Conference Speakers
Kathryn Pears, Keynote Speaker
Dementia: What it Is, What it Isn't, and How it Impacts a Person
Kathryn Pears, MPPM, Founder and CEO of Dementia Care Strategies Kathryn has been personally and professionally involved in dementia care since 1981. She holds a master’s degree from the Muskie School of Public Service.
Prior to forming Dementia Care Strategies, Inc. she was the Director of Education and Public Policy for the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter where she developed and personally conducted numerous innovative and highly popular training programs for family and professional caregivers.
In 2010 she was the recipient of the Excellence in Aging Award from the Maine Association of Area Agencies on Aging. She is also an Alzheimer’s expert on Caring.com.
Steve Apsega
Asset Preservation
Steve Apsega began working as an independent agent with J.T. Rosborough Inc. and as a partner with Combined Benefits United in hosting Asset Preservation Workshops in 2008. Steve is a native of Maine and graduated from the University of Maine at Machias in 1971. Prior to working at J.T. Rosborough, Inc., he held many sales positions within the insurance and financial industries at Combined of America, Met Life, Prudential, New York Life and Bangor Savings Bank. In addition to holding several licenses, Steve is also a Million Dollar Round Table Qualifier.
Barbara Kates
Grandparents Caring for Grandchildren
For over 11 years Barbara Kates was the Director of Maine Kids-Kin, a nationally recognized program supporting grandparents raising grandchildren, through Families and Children Together. Her work included major research grants to identify the best way to support families, and she has worked with hundreds of grandparents over the years. Barbara has given talks and led discussions about grandfamilies throughout Maine and around the country. Currently she volunteers at a grandparent group in Bangor, provides care to her parents, and works as a consultant and facilitator, assisting non-profits in developing stronger resources and programs.
Lisa King
Dementia Care
Lisa King has a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Human Services from the University of Maine at Machias and is a licensed social worker. She is also an Associate Savvy Caregiver Trainer through OADS/DHHS (Office of Aging & Disability and Department of Health & Human Services). Lisa splits her time working for Eastern Area Agency on Aging in the Family Caregiver Support Program and at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Machias as their Social Services Director/Admissions Coordinator. Lisa also was a caregiver for her mother & father. Through her Washington County work with caregivers, Lisa has developed a deep understanding of the needs, pressures and rewards of being a caregiver.
Sandra Seamans
Hands-on Care Techniques
Sandra Seamans RN BSN has been a practicing nurse for 28 years in a variety of settings – Home Care, Nursing Homes, Clinical Nursing Instructor, School Health Coordinator, and currently as the Nursing Supervisor /Case Manager at Harrington Family Health Center. She has specialized in Hospice Care, Maternal/Child Health, Wound Care, Home Intravenous Therapy, School Health and administrating chemotherapy in the home environment. For the last 22 years her passion has been providing and developing care plans linking patients and families to their medical providers and community resources in Washington County, Maine. Sandy knows the trials and frustrations of taking care of ill family members as she and her family developed strategies and resources to care for her son who at 9 years was treated for lymphoma with chemotherapy and radiation. In addition she provided end of life care for her father, mother and brother. In the community she has presented trainings on HIV, Shingles, End of Life Care, Lamaze and parenting skills.
