I graduated with Honors from Iowa State University, obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Family Services and a minor in Gerontology. I have worked with individuals with dementia in long-term care for 11 years. In college, I knew that I wanted to study Gerontology, but I did not know specifically what I wanted to do. I decided to become a Certified Nursing Assistant and worked one summer break in a nursing home. Loving the work and the residents, I decided to do my practicum in a long-term care facility. At the start of my practicum, my facility advisor suggested I spend a week in the Alzheimer’s Care Unit. After one week, I knew I found a calling. I did not leave my practicum site when I completed college, as they hired me to stay full-time as the Alzheimer’s Care Unit Coordinator. I love connecting with persons with dementia. I have been with Arbor Springs since its beginning and have stayed because no other dementia program focuses on connections like Arbor Springs does. Recently I became a Certified Dementia Practitioner and Certified Dementia Care Manger, and am also certified by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners to teach the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Course.