Bio

Monika works is a professional problem solver inspired to bring practical solutions to the dementia care, especially families or individuals living with any form of it. She is currently focusing on inspiring use of the COPE Program principles to sustainable practices, including technology, documentation and clinical care. This includes addressing 1) improving quality of life,  2) improving confidence in handling behaviors related to dementia, 3) decreasing institutionalization, 4) decreasing stress and 5)  improving participation for individuals living with a form of dementia. This also includes living with IDD and a form of dementia, or living at home with a loved one with a form of dementia. Monika earned her Master’s of Occupational Therapy from College of St. Mary in 2009. Since then, she has worked in acute care, acute rehab, ICU, skilled nursing, outpatient, as an adjunct professor and home health. The majority of her career–and passion–has been in home health. She has experience implementing evidence-based occupational therapy in dementia care using the COPE Program (developed by Drexel University as part of a Federal Grant from the Administration on Community Living (ACL) under an Alzheimer's Dementia Program Initiative (ADPI) awarded to the non-profit Oakwood Creative Care in Mesa, AZ. She is trained in the COPE (Care of Older People in their Environment), Skills2care, motivational interviewing, healthy habit development, and lifestyle redesign. She is also collaborating with the GUIDE Model thru EmpowerMe Wellness and is open to creating innovative pathways for better dementia care.