My path began with 15 years in a religious community, where I was the first to be trained as a nurse. While my early years were spent caring for older sisters—a role that seemed less “exciting” at the time—it became the headwater for a lifetime of opportunities. It was there that I discovered my affinity for working with older adults.

My perspective was further transformed during my time in Northeast Brazil, working with a community rooted in Liberation theology and the philosophy of Paulo Freire. I learned that true care is more about listening and empowering people to direct their own lives than simply providing medical treatment. This philosophy of “walking with people” has influenced every chapter of my career since.

Educationally, I have been fortunate to study at St. Joseph College (BS, 1970), Yale School of Nursing (MSN, 1982), and NYU School of Education (PhD, 2005). These opportunities allowed me to create and lead various initiatives, including starting a Gero-Psych unit at Fairfield Manor and serving as the Director of the Older Adult Program at Sterling Institute.

For the past twenty years, my greatest joy has been “To Whom I May Concern®” (TWIMC), supporting the voices of people living with dementia. The word “concern” comes from concernere, meaning “to sift together,” and I have been deeply changed by the sifting together of lives and stories of courage and humor.

Today, I have embarked on my greatest challenge yet: becoming a care partner for my husband, Bill. This transition brings my life’s purpose into a whole new space as we “sift” together in this new chapter. I have come to believe that the day we stop having concern for others is the day we truly stop living.

I look forward to continuing this journey and sharing more with you.