About Us

Michele has worked in the Homecare industry for over 20 years. Her career started as a Caregiver/Companion for the senior population and has grown into a lifelong career path and continues to grow every day. When she was a young child, she always had great admiration and enjoyed being surrounded by the seniors from her hometown, Ridgewood Queens, NY. She answered an AD in 2003 from her local town paper to become a companion for a Homecare agency called Home Instead. She realized that serving the Geriatric population was her true calling in life and a true gift from god. She returned to college in 2005, graduated in 2008 with a degree in the Arts and began her concentration in Gerotology and Therapeutic studies to help those diagnosed with Alzheimer's/ Dementia. Today she is an Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Trainer, Certified Dementia Practitioner and an advocate for families, referral sources, clients and caregivers. She also founded Seniors helping Soldiers: An outreach program designed for individuals wanting to give back to our Troops and Veterans. This program is a recreational-based program for seniors who are interested in giving back to our Veterans, their families, and our troops overseas. In 2014 she received an award for Outstanding Recreational Therapeutic Services from Long Island Alzheimer's Foundation. In addition, she faciliated many monthly support groups for client's families suffering with cognitive impairments. 

"I count my blessings daily that i found a career that is rewarding and gratifying."- Michele Watcher Gardner

Kelly has a wide area of expertise in the healthcare field from her 20 years of experience working in Home Care, Assisted Living/Memory car, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Medical Model Adult Day Care and Social Model Adult Day Care. Her passion, education and experience has enabled her to train other healthcare professionals with tips, techniques and basic dementia knowledge on caring for a person with mild cognitive impairments to late stage dementia. She also shares ideas for recreation to promote cognitive stimulation, positive emotions and a sense of purpose. In 2001 she earned the ESAAL All-Star Staff award from the Empire State Association of Assisted Living for her outstanding commitment to the care of the residents and being a role-model to co-workers and dedication to the team. Her degree as a Recreation Therapist from St Joseph's College and her certifications as a Certified Dementia Practitioner and a Certified Senior Advisor along with her many years of experience allows her to assist families and other healthcare professionals with navigating the healthcare system, needed community resources and becoming an understanding and confident caregiver.

"My passion is helping people build confidence and compassion while equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to care for individuals with Dementia." - Kelly Woolsey