Caring Conversations^TM Trainers

	Mal Allard, LPN Mal Allard is the creator, owner and operator of "Their Real World," a company that offers Alzheimer/Dementia specific-caregiver sensitivity programs including; sensory experiences, workshops, presentations and lectures. Mal is a licensed, practical nurse and has been in the Alzheimer's field for over ten years. Her past work experience includes being a charge nurse, unit manager, and program director. Mal is actively affiliated with the Alzheimer's Association, the Merrimack Valley & Liberty - Alzheimer Partnerships, and the Alliance of Program Directors and Elder Services. She teaches comprehensive caregiver courses, develops programs that enrich the quality of life for those with Alzheimer's/Dementia and for their Care Partners, and offers educational opportunities for staff, family and the community. Mal is actively involved in advocacy issues for Alzheimer's Disease.
	Joanne Chaulk, RN, BSN Joanne Chaulk is a trained Alzheimer's Care Specialist with many years of experience in the field of dementia care. She is the founder of PRO-ACTIVE ELDERCARE, and creator of the Alzheimer's Survival KitsTM. Joanne has worked as a registered nurse in many health care settings and served as Program Director for several Alzheimer's Special Care Units. She was a caregiver for her grandmother who had Alzheimer's disease. Today, she focuses her practice on working in the community with people diagnosed with a dementing illness and their care partners as well as providing education on Alzheimer's disease to families and professionals. Additional information can be found on her website at: www.proactiveeldercare.com
	Michele Hughes, RPT Michele Hughes is a registered physical therapist with 25 years of experience in a variety of health care settings including hospitals and community-based organizations. Michele has developed and taught senior exercise programs and is the primary author of many Minuteman Senior Services' Caring Conversations curriculum. In addition to working with caregivers, Michele and her husband built a handicap accessible in-law apartment and were caregivers for his parents.
	Trisha Lane, LICSW Trisha Lane has over 30 years of social work experience with seniors and their families in a variety of settings. Most recently, Trisha managed the Elder Protective Service and Elder at Risk programs at Minuteman Senior Services. She has real life experience with the emotional challenges of aging and the major life transitions to successful aging. Her work includes supporting and counseling families facing elder care challenges. Trisha currently provides geriatric care management to seniors and their families and training and consultation in the elder services network. Her Master's degree is in social work from the University in Iowa.
	Margaret Mikkola, R.D. Peg Mikkola is a registered, licensed dietitian with thirty plus years of nutrition counseling experience. She has worked with Minuteman Senior Services assisting elderly clients with their nutrition concerns for over 20 years, having worked in cardiovascular research prior to that. Peg currently has a private nutrition practice and is a consultant to a large, fitness facility. She has been a lecturer for corporate fitness seminars and enjoys putting her nutrition knowledge to work in recipe development and preparation.
	Al Norman Al Norman is the Executive Director of Massachusetts Home Care, a network of 30 non-profit agencies whose mission is to help elders in Massachusetts remain living at home, with dignity and independence. Al has worked in the field of aging for over 25 years and is currently serving as the lead advocate, lobbyist and public relations head of the organization. Al has testified before Congress on home care and long term care insurance issues, and has successfully lobbied for millions of dollars in enhanced home care programs. He is an editorial writer for the Fifty Plus Senior Advocate newspaper and edits the monthly newsletter At Home. Al has contributed to many significant elder care programs including the "Community Choices" project in the Medicaid budget, the Money Management program, Caring Homes and Little Necessities. He also led the effort to nearly triple the income eligibility for the Medicaid waiver program. His most recent proposal, "Family Circle", became a new $2 million plan to allow family members to become paid caregivers for their loved ones. In 2004 and 2005 Al received the Ed Cooper Award for senior advocacy from Boston Mayor Tom Menino.
	Matt Siegel, LICSW Matt Siegel is a private Geriatric Care Manager and licensed Social Worker serving seniors and their families throughout Greater Boston and MetroWest. Matt has over fifteen years of experience in elder care, including an extensive background in health care, mental health and home care. Matt is an expert in the field of dementia care and memory loss and speaks frequently on this topic.
	Amber Weisheim, LICSW Amber Weisheim is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and has her Masters degree in social work from the University of Michigan in community organizing and mental health. During her time in graduate school, she was nominated for the 2005 NASW Region IV Social Worker of the Year. Amber has also worked in a wide range of specializations including medical, crisis and long-term counseling, insurance, social research, mental health, palliative care, program development and event organizing. Amber is currently an Elder Protective Services social worker for Minuteman Senior Services, and is responsible for investigating reports of possible abuse, neglect by a caregiver, self-neglect or financial exploitation of elders, and then assist with appropriate services or other resources in the community.