Registration, booths, breakfast

Welcome

Presented by Geri Lehnardt, MAG Aging & Family Services

Empowering You to Unlock a New Perspective

An entertaining and motivating presentation that will inspire caregivers to improve their thinking habits. You will learn how to harness the power of the subconscious mind to identify solutions, spark your own creativity, and create a happier life. Valerie uses optical illusions, facts about the brain, entertaining stories, and audio visuals to instill hope, no matter your situation.

Presented by Valerie Ackley. Read bio.

Valerie Ackley is the Executive Director at Bristol Hospice Utah and has worked in the senior healthcare industry for over ten years. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Business Management. While raising five young sons, she was inspired by James Allen’s popular essay, "As a Man Thinketh," and self-published a children’s picture book entitled, What are You Thinking? She participated in book tours at Costco across the country and continues to share her inspiring Power of Thought presentation to schools, businesses and church groups. She and her husband are now empty-nesters and live in Utah county.

Dementia Stages & Support

Alzheimer's is not normal aging. It's a disease of the brain that causes problems with memory, and thinking behavior. Join us to learn about the impact of Alzheimer's, the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia, disease stages and risk factors. Current research and treatments to address some symptoms, and Alzheimer's Association resources.

Presented by Raven Albertson. Read bio.

Raven is the Program Director for the Utah Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. She is a Certified Health Education Specialist. She obtained her BS in Community Health from Utah Valley University and her MA in Mass Communications from BYU, with a focus on health communications and filmmaking and a minor in Social Innovation. In addition to mobilizing and empowering Utah communities with relation to Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, she has a special passion for this cause because her grandmother passed away of Alzheimer's disease and her dad was her full-time caregiver until she passed. She runs a weekly support group to help caregivers practice regular self-care and mindfulness.

Discovering answers for your personal journey

Journaling is an activity that has been proven to strengthen our mental health. People who journal have experienced less anxiety and depression, memory improves, and one's physical health is affected for the better. Journaling cultivates gratitude, helps one sleep better and allows for one to feel happier. More importantly, journaling can be the conduit for finding answers to our life's purpose.

Presented by Elizabeth Jensen. Read bio.

Elizabeth Jensen received a BA in English from BYU and is a certified instructor of yoga, MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) and IPT (Integrative Processing Technique). Teaching yoga for over ten years has allowed Elizabeth to implement meditation and mindfulness into her practice as well as her daily life. She has found that when one seeks to become more mindful a natural bi-product is emotional and physical healing. With this awareness she attended the Institute of Healing Arts where she was trained in IPT– which uses self-compassion and imagery to let go of one’s false beliefs, thus freeing one from unwanted patterns and false perceptions. Elizabeth is currently working with clients both in IPT and teaching mindfulness courses to groups and individuals.

Releasing Trauma and Anxiety with the EFT Technique

Come and learn a simple and effective tool to release trauma and anxiety. This technique has been studied for decades and has proven effective in overcoming PTSD, anxiety and physical pain.

Presented by Karina Biesinger. Read bio.

Karina has 11 years experience as a Certified EFT Practitioner. She loves empowering her clients and helping them with tools that are simple and extremely effective in releasing trauma and anxiety. She is a mom of 5 and Military/Firefighter wife. She loves exploring, time in nature, learning and is always adding new tools to her tool box.

The Power of Love

You often think about showing up for so many people in life; friends, family, spouse and children. What about taking care of you? The very best thing you can do for the people you care about is to learn to have grace, compassion and ultimately love for that beautiful soul looking back at you in the mirror. It is the single most important relationship to work on and heal to radically shift your life forever!

Presented by Jennifer Suliafu. Read bio.

Hello dear, I’m Jen! I help badass women (and men) create a life they truly LOVE! For several years I was spinning in pain, sadness and anxiety. I had bought into the lies of the world and lost who I truly am. I went through a major transformation and came out on the other side. I began feeling joy, excitement and a zest for life unlike anything I’d ever experienced. I started sharing the things that helped me with others and watched their life heal, improve ando to the next level too. In 2015 I founded my company LoveLightHouse. Since then I’ve heldseveral events including women’s & couples retreats, seminars, worked with numerous coaching clients and launched my own coaching program called Awaken.

Legal Q & A

Presented by Klea Harris. Read bio. 

I believe in the sacredness of the family and that my clients will care about what they did or did not do in preparing their beneficiaries to receive their assets and legacy once they have gone. I participate in my community as chair of the Utah Valley Women and Leadership Alliance, 100 Women Who Care-Utah Valley, and the Utah Bar's Business and Estate Planning sections. I earned my B.A. in History and Gerontology and J.D. degree from BYU. My husband and I have five children in college and one at home. I love camping and hiking the National Parks with my family in my rehabbed 1966 Jet Trailer.

Guided Zen Doodle

Zen Doodling is a style of doodling/drawing that allows someone to create intricate designs by completing small areas of patterns. The process is a known stress reliever and can be another form of mindfulness.

Presented by Emily Christensen. 

Jarom Stubbs is an experienced mindfulness and meditation instructor and energy healer. He runs his own business in Provo, Utah and has worked with many organizations such as BYU, STEPS Recovery, UVU, 3B Yoga, and others, to develop and teach courses in mindful living and self improvement. He is passionate about helping others recognize their worth and open to the healing powers of self-love and acceptance.

Caregiver Tips Panel

Caregivers of various types will share what their caregiving experiences have been, what they have learned that might be useful, and help caregivers not feel so alone. A moderator will ask questions that audience members write in advance or questions that have come from common questions.

Moderated by Rosemary Quatrale. Read bio. 

Rosemary Quatrale is the Older Adult Care Manager at Jewish Family Service. Rosemary grew up in the Detroit area and graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. After raising three children she enrolled in graduate school at the University of Utah and earned a master’s degree in human development social policy with a graduate certificate in gerontology. Upon completion of a gerontology practicum with Jewish Family Service in 2015, she was hired by the agency to continue to provide services to older adults. Rosemary oversees the Music and Memory program, the Caregiver Support Groups, the Dementia Friendly Activities, and has developed new programs to meet the needs of caregivers during the time of COVID-19. Rosemary loves interacting directly with her clients and is passionate about finding creative ways to enhance the lives of people living with dementia.

Yoga Nidra for Caregivers

True relaxation is more than sitting down and putting your feet up. It is the ancient art of true, deep relaxation or "yogic sleep" and takes place at the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual level. Yoga nidra is done lying down. Some yoga mats provided.

Presented by Jarom Stubbs. Read bio. 

Jarom Stubbs is an experienced mindfulness and meditation instructor and energy healer. He runs his own business in Provo, Utah and has worked with many organizations such as BYU, STEPS Recovery, UVU, 3B Yoga, and others, to develop and teach courses in mindful living and self improvement. He is passionate about helping others recognize their worth and open to the healing powers of self-love and acceptance.

Registration, booths, breakfast

Welcome and Caregiver Recognition

Presented by Geri Lehnardt

Acceptance, Serenity, and the Illusion of Control

How controlling what you can and accepting what you can't will benefit you, reduce frustration, and make caring for your loved-one a gift instead of a burden.

Presented by JeanneLauree Olsen. Read bio. 

JeanneLauree Olsen is a non-denominational Chaplain. She began serving as a hospice chaplain in 2002 and continues in that work today. Her philosophy is that dying can teach powerful lessons about living. Through her coaching and leadership many have found the confidence to take their lives to a higher level; her clear vision and coaching help others to make course corrections quickly. Her vast life experiences give her a practical and intimate understanding of life and the challenges it brings. From a place of compassion and strength she partners with her clients to give them the unique opportunity to find the answers from within themselves.

Creating the Habit of Self-Compassion

Self-compassion is not easy to obtain in today’s world. However, once we recognize our thought patterns towards ourselves it is possible to change our old thought patterns to new, more positive thoughts that literally change how we experience life. A life of peace, calm and acceptance as well as improving our relationships and our abilities.

Presented by Elizabeth Jensen. Read bio.

Writing A Family Letter/Ethical Will

Presented by Klea Harris. Read bio. 

I believe in the sacredness of the family and that my clients will care about what they did or did not do in preparing their beneficiaries to receive their assets and legacy once they have gone. I participate in my community as chair of the Utah Valley Women and Leadership Alliance, 100 Women Who Care-Utah Valley, and the Utah Bar's Business and Estate Planning sections. I earned my B.A. in History and Gerontology and J.D. degree from BYU. My husband and I have five children in college and one at home. I love camping and hiking the National Parks with my family in my rehabbed 1966 Jet Trailer.

Optimal care for Hair, Skin, and Nails for Older Adults

Presented by Erika Vorhees. Read bio. 

Erica Voorhees is a Cosmetologist and Certified Social Worker. She has had many years of experience working with caregivers and care receivers as a Cosmetologist and as a Social Worker. She has served as a Cosmetologist in Assisted Living Facilities and in Skilled Nursing Facilities throughout Utah County. She also spent a few years working as Social Worker Director at Stonehenge of Springville. After her work at Stonehenge, she became a Case Manager and Intake Coordinator for Utah Case Management where she was able to continue her work with clients and their family members in Utah County.

Writing A Family Letter/Ethical Will (continued)

Presented by Klea Harris. Read bio. 

I believe in the sacredness of the family and that my clients will care about what they did or did not do in preparing their beneficiaries to receive their assets and legacy once they have gone. I participate in my community as chair of the Utah Valley Women and Leadership Alliance, 100 Women Who Care-Utah Valley, and the Utah Bar's Business and Estate Planning sections. I earned my B.A. in History and Gerontology and J.D. degree from BYU. My husband and I have five children in college and one at home. I love camping and hiking the National Parks with my family in my rehabbed 1966 Jet Trailer.

Hospice - It's Not What You Think

Discover common misconceptions pertaining to Hospice that often limit access to this wonderful Medicare benefit. Learn about some little known perks that can bless the lives of both caregivers and patients.

Presented by Candy Kinser. Read bio.

Candy Kinser, a former ICU nurse, entered hospice and geriatric care in 1997. She became board certified in hospice and palliative care in 2002, and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Utah with the Dean’s Award for the Outstanding Baccalaureate Student. Candace completed the University of Utah’s Geriatric Nursing Leadership program. Candy has served as a curriculum reviewer for the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association and the “Core Curriculum for the Generalist Hospice and Palliative Nurse,” as well as the “Study Guide for the Generalist Hospice and Palliative Nurse.” She co-founded two successful hospice organizations (Inspiration and Elevation), and currently serves as the Vice President of Public Relations for Yarrow Hospice and Palliative Care. She has been nominated for listing in Cambridge Who’s Who Among Executive and Professional Women.Candy’s passion for hospice is evident in her series, "Confessions of a Hospice Nurse," published by the Utah Nurses Association. She also authored the book, “Into the Arms of the Angels” and the booklet, “Peaceful Endings - The Hospice Experience.”

Discovering answers for your personal journey

Journaling is an activity that has been proven to strengthen our mental health. When one takes a few extra minutes to write down their feelings and thoughts people have experienced less anxiety and depression, memory improves, and one's physical health is affected for the better. Journaling cultivates gratitude, helps on sleep better and allows for one to feel happier. More importantly, journaling can be the conduit for finding answers to our life's purpose.

Presented by Elizabeth Jensen. Read bio.

Elizabeth Jensen received a BA in English from BYU and is a certified instructor of yoga, MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) and IPT (Integrative Processing Technique). Teaching yoga for over ten years has allowed Elizabeth to implement meditation and mindfulness into her practice as well as her daily life. She has found that when one seeks to become more mindful a natural bi-product is emotional and physical healing. With this awareness she attended the Institute of Healing Arts where she was trained in IPT– which uses self-compassion and imagery to let go of one’s false beliefs, thus freeing one from unwanted patterns and false perceptions. Elizabeth is currently working with clients both in IPT and teaching mindfulness courses to groups and individuals.

Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors

Behavior is a powerful form of communication and is one of the primary ways for people with dementia. Learn how physical and cognitive challenges effect personalities and how to kindly set boundaries for a healthier caregiver.

Presented by Raven Albertson. Read bio.

Raven is the Program Director for the Utah Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. She is a Certified Health Education Specialist. She obtained her BS in Community Health from Utah Valley University and her MA in Mass Communications from BYU, with a focus on health communications and filmmaking and a minor in Social Innovation. In addition to mobilizing and empowering Utah communities with relation to Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, she has a special passion for this cause because her grandmother passed away of Alzheimer's disease and her dad was her full-time caregiver until she passed. She runs a weekly support group to help caregivers practice regular self-care and mindfulness.

Walking the Labyrinth

Walk away your stress and tension, receive inner guidance to pressing questions, or just enjoy the sensations of mindful walking. The labyrinth is an ancient practice of mindful movement used to calm the nervous system and take the walker to deeper levels of self awareness and healing.

Presented by Jarom Stubbs. Read bio.

Jarom Stubbs is an experienced mindfulness and meditation instructor and energy healer. He runs his own business in Provo, Utah and has worked with many organizations such as BYU, STEPS Recovery, UVU, 3B Yoga, and others, to develop and teach courses in mindful living and self improvement. He is passionate about helping others recognize their worth and open to the healing powers of self-love and acceptance.

Finding Presence in Caregiving

When we have developed true self-love and compassion, we are much more likely to have the energy, stamina, and loving awareness to care for ourselves and others. Come learn of the importance of self-love and some simple tools you can use to cultivate that love on a deeper level.

Presented by Jarom Stubbs. Read bio.

Jarom Stubbs is an experienced mindfulness and meditation instructor and energy healer. He runs his own business in Provo, Utah and has worked with many organizations such as BYU, STEPS Recovery, UVU, 3B Yoga, and others, to develop and teach courses in mindful living and self improvement. He is passionate about helping others recognize their worth and open to the healing powers of self-love and acceptance.

Navigating Medicare

Learn unbiased ins and outs of Medicare from an experienced State Health Insurance Program counselor.

Presented by Bonnie Lewis. Read bio.

Bonnie Lewis has worked at MAG for over nineteen years.She has been the SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) Coordinator for Summit,Utah and Wasatch Counties for eight of those years. She provides Medicare counseling for new beneficiaries as well as others with questions and concerns about their healthcare services. She is also the Director of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) finding volunteer opportunities for anyone over 55 years old.

Final remarks