2017 Spring Alzheimer’s Conference
The Keys to Communication

Date:   Friday, June 9, 2017 

Time:  8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Sign-in and Networking begins 8:00 a.m.

Location:  The Brandywine, 441 Illinois Route 2, Dixon, Illinois

This innovative educational event offers creative insight, tools and resources to help professionals and caregivers address the needs of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and different dementia types with special emphasis on key approaches to whole person care.  Join us for a fun and interactive agenda to gain the most current information on the differing aspects of key dementia types, key strategies for communication, physical activities that are key to cognition, and key interventions to affect quality of life.

Upon completion of this program, you should be able to:

• Recognize the salient differences between Alzheimer’s, various dementias and movement disorders.
• Identify activities that will enhance or maintain function and safety of persons with the different dementias.
• Select the appropriate evidence-based interventions to address functional and cognitive deficits of persons with the various dementias and movement disorders.
• Discuss the resources and tools  available to support the caregiver in the community.

 View Agenda

Faculty:

Mike Bius, BA, serves as a Multimedia Education Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter. He holds a bachelor’s degree in interpersonal and group communication. Mike joined the Alzheimer’s Association in January of 2012 meshing his talents and expertise in corporate training and education with his passion for seniors, adult learners, and caregivers. In his initial position with the Alzheimer’s Association as Manager of Education and Outreach, he has conducted hundreds of education programs throughout the state. Now, as a Multimedia Education Manager, he focuses exclusively on educating the public through ‘virtual learning’ platforms. This includes webinars, YouTube videos and programs via phone. Mike brings his high energy and passion for teaching to the classroom and beyond. Through sharing stories and best practices, and using humor and numerous teaching styles, community members gain invaluable information they can apply immediately. Mike’s personal mission is to increase the impact of the Alzheimer’s Association by reaching as many people via education programs as possible, in order to improve the quality of their lives, and have fun while doing it.

Stephanie Johnson, MT-BC, is a Board Certified Music Therapist and Neurologic Music Therapist- Fellow, who began her professional career after receiving a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from the University of Iowa. In 2009, Stephanie founded Music Speaks, LLC, which contracts with agencies and individuals in communities across Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska with a team of 20 music therapists. In 2011, she received neurologic music therapy training from Colorado State University, which is a researched-based, neuroscience model to therapeutically apply music, to treat those with neurologic disorders, including dementia. Stephanie regularly presents to the public about the science of music therapy treatment, as well as serves national and local music therapy associations.

Peggy Kinst, is an an Ageless Grace® Educator and Trainer in the Chicago area. Ms. Kinst has been a Wellness Specialist for more than 40 years. Her passion is to find options for all people to enjoy happier, healthier and “fearless” living.  She was featured in a book photographed and authored by Mary Ann Halpin called Fearless Women, Fearless Wisdom. Ms. Kinst employs her “fearless” approach in training and educating others to “change the model of aging”. 

Brittany Mabry, BA, is a Manager, Education and Outreach for the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter. She primarily serves areas in Chicago, north suburban Cook County, and eastern Lake County, educating on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia’s including recognizing warning signs, planning ahead, and promoting brain health. Brittany graduated from Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, concentration in crime and deviance, and minor in psychology. Brittany’s prior experience includes working within the behavioral health system in Virginia as a case manager and crisis hotline manager, coordinating volunteers at a non-profit serving the elderly in Chicago, and managing the volunteer program and then the training and education program at a national non-profit serving at-risk youth. Throughout all of her past experiences and in her current role, Brittany exudes a passion for building connections and awareness in the community regarding critical health and human service issues.

Julie Ostrow, CHP, is a trained improvisor at The Second City in Chicago and comedienne at large. Ms. Ostrow conducts improv workshops for businesses, schools, and healthcare organizations where she teaches the art of “Yes, And…” in creating effective brainstorming sessions and being in the present moment in order to truly listen to clients, students, and patients. She believes in “finding the funny” in daily life and in life’s challenging moments. Through the use of humor and laughter, she demonstrates to audiences how lightening our lives can lead to more joy and ultimately, healing on all levels—physical, emotional, and spiritual. A certified laughter yoga leader, Ms. Ostrow is the First-Ever American Laughing Champion and a contributing author of “The Happiness Recipe…Wit, Wisdom, and Wonderful Food.”

Conflict of Interest Policy Statement:   Faculty participating in this program are expected to disclose to the program audience any real or apparent conflict(s) or unlabeled use related to the content of their presentations.