Keynote Speakers

Maryam Attapour

Maryam took on the role of Program Manager at the Family Caregiver Alliance in November of 2017. Maryam hopes that FCARI will become the foremost resource, information, and coalition-building asset for family caregivers across the lifespan in RI. Before her position with FCARI, she worked extensively with other service providing organizations throughout the State, such as Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island, the URI SNAP Outreach Project, the Center for nonviolence and Peace Studies at URI, and the Gender and Women’s Studies Department at URI.

Leonor Buitrago

Leonor Buitrago is the Diversity Outreach Manager for the Alzheimer's Association MA/NH Chapter. She previously worked at the New York City Chapter delivering training for Hispanic home care professionals and family caregivers and at the Rochester NY Chapter, delivering education to Spanish speaking communities. She works in collaboration with community organizations focused on Latino health, faith communities and media outlets to raise awareness on Alzheimer's in the Latino population in MA and NH.

Anne Cerullo, APRN, CNS

Anne is the Sr. Clinical Research Coordinator at the Rhode Island Mood & Memory Research Institute in East Providence, RI.

Linda Curry, OTD, MSOT

Linda has been part of the South County Health System for 20 years. Her areas of interest include cognitive assessments and intervention, low vision and driver rehabilitation. She is a especially enjoys interacting with families and providing services in those with neurological impairments as a way to improve function. Linda is currently teaching as adjunct instructor in the Johnson and Wales Clinical Doctorate Occupation Therapy Program.

Lori Daiello, PharmD, ScM

Lori Daiello is an Associate Professor of Neurology (Research) and Health Services, Policy and Practice (Research) at Brown and a Research Scientist at the Rhode Island Hospital Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders Center where she is involved with clinical trials of medications to prevent or treat Alzheimer’s Disease. Dr. Daiello is an NIH-funded independent investigator who studies the effects of common medications and surgical procedures on problems with memory and thinking, functional abilities, and mental health. Some of her most recent projects include an ongoing study of postoperative cognitive disorders and blood-brain barrier dysfunction, as well as a national study relationships between nursing home design and the use of psychiatric medications in patients with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Amber Evans, MA, LCMHC, R-DMT, BC-DEd

Amber Evans is the Memory Care and Engagement Specialist for LCB Senior Living. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and a Registered Dance/Movement Therapist, who specializes in nonpharmacological and expressive art interventions for people living with dementia, as well as for their families. Amber is also a Certified Dementia Practitioner, as well as a Board Certified Dementia Educator for the National Institute for Dementia Education and provides quality and comprehensive training and education to health care professionals in the new England area and beyond. Amber’s passion is working with residents and care givers to provide high quality of life amidst a dementia diagnosis.

Terry Fogerty, BS

Terry Fogerty is the Community Outreach Coordinator at the Alzheimer’s Disease  and Memory Disorders Center (ADMDC) at Rhode Island Hospital.  She is responsible for community relations, education and recruitment for the clinical trials team.  Prior to coming to the ADMDC, Terry worked as the Outreach Program Manager at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute in Phoenix, AZ.  She has been working with Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials teams for 6 years to advance new treatments and prevention measures for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia.

Macrina Hjerpe, BA, JD, LL.M

For much of her career, Macrina has provided sophisticated tax and estate planning to a wide range of high net worth clients. Macrina’s passion for elder law grew out of a family crisis. Her father, who suffered from Parkinson’s disease, contracted a staph infection in his brain following brain surgery. As Macrina and her family grappled with the issues surrounding Medicare, home care, Veterans Benefits, long-term care and Medicaid, she came to realize that many of the legal techniques that save estate tax for the wealthy also help to protect assets for the elderly.

Since then, Macrina has utilized her legal training to help families plan to protect their assets in the face of a long-term care crisis. Macrina's objective with each client is to treat their families as if they were her own.

Laurie Mantz, OTR, CADDCT

Laurie brings over 30 years experience  as a certified dementia care trainer and educator. Laurie has created professional development trainings for the University of RI Geriatric Education Center and RI College . She is a member of the RI State Advisory Committee for Alzheimer’s and related disorders and chair of the workforce development sub-committee. She founded the non-profit RI Memory Cafés organization currently being held virtually in RI. emphasizing the importance of social and intellectual stimulation, education, support and fun for those living with dementia and their care partners.

Kelly McCarthy, BS

Kelly McCarthy is currently the Corporate Director of Memory Care and Resident Engagement at LCB Senior Living. She is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator and Certified Dementia Practitioner. Kelly is a BC-DEd Board Certified Dementia Educator for NIDE National Institute for Dementia Education and certified as a Trainer for the RI/NH/MA Alzheimer’s Association Train the Trainer Curriculum. Kelly is the author of Brass Ring Memoirs: Encouraging stories using practice. Kelly McCarthy has been in the senior health industry for over 20 years. 

Justin Oakley, MSOTR/L, ECHMP

Justin J. Oakley, MSOTR/L, ECHMP Owner Executive Certificate In Home Modification Program (ECHM) October 2015 University of Southern California, Fall Prevention Center of Excellence Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) May 2013 University of California – Dominguez Hills Carson, CA Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Minor in Business Studies May 2003 Providence College Providence, RI Dean’s Merit Scholarship

Patty O'Brian, CDP, BS

As a Recreation Therapist, Patty worked in several different areas: a skilled nursing home, a head injury hospital and an assisted living facility. It was in the assisted living environment, caring for persons with dementia, that she found her passion for helping individuals with this disease. After leaving long term care, Patty was the North Central regional Director for the Alzheimer's Association, CT Chapter. In this role, Patty educated professionals and family caregivers on the basics of dementia, good communication tips and how to handle difficult behaviors. In 2015, She joined the Hartford Healthcare Center for Healthy Aging as a dementia specialist, helping families and caregivers through coaching and education.

Brendalee O’Hara, BA

Brendalee O’Hara is the President  & Owner of O’Hara Senior Care Services, Inc.  A native Rhode Islander she graduated East Providence Senior High School, Katherine Gibbs and attended Johnson & Wales University. She has been providing home care services for the elderly since 2003. With a passion to help those less fortunate she has assisted countless families throughout all of Rhode Island with the Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefit since 2004. She sits on the Board of Directors for the East Providence Chamber of Commerce.  A Corporate Member of NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business)  A Provider for Bright Horizons as well as Respite Care Services.

Tara Tang, BA

Tara Tang, BA Outreach Coordinator, Butler Hospital's Memory and Aging Program Represents the Memory and Aging Program at community events, educational presentations and media opportunities in Rhode Island and SE Massachusetts. With bilingual experience in patient recruitment, advertising and education, Tara enjoys the opportunity to build relationships and have conversations about the Alzheimer's field in diverse communities throughout the region.

Session Speakers