Certification in Geriatric Care: Empower Older Adults with Strategies to Promote Independence, Social Engagement, and Well-Being

Kara Welke, OTD, OTR/L, CLT, CAPS, SHSS, has had a wide variety of experiences and has worked with pediatrics through geriatrics in various settings. She even ventured away from traditional occupational therapy for a few years and had the privilege of starting an Early Head Start program from the ground up and was the director of the EHS program. Kara taught in an OTA program as well as served as the academic fieldwork coordinator for approximately 8 years. In order to provide client-centered, occupation-based, and evidence-based practice, Kara started her own Mobile Hybrid Practice to help older adults age in place in 2018. This business has grown significantly over the years, and she now has over 15 employees and contractors providing a wide array of services. Her business not only has its own client population, but they also provide services to other agencies and businesses. Due to the lack of resources for helping therapy professionals start their own business, Kara created the Next Level Occupational Therapy Facebook group. It was through this group that it became apparent that all therapy professionals needed assistance in starting their own business and that is when the Therapy Business Builder program was started. Kara has helped hundreds of therapists get to the next level in their career through her programs.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Kara Welke is the owner of Home Therapy Solutions, LLC and Next Level Occupational Therapy. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. Kara Welke has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Kara Welke has no relevant non-financial relationships.

Sue Doyle, PhD, OTR/L, CAPS, SHSS has decades of experience across a broad area of occupational therapy practice and includes more than 11 years in academia teaching both adult and pediatric treatment courses, neuroscience, and research. Sue has written several chapters in occupational therapy textbooks, presented at multiple conferences including as part of AOTA’s Stroke Specialty Conference team, and has multiple international peer reviewed publications including a Cochrane systematic review. Her research areas have included evidence-based practice, therapists’ decision making and clinical reasoning, and sensory impairments after stroke. Sue has worked on developing her private practice serving adults in their homes and her clinic, which she started in 2016. Her practice includes working with stroke survivors, aging in place and home safety, and contracts with the Developmental Disability Administration and Area Agency on Aging.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Susan Doyle is the owner and occupational therapist for OT Lifestyle Solutions PLLC, Next Level Occupational Therapy. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Susan Doyle is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association. She serves on the review panel for Occupational Therapy in Health Care.

Lauren Meffen, MA CCC/SLP, CLT, is a speech-language pathologist with a passion for working with voice and swallow disorders. She has remained local to Gainesville after receiving her schooling with bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Florida. Lauren has worked in a variety of settings including hospital, skilled nursing, home health and has now found her heart belongs in the outpatient setting. Here she can provide a high level of individualized and quality care for each patient and family. Over the years, she has developed a love and specialization in working with the oncology population. She has advanced training in management of lymphedema of the head and neck, muscle tension dysphonia, trismus and myofascial release techniques. She strongly champions a comprehensive approach toward treating the whole patient, with the involvement of a skilled, multidisciplinary team.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Lauren Meffen owner and founder of Wildflower Therapy and the owner of Head Neck Rehab LLC. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Lauren Meffen is a member of the American Speech and Hearing Association.

Megan Dooley, OTD, OTR/L, LSVT-BIG, CLIPP, CBIS, Skills2Care, is an occupational therapist and the owner of Innovative Therapy Solutions & Consulting LLC. She runs a mobile outpatient clinic that serves people across the lifespan and specializing in neurological diseases. She is a Certified Living in Place Professional, Brain Injury Specialist and certified in LSVT Big, CAPABLE, Skills2Care and hippotherapy. Her expertise includes working with caregivers of individuals with dementia, individuals with brain injuries, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions, home modifications, and leading community groups related to health and wellness for people to chronic illnesses. She has done years of research on community-based programs for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease and their caregivers. She, along with the YMCA, implemented an 8-week “Express Yourself” group focused on the psychosocial impact Parkinson’s disease may have on individuals with PD and their care partners funded by a grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation. She also works closely with the Alzheimer’s Association to best serve individuals with dementia and their families. Finally, she enjoyed previously providing virtual support groups for The North Dakota Brain Injury Network, being on NDBIN’s Education Committee and collaborating with area health professionals to education clients on nutrition and supplementation to live a health lifestyle. She truly believes that through collaboration and hard work we can help individuals age-in-place while maintaining their highest quality of life.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Megan Dooley is the owner of Market America/nutraMetrix and has an employment relationship with Innovative Therapy Solutions & Consulting LLC. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc.
Non-financial: Megan Dooley is a member of the North Dakota Occupational Therapy Association, the American Occupational Therapy Association, and the American Hippotherapy Association. She serves on the Bismarck Parkinson’s Support Group Board.

 

Susie Touchinsky, OTR/L, SCDCM, CDRS, is an occupational therapist & certified driver rehabilitation specialist with experience as a driving instructor, and owner of Adaptive Mobility Services, LLC. Susie offers extensive clinical and professional knowledge with over 20 years of experience as an OT & driver rehab specialist. In her private practice, Susie loves working with clients to support their highest and safest level of engagement in mobility and also teaches other occupational therapy practitioners how to become driver rehab specialists. She has volunteered for over 10 years with CarFit, is a published author, adjunct professor, lecturer & mentor. In short, Susie is a self-proclaimed driving geek who uses her training to live her mission of providing exceptional care for all drivers and education for occupational therapy practitioners.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Susan Touchinsky is the owner of Adaptive Mobility Services, LLC. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Susan Touchinsky is the host of OT Driving with Susie Q Podcast. She is a member of the Association for Driving Rehabilitation Specialists and the American Occupational Therapy Association. She is an advisory board member for Elizabethtown College.

Colleen Sleik, PT, DPT, OCS, NCS, is a licensed physical therapist, specializing in the treatment of patients with vestibular disorders when other forms of medical management have failed. Dr. Sleik founded a private practice in 2010 with the primary focus of treating patients with vestibular conditions. She continues to work as a specialist at Dickenson Rehab Services where more than 90% of her caseload consists of patients with vestibular and balance disorders.

Dr. Sleik graduated from The College of St. Catherine with a Master’s in physical therapy. She earned a transitional Doctor of physical therapy degree through The University of St. Augustine, Florida, and completed the Competency-Based Vestibular Rehabilitation course through Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to board-certification as an Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist and Neurologic Clinical Specialist, Dr. Sleik is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, including the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapists, and the Vestibular Special Interest Group.

She began teaching continuing education courses in vestibular rehabilitation with the purpose of improving clinicians’ knowledge in the specialty of vestibular rehabilitation and ultimately improving the quality of patient care. Dr. Sleik’s goal as a clinician is to provide her patients with the best care available for return to daily function with minimal limitations, while also providing the tools for long-term self-management of symptoms.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Colleen Sleik is the owner of Focus on Function Physical Therapy, PC and has an employment relationship with Bellin Health and Aegis Therapies. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Colleen Sleik is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapists, and the Vestibular Disorders Association.

Dr. Michael Chua is a Physical Therapist practicing in Northwest Tennessee. His clinical interest involves pain management, geriatrics and dementia management. He enjoys treating geriatric patients and bringing out the best in them using positive treatment approaches. His dynamic work setting in a rural area provides an opportunity to treat a wide range from geriatrics to orthopedics. He is also the chief inspirational officer for TN Therapy Outsource, LLC and GeriHab Physical Therapy and Wellness, and the author of Misunderstanding Dementia, Time to Fly, 365 Daily Tips for Dementia Caregivers, Caregivers Freedom Journal, and 10+ books.

He received his Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from University of Perpetual Help at Rizal in 1999, and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at University of Incarnate Word at Texas in 2014, wherein he graduated Cum Laude. He is a Certified Clinical Instructor, a Certified Dementia Practitioner, and a Senior Fitness Specialist. He is a member of American Physical Therapist Association, Tennessee Physical Therapy Association, National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners, International Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners, Academy of Filipino-American Physical Therapists, and The National Academy of Sports Medicine. Michael stays up to date with the latest physical therapy and dementia re-direction techniques by attending various continuing education seminars to provide evidence-based and cost-effective treatment.

He also runs a twice a week show called "Alternative Healthcare Careers for Rehab Professionals" every Tuesday and Thursday, and he has grown that group to 30,000 plus members. He also Moderates a group called "Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Group" with 35,000 members, and teaches his certification course called "Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care", the required course to be a Certified Dementia Practitioner through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners.

Dr. Michael is married to Puppen and are proud parents to Alyssa, Akeisha and Izaiah. Currently, Michael and his family live in Martin, Tennessee.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Michael Chua has employment relationships with TN Therapy Outsource, LLC, TN Health Management, and Intrepid, USA. He is a podcast host and trainer and receives royalties as a published author. Dr. Chua receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Michael Chua is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners.

Lizette Cloete, OTR/L, CADDCT, CDP, is a Skills2Care certified occupational therapist, who graduated from the University of Pretoria (South Africa) in 1992. She and her husband moved to Greenville, SC, to be closer to her parents, who are both aging with cognitive impairment. Her primary goal is to help her parents age in place.

With an international educational background and upbringing, Lizette brings a unique perspective to the table, incorporating her occupational therapy training from South Africa with her 30 years of experience in caring for people with dementia in the USA.

In 2020, Lizette established her company, Think Different Dementia, LLC with the goal of helping families committed to keeping their loved one with dementia at home, with greater ease and less difficulty.

Lizette has been a frequent guest lecturer on various dementia related topics at various state level conferences over the past decade. She has been a guest on numerous podcasts and interviewed for the newspaper, educating people on dementia and dementia care. She is a Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer (CADDCT) and Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP). She is also a FitMinds certified cognitive coach. She volunteers as an Alzheimer’s Resource Coordination Center (SC Area Agency on Aging) to develop an innovative, online dementia education and longitudinal support/coaching platform for family caregivers to help people living with dementia stay at home.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Lizette Cloete is the Founder and CEO of Think Different Dementia, LLC. She receives a speaking honorarium from the South Carolina Occupational Therapy Association and grant funding from the Alzheimer’s Resource Coordination Center. Additionally, she receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Lizette Cloete has a personal connection to dementia, as both of her parents have been affected by the condition.

Kate Burke, OTD, OTR, has over 22 years of experience working with older adults in SNF and inpatient rehabilitation settings. She is passionate about helping healthcare practitioners get comfortable and competent addressing sexuality and intimacy occupations in their practice. When she isn’t teaching at Johnson & Wales University, Kate enjoys reading, gardening, knitting & taking naps.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Kathryn Burke has an employment relationship with Johnson & Wales University. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Kathryn Burke is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association, the Massachusetts Association of Occupational Therapist, and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.

Sydney Marshman, OTD, OTR/L, CEAS, CHES, is the founder and occupational therapist with Happy at Home Consulting. In her role as a staff therapist, she identified a significant need for increased community services for older adults and founded Happy at Home in 2020. The practice provides therapy at home to older adults with her team of physical, occupational and speech therapists. Sydney continues to increase access to home safety evaluations throughout the state. Happy at Home presently provides the evidenced-based programs CAPABLE and HARP through collaborations with community partners. She continues to serve in occupational therapy education programs at Drake University OTD program and Indian Hills Community College OTA program.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Sydney Marshman has an employment relationship with Happy at Home Counseling, LLC. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Sydney Marshman is the president elect of the Iowa Occupational Therapy Association, the Home Modifications Iowa, and is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Jarrett Dottin (JD), OTR/L, MOT, CLT, is a specialist in treating Lymphedema and Wound Care in the Greater Tampa Bay Area. He is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT), Wound Care Therapist (CLWT) and Compression Fitting Specialist (CCS) that utilizes Dr. Vodder and LIR approaches for the management of lymphedema.

Jarrett is a certified Skills2Care practitioner, which improves the well-being and skills of family caregivers, slows decline in daily functioning of persons with dementia, and reduces challenging behaviors that can trigger nursing home placement. He has developed and led dementia training/mapping, restraint reduction, wheelchair positioning and contracture management programs at skilled facilities in Maine, Massachusetts and Florida.

Additionally, he has consulted with homecare agencies and physicians for management of pain, neuropathy and musculoskeletal dysfunction with microcurrent point stimulation (MPS).

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Jarrett Dottin is the owner of JD The OT Therapy Services and receives compensation as a consultant. He receives a commission from Essity, Sigvaris, and Medi. Jarrett Dottin receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc.
Non-financial: Jarrett Dottin has no relevant non-financial relationships.

 

Tony Mitterling, DPT, PWR!Moves, is a physical therapist for Innovative Therapy Solutions & Consulting, LLC, which provides mobile outpatient services to people across the lifespan and specializes in neurological diseases. He is certified in PWR! Moves. His expertise includes working with older adults and individuals with dementia, Parkinson’s disease as well as other neurological conditions. He has previous experience working in acute, skilled nursing, and home health settings. He has been involved in establishing group exercise program in local memory care facility and development of individualized restorative programs for older adults in the community. He is known by his clients for his kettlebell and making them pick it up off the floor.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Tony Mitterling has an employment relationship with Innovative Therapy Solutions & Consulting, LLC. He receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Tony Mitterling has no relevant non-financial relationships.

Jill Garaffa, MS, OTR/L, PCC is a NJ licensed occupational therapist & professional certified life coach that has been in practice for over 30 years. Through combining the science of occupational therapy with the art of life coaching, Jill produces breakthrough results for her clients in areas of life that are important to them, including their personal health, relationships & career.

Jill has created a cash-based private practice, incorporating the framework & theories of occupational therapy with the primary intervention of life coaching. She is a catalyst for change with “Invisible Activities of Daily Living”, masterfully uncovering blind spots in the thoughts, beliefs, language, values, motivations and mindsets that affect personal & professional growth. Her style of coaching is gentle, insightful & encouraging, inspiring genuine action to enhance quality of life by bridging the gap between knowing & doing.

Jill has coached clients from all over the world, in eight different time zones, from the Continental United States and Hawaii to the United Kingdom and Australia. Her clients include high-level corporate executives, physicians, healthcare professionals, business owners, stay-at-home moms, and students.

In addition to working with personal & corporate clients, Jill is a published author and conducts on-site training & wellness programs in her community to support clients with managing stress and emotions, improving teamwork and elevating communication.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Jill Garaffa is the owner and founder of Seeds of Change Health & Wellness Coaching, LLC and has employment relationships with Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Tinton Falls. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Jill Garaffa is a member of Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching Coach Community and AOTA. She has a professional relationship with International Coach Federation.

Clarice Grote, MS, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist, health policy consultant, and the founder and CEO of Amplify OT. Amplify OT is a company dedicated to promoting the profession of occupational therapy and its practitioners through education on health policy, quality, and advocacy. She has contributed to several publications and presentations on Medicare policy, value-based care, federal legislation, and advocacy.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Clarice Grote is the founder and CEO of Amplify OT and has employment relationships with The American Occupational Therapy Association, and Washington University. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Clarice Grote serves as the North Carolina Ambassador for the American Occupational Therapy Political Action Committee. She is a member of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine, the North Carolina Occupational Therapy Association, the American Occupational Therapy Association, and the Missouri Occupational Therapy Association.

 

Anna Anderson, OTD, OTR/L, is the owner and occupational therapist at Comprehensive In-Home Therapy. Anna earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga in 2017. She was an intern for the Low Vision Network in Chattanooga for her capstone project. Here she developed an interest in working with people who have vision deficits. Through this network she has developed a partnership with Cheryl Saucier of Mountain View Low Vision Services to help provide a more comprehensive approach to vision rehabilitation in Chattanooga and surrounding areas. Anna noticed that transportation is a huge barrier to accessing needed services for people who have vision loss. She was eager to create a mobile therapy service to enable those without transportation to be able to receive high quality therapy services. Anna continues to learn about assessing and treating clients with vision deficits through mentorship, continuing education courses, and through self-study.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Anna Anderson is the owner of Comprehensive In-home Therapy. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Anna Anderson has a professional relationship with Mountain View Low Vision Services.

Jimmy Stout, DPT earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Messiah College in PA, followed by his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Elon University in NC. Jimmy’s initial career had a higher focus on sports and orthopedics with outpatient therapy positions and a unique role serving as a PT for Nitro Circus, an extreme action sport group. From there his love and focus grew into serving older adults within senior living facilities. Jimmy is the co-owner of Stout Healthcare and also practices as a Physical Therapist at multiple office locations. He enjoys mentoring and training the PT’s employed with Stout Healthcare as well as future Doctor of Physical Therapy students and has taken on several students over the years serving as their clinical instructor. Jimmy is passionate about engagement with and service to the local community, promoting the mission of Stout Healthcare wherever he goes. In his free time, Jimmy loves to spend time with his wife and 4 boys. He also enjoys fishing, hiking, camping, playing soccer and ultimate frisbee and spending as much time outdoors as time permits. Though he has many hats to wear (husband, father, owner/founder, therapist, etc.) Jimmy finds his greatest purpose and fulfillment in serving the Lord and spreading his love to others!

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Jimmy Stout maintains a private practice. He receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Jimmy Stout has no relevant non-financial relationships with ineligible organizations.

 

Carlene Rimes, OTR, is a 2016 graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University, where she earned her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy and bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration and Management. After being diagnosed with a brain tumor while in graduate school, Carlene directed her focus and studies towards a focus on neurodegenerative conditions. She is currently working with FGCU on research involving more innovative holistic approaches to therapy. Mrs. Rimes has been invited to present her research at the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapy as well as the Florida Occupational Therapy Association and serves as a professional panelist for the Parkinson’s Association of SWFL. 2023 will mark the third year of neurological rehabilitation research in the SWFL area. Carlene established Mobile Rehab, LLC in 2020 to allow for a better level of treatment for the neurodegenerative population and currently serves as the CEO.

Speaker Disclosures
Financial: Carlene Rimes is the founder and CEO of Mobile Rehab, LLC. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Carlene Rimes has no relevant non-financial relationships.

Erin Lindberg, OTR/L, PCES, IMH-C, BCB-PMD, has 20+ years of experience as an occupational therapist and values the holistic nature of the profession. She earned her degree from the School of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of North Dakota with a minor in Psychology. She owns and operates Integrative Therapies & Wellness, a multidisciplinary private practice, where the team empowers individuals to live without limitations through holistic pain relief, posture restoration, pelvic rehabilitation, and hormone optimization. She is board certified in biofeedback for pelvic muscle dysfunction through the BCIA, Certified Pregnancy & Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist, Certified Women’s Hormone Coach through the Institute of Menstrual Health, Certified Birth Healing Specialist through the Institute of Birth Healing and Expert JFB Myofascial Release Practitioner. She specializes in various other holistic and alternative treatment approaches such as Visceral Manipulation, Subtle Energy, Microcurrent Point Stimulation, Vagal Nerve Stimulation, Life Coaching, Egoscue method, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Low-Pressure Fitness. Erin is the creator of the online "Live without Leaks" Program for Incontinence as well as the Cash Based Therapy Business Builder through Next Level Occupational Therapy where she mentors other therapy professionals in entrepreneurship and expanding beyond their traditional therapy roles. Erin’s vision continues to grow in her mission to empower individuals to live their best life now, with both clients and professionals through mentorship coaching and holistic therapy practice.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Erin Lindberg has an employment relationship with Integrative Therapies & Wellness. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Erin Lindberg is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association, the Minnesota Occupational Therapy Association, the Institute of Menstrual Health, the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance, the Global Pelvic Health Alliance, and the Birth Healing Institute.