Our Dementia Connection Specialist
Certified Trainer (DCSCT)
Leadership Training Team
Marisa Payne, BHT, DCS, DCSCT
Marisa Payne, BHT, DCS, DCSCT is a credentialed Brain Health and Wellness Coach, Aging and Adult Services Consultant, and the founder of In Pursuit of Wellness, LLC in California. With over a decade of experience, she is a passionate advocate for healthy cognitive aging.
Payne's passion for aging stems from her unique upbringing. Her parents operated a board and care home for older adults in their own family home, where she was exposed to a wide range of people from different generations and gained a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities of aging.
As a Product Manager, Payne was responsible for a wellness-focused lifestyle product that was used by 42 assisted living communities across 7 western states. This experience allowed her to see firsthand how holistic wellness approaches and lifestyle interventions can improve health outcomes and quality of life for older adults.
Today, Payne is dedicated to offering nationally accredited education – such as the Dementia Connection Specialist (DCS) Seminar – and evidence-based programs to promote healthy cognitive aging for all. She offers personalized exercise and physical activity plans to maintain and improve cognition, and she collaborates with esteemed aging and adult service providers to design comprehensive wellness programs that empower people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia to take control of their health, ignite their sense of purpose, and spark lasting joy in their lives.
Payne's work is grounded in her belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live well and to live long. She is dedicated to Adding Life to Years and Adding Years to Life.™
Ann Mroz, BSN, RN, SCRN, NC-BS, DCS, DCSCT
Ann Mroz, BSN, RN, SCRN, NC-BC, DCS, DCSCT has been active as a Registered Nurse for over thirty years of practice. She has achieved status as a Stroke Certified Registered Nurse (SCRN), Integrative Nurse Coach Board Certified (NC-BC) and Dementia Connection Specialist Certified Trainer (DSC, DCSCT) in Florida. Her background includes administrative and clinical expertise in stroke center program development and management, quality improvement, nursing education, territory management and holistic health coaching for staff, patients and caregivers. Her teaching experience encompasses academic instruction, supervision for medical professionals and community outreach to the senior population.
Ann has a passion for holistic practices and completed a year-long intensive mentorship and passed national certification as an Integrative Nurse Coach. In addition, Ann has completed certificate courses for Aromatherapy Nurse and Natural Nurse Herbal Medicine.
Ann has also achieved instructor training for Qigong for Health through the International Tai Chi for Health Institute and the Ageless Grace exercise program, an evidence-based whole body chair exercise program which improves neuroplasticity and balance.
Ann has been a practitioner in many different forms of holistic techniques and is a constant learner in mind-body practices such as Meditation, Mindfulness and Healing Touch.
Beth Dunoff, OTR/L, CLT, DCS, DCSCT
Beth Dunoff, OTR/L, CLT, DCS, DCSCT has been an Occupational Therapist for over 30 years with a passion for helping seniors age in place safely. She is currently a Clinical Educator providing education to colleagues at multiple medical senior day programs in Pennsylvania. She is also a COPE provider. Care of Older Persons in their Environment (COPE) is an evidence-based program that can help individuals living with dementia maintain and improve their quality of life and help their care partners better manage daily care challenges and reduce their own upset and distress.
She has provided therapy in multiple settings including home care, acute care, acute rehab and long-term care. Beth has special training in dementia care, lymphedema management and low vision.
Her best accomplishments to date are her two adult children who live close enough for hugs from Mom. Beth enjoys traveling, kayaking and living 40 minutes from the ocean. Self-care for Beth is a trip down the shore, jamming to music or laughing with friends.
Michelle Mason-Wilson, CDP, CMDCP, CDSGF, DCS, DCSCT
Michelle Mason-Wilson, CDP, CMDCP, CDSGF, DCS, DCSCT is a dedicated professional with over 20 years of experience in the field of dementia care. As the Founder of Ending Dis-Ease Consulting LLC and Chief Operating Officer for Dementia Dignified Academy, her mission is to accelerate change in the care culture for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. She achieves this by developing and implementing specialized training that educates care professionals and care partners on effective communication techniques and practical approaches. These initiatives promote human connection throughout the dementia journey, fostering dignity, empathy, and understanding.
Michelle is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional, Certified Dementia Support Group Facilitator, and Certified Dementia Connection Specialist, bridging gaps and connecting families, professionals, and communities to valuable resources.
Recognized by the Health Care Council of Illinois, Michelle is known for developing and implementing holistic programs such as the “Soul Purpose Program,” which encourages individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s to Relax, Revive, and Rejuvenate. This program enables individuals and their families to “Live in the Moment” despite the challenges of the disease.
Michelle’s commitment extends to giving back. She serves as a Volunteer Community Educator and Co-Support Group Facilitator for the Alzheimer’s Association - Chicago Chapter, empowering others through educational sessions, community outreach, and advocacy. Her expert appearances on platforms such as Alzheimer’s Speaks Radio, Rejoice Radio 102.3 FM, and the Community Health Focus Hour at the Forefront UChicago Medicine contribute to raising awareness and fostering a supportive network. Some of these sessions included presenting the 10 Warning Signs to organizations such as WGN and ABC News.
Michelle’s dedication and impact were recently recognized by the Illinois Women Conquer ALZ and Caregiver Award Selection Committee, selecting her for the 2024 Professional Caregiver Award. She was honored at the Power of Purple: A Reason to Hope Luncheon on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Additionally, she served on the planning committee and co-presented with Dr. Lisa Barnes, PhD, of the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, at the Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter's inaugural African American Conference - Release the Silence on April 22, 2023, discussing risk factors for African Americans, strategies to mitigate these risks, and the importance of participation in research studies. Michelle also served a second term on the planning committee and facilitated the caregiver impact discussion at the 2024 Release the Silence Conference - Race into Action on April 27, 2024, at New Life Covenant Southeast (Greenwood Oasis), Chicago.
Rev. Jeanette B. Jordan, M.Div., CLC, DCS, DCSCT
Rev. Jeanette B. Jordan, M.Div., CLC, DCS, DCSCT is the Founder/Pastor of Journey to the Cross Ministries, a Multi-Denominational Church, providing virtual Worship experiences for caregivers and their loved ones who cannot get to the church building in Illinois. She was ordained by the Evangelical Church Alliance in 1999 and is a graduate of McCormick Theological Seminary with a Masters degree in Divinity. Her church also partner’s with the Alter Program, a program whose mission is to inspire and equip faith-based organizations anchored in African-American communities to better support families affected by dementia.
She is also a Certified Life Coach for Be Whole Life Coaching, whose focus is on relationship building, and a Dementia Connection Specialist Certified Trainer!
Pastor Jeanette is also the Founder and CEO of Dementia Dignified Academy, a non-profit entity, providing specialized “unique” caregiver training to caregivers including health care professionals on how to provide loving and effective care for those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Additionally, she serves as an Alzheimer’s Community Educational Facilitator, a New IDEAS Champion for Chicago.
Affectionately referred to as Pastor J, she also Co-Hosts The Women and Men of Faith Caregiver Virtual Support Group for caregivers to those living with Alzheimer’s/Dementia.
She was the wife of 61 years to Robert A. Jordan, M.D., a retired Pediatrician, diagnosed with Dementia/Alzheimer’s in 2016. She is the mother of five, one son and four daughters… and the grandmother of 7, four grandsons and three granddaughters and Mother/Aunt of her 20 year old nephew that she raised!
Her life’s theme is “Here am I Lord… send me”
Her go to Scripture is Jeremiah 29:11
Sherry Boothby, OTR/L, CLVT, SHSS, CDP, DCS, DCSCT, is an Occupational Therapist with extensive experience working primarily with older adults in a variety of settings. As an Occupational Therapist and family caregiver, she combined her personal and professional experience to create Happy at Home Seniors, LLC, to assist seniors and their families with aging in place, wellness, and geriatric care management services.
Sherry has pursued additional training and specialty certifications including: Senior Home Safety Specialist™ with AgeSafe America, Certified Dementia Practitioner, Dementia Connection Specialist/Certified Trainer, and Certified Low Vision Therapist, to provide top quality services delivered with empathy and compassion. Further, as an Aging Life Care Professional®, she can assist with care management services to navigate the complex path of caring for a loved one.
Assisting seniors and their families with remaining happy at home and living life to the fullest is her passion. She believes strongly in the Dementia Connection Model, and has found this program to have practical application and effectiveness for any caregiver of a person living with dementia. She is excited to add this training to educate caregivers through private dementia consults, and to provide Dementia Connection Specialist certification seminars locally and nationally.
For self-care, Sherry finds being outdoors in nature to be soothing and good for the soul. She says, “Taking a walk, hiking, kayaking, swimming, bird watching- anything in nature helps me recharge. Also spending time with family, friends, and our kitties brings me joy.”
Sherry Boothby, OTR/L, CLVT, SHSS, CDP, DCS, DCSCT
LaVon Lenaway, MA, DCS, DCSCT is the founder and owner of Dragonfly Senior Navigation Services LLC, which opened in February of 2023 in Batavia, IL. LaVon is a gerontologist, an educator, and a consultant in navigating dementia care. She obtained a Master of Arts Degree in Gerontology from Concordia University, and has over 24 years of experience in advocacy, dementia care, senior living, support group facilitation, and education.
Her enjoyment of this field continues to grow and solidify. This is her wheelhouse. LaVon has grown to love helping address concerns about dementia care, the importance of finding the least restrictive environment, promoting the right to self-determination, the value of education and linkage to resources for informal caregivers as well as professional frontline staff, all with the important use of humor, warmth, and empathy.
LaVon Lenaway, MA, DCS, DCSCT
Isoken Ogbomo, RN, MSN, FNP-BC, DCS, DCSCT
Isoken Ogbomo , RN, MSN, FNP-BC is the founder and CEO of In-Home Caregivers of Illinois (IHCI), and Co-founder of Bridgewell Health. She leads two senior care agencies that provide personalized and comprehensive medical and non-medical services to retired executives, busy professionals who are adult family caregivers, and employers who have caregiving employees.
She is the Area Director of the Chicagoland Suburb Care planning council. With a Master's degree in Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Saint Francis, She has over 20 years’ experience working with various health care organizations and providers. She leads a dedicated team committed to helping seniors age in place while alleviating the stress of caregiving for families and employers alike.
Isoken says, “I practice self-care by cherishing quality time with my family, which always brings me joy and balance. I find rejuvenation in beach vacations, where the sound of the waves and the warmth of the sun provide the perfect escape. Reading a good self-development book helps me grow personally and professionally, and I love getting lost in a compelling TV series on law, which not only entertains me but also sparks my curiosity and passion for learning.”
Jo T. Letwaitis CVW, CDP, LPACT, DCS, DCSCT is the Founder and CEO of Senior Living Redefined, a consulting practice dedicated to educating the public, first responders, senior living communities and their management companies. She has spent over 20 years in the senior living industry, in roles from executive director to senior regional director. Her first 20 years were initially as a police officer, and then administrator over emergency departments in academic medical centers, from NYC to Chicago.
Her first company, The Senior Site, was dedicated to support group facilitation and placement counseling, helping navigate the myriad of options available. She is the author of Beyond the Tour. What you Really Need to Know about Senior Living Facilities, which provides written guidance to those seeking alternative living arrangements.
Her many certifications and designations include those of Naomi Feil’s Validation Method as a Certified Validation Worker and Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care. Now as a Dementia Connection Specialist and Dementia Connection Specialist Certified Trainer, she is dedicating her senior years continuing the quest of training and educating.
Jo loves getting her hands dirty – gardening, building fences (for her 100 lb puppy’s safety), and restoring her 1885 farmhouse in Batavia, Illinois. That is her sanctuary – rescuing animals, plants and yes, herself in the process.
Jo T. Letwaitis, CVW, CDP, LPACT, DCS, DCSCT
Lisa Andrew, OT, DCS, DCSCT
Lisa Andrew, OT, DCS, DCSCT has been an Occupational Therapist for the last 40 years working in a home health setting. In 2019, she became a certified consultant and trainer with Teepa Snow and the Positive Approach to Care to help her navigate her mother’s journey with vascular dementia. She met Dr. Stelter earlier this year and after attending the Dementia Connection Specialist (DCS) certification training, Lisa decided to become a DCS Certified Trainer (DCSCT) to incorporate Dr. Stelter's findings into her toolbox for patients and families. Dementia is tough on everyone and navigating the path is not always easy, but with the right tools and resources, some quality of life can be found. When Lisa is not working, her happy place is in the garden playing with her many plants or grandchildren.
Rhonda Guzman, MA, OTR/L, DCS, DCSCT
Rhonda Guzman, MA, OTR/L, DCS, DCSCT a licensed Occupational Therapist, Gerontologist, and Dementia Care Practitioner, Rhonda brings extensive experience as an educator, consultant, leader, manager, and clinician. She has dedicated her career to advocating for and supporting older adults and their families across the healthcare continuum.
Rhonda is the founder of Person Centered Senior Solutions, LLC, a geriatric care management company that helps aging adults, their families, and caregivers navigate the complex challenges of late life. She believes that making a meaningful impact requires connecting personally, understanding each unique situation, and delivering care with respect and empathy.
With a deep understanding of personalized care, Rhonda recognizes that each family and care experience is unique and must be respected. This insight was shaped by her personal experience managing her mother's care alongside her seven siblings, each offering different perspectives, emotions, and levels of understanding.
Rhonda prioritizes self-care, enjoying moments of peace while walking her dog, Macy, or participating in exercise classes at her local gym.