and community services, and professional trainings through Healing Moments for Alzheimer’s, the non-profit organization she founded in 2007.

Jade is the author of Where Two Worlds Touch: The Spirit and Science of Alzheimer’s Caregiving (2024). Her articles about Alzheimer’s and dementia have appeared in The Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling, Presence, The World, The National Catholic Reporter, The Huffington Post, Alzheimer’s & Dementia, and The Journal of Religion, Spirituality and Aging.

Her research-based workshop, Meeting Alzheimer’s: Learning to Communicate and Connect, was studied by the University of Iowa Department of Neurology. The content of the workshop has been shown to reduce caregiver stress and to enhance quality of life for people living with dementia as well as caregivers.

Jade’s education and training include a Masters of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School, a Certificate from the Shalem Institute Spiritual Guidance Program, a Doctor of Ministry in Faith, Health and Spirituality from Andover Newton Theological School, and a Diploma from Improv Boston University that deems her “perfectly OK not knowing what in the world is going on!” – which can be a helpful skill in the context of dementia care!

Jade’s most important and most rewarding ministry, to date, has been caring for her mother, Jeanne, who died from Alzheimer’s in 2011.

Please visit Jade’s website: JadeAngelica.com

Jennifer Trevino: a With over 20+ years of experience as an Occupational Therapist working across various traditional settings and catering to clients with diverse abilities, Jennifer has come to understand the importance of staying in one’s own home to benefit their overall health. This realization spurred her to expand her expertise expanding into in-home therapy, home modifications and dementia care. By specializing in these areas, she can offer tailored solutions to the daily challenges faced by clients, right in the comfort of their homes.

Please visit Jennifer’s website: FunctionalityForLIfe.com

Lisa Keith, Sunways Senior Living Concierge

What’s your previous work experience?
In my previous work experience, I worked for a non-medical home care company. I started as the Caregiver Recruiter, finding quality caregivers to refer to our clients, then moved into the Director of Marketing position. It was here that I worked closely with the healthcare community in Pinellas County to find other caring and compassionatebusinesses to work with to enrich the lives of the senior community. The relationships that I have built will continue to help me be a resource for families navigating healthcare. It has since become my passion for helping others and being a voice and advocating for those who are unable to do so.

Where are you from?
I am a Florida native. I was born and raised in beautiful St. Petersburg, FL. I will never take for granted this amazing place I call home! There is so much diversity and culture in our little city. A lot of my family lives locally and I love being in a city that offers so much for all ages! We feel so fortunate to have so many things to choose from like; baseball, soccer, Florida Orchestra, Saturday Markets, live music, beautiful beaches, and so much more!!

What do you do for fun?
On the weekends you will most likely find our family at the softball field. We all enjoy hanging out with the other families and watching our oldest daughter play out her passion in Travel Softball. When we don’t have a tournament, you can usually find us at the beach, out for family bike rides, or spending time with our family and friends.

What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about living a happy, healthy life! I love working out and find it to be a special time when I’m able to disconnect from the world and focus on myself and my health! Most mornings, my girls wake up early and join me in a workout. I love teaching my girls the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

Any weird personality traits/ quirks?
Hmm…I think I would have to say that I am a fidgeter!! I have a hard time sitting still and something is always moving whether it’s my legs bouncing, my hands moving, or even my body swaying back and forth when I’m standing. I guess I have an unusual amount of energy always trying to get out.

What’s your WHY? Why Sunways? Why Senior Care?
I LOVE working with seniors and families! I LOVE to hear people’s stories!! I LOVE helping people!! When I met Elli and Mark I knew deep in my heart that Sunways was where I needed to be!! I feel that our values are inlined. I love their constant display of empathy, knowledge, and heart. I’m excited to be a part of a team that has all of those wonderful qualities and more!! I’m here to make a difference and help enrich the lives of others!!

5 Questions/ Talking Points
1. What exactly is a Senior Living Concierge?
2. How do you help seniors and their caregivers?
3. How can someone get connected to Sunways?
4. How much do you cost?
5. How can you help with senior care resources?

Please visit the Sunways Senior Living website: SunwaysSeniorLiving.com

Lizette Cloete, OTR/L, CADDCT, CDP, founder of Think Different Dementia, LLC, is a forward-thinking leader in dementia care with over 30 years of experience. She empowers caregivers by blending practical evidence based solutions, faith-based guidance, and Biblical principles to reduce stress and burnout. Lizette’s unique PEACE Framework and the Caregiver Reflection Question help caregivers navigate their roles with both spiritual insight and practical strategies, fostering long-term peace and fulfillment. A sought-after speaker, Lizette’s holistic, Christian-based approach transforms how caregivers manage dementia care, guiding them to thrive in their caregiving journey while deepening their faith and preparing for their future.

Please visit the website: Think Different Dementia

Lori La Bey is a passionate and inspiring keynote speaker and the founder of Alzheimer’s Speaks, a Minnesota-based advocacy group and media outlet making an international impact by providing education and support for those dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Her own mother struggled with dementia for 30 years. In 2011, Alzheimer’s Speaks Radio launched as the first program dedicated to dementia in the world and is still named the #1 Alzheimer’s podcast in 2022. “Dementia Chats™,” webinar series was created in 2011, with experts living with dementia. In 2020 she launched Dementia Quick Tips™ a video series she wished would have been around when her mother had dementia. In 2020, a 37-year dream came true when Lori partnered with Dave Wiederrich founder of the Memory Café Directory, to launch Dementia Map a global resource directory, of which Lori is now the sole owner. In 2023, she became Co-Host and Co-Producer of Conscious Caregiving with L & L.

In 2013, La Bey ignited the fire behind the first Dementia Friendly Community in the U.S., in Watertown, WI. She launched what is believed to be the first Memory Café in the U.S. in Roseville, MN in 2013, and is a founding member of Roseville’s “Alzheimer’s and Dementia Community Action Team” and committee member that developed the Dementia Caregivers Re-Entry Initiative. She also launched Dementia and the Arts in 2021. In 2023, Lori turned her keynote in the book Betty the Bald Chicken – Lessons in How to Care.

La Bey became a Platinum Sponsor in 2015, helping launch the Hollywood film, “His Neighbor Phil,” now called “A Timeless Love” highlighting a family’s wide range of emotional struggles and the great depths of simple joys while caring for someone with dementia.

La Bey is a highly sought-after speaker, trainer, and advocate for new delivery systems and attitudes toward those living and dealing with dementia. In November 2013, she was appointed International Ambassador for the Purple Angel Project, the new global symbol for dementia.

La Bey is driven to provide a variety of FREE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES to connect family, friends, professionals, advocates, and those just interested in learning how to live positive, and purpose-filled lives with dementia. She is changing how caregiving is perceived, received, and delivered.

Please visit the Lori’s websites: AlzheimersSpeaks and DementiaMap

Lori Yauch, M.A., CCC-SLP is a recently retired Speech-Language Pathologist. She recently relocated to North Carolina after living in Southwest Florida for 25 years. In a 35-year career, she spent 25 years in dementia care as a clinician and author. Her website, meaningfulmemorymaker.com, showcases personalized books and videos that allow families and caregivers to connect with their loved ones by sharing old memories, making new ones, and having fun along the way.

Please visit the Lori’s website: Meaningful Memory Maker

Maureen Rulison is the President of Caregiver Support & Resources, LLC. which was originally founded as a Medicaid Planning Company in 2004.  She is also Co-founder of We Are Dementia Strong, BCPA– Board Certified Patient Advocate, CMP Certified Medicaid Planner and CMDCP- Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional. She is a Certified Eden Alternative Associate, Educator and Mentor and a part of the Florida Pioneer Network. Maureen is trained by the Alzheimer’s Association to facilitate support groups.

In her own words: I began my journey in my twenties working for the State of Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services determining eligibility for Medicaid for Aged and Disabled Individuals.  In 1999, I left state employment and became an independent contractor specializing in working with individuals to obtain eligibility for Medicaid and VA Aid & Attendance; as well as, protecting their assets before qualifying for these programs.  Stemming from this work my focus and passion for serving individuals living with Dementia Related Illnesses and Person-Centered Care grew.

Last, but not least, I am a Care Partner with Brian LeBlanc who is living with Alzheimer’s and Vascular Dementia. You can learn more about our life’s journey on our Facebook page We Are Dementia Strong. I believe that my lived experience as a care partner has enriched my compassion and understanding of my Client’s experiences.

Please visit Maureen’s website: Caregiver Support and Resources

Michelle Lowack

When Michelle makes a commitment, she’s fierce about it, which is one reason she was drawn to Solera Senior Living. “Solera provides the training and support to ensure the resident experience I am selling is what we deliver at The Preserve. Our team is committed to providing an intimate, loving family experience where residents live their best life and thrive.” Michelle loves seeing families trade the stress of caregiving for the relief of seeing their loved one become part of The Preserve family. “They can resume their role as child or spouse and share laughter and meals at events,” she says. “It is so rewarding when they say they have made the best decision for their loved one.” Her father’s journey with Alzheimer’s helped spark Michelle’s passion for senior care. “I am
committed to serving elders and making every day the best it can be for them. I love what I do here.”

Commitment to others runs through every aspect of Michelle’s life. She serves others through several civic organizations, including Rotary, The Walk to ENDALZ, Accent Care Hospice, Guardian Association Pinellas County, and many more. She received her BS in education from UW Wisconsin at Whitewater. Favorite role? Mom and grandmother. Favorite pastimes? Scratch cooking and delivering meals to families in need. Favorite vacation? Every moment spent with her family, especially at their family lake home in northern Wisconsin.

Please visit the website: The Preserve at Clearwater

Rick Henkin

In Jan. 2020, my wife, Sonia, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s – and life as I knew it changed in an instant.

One moment, we were planning our future. The next, I was thrust into the role of full-time caregiver, with no warning, no training, and no idea of what was coming.

I knew what the disease could do – not just to the person diagnosed, but to the one who’s standing beside them. I had seen so many family caregivers suffer emotionally, physically, and psychologically, sometimes to the point where their own health deteriorated faster than the loved one they were caring for. They would burn out, break down, and lose themselves completely.

I refused to be one of them. I was determined not to let this disease take me down as well and it didn’t.

I worked and worked on myself until I eliminated my stress, anger, resentment, and guilt and reached my “Heaven Island,” that’s what I call it. It’s a place of peace, acceptance, and clarity, a state of mind where you can be the caregiver your loved one needs, while protecting your own health and well-being.

My experience became the impetus for a course I created, Caregiver Mastery, to help other family caregivers reach their “Heaven Island.”

You don’t have to do this alone. And you don’t have to lose yourself in the process.

Please visit the website: Caregiver Mastery

Attorney Sean W Scott is the principal attorney at The Law Offices of Sean W. Scott, WLAW, P.A.

Scott Law is your trusted partner in navigating the complex landscape of elder law. Our dedicated elder law practice specializes in Medicaid eligibility and asset preservation, so you can enjoy the peace of mind and financial security you deserve.

Scott Law is your trusted partner in navigating the complex and ever-changing landscape of elder law. We understand that as you or your loved ones approach the golden years of life, planning for long-term care and preserving your hard-earned assets becomes a top priority. Our dedicated elder law practice specializes in Medicaid eligibility and asset preservation, ensuring that you can enjoy the peace of mind and financial security you deserve.

Elder law is a distinct legal field, encompassing a wide range of issues that affect the elderly and their families. At Scott Law our mission is to provide comprehensive and compassionate legal support to seniors and their families as they face the challenges and opportunities associated with aging. With a specific focus on Medicaid eligibility and asset preservation, we offer expertise that can make all the difference in securing your financial future while accessing the care you need.

Medicaid is a critical government program that provides essential healthcare services for those with limited financial resources. However, navigating the eligibility requirements and understanding how to preserve your assets within the boundaries of the law can be a daunting task. That’s where our team of experienced elder law professionals step in. We are here to guide you through the complex Medicaid application process and help you structure your financial affairs to protect your hard-earned assets, ensuring a better quality of life in your later years.

Our commitment to elder law is rooted in our dedication to preserving the dignity and well-being of seniors in our community. We take pride in our ability to tailor individualized solutions to each client’s unique circumstances, offering a sense of security and peace of mind for both seniors and their families. With compassion and expertise, Scott Law is your trusted partner in securing your future while preserving your assets.

We are a team of elder law experts who are not only knowledgeable but also deeply passionate about ensuring that you or your loved ones age with grace, dignity, and financial security. We look forward to being your advocates, your advisors, and your partners in the journey towards Medicaid eligibility and asset preservation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step in securing a brighter, more comfortable future.

Attorney Sean W. Scott has been practicing Elder Law and qualifying clients for Medicaid for over 33 years.

Scott Law, WLAW, PA
3233 E Bay Dr
Suite 104
Largo, FL 33771

727-539-0181
Email: Connect@virtuallawoffice.com

Please visit Sean’s website: www.virtuallawoffice.com

Please visit Sean W Scott on Facebook: Law Offices of Sean W Scott, Esq

Sheryl Nicholson is a Certified Speaking Professional (a designation given to the top 6% in the speaking industry). She’s also written 6 books and has a podcast entitled Get a Life…Balanced. She is known as a People Productivity Expert and is published internationally in familiar magazines and books. She also has a BIG local family of 32 souls that she is connected to.

Please visit Sheryl’s website: Sheryl.com