Memory Symposium: Understanding Brain Health and Dementia

Memory Symposium:

Understanding Brain Health

and Dementia

Thursday, May 1, 2025

9:30a - 3:15p

John A. Logan College

700 Logan College Rd.

Carterville, IL 62918

This will be a hybrid event, in-person and virtual

About the Conference

Join us for an illuminating and transformative conference tailored for rural health care professionals. The Memory Symposium: Understanding Brain Health and Dementia aims to deepen your knowledge of brain health and dementia, providing you with cutting-edge insights and practical tools to better serve your community.

Gain insights from leading experts in neurology, geriatrics, and mental health as they share practical strategies for supporting families affected by dementia. Our sessions are tailored to address the unique challenges faced by rural health care providers. Connect with fellow professionals, exchange experiences, and build a supportive network.

Key Topics:

Diagnosis and Assessment
Managing Behaviors
Modifiable Risk Factors for Dementia
Quality Improvement for Dementia Patients

Funding for this event was made possible by a grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health. This conference is free to attend and all continuing education credits are complementary to those who attend in person.

This conference is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $500,000 with 9% of funding devoted to this project by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Agenda

View full session details

8:30 am - 9:30 am

Registration / Networking Breakfast

9:30 am - 9:45 am

Welcome

9:45 am - 10:45 am

Understanding Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment: Diagnosis and Neuropsychological Evaluation

Presenters: Dale Korinek, Psy.D., ABPP, Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Clinical Neuropsychologist, SIU School of Medicine

Tara Riddle, PhD, ABPP-CN, Neuropsychologist, Carle Neuroscience Institute

10:45 am - 11:00 am

Break

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

From Frustration to Understanding: Managing Dementia Behaviors

Presenters: Dr. Charlene S. Aaron, PhD, RN, President, Saint Francis Medical College of Nursing

Laura Gallagher Watkin, J.D., CDP, Director Strategic Initiatives, Cris Health Aging

Andrea Bushnell, APRN, CNP, Springfield Clinic

12:00 pm - 12:45 pm

Lunch

12:45 pm - 1:45 pm

Taking Action Against Dementia: Modifiable Risk Factors

Presenters: Jenna Pelc, APRN, CNP, Nurse Practitioner, Springfield Clinic

Robin Ridgely, MS, Family Life Educator, University of Illinois Extension

1:45 pm - 2:00 pm

Break

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Empowering Dementia Care: Strategies for Quality Improvement

Presenters: Erika Peterson, PhD, Process Improvement Coordinator, Shawnee Health Service

Cecile Becker, MD, Neurologist, Springfield Clinic

3:00 pm - 3:15 pm

Closing Remarks

Who Should Attend?

Professional I (Professional caregiver, direct care staff, administrator; please note, no continuing education credits offered)
Professional II (Health and allied health professional with CEU or CME)
Those seeking Certificate of Completion and Continuing Professional Development Units (CPDUs).

Continuing Education

4.0 CEU, CME credits offered for attendees registered as a Professional II only. The following professionals are eligible for continuing education credit:

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Counselor-Professional/Clinical
Dietitian/Nutrition Counselor
Marriage and Family Counselor
Nurse (APN, RN, LPN)
Nursing Home Administrator
Occupational Therapist/COTA
Physical Therapist/PTA
Physician
Psychologist
Respiratory Therapist
Social Worker (LSW, LCSW)
Others, please inquire at gkuhn@alz.org
Inquire about other licenses or credentials at ceupro.com

(Continuing education credits will be offered for in-person attendees only)

Presenters

Charlene S. Aaron, PhD, RN,

President OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing and Saint Anthony College of Nursing

Peoria, IL

Charlene Aaron, PhD, RN accepted the position of president for Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing and Saint Anthony College of Nursing and began in the role July 5th, 2023. In her role, Dr. Aaron is accountable for leading the colleges and their educational programs in conformity with state and federal regulations and ensures compliance with professional and regional accreditation standards. Dr. Aaron is the chief executive, operating and academic officer for both colleges and has a dual reporting structure to both college boards and the presidents of OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center and OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center.

Dr. Aaron previously served as chancellor and professor at HSHS St. John's College of Nursing in Springfield, Illinois. Prior to that, Dr. Aaron served as an assistant professor at the Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University. She has served in both clinical and educational capacities throughout her career. Dr. Aaron is passionate about nursing care, education, leadership and especially the practice of supporting caregivers of individuals with dementia.

Dr. Aaron earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Illinois Wesleyan University. She then earned a Master of Science in nursing from the Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University. Dr. Aaron went on to earn a PhD in nursing in aging from the University of Iowa.

Dr. Aaron resides in Fairbury, Illinois and has two grown children, and twelve grandchildren. She enjoys family time, traveling and reading.

Andrea M. Bushnell, APRN, CNP

Nurse Practitioner

Springfield Clinic

Andrea earned her Master of Science in Nursing degree from Saint Louis University with board certification in Adult / Geriatric Primary Care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from St. John’s College in Springfield. Andrea ranks in the top 1% nationally in patient experience, based on scores from the “Care Provider Overall” question on surveys completed with Press Ganey.

Tara Riddle, PhD, ABPP-CN

Neuropsychologist

Carle Neuroscience Institute

Dr. Tara Riddle is a clinical neuropsychologist at Carle Neuroscience Institute in Urbana, Illinois and clinical assistant professor at Carle-Illinois College of Medicine. She received her PhD in clinical psychology at Ohio University, followed by an internship at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and postdoctoral residency in neuropsychology at the University of Michigan. She is board certified in clinical neuropsychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). Her training emphases and research and clinical interests include differential diagnosis of dementia, cognitive function in multiple sclerosis and stroke, presurgical and intraoperative assessment in neuro-oncology, and the cognitive impact of chronic medical disorders.

Dale Korinek, Psy.D., ABPP

Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Clinical Neuropsychologist

SIU School of Medicine

Dale Korinek, Psy.D., ABPP is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist by the American Board of Professional Psychology and Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at SIU School of Medicine. He served in the Illinois Army National Guard for 12 years before leaving to complete his doctoral education at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. He completed his clinical training in neuropsychology at the University of Chicago Medical Center and internship at the Jesse Brown VA, with additional rotations at the University of Illinois Chicago. He went on to complete his postdoctoral fellowship at the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, serving in both the neurology and psychiatry departments. His research interest broadly focuses on apathy and social behavioral changes in neurologic illness or injury, frontotemporal dementias, performance validity, and prospective memory.

Dr. Korinek provides brief and comprehensive outpatient neuropsychological evaluations through the Department of Psychiatry. He also provides forensic neuropsychological services, including independent medical evaluations (IMEs) for disability/workers compensation, head injury litigation, adult guardianship, and legal decision-making capacity in adults with cognitive impairments. If you are seeking such services, please have your attorney contact Dr. Korinek or our clinic directly.

Laura Gallagher Watkin, J.D., CDP

Director of Strategic Initiatives

CRIS Healthy Aging, Carle Health [ Champaign and Danville]

After obtaining her law degree, Laura focused her career on administrative advocacy for low-income families and persons with disabilities. She accepted a position at CRIS Healthy Aging to create innovative programs for family caregivers of older adults and to reduce social isolation in Champaign and Vermilion counties. While managing the family Caregiver assistance programs, Laura began to take care of her father who had dementia. Experiencing firsthand the difficult journey of families caring for a loved one with dementia, she applied for a federal grant to bring evidence-based dementia caregiving programs to central Illinois. CRIS is in it’s 6th year of providing dementia specific services to families caring for a loved one with dementia.

She is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, a Dementia Connection Specialist, certified to teach the Stressbusters for Caregivers of persons with dementia course. As one of the few people trained to offer the Alzheimer’s dementia care seminar required by the NCCDP she has helped over 50 local providers obtain the Certified Dementia Practitioner credential.

U of I Extension - Robin Ridgley Pic_edited.png

Robin Ridgley, MS

Education Administration, Family Life Educator

University of Illinois Extension

Robin Ridgley, MS Education Administration, serves as family life educator serving Franklin, Jackson, Perry, Randolph, and Williamson Counties. Her program priorities relate to social-emotional wellness, brain health, and family relationships. In her role, Ridgely connects with local partners and community members as she provides educational programming and resources on healthy living throughout the lifespan.

Jenna Pelc, APRN, CNP

Nurse Practitioner

Springfield Clinic

Jenna Pelc is a nurse practitioner with Springfield Clinic. She has been working in healthcare for the last 15 years and has been a neurology nurse practitioner for 11 years. Jenna’s passion for memory care is focused on preventative and risk reducing measures, encouraging her patients to live a practical and healthy lifestyle. When she isn't working, Jenna enjoys exercising and trying out new recipes. Her favorite thing to do is to spend time with her husband and two children and watching her kids participate in sporting events.

Cecile Becker, MD

Neurologist

Springfield Clinic

Dr. Cecile Becker is a Neurologist with Springfield Clinic. Practicing for 20 years in the Springfield area, Dr. Becker treats all general neurology conditions. Her passion for memory care comes in partnering with our patients through a difficult journey, and ensuring they have the best access to resources and support. In her free time, she loves reading, traveling the globe, and attending concerts!

Planning Committee

Heather Knutt, LCSW

Community Service Unit Director

Shawnee Health

Heather Knutt, LCSW, is the Community Service Unit Director for Shawnee Health Service. She has been with Shawnee Health Service for over 16 years working with those 60 years of age and older and their caregivers. Heather is a certified Savvy Caregiver instructor, a training which educates caregivers of those with dementia. Heather is currently working to bring Savvy Caregiver trainings to each of the lower 13 counties in Illinois along with establishing caregiver support groups and Memory Cafes.

Cindy Womack, DNP, FNP-BC, CNRN
Nurse Practitioner

SIU Medicine, Dale & Deborah Smith Center for Alzheimer’s Research & Treatment

Cindy Womack, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNRN is a Nurse Practitioner in the Department of Neurology at SIU School of Medicine Neuroscience Institute, Smith Center for Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment. Dr. Womack specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

She earned a Doctorate in Nursing Practice and Master’s degree in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner specialty from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Prior to coming to SIU School of Medicine, she maintained a private practice for several years as a Geriatric Care Manager working with older adults and their families, advocating for quality eldercare in community settings. Dr. Womack is board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and by the American Board of Neuroscience Nursing as a Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse.

Dr. Womack has given numerous presentations on Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders to both healthcare and community audiences, and has authored or co-authored several professional articles over her career.

ANN JIRMASEK, MA, MA, LCPC, NCC

Clinical Gerontology Specialist

SIU Medicine, Dale & Deborah Smith Center for Alzheimer’s Research & Treatment

is a Clinical Gerontology Specialist in the Department of Neurology at SIU School of Medicine. She works with the Smith Alzheimer’s Center, specializing in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care. Ann provides family support through counseling, education, and referral services, helping individuals and families navigate the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. Ann earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Illinois State University, and both her Master’s degrees in Gerontology and Human Development Counseling from the University of Illinois Springfield. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the State of Illinois and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Her dedication to supporting patients and families is rooted in her commitment to improving quality of life and fostering understanding through compassionate care and evidence-based practices.

Charlene S. Aaron, PhD, RN,

President OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing and Saint Anthony College of Nursing

Peoria, IL

Charlene Aaron, PhD, RN accepted the position of president for Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing and Saint Anthony College of Nursing and began in the role July 5th, 2023. In her role, Dr. Aaron is accountable for leading the colleges and their educational programs in conformity with state and federal regulations and ensures compliance with professional and regional accreditation standards. Dr. Aaron is the chief executive, operating and academic officer for both colleges and has a dual reporting structure to both college boards and the presidents of OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center and OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center.

Dr. Aaron previously served as chancellor and professor at HSHS St. John's College of Nursing in Springfield, Illinois. Prior to that, Dr. Aaron served as an assistant professor at the Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University. She has served in both clinical and educational capacities throughout her career. Dr. Aaron is passionate about nursing care, education, leadership and especially the practice of supporting caregivers of individuals with dementia.

Dr. Aaron earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Illinois Wesleyan University. She then earned a Master of Science in nursing from the Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University. Dr. Aaron went on to earn a PhD in nursing in aging from the University of Iowa.

Dr. Aaron resides in Fairbury, Illinois and has two grown children, and twelve grandchildren. She enjoys family time, traveling and reading.

Laura Gallagher Watkin, J.D., CDP

Director of Strategic Initiatives

CRIS Healthy Aging, Carle Health [ Champaign and Danville]

After obtaining her law degree, Laura focused her career on administrative advocacy for low-income families and persons with disabilities. She accepted a position at CRIS Healthy Aging to create innovative programs for family caregivers of older adults and to reduce social isolation in Champaign and Vermilion counties. While managing the family Caregiver assistance programs, Laura began to take care of her father who had dementia. Experiencing firsthand the difficult journey of families caring for a loved one with dementia, she applied for a federal grant to bring evidence-based dementia caregiving programs to central Illinois. CRIS is in it’s 6th year of providing dementia specific services to families caring for a loved one with dementia.

She is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, a Dementia Connection Specialist, certified to teach the Stressbusters for Caregivers of persons with dementia course. As one of the few people trained to offer the Alzheimer’s dementia care seminar required by the NCCDP she has helped over 50 local providers obtain the Certified Dementia Practitioner credential.

With a special thanks to the following organizations:

Questions?

For questions or more information about the conference, contact Gene Kuhn at gkuhn@alz.org or by telephone at 847-324-0392.

Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter

2200 Cabot Dr., Suite 460

Lisle, IL 60532

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