By Kristin Janeiro
At Goodwin Living, we believe that supporting brain health and cognitive wellness is an important part of helping everyone live well. Through educational programs, wellness initiatives and opportunities for meaningful engagement, we are committed to helping people maintain cognitive health and stay connected to what bring purpose and meaning to their lives.
As part of this commitment, Goodwin Living created the Brain Health Advance Team, a multidisciplinary group of team members who advocate for brain health for people of all ages across the organization. Bringing together colleagues from a range of disciplines, the team works to advance brain health education, support cognitive wellness initiatives and encourage conversations about brain health throughout our communities.
For many members of the team, this work is both professional and personal.
How Personal Experiences Inspire a Passion for Brain Health
Several members of the Brain Health Advance Team have experienced firsthand the impact that cognitive decline can have on individuals and families. Senior Director of Marketing & Communications Kathie Miller’s passion for brain health grew through experiences with her mother as she experienced cognitive decline later in life.
“Living through this made me value and appreciate what we can all learn in order to take care of our own brain health, and to find joy in taking care of others as they experience cognitive changes,” Kathie said.
Kathie credits colleagues at Goodwin Living who specialize in brain health and memory care with helping her better understand how to support her mother and navigate that chapter of life. “Thanks to them,” Kathie shared, “I was able to come alongside my mom in ways that made a profound difference, both to her and to me.”
For Thrive Day Program Manager, Sam Murray, the work is deeply connected to the memory of her grandmother, who lived with Alzheimer’s disease.
“This work is very personal to me,” Sam said. “My grandmother was a guiding influence in my life and continues to inspire the way I show up for others.”
As a music therapist, Sam has also seen how meaningful engagement can help people remain connected to themselves and those around them.
“I’ve witnessed how meaningful engagement, especially through music, can spark connection, identity and moments of joy, even in the face of cognitive change,” she said.
Brain Health Operations & Communications Coordinator Michelle Wanzer also brings personal experience to the team. She lost both her grandmother and great-grandmother to dementia and remembers the heartbreak of watching her loved ones change over time.
“Those experiences have shaped my passion for brain health education, awareness and wellness,” Michelle said. “Being part of a team that empowers people with knowledge, tools and hope for maintaining brain health allows me to combine my passion for helping others with a mission that is close to my heart.”
Executive Director of The View Alexandria Deb Kline spent more than 16 years leading communities that offered memory care. Those experiences became especially meaningful when her own mother began experiencing cognitive changes. As her mother’s needs changed over time, Deb was able to draw on her professional knowledge to help support both her parents and advocate for her mother’s care.
“It is important for me to help others maintain those quality relationships with their friends and loved ones and understand that dementia does not have to mean the end of that relationship,” Deb said.
Professional Perspectives on Brain Health and Cognitive Wellness
While personal experiences often inspire a passion for brain health, members of the Brain Health Advance Team also bring valuable professional perspectives to the work. As a palliative care social worker, Lauren Kipfer believes education plays an important role in helping people better understand brain health and dementia.
“I think it is so important to normalize the discussion of brain health and healthy brain development,” Lauren said. “We should not just accept that dementia is an expected part of the aging process.”
Lauren is passionate about helping people understand that there are steps individuals can take throughout life to support cognitive health and reduce risk factors associated with dementia.
Occupational Therapist Alex Young sees every day how cognitive health influences a person’s ability to participate in daily life and maintain independence.
“Supporting brain health aligns closely with the core values of occupational therapy,” Alex said. “I love finding creative, engaging ways to make brain health approachable and enjoyable rather than intimidating.”
For Alex, being part of the Brain Health Advance Team provides an opportunity to help people stay engaged in the activities and routines that matter most to them as they age.
A Shared Commitment to Advancing Brain Health
Although each member’s story is different, a common thread runs through their experiences. Whether inspired by a family member, shaped by professional experience or both, each person shares a commitment to helping others better understand brain health and how we can all take steps to support it as we age.
Through cognitive wellness initiatives and ongoing advocacy, the Brain Health Advance Team continues to strengthen Goodwin Living’s commitment to brain health. Their work helps create opportunities for learning, connection and support for older adults, families and team members alike.
Interested in supporting your brain health? Explore StrongerMemory, Goodwin Living’s evidence-based brain health program designed to help individuals build daily habits that support cognitive wellness.
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Kristin Janeiro is the Marketing and Communications Coordinator at Goodwin Living, where she supports operations, social media and storytelling efforts across the organization. Originally from Northern Virginia, she is passionate about sharing the people and purpose behind Goodwin Living. Beyond the keyboard, find Kristin perfecting a new recipe, negotiating for couch space with her dogs or diving into her latest book.
