Valerie's audiences describe her as "warm and personable" and her presentations as "informative, interesting and articulate."

 Valerie has always had a personal and professional interest in improving and maintaining quality of life for those with chronic medical conditions, but a personal family journey has inspired her passion to help others manage life transitions through aging and progressive dementia.

Valerie became interested in dementia after her father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and she became the primary person directing his care.  She has educated herself about dementia, senior transitions, and end-of-life through formal study,  professional forums, and her personal experiences.  She has faced the progression of Alzheimer's through end-of-life with her father and father-in-law, and was one of the family caregivers for her mother-in-law, who lived for several years with results from a major stroke. 

Valerie's approach is based on the belief that individuals may have the same disease but they have different journeys because of their backgrounds and life experiences.  Care decisions are very individual.  Information is vital to help families prepare for, and cope with, the progression of a chronic condition and enable them to provide the best quality of life for the caregiver and their loved one.   Valerie is committed to motivating and empowering people to live well through education and coaching.