Ernie has been with the Alzheimer's Association for 3 years as a Dementia Care Specialist. I work in the REACH program which is designed to support and counsel Caregivers of those diagnosed with Dementia. REACH (Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregiver Health).  He did both my undergrad and graduate studies at Tarleton State University where I finished with a M.S. in Counseling and Education. 

Ernie was a Caregiver for his Mother, his Uncle and his younger sister who has been diagnosed with early stage Dementia. 

As part of the James L. West Series for caregivers, today we are going to focus our conversation on the realities of caregivers.

http://www.jameslwest.org/ 

http://alz.org

Cindy Arledge experienced both sorrow and financial shock after the dead of her parents in 2008, which was not their intent.  Through this experience she is determined to inspire 1,000,000 families to create a Legacy Family Plan. 

Listen in on this episode to learn more about the challenges will family heads wills do not agree, potential family fall out and how you can develop your own plan.

https://www.cindyarledge.com/

Enjoy a free download to learn more about building your Family Legacy Plan

Check out written articles by Cindy on www.PlaidforWomen.com

• Best New Year's Resolution - Be Prepared
• It's Okay to Ask for Help
• Legacy. It's a Big Word
• Who will be on your Board of Directors?

Mae Ferguson serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Fort Worth Sister Cities International. She also holds positions on the national board of Chair Emeritus, Honorary Board member and Texas State Representative.  Fort Worth Sister Cities International manages the City of Fort Worth’s eight sister city relationships around the world from Nagaoka, Japan to Toluca, Mexico with a mission of promoting Fort Worth globally and enriching the local community through international education, exchange and commerce.

Sister Cities International. Enriching the local community through international education, exchange and commerce.  

http://www.fwsistercities.org/

Elizabeth is a Dementia Care Specialist with the Alzheimer’s Association.  The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. 

As part of the James L. West Series for caregivers we are focusing our discussion on Hospitalization of our Loved Ones with Dementia.

http://www.jameslwest.org/ 

http://alz.org/

Shannon Thomas, LCSW is the bestselling author of Healing from Hidden Abuse: A Journey Through the Stages of Recovery from Psychological Abuse.  Ms. Thomas is one of the few in the field to bridge the gap between pop culture and clinical advice. She approaches her counseling work from the lens of a therapist and as a fellow survivor of psychological abuse.

Shannon is also a breakout speaker at the #NoMeanGirls 2017 National Conference in Dallas October 6th - 8th.  Her presentation is titled "When Mean Girls Join the PTA."

Within every community, toxic women can be found hiding in families, couples, companies, and places of worship. These individuals could be a mom, mother-in-law, sister, friend, co-worker, boss or any other title for a relationship. The insidious and critic nature of psychological abuse can be hard to identify. This presentation will provide the tools needed to set boundaries and thrive!

Sign up at www.NoMeanGirls.com 

http://southlakecounseling.org/tag/2015-shannon-thomas/

Rocio Varela is the Executive Pastry Chef at the Fort Worth Club. She has been named "one of the rising stars of the pastry world" and has appeared on Food Network several times.

In this interview we explore her cooking passions, meeting Gordon Ramsey and challenges of being a pastry chef.

Sue grew up in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio and has lived in 13 homes in six states. She owned her own stained glass studio for 12 years in Albuquerque NM and Salem OR, and for seven years she restored homes in Wichita Falls, Texas.  She has been married for 43 years and is the mother of three adult children.

In 2008 she went back to college at Midwestern State University to finish her undergraduate degree and then her Masters in Clinical Psychology in 2012.  She conducted research in the dementia realm and was published in “Dementia International” in August, 2013.  In 2015, Sue earned her Professional Counselor license.    

After a year as a Geriatric Therapist, Sue is now in her fourth year with the Alzheimer’s Association’s North Central Texas Chapter, Wichita Falls Office, as their Education and Family Care Specialist.  Besides community education, she supports and counsels family caregivers facing the daunting task of caring for their loved ones who suffer from all forms of dementia.

As part of the James L. West Series for caregivers, today we are going to focus our conversation on Communication.

http://www.jameslwest.org/ 

http://alz.org

Ginger Curtis is an expert in home décor and design with a passion for all things beautiful and lovely. Wife to the love of her life Eric and proud mother to 5 beautiful children. Over the years she has also developed an incredible talent in carpentry and other DIY ingenuities.

She shares her very personal story of her daughter overcoming cancer and then Ginger's own battle with breast cancer 18 months afterwards.  Both are healthy today and living life to the fullest.

http://urbanologydesigns.com/

https://www.instagram.com/urbanologydesigns/

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/67738331/list/the-15-most-popular-kids-rooms-on-houzz-so-far-in-2016 

Judith Pickering is program coordinator at the Alzheimer’s Association. She has worked in senior care facilities and hospice for over 18 years. Judith also served as a volunteer Alzheimer caregiver support group facilitator since 1999 and has 10 years experience co facilitating Early Stage Alzheimer support groups. 

She joined the North Central Texas staff in June of 2016 where she primary plans community education programs and also currently facilitates one care giver support group and one early stage support group.

As part of the James L. West Series for caregivers, today we are going to focus our conversation on Communication.

http://www.jameslwest.org/ 

http://alz.org/

Kelli Valade currently serves as the Executive Vice President and President of Chili’s Grill & Bar.  She has worked with Brinker International since 1996 and has held various positions with HR and Operations working in both the Chili’s and On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina.

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