News - June 6, 2022

Contact:  Elizabeth Bement | C: 703.915.5830

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Goodwin Living™ Grows Brain Health Program with Appointment of Theresa Mandela, RN, BSN, QCP

Mandela’s Nurse Educator Background Brings
Additional Expertise in Clinical Training and Project Management

Alexandria, VA – Goodwin Living™, a senior living and health care services organization in the National Capital Region, announced today that Theresa Mandela, RN, BSN, QCP, has joined its Brain Health Program. Launched in 2020, the Goodwin Living Brain Health Program now touches the lives of more than 6,000 older adults across the U.S. through its StrongerMemory program and other initiatives to enhance cognition and memory.

“With the U.S. aging population increasing more rapidly than ever before, there has never been a greater need for brain health programs and exercises,” said Jessica Fredericksen, Goodwin Living Brain Health Program Manager. “We are excited about growing our StrongerMemory program, which has proven successful in improving brain health as well as feelings of fulfillment in those who engage regularly in the exercises. Welcoming Theresa to our team means we can expand it even more. Our goal is to reach more than 100,000 people with this innovative brain health curriculum.”

The Goodwin Living Brain Health Program team selected Mandela for her background in clinical training, her familiarity with senior living and healthcare settings and her ability to manage projects that involve multiple partners. Mandela will lead the team’s efforts working with organizations that seek to introduce the StrongerMemory program to their networks and communities. Building on the successes of existing partnerships, Mandela will develop new systems designed to provide organizations with the support they need to implement StrongerMemory.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to work with a forward-thinking group,” said Mandela. “I’ve spent my entire career in senior living and health care services. I was involved in the opening of the first memory care community in Washington, D.C. in 1985. My work is my passion! For those who experience mild or even greater cognitive impairment, StrongerMemory provides them with something truly special. There has not been anything like this before. StrongerMemory is simple and accessible to everyone, and I’m thrilled to be part of this team that strives to get more people engaged with it.”

Designed to help older adults alleviate symptoms of mild cognitive impairment and early-stage dementia, StrongerMemory was created by Goodwin Living President and CEO Rob Liebreich in 2011, after he observed his mother’s challenges with mild cognitive impairment. The proven curriculum consists of simple activities practiced daily to engage the working memory and trigger brain activity in the prefrontal cortex. Research indicates that participants who spend just 20 to 30 minutes a day engaged in simple reading, writing and math activities can experience stabilized or improved cognitive functions.

StrongerMemory is offered throughout the country, thanks to collaborations with the Village to Village Network. Goodwin Living also recently announced a partnership with the Maryland Department of Health to offer the StrongerMemory at senior centers throughout the state.

The StrongerMemory program material, which is available at no cost to anyone that wishes to obtain it, has been made possible through donations to the Goodwin Living Foundation. Donor support also made it possible to welcome Mandela to the team. Wendy and Howard Liebreich, the parents of Goodwin Living President and CEO Rob Liebreich, made a significant contribution as an expression of their commitment to advocating for better brain health for everyone. More information on giving to the Goodwin Living Foundation can be found at www.goodwinlivin.org/giving.

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About Goodwin Living™ (goodwinliving.org):  Goodwin Living™ touches the lives of thousands of people every day through its range of senior living communities, specialized healthcare services, community partnerships and philanthropic endeavors. With a mission to support, honor and uplift the lives of others (specifically older adults and those who care for them), Goodwin Living leads the way in expanding the places and ways we can all thrive and find purpose as we age. Older adults will discover options that meet them where they want to be, and those options are managed and provided by team members who represent more than 60 countries. Goodwin Living is a Washington Post Top Workplace for three consecutive years, from 2019 to 2021. Get more information at GoodwinLiving.org or by following Goodwin Living on Facebook and LinkedIn.