Dementia Educator and Speaker with a Forte in Creative Engagement

Meet Kate

I’m Kathryne (Kate) Fassbender

Creative work in eldercare is what I was uniquely created to do with my time and talent. I am part artist, part educator, and I find joy in accompanying others along this dementia journey.

I believe dementia is not a death sentence, a reason to squash dignity, purpose, and joy, nor an eraser that eliminates the beauty of life. But it is also not a reason to fear suffering, and “shush” conversations about the real trials we face. Whether you have the diagnosis yourself or are a care partner, I seek to walk with you through the trials and triumphs of this life.

My experiences as both a family and professional care partner has allowed me to dream big, to put out into the deep and imagine a better world for those on the dementia journey. 

Work With Me LinkedIn
The Secret Garden

My One Thing

Creative Engagement isn’t only an activities approach.

It is a model (an evidenced-based model at that) of the full picture of care. If you leave it up to the Activities team to understand and use Creative Engagement, you are missing a big piece of the pie.

Partners Past and Present

AFA
Renewal Memory Partners
Fox Valley Memory Project
Atria Senior Living

My Dementia Journey

2000

Chapter One – Volunteer

I started volunteering at a local Memory Care and discovered my ability to connect with those in all stages of cognitive decline. I knew I wanted to spend my life serving those living with dementia, but I didn’t see a career path quite yet.

2005

Grandparents

Chapter Two – Family Journey Begins

My grandmother was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia and overnight a volunteer path turned personal.

2007-2011

Chapter Three – Becoming a Professional

As a Creative Arts Therapy student, I continued my work with dementia in a professional capacity and discovered my joy of working with veterans.

2011-2015

Chapter Four – Life Enrichment and Arts and Health

Working at various care communities from Assisted Living to Skilled Care I took my knowledge out of the textbook and into real life. I also worked in facilitating Memory Cafés and Arts Access programs at various cultueral institutions. At the end of 2015, I started speaking on both small and large stages.

2015 – Present

Speaking GIVEN

Chapter Five – Entrepreneurship and Innovation

I started the Dementia Letters Project and The Hem of Christ after discovering a love of teaching and spotted a need for something new and different in elder care.

Quote to Live By

“If You Look The Right Way, You Can See That The Whole World Is A Garden.” ​

– Frances Hodgson Burnett

FAQ

I have my B.S. in Art Therapy from Edgewood College, specializing in Gerontology. I have also studied Music, Theater, Business, and Drama Therapy at the Undergraduate and Master’s level. I once held my CDP (Certified Dementia Practitioner) but chose to give it up in search of more meaningful education. I also have am a CDCS (Certified Dementia Communication Specialists) have my certification in Mental Health First Aid.

I live in Wisconsin but travel throughout North America and provide services both in-person and virtually.

Each year I seek ways to continue to grow in knowledge and understanding, both informally and formally. Above and beyond what is required to maintain any certifications I may have, I participate in monthly CE webinars, workshops, and courses hosted by universities, conferences, and other dementia-based organizations.

I also value greatly the growth that happens when we work with and listen to those living with dementia. These individuals provide an education that surpasses anything one might learn in a textbook or lecture.

Yes, all my education materials meet most state requirements for Dementia education, both for onboarding and continuing education for existing staff. Please let me know if this is a concern you have before we start working together.

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