Kathryne (Kate) Fassbender accompanies those on their dementia journey. By magnifying the importance of creativity, faith, and human connection, she provides creative care, education, and innovative ways to look at how we live with dementia. Kathryne is a classically trained musician, visual artist, and theater maker, with an academic foundation in the creative arts therapies. A native of Wisconsin, she now calls the East Coast home. Kathryne earned her B.S. in Art Therapy from Edgewood College, with continued education in Drama Therapy. After nearly a decade in Life Enrichment, she moved on to be an educator and speaker, working with families and professional care partners alike. Upon starting her own business, Kathryne found ways to balance both practicing her craft in arts and health and sharing with others the knowledge gained as both a professional and family carer. Kathryne, in addition to running two organizations of her own, serves on the Faculty of the Avila Institute of Gerontology.

Clare is a licensed social worker who has worked with the elderly for over 25 years, serving as a director of social work in various nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. She provides consultation and education on various topics in aging to residents, families, and staff.

Clare L. Horn received her undergraduate degree from Marymount College, Tarrytown, NY, a M.S. Ed. from Hofstra University, and a M.S.W. from Fordham University, where she also completed her doctoral courses. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York State. She holds membership in the Academy of Certified Social Workers and the National Association of Social Workers. She has worked with the elderly and served as Director of Social Work for over 25 years in Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Centers. In November 2016, under Ms. Horn’s leadership at The New Jewish Home, the dementia unit received Comfort Matters Accreditation.

Ms. Horn has educated staff and families in palliative care and the ‘person-directed care’ program. She has presented at conferences and meetings on topics related to social work, dementia, palliative, and person-centered care. She has served for 21 years on the board of directors of Marian Woods, a NYS Department of Health Adult Care Facility, and Convent for women religious in Westchester County and has recently transitioned to serving on their program and quality assurance committee. Ms. Horn is a member of the Institute Formation Commission of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary. She is on the faculty of the Avila Institute of Gerontology.

Alfred is an expert in behavioral psychology who has worked with the Avila Institute for the last 15 years, researching, developing, and presenting workshops and in-services on a number of topics associated with aging and dementia. He has many years of experience working as a consultant for long-term care systems and facilities and has trained staff in the use of non-pharmaceutical, individualized care plans for long-term care and assisted living residents living with mild cognitive impairment to severe dementia.