About Us
Michele Wachter-Gardner, CADDCT, CDP, DCC Founder and President of Empowering Professionals in Dementia Care and Author of "Once Upon a Wishbone"
Michele has worked in the homecare industry for over 20 years, specializing in senior care services. Her career began as a Caregiver/Companion for the senior population and has evolved into a lifelong path that continues to expand every day. From a young age, she admired and enjoyed being around the seniors in her hometown of Ridgewood, Queens, NY. In 2003, she responded to an ad in her local town paper to become a companion for a homecare agency, where she discovered that serving the geriatric population was her true calling and a divine gift. Michele returned to college in 2005, graduating in 2008 with a degree in the Arts, focusing on Gerontology and Therapeutic studies to assist those diagnosed with Alzheimer's and dementia. Today, she is not only an Alzheimer's training and dementia care expert but also a Certified Dementia Practitioner and an advocate for families, referral sources, clients, and caregivers. Additionally, she founded Seniors Helping Soldiers, an outreach program for individuals eager to give back to our troops and veterans. This recreational-based initiative engages seniors who wish to support veterans, their families, and troops overseas. In 2014, she received an award for Outstanding Recreational Therapeutic Services from the Long Island Alzheimer's Foundation. Moreover, she has facilitated numerous monthly support groups for families of clients suffering from cognitive impairments. "I count my blessings daily that I found a career that is rewarding and gratifying," says Michele Wachter Gardner.
About Empowering Professionals in Dementia Care, LLC
Our Mission
Empowering Professionals in Dementia Care, LLC is dedicated to providing caregiver support by strengthening caregivers, healthcare professionals, and families through specialized dementia education, advocacy, home safety education, and collaborative peer engagement. We equip those who serve with the knowledge, confidence, and practical tools needed to support individuals living with dementia with dignity, purpose, and compassion.
Our Vision
Our vision is to elevate the standard of dementia care in every community by creating environments where individuals living with dementia can remain safe, valued, and purpose-driven. We aim to ensure that caregivers feel supported, prepared, and empowered through comprehensive caregiver support and dementia education, rather than overwhelmed.
Core Values
Compassion with Purpose
We lead with empathy while promoting meaningful engagement and purposeful living for those affected by dementia. Our focus on caregiver support ensures that families receive the assistance they need during this challenging journey.
Education that Empowers
We believe knowledge builds confidence. Through our dedicated dementia education programs and professional training, we raise the bar in dementia care, equipping caregivers with the skills necessary to provide exceptional support.
Advocacy & Voice
We stand as advocates for individuals living with dementia and the families who love them, ensuring dignity and respect at every stage of the dementia care process.
Safety & Stability
We prioritize home safety and structured environments that reduce risk and support independence, creating a secure space for those affected by dementia.
Collaboration & Community
Through peer talk forums and professional partnerships, we foster connection, shared learning, and collective growth, enhancing the overall caregiver support network.
Excellence in Care Leadership
We are committed to advocating best practices and cultivating leaders in dementia care who are equipped to make a difference.