About M.A.P.

As a recreational therapist, I am always looking for leisure pursuits that create joy, build resiliency and purpose. What we do in our leisure time is an important element of our life. This element becomes all the more important as we age. Recreation is the process of re-creating an activity that made us feel good. I have learned so much from my work with older adults and the elderly. Currently I am teaching strength training, balance and flexibility classes to over 50 older adults a week. Watching all of them in these classes brings me great joy and a sense of promoting wellness through movement. In my own leisure time, I love to walk, exercise, dance hula, take bar method classes, garden and walk with my husband and golden doodle.

I delight in bringing people and ideas together to make the world a better place. I believe in the immense potential of all human beings to contribute their unique strengths to the world, regardless of level of education, background, and challenges. As an author, counselor/coach,  educator,  and former regional director of engagement and education, I consult with, and present to,  elder  and intergenerational communities and organizations across the country.  In my leisure time, I  take daily walks, exercise (Conductorcise, Yoga with Weights, Gyrokinesis) and enjoy being with my family, especially my grandchildren.

I have spent the past 24 years living a dual life as a professional singer and a fitness professional ( with certifications ranging from NASM & Personal Training for Exercise for Frail Elders). I added my passion of working with older adults in 2000. I enjoy transforming the lives of older adults with music, movement, motivation and meraki. I love creating programming and opportunities that encourage people to share their gifts as well as discover talents and interests previously unknown. I consider myself very lucky to be able to work with a population that has so much to offer, the Life Enrichment goes both ways!

meraki- a powerful life changing, beautiful work, I love to live my life by-to do something with soul, creativity

I am passionate about increasing the quality of life of older adults in our community and enjoy my role as Director of Volunteers, matching compassionate, caring volunteers with residents in facilities and clients in their private homes for important social engagement and connection through several volunteer programs. As an Activity Director, I designed and implemented new activity programs exclusively for 26 residents in an Assisted Living unit. As a Memory Care Coordinator,  I launched all operations on a brand new 13-resident unit, directing, coordinating, and supervising all resident programs and staff related to overall resident care and quality of life engagement.  I truly believe "Love Is the Answer" (LITA). 

Fourteen years ago, I was asked if I was interested in working as an activity staff member. I never left! I loved what I was doing since day one. I was on cloud 9. I love the residents and the special relationship you have with each person. I am married and have two children with one step daughter and 5 grand children (all girls). I love spending my free time with  the grandkids and traveling when I can.