Meet Sarah

So, how did I get here?

My caregiving journey began in 2013 when my mother’s health declined due to cardiovascular disease, leading to her becoming a double-leg amputee. To manage her care details—doctors' appointments, medications, and support services—I created a "black book" to stay organized amid the chaos.

Supporting my Father through Cancer & Dementia

Losing my mother in 2015 was devastating, and there was little time to grieve - almost immediately, my father was diagnosed with cancer and later, dementia.
I started another "black book" filled with numerous appointments and consultations with various specialists, ending in the“gists” like Hematologists, Respirologists, Cardiologists, Speech-language Pathologists, and so on. It was overwhelming, but I knew I had to keep going. I researched long-term care options: Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Long-term Care (through LHIN, now known as Ontario Health at Home) to find support for him.

The Reality of Dementia

After the pandemic, my father's dementia progressed significantly, while his cancer went into remission. His personality changed, and I dealt with angry outbursts and false accusations. As his needs grew, I arranged for home care and transitioned him to assisted living, navigating the complex world of dementia care on my own.

Dementia falls outside of traditional healthcare, meaning families must often navigate services and supports on their own. It can force adult children — the “sandwich generation” — to step away from careers, draining both energy and finances. To put it simply, Caregiving is a full-time job!

I know this because I’ve experienced it. And I see you — the families facing it, too.

I See You, and I Am Advocating for You

With over 25 years in sales and marketing, I now focus on educating and supporting those on the dementia care journey. As a certified PAC™ Dementia Care Trainer, I teach families to recognize the abilities and joys that remain, rather than just what has been lost. That career gave me organizational, leadership, and advocacy skills that I now channel into a new mission: educating and supporting those on the dementia care journey. It’s a rollercoaster of highs and lows!

As a certified PAC™ Dementia Care Trainer, I teach professionals and families how to recognize what remains — the abilities, connections, and joys — instead of focusing only on what’s been lost.

This is what I have learned

My father lives with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), a type of frontotemporal dementia that affects his ability to speak, read, write, and comprehend. Despite the challenges, I cherish our time together—whether walking, sipping lattes at Tim Hortons, or driving with the music turned up! I aim to share my experiences and help others who face similar challenges. Even though he no longer remembers my name, I am still grateful to be his daughter and best friend.

Restoring My Own Balance

I’ve learned that sustaining brain health and well-being is essential. For me, that means kayaking, practicing Pilates and Foundation Training, reading both fiction and non-fiction, and spending time with my wide circle of friends — from age 20 to 100 — who inspire me with their wisdom and energy.

Now, I want to use my journey — and my training — to support you on yours. You don’t have to face dementia alone.

My Certifications & Associations

PAC® Certified Dementia Care Trainer – Positve Approach to Care™ program
GPA® Certified – Dementia Care Responsive Behaviours (AGE)
Certified Program Director – Dementia Care Programs and Activities
Member – Rare Dementia Support Canada
Member – Ontario Caregiver Coalition

The Aha Moments

Witnessing "Got it" moments in those I educate brings me immense satisfaction and reflects my own journey through Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care® program.

As a PAC™ Independent Dementia care trainer, I am certified to implement the teachings and training about dementia of Teepa Snow and the Positive Approach to Care® (PAC). While based on the educational content from Teepa, and inspired by my Certification, views or opinions expressed, and additional content offered here, are representative of me, independent of the PAC organization,