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

Kate is both the Founder of the Dementia Letters Project, as well as The Hem of Christ, a non-profit seeking to accompany those living with dementia in their relationship with Christ. Kate also serves as a GIVEN Institute Mentor.Kate is both the Founder of the Dementia Letters Project as well as The Hem of Christ, A non-profit seeking to accompany those living with dementia in their relationship with Christ. Kate also serves as a GIVEN Institute Mentor.

A Wisconsin native, Kate returned to Wisconsin in 2026 after living on the East Coast for 15 years. Her return home brought with it the invitation to better balance her roles as educator and artist.

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.