At The Forefront

In this educational episode, host Tim Mallad sits down with Estee Cahani, Director of Rehabilitation at Presbyterian Village North (PVN), and Dr. Cynthia Logan, PVN resident and physical therapy patient, to shed light on the benefits of therapy, discussing the areas of physical, occupational and speech therapy. The conversation covers practical questions such as eligibility for therapy, the assessment process and the workings of outpatient therapy. Additionally, the guests discuss the emotional aspects of therapy, addressing how to support individuals navigating pain and discouragement. Dr. Logan shares her personal journey, reflecting on her initial challenges and the invaluable support received from therapists. She also offers insights into the role her faith played in her journey, especially during moments of hopelessness. Tune in for this very special episode highlighting how therapy serves as a cornerstone of care and the importance of prioritizing wellness at every stage of life.

About Estee Cahani
Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Estee received her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of New Orleans. In 2008, she moved to Dallas to attend the Texas Woman’s University Doctor of Physical Therapy program. While there, through completing a clinical at the former Grace Presbyterian Village (Grace), Estee became familiar with Forefront Living. “I fell in love with their culture and mission and vowed that I’d work there someday after I graduated,” she said. Upon earning her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2011 and after gaining experience, Estee returned to Grace as an Outpatient Physical Therapist in 2014. In 2017, Estee was named Assistant Director of Rehabilitation at Presbyterian Village North and then Director of Rehabilitation in 2020, a position she still holds today. Estee is married and is the mother of two young and energetic sons that keep her extremely busy!

About Dr. Cynthia Logan
Dr. Cynthia Logan, Ph.D. and minister, holds a bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University, a master’s from Presbyterian School of Christian Education and a Master of Divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. She has been an active resident at Presbyterian Village North since 2016 and a physical therapy patient, under the care of Estee, since 2017.

In this insightful episode, host Tim Mallad sits down with Jason Whitely, Senior Political Reporter at WFAA/Channel 8 in Dallas/Fort Worth, to delve into the dos and don'ts of interacting with the media, offering valuable insight for individuals and organizations alike. From discussing topics that capture journalists’ attention to navigating crisis communication, the conversation also provides awareness for best practices during interviews. The discussion emphasizes the significance of building positive relationships with journalists, underscoring that personal connections can be a benefit. In addition, the episode highlights that any organization, including senior living communities, has the potential to play an expert role in its field. Tune in for this very special episode highlighting media interactions and organizational communication strategies.

About Jason Whitely

Jason Whitely is the Senior Political Reporter at WFAA in Dallas / Fort Worth and host of Inside Texas Politics, a weekly political television program that is broadcast statewide every Sunday morning on eleven Texas television stations. Jason also co-hosts the Y’all-itics political podcast which has more than a million downloads. Jason's reporting has earned 24 Emmy Awards, three Edward R. Murrow Awards, and two dozen others. He won the Emmy for Best General Assignment Reporter in 2019, 2018, 2017, 2010 and 2005. In 2023, D Magazine named Jason as Best TV Broadcaster in its annual Best of Big D list.

In this compelling episode, host Tim Mallad welcomes distinguished guest John “Lucky” Luckadoo, former B-17 Flying Fortress pilot, the last living original pilot of the World War II Eighth Air Force 100th Bomb Group and Presbyterian Village North (PVN) resident, to explore his remarkable life and the significance of keeping his historical recounts alive. The two discuss Lucky’s book, Damn Lucky (https://www.amazon.com/Damn-Lucky-Bloodiest-Military-Campaign/dp/1250274389), detailing how that project came to life during the pandemic, and preview two upcoming, remarkable projects including an interactive holographic representation of Lucky coming soon to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans. In addition, his group, “The Bloody Hundredth”, will be featured in a docu-series entitled Masters of the Air (https://tv.apple.com/us/show/masters-of-the-air/umc.cmc.7bxcni0vwgll9kmicq738k5q2), scheduled to premiere in January of 2024, on Apple Plus. This special episode highlights the vital role storytelling plays in keeping history alive and serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for our freedoms.

ABOUT LUCKY: John Luckadoo was a wide-eyed 21-year-old lieutenant assigned to the Eighth Air Force’s 100th Bomb Group when he manned the controls and took to the sky for his first bombing mission as co-pilot of a famed B-17 Flying Fortress. The aeronautical revelation at Luckadoo’s fingertips could fly at altitudes of 35,000 feet for up to 2,800 miles and carried a hefty bomb payload supplemented by ten .50-caliber machine guns. Luckadoo goes by Lucky, a nickname he earned while flying bombing runs over Nazi-occupied France and Germany. His group known as “The Bloody Hundredth” suffered staggering high casualties. By the war’s end in 1945, 36 of Luckadoo’s 40 classmates from flight school had either withdrawn from flying, been shot down, or killed in action. John “Lucky” Luckadoo earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions during WWII. He currently resides at Presbyterian Village North in Dallas, Texas.

In this insightful episode, host Tim Mallad welcomes Cheryl Harding, President and CEO of Fort Worth’s James L. West Center for Dementia Care, to discuss the organization’s mission to provide personalized, innovative care and compassionate support for families grappling with the challenges of dementia. The two discuss the center's advocacy for specialized education for caregivers, healthcare professionals and the wider community in the realm of dementia care.

This multifaceted approach is aimed at changing the stigma associated with the diagnosis and inspiring a newfound sense of hope and joy for individuals and families facing this challenging journey. This organization is incorporating the following hashtag and launching a campaign centered on this theme: #FindingJoyInDementia.

Join us for this very special episode as Cheryl and Tim's discussion showcases the power of empathy, innovation and dedication in the pursuit of a brighter future for those impacted by dementia.

About Cheryl Harding, Ph.D., LNFA

In 2018, Cheryl Harding was named president and CEO of Fort Worth’s James L. West Alzheimer Center. Harding earned a Ph.D. in Family Studies (Gerontology) from Texas Woman’s University in Denton and holds her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Harding was awarded her Licensed Nursing Home Administrator certificate by Texas in 2003, and selected as Administrator of the Year in 2007 by LeadingAge Texas. Harding and her husband, Glen, have two teenage sons and four adult children.

About James L. West Center for Dementia Care

James L. West Center for Dementia Care is a faith-inspired, not-for-profit organization serving persons impacted by dementia. James L. West is founded on the love and compassion of Eunice P. West, who witnessed the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease on her husband, Fort Worth business leader and philanthropist James L. West. As a caregiver, Mrs. West understood the hardships families face, at a time when services for people with dementia were not commonly available. To honor her husband’s memory, Mrs. West directed the James L. and Eunice P. West Charitable Trust, through First Presbyterian Church of Fort Worth, to provide major funding to build a nondenominational facility dedicated to the care of people living with Alzheimer’s and related disorders.

About this Episode
Welcome back to the second installment of our podcast series centered around the evolving design in senior living. In part one of our discussions, we explored the shifts in design philosophy and innovative approaches that are reshaping senior living communities. Today, we're excited to dive into the tangible manifestations of these changes – the designs that are coming to life. Host Tim Mallad, discusses an array of design components with designer Bridget Bohacz, drawing wisdom from the recent updates at Presbyterian Village North they explore the lessons learned that have been skillfully translated into the design of The Outlook at Windhaven and the future design of Bella Vida at La Cantera (BVALC). Special attention is paid to the overarching theme guiding BVALC’s design journey and the backdrop of a senior living landscape undergoing a continual metamorphosis. The spotlight is shared across all Forefront Living communities with glimpses of what's on the horizon for the future. This episode is your ticket to an exclusive tour through the visual evolution that's shaping the very essence of senior living.

About Bridget Bohacz
Bridget Bohacz received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Michigan State University in the early eighties. With a strong interest in history and classical architecture, Bridget began her career in senior living interior design working for Oxford Retirement Services, Inc. In 1989, Bridget founded Bridget Bohacz & Associates, Inc., (BBA). The company specializes in senior living interiors to create interesting and fresh housing options for seniors across the country. For the past 25 years, they have worked to curate senior living communities that are reflective of the architectural styles and design preferences found in each region, community or neighborhood. Every BBA community is filled with local flavor - art, historical artifacts, photography and hand-crafted art objects that are made by local and regional artisans.

In this educational episode, host Tim Mallad welcomes guests Dr. Michael Bond and Dan Naegeli, to discuss an exciting partnership between Forefront Living (FL) and Greenville University, a four-year Christian liberal arts school in Greenville, IL, to develop and run an immersive education program called the Healthcare Experience Institute (HEI), coming to the campus of the T. Boone Pickens Hospice Center in January 2024. In this informative podcast, Tim and his special guests discuss highlights of the innovative program dedicated to undergraduate students majoring in Biology/Biochemistry (Pre-Med), Nursing, Health, Social Work, Psychology, Social Services, Ministry, Religious Studies, Business, Non-Profit Management or other related areas. HEI students will receive a blend of classroom learning and field experience after being paired with teammates to shadow throughout their semester, based on their interests and abilities. In addition to field work with patients and families, students will assist with established programs such as Camp Faith, Celebration of Life ceremonies, the Each Moment Matters Luncheon, Support Groups and others, to fully understand the services offered by FL and each of its entities. Experienced FL teammates serving as HEI course faculty members and professional development seminar speakers are excited to educate the next generation on providing exceptional hospice care.

Join us for this very special episode to learn more about HEI, an experiential education model teaching students the business of compassionate holistic healthcare with a focus on end-of-life care. Visit HEI DALLAS to learn more.

About Dr. Michael Bond
Dr. Bond is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine, the American Board of Osteopathic Family Physicians, and the Board of Certification in Emergency Medicine by the American Board of Physician Specialists. Dr. Bond has been engaged in end-of-life care for the past 13 years and became certified in hospice and palliative care in 2011. He actively practices emergency medicine and hospice and palliative care medicine in the Dallas Metroplex. In November 2017, Dr. Bond joined Faith Presbyterian Hospice as a Medical Director and a year later was appointed as Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director. He currently provides daily oversight for all medical operations which includes a 36-bed inpatient unit for severely ill hospice patients. Dr. Bond has a passion for end-of-life care and is recognized as an expert and thought leader in this evolving field of medicine. In addition to his military decorations and other civilian recognitions, he is a life member of the National Eagle Scout Association. Dr. Bond resides with his wife and their three children in Plano, Texas. He enjoys cooking, saltwater reef aquaria and medical history.

About Dan Naegeli
After more than 30 years in college and university-level career services, Dan currently serves as Executive Director for the Healthcare Experience Institute, a pioneering immersive learning program. He is honored to help curate a program designed to develop students' skills in the field of hospice and healthcare. In his role at HEI, Dan focuses on student development through a comprehensive curriculum covering essential healthcare skills, hospice expertise and relevant industry knowledge. HEI strives to provide hands-on experience in real healthcare settings to help students make informed decisions about their future in the healthcare industry.

About this episode
In this insightful episode, host Tim Mallad welcomes designer Bridget Bohacz, to discuss the evolution of design styles in senior living communities across the country. In this thirty-minute podcast, Tim and Bridget review popular design elements desired by senior living community residents including ample storage space, abundant natural lighting and high-quality materials. In addition, they examine current community trends incorporating state-of-the-art performance halls and dedicated conference rooms and training center spaces for resident use. Finally, Bridget and Tim discuss the progression of dining preferences, with modern-day seniors seeking healthy food choices and variety within community dining venues. Join us for this very special episode to learn more about the beautiful transformations occurring in senior living communities and view some of the showstopping elements planned for future Forefront Living communities.

About Bridget Bohacz
Bridget Bohacz received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Michigan State University in the early eighties. With a strong interest in history and classical architecture, Bridget began her career in senior living interior design working for Oxford Retirement Services, Inc. In 1989, Bridget founded Bridget Bohacz & Associates, Inc., (BBA). The company specializes in senior living interiors to create interesting and fresh housing options for seniors across the country. For the past 25 years, they have worked to curate senior living communities that are reflective of the architectural styles and design preferences found in each region, community or neighborhood. Every BBA community is filled with local flavor - art, historical artifacts, photography and hand-crafted art objects that are made by local and regional artisans.

In this insightful episode, host Tim Mallad welcomes special guests Reverend Denise Odom, Director of Spiritual Life for Presbyterian Village North, and Rabbi Howard Wolk, community chaplain with Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas. This trio spends 30 minutes discussing faith and religion, working at faith-based organizations, including hospice services and senior living, while also serving those considered non-religiously affiliated. The Reverend and Rabbi offer guidance on respecting and recognizing religions outside of anyone’s personal faith. They remind audience members that everyone is connected through the commonality of humanity – often sharing similar feelings and emotions during times of joy and sorrow. The guests highlight the demonstration of faith through the practice of core values, sharing that a minister’s objective, regardless of a patient or resident’s religious affiliation, is to offer comfort and companionship during times of crises, while practicing the Golden Rule of loving one another. Join us for this informative podcast designed to help audience members recognize that faith-based organizations do not seek to build barriers through religious rigor, but instead wish to overcome obstacles to build personal connections with those they serve.
About the guests

Rabbi Howard Wolk serves as community chaplain with the Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas. He was born in the Bronx and grew up in Queens, New York. Rabbi Wolk moved with his family to Dallas, where he first became the founding Rabbi of Congregation Shaare Tefilla. He continues to be a strong role model and active leader within Dallas’s Jewish community and with many organizations, including Jewish Family Service and the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas. Reverend Denise Odom serves as Director of Spiritual Life for Presbyterian Village North where she and the PVN Spiritual Care team assist residents in their spiritual growth through council, community worship and service to others. She and her husband, Andy, have been married for more than 20 years and have two daughters.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE:
In this informational episode, host Tim Mallad welcomes Faith Presbyterian Hospice (FPH) leadership colleagues Marlene Casco, Director of Clinical Services, and Danette Muzic, Executive Director, as they provide a comprehensive overview of hospice care covering the areas of respite, in-home, in-patient and residential in-patient care. Marlene and Danette discuss the benefits gained through choosing hospice care including a tailored care plan based on an individual’s needs and an improved quality of life for the patient and family members. The experienced duo shares hospice success stories, dispels misconceptions about pain management and highlights the team of specialists at FPH dedicated to meet physical, emotional and psychological needs of patients and their loved one. Join us for this educational podcast designed to help audience members better understand hospice care and while recognizing that hospice is about supporting an individual to live their last days and months with meaning and peace.

ABOUT FPH LEADERSHIP:
Danette Muzic serves as Executive Director for Faith Presbyterian Hospice. Prior to joining FPH, Danette served as a Regional Director of Operations for Interim Healthcare and most recently as Executive Director of Generation Care of Ohio in Cleveland, Ohio. She specialized in hospice support services and developed a restorative writing program for bereaved individuals and a caregiver support group for dementia patients. With more than 20 years of experience in the hospice industry, Marlene Casco’s passion is to make a difference in the lives of patients and their loved ones by providing compassionate end-of-life care.

About this Episode In this awareness-raising episode, host Tim Mallad welcomes special guest Susan Bogan, a connector, influencer and strategist with more than 30 years of experience in the senior living industry. Susan serves as a senior living consultant for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research and shares her knowledge regarding Parkinson’s disease (PD) and the emerging research in the field. PD is a brain disorder causing uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness and difficulty with balance and coordination. Susan and Tim discuss the Foundation’s work of bringing awareness to PD, as well as a new study correlating the loss of smell and the onset of the disease, noting that smell loss related to PD begins in the brain. Susan shares that the Michael J. Fox Foundation is currently partnering with 220 senior living communities nation-wide, including Presbyterian Village North, encouraging senior living residents, or anyone over the age of 60, to participate in a simple scratch-and-sniff smell test to aid in PD research efforts. Join us for this educational podcast designed to bring awareness to Parkinson’s disease and the smell test initiative.

About the Michael J. Fox Foundation The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's disease and to ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson's. The Foundation launched its $100-million flagship study, the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), in 2010. PPMI aims to understand and measure the changes in Parkinson's disease at its earliest stages. The goal is to develop better tests to facilitate earlier and more accurate diagnosis, and game-changing therapies that may help slow, stop or prevent the disease.