Featured Presenters

The Alzheimer's Association New England chapters are proud to include a distinguished list of dementia care professionals speaking at this year's Family Conference.

Presenter Biographies

Erica Curcio, LMHC, ATR, CDP

Art Therapist

"Art Therapists at Home, a therapy practice for people affected by dementia.
Erica Curcio, LMHC, ATR, CDP,  is a Registered Art Therapist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor that specializes in working with persons living with dementia and their Care Partners. She owns Art Therapists at Home, a therapy practice that brings JOY to the lives of those affected by dementia. Her therapy practice offers in person art therapy to people living at home with dementia and virtual care partner counseling, consulting and art workshops."

Jenna Dion, CDP

Dementia Care Consultant at the Alzheimer's Association

Jenna Dion, CDP, has been working at the Alzheimer's Association as a Dementia Care Consultant for the Dementia Care Coordination program for the last four years, in addition to running the virtual Alz Meet Ups, an Early Stage Social Engagement Program. Previously, she worked in the assisted living sector for over 10 years as an activities director and staff educator. Jenna is very passionate about helping those living with dementia.  She understands the grief of the disease process and helps individuals see their strengths. She is also passionate in helping caregivers with access to resources and understanding their own needs during the time of caregiving.

Melissa Grenier, LCSW

Regional Manager for New Hampshire, Alzheimer's Association MA/NH Chapter

Melissa Grenier, LCSW, graduated with her Bachelors of Social Work degree from Western New England College in Springfield, Massachusetts, and later obtained her Masters of Social Work degree from Springfield College. Melissa has worked in the areas of elder guardianship, home care, geriatric psychiatric care, and long-term care for over 19 years. She has worked for the Alzheimer's Association, MA/NH Chapter, for over twelve years, and is currently the Regional Manager for the State of New Hampshire. Her role includes overseeing the operations of the Bedford, NH, regional office, and providing the Alzheimer's Association's wide range of programs, services and trainings to those diagnosed with memory impairment, their loved ones and caregivers, the public, and law enforcement and first responders, across NH.

Edmarie Guzman-Velez, PhD

Neuropsychologist

Edmarie Guzman-Velez, PhD is a neuropsychologist at Mass. General Hospital and an Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School. She is a faculty member of the Multicultural Alzheimer’s Prevention Program. Her current research focuses on examining non-pharmacological and lifestyle factors that can reduce the risk for dementia.

Nicole McGurin

Programs & Services Director

Nicole McGurin has her M.S. in Gerontology from the University of Massachusetts Boston. She has more than 20 years of experience in the field of long-term care in community, assisted living and nursing home settings. After years of working in the long-term care field and volunteering as a support group volunteer, she joined the Alzheimer’s Association as a staff member in 2006, first as the Early Stage Program Manager and now as the Programs & Services Director. She enjoys combining her passion for the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association and love of long-distance running by participating in the Run to End Alzheimer’s Team and The Longest Day including Boston Marathon charity runner three times.

Nancy Monahan, MS OTR/L, CMC, CDP

Dementia Care Consultant

Nancy Monahan joined the Association in November of 2021 as a Dementia Care Consultant. She received her Master's Degree from Tufts University and is a registered occupational therapist as well as a certified care manager. She is able to use all of her knowledge and experience to provide our constituents with valuable information, resources, support, and guidance. She has spent the last twelve years working directly with families caring for and people living with dementia. She really enjoys collaborating with her colleagues and making meaningful connections with individuals and families within the community.

Judith Pare, PhD, RN

Nurse Educator

Judith Paré PhD, RN, is an experienced nurse educator who rejoined the Massachusetts Nurses Association in June, 2023. Prior to that, Judith had a dual role as a Clinical Professor & Program Director for the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program for the Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Judith remains active as an Adjunct Clinical Professor at the University of Massachusetts and as an Adjunct Professor at Northeastern University. Her areas of expertise include rural nursing, psychiatric nursing, and community health. Judith is a published author and a national speaker in the fields of dementia care and the lived experiences of rural and remote nurses.

Cindy Tulimieri, ORT/L

Occupational Therapist

Cindy Tulimieri, ORT/L, is an Occupational Therapist with over 25 years of experience mostly working with older adults. She has spent the last 12 years working to keep people with physical and cognitive impairments independent and safe at home. Credentials include Certified Dementia Practitioner, Executive Certificate in Home Modifications from University of Southern California, Gerontology and continuing education courses in Dementia and Home Modification Training, and Train the Trainer Course, Alzheimer's Association. She has also launched the Dementia Friendly Bedford (MA) initiative to educate local community partners on how to assist in making people with cognitive impairments active and safe in their community.

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