Are you caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or dementia? Whether you're a brand new caregiver, or a veteran of many years, our notable speakers and exercises will provide valuable interactive information to help you on your caregiving journey.

You'll get to experience hands on information from caregiving experts, learn self-care techniques, and access to valuable community resources.

This year we are excited to offer complimentary care during the conference, so caregivers can relax and enjoy the day while their loved one is safely cared for by the professional caregivers from Neighborhood House. Sign up while registering!
*Space is limited to 30 spots.

Always remember, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Where: Neighborhood House 1050 W 500 S, SLC, UT 84104

*Read presenter bio’s below agenda

Presenter Bio’s

G. Marsden Blanch, MD - Founder of The Lynden Legacy Foundation

Dr. Blanch’s passion for dementia care comes from 10 years experience caring for his wife since her diagnosis of early onset Alzheimers. His journey has made him a self-proclaimed expert in the field. Dr Blanch made several commitments to Lynette through the course of this tragic disease.  Among others, he promised to forever promote her comfort and preserve her dignity.  He now sees a great need to help others in similar situations.   To the best of his ability he desires to provide counsel and hope in helping as they navigate their way through this grief stricken journey.

Kristy Russell - Utah Dept. of Aging & Adult Services

Kristy Russell currently serves as the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) State Plan Specialist for the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. In this capacity, she leads the coordination of the ADRD State Plan and the ADRD Coordinating Council to ensure the effective implementation of the plan's goals and objectives, while minimizing redundancy across the state. Kristy plays a key role in providing statewide education and support, helping individuals access critical resources for those living with dementia, their caregivers, families, and professionals. Additionally, she oversees the public awareness campaign for ADRD and has previously served as the Public Relations Chair for the Utah Society for Public Health Education. With over 15 years of experience in addiction prevention, endoscopy, and long-term care, Kristy also has a personal understanding of dementia through her experience as a caregiver for loved ones. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Health Education from Utah Valley University, a Master’s degree in Health Leadership from Western Governors University, and is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES).

Deb Hall - Director of Adult Day Services

Debbie Hall is a long-time leader in the non-profit arena. She is the Director of the Neighborhood House Adult Day program as well as the Co-founder and Executive Director of her own non-profit for seniors. She is a goal oriented leader with a diverse background and over 20 years experience leading community programs and initiatives. She has a passion for working with seniors and other underserved and marginalized populations.

Her formal education includes Business Administration, Gerontology, Hospice and Palliative Care, and Legal Studies. She currently serves on the Utah Commission on Aging, the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia Coordinating Council and the advisory board for Living and Aging with Pride.

Debbie enjoys kayaking, biking, yoga traveling, BLM camping and all things outdoors. She incorporates these things into her programming to encourage seniors to move their bodies and socialize with others, to combat loneliness and social isolation. She loves time with her children and grandchildren and spends as much time as possible having adventures with her family.

Director of Lynden Legacy, Katie Blanch - Healing Breathwork

Katie’s education in Alzheimer’s and Dementia related illness comes from participating in care for her mother Lynette K Blanch. Katie has a health and wellness background; RYT-200 hours yoga certified, STOTT pilates, TRX and has worked in fitness, wellness and healthcare for a combined 20 years. She holds an undergraduate degree from BYU and more recently completed her Masters of Business Administration at the University of Utah (2021).

Katie began the event that led to the Lynden Legacy Foundation’s inception in 2015. The original Lynden Legacy Midway Turkey Trot 5k was started as a 10k in 2002 with just friends and family. The events, and the Foundation have grown to include the Lynden Legacy Pumpkin Patch at Summerhouse Farms. Both events are held in the beautiful Heber Valley, UT; 100% of the proceeds go to Lynden Legacy Foundation. Katie hopes to be able to help others finding themselves in a supporting role caring for loved ones with dementia. She continues to love living by raising her 4 kids, skiing, hiking, climbing and riding motorcycles.

Rosemary Quatrale - Jewish Family Services of Utah

Rosemary is the Older Adult Care Manager at JFS. She grew up in the Detroit area and graduated from the University of Michigan with a BS in Sociology. After raising three children, she enrolled in graduate school at the University of Utah and earned a master’s degree in Human Development Social Policy with a graduate certificate in Gerontology. Upon completing a gerontology practicum with JFS in 2015, she was hired by the local agency to continue providing services to older adults. In addition to her educational and professional experience, she has many years of experience taking care of loved ones. Rosemary oversees the Music and Memory program, caregiver support groups, and dementia-friendly activities. She loves interacting directly with her clients and is passionate about finding creative ways to enhance the lives of people living with dementia.

Emily Christensen - Jewish Family Services of Utah

Emily is a board-certified music therapist and director of Crescendo Music Therapy. She completed her undergraduate degree in Music Therapy from Utah State University and her graduate degree from the University of Utah in Gerontology. Emily specializes in hospice, dementia, and general elder care. Her company contracts with hospice agencies, nursing facilities, non-profits, and private clients across Utah to provide music therapy services. Emily is the director of the Gleeful Choir, a chorus for dementia care partners, and is a board member of the Utah Creative Aging Coalition. Emily absolutely loves her clinical work and is endlessly amazed at witnessing the astounding effects that music has on the quality of life of her clients.

Klea Harris, Esq. - Angel Advocates, PLLC

 Klea believe in the sacredness of the family and that one day her clients will care deeply about what estate planning they did or did not do to prepare themselves and their loved ones for their incapacity and passing. Klea participates in her community as founder of the Utah Valley Women and Leadership Collaborative, founder of 100 Women Who Care-Utah Valley, and member of Utah Bar's Estate Planning Legislative Committee. She earned her B.A. in history and gerontology and J.D. degree from BYU.  She coaches 500+ nationwide estate planning attorneys on her holistic approach to serving client families. Klea and her husband are the parents of five young adults, one teenager.