Collaborating for a Dementia-Friendly Washington: Building Momentum - 2025

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Collaborating for a Dementia-Friendly Washington: Building Momentum

A gathering to promote the growth of dementia-friendly communities in our state

10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Monday, October 27

Tukwila Community Center

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This event is for anyone who wants to make their communities more dementia-friendly, including people with dementia, family caregivers, and professionals across a wide spectrum of fields! Join us to connect with others, be inspired by innovative models, and gain practical tools for making your community more dementia-friendly!

Organized by the UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center, on behalf of the Washington State Dementia Action Collaborative, with primary funding provided by the Aging and Long Term Support Administration, and with a planning committee made up of advisor across the state.

Event Agenda

  • 9-10 a.m. Check-In & Open Time: Coffee & Pastries, Sponsor Tables, River Stroll
  • 10-10:15 a.m. Welcome & Event Overview
  • 10:15-11:15 a.m.  Inspirational Keynote & Reflection: Toward a Dementia-Friendly Community
    • Keynote by Casey Venturini with Dementia Friendly Nevada
    • Reflections from local community members LuPita Gutierrez Parker, Jordan Kvarda, Rose Cano, Ginger Opdyke
  • 11:15-11:20 a.m. Program Demo
  • 11:20-11:30 a.m. Break
  • 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Lightning Talks: Dementia-Friendly in Action!
    • Memory Cafe Alliance – Sam Goodrich, TimeSlips. New national effort to increase Memory Cafes by 10x.
    • Amy’s Place at Bellis Fair Mall – Bethany Chamberlin, Northwest Regional Council. New dementia-friendly community center offering respite, support, resources.
    • SHARP Program – Anthony Cryer, Central Area Senior Center. Culturally-celebratory brain health program for older African Americans, featuring walking and reminiscing.
    • “Meet Me At The...” Series – Lynn Crawford, HOPE Dementia Support. Innovative partnerships with Vancouver area community venues for dementia-friendly engagement.
    • Partners in Dementia Program – Ruru Wang, UW Medicine. Program pairing first year medical students with mentors who live with memory loss.
  • 12:15-12:30 p.m. Break & Seating for Lunch ("A Meaningful Meal")
  • 12:30-1:45 p.m. A Meaningful Meal, Facilitated by Marnita's Table. 
    • Over a delicious meal, Marnita Schroedl of Marnita’s Table will guide us through a time of sharing, learning and peer-to-peer connection as we explore what it means to have a dementia-friendly community
  • 1:45-2 p.m. Break & Move to Breakout Sessions
  • 2-3 p.m. Breakout Sessions
    • A. Becoming Dementia-Friendly: Action Steps for your Community - Casey Venturini with Dementia Friendly Nevada and Tara Hill Matthews with ALTCEW/Spokane Regional Dementia Friendly Community
    • B. Exploring Culturally-Celebratory Dementia-Friendly Programs and Initiatives – Raina Croff with OHSU Dept of Neurology and Jingyi Li with UW Tacoma School of Nursing
    • C. The Memory Cafe Model: Steps to Success- Sam Goodrich with Memory Cafe Alliance and Timeslips
    • D. Experiential Session: Dementia-Friendly Arts Programs (Visual Arts & Seated Dance)– Lea Lovelace with the Frye Art Museum and Julia Becke with Dancing Together
  • 3-3:15 p.m. Break & Return to Main Room
  • 3:15-4 p.m. Taking Action: Next Steps - Individual and Group Reflection
  • 4-4:30 p.m. Closing

Hotel Info - Group Rate (Book By September 26)

  • Discounted Group Rate offered at Courtyard by Marriott Seattle, Sea-Tac Area
    • Location: Located 4 miles from event venue, at 16038 W Valley Highway, Tukwila, WA, 98188
    • Rooms and Rates: King Bed $165/Night | 2 Queen Beds $175/Night, plus taxes/fees
    • Dates: Available Sunday October 26 and Monday October 27
    • Last Day to Book: Friday September 26
    • Concessions: Complimentary Parking, Buffet Breakfast at on-site Charley's Restaurant, Airport Shuttle by Reservation
    • BOOK HERE

Planning Committee:

  • Beverly Kimmons, Alzheimer's Association

  • Mary Pat O'Leary, Aging and Disability Services - Seattle/King County

  • Jamie Teuteberg, Department of Health

  • Juliet Sevume, Department of Health

  • Katie Zeitler, UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center

  • Kelsey Lovik, Northwest Regional Council

  • Lindsey Hotchkiss, Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources

  • Lupita Gutierrez-Parker, Community Advocate

  • Lynn Crawford, HOPE Dementia Support, Dementia Friendly Clark County

  • Lynne Korte, Aging and Long Term Support Administration

  • Marigrace Becker, UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center

  • Michael Woo, Kin On

  • Tara Hill Matthews, Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington