Susan has a Master's degree in Human Services, with a specialization in Multidisciplinary Human Services and Leadership Coaching Psychology. She is certified in dementia training from the Alzheimer's Association, is a certified Mindfulness and Meditation Coach and is a certified Let Your Yoga Dance® teacher.
She has enjoyed a 30-year ca
Susan has a Master's degree in Human Services, with a specialization in Multidisciplinary Human Services and Leadership Coaching Psychology. She is certified in dementia training from the Alzheimer's Association, is a certified Mindfulness and Meditation Coach and is a certified Let Your Yoga Dance® teacher.
She has enjoyed a 30-year career in social services where she worked in program management leadership roles to serve numerous underserved and marginalized populations.
Susan has 17 years of personal experience with Alzheimer’s and Dementia as a devoted caregiver to her mother and aunt. In their honored, she was inspired to co-found Virtual Gatherings. She also demonstrated her commitment to the cause by participating in community and national awareness campaigns.
A native New Yorker, Susan mostly enjoys spending quality time and having a lot fun and laughter with her new hubby, family and friends and brings that same passion to the families she serves! Adamant about living a full life, she practices self-care by traveling, engaging with nature, meditating, exercising and being of service to her new community.
Mary Ellen incorporates her experience as a visual artist, holistic health counselor, certified yoga instructor teacher as well as her certification in dementia training from the Alzheimer's Association
to co-create an enriching, holistic curriculum for virtual Gatherings participants.
She also integrates her passion for art, history, int
Mary Ellen incorporates her experience as a visual artist, holistic health counselor, certified yoga instructor teacher as well as her certification in dementia training from the Alzheimer's Association
to co-create an enriching, holistic curriculum for virtual Gatherings participants.
She also integrates her passion for art, history, international travel and humanitarian causes.
Prior to launching virtual Gatherings, she worked as a care manager with clients in the dementia community and their families by creating social and wellness programs to adapt to their changing needs.
Mary Ellen worked as a contractor for several NYC non-profits. In 2011 she became one of the founding managers of the 108 Lives Project, a non-profit which facilities change for the better in global communities.
She is currently on the Board of Directors of the Mattapoisett Museum in Mattapoisett, MA,
Mary Ellen grew up outside Boston. She lived in New York City for 25 years and has also lived in Paris, France and Melbourne, Australia. She currently lives by the sea in Massachusetts.
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Jenn Friedman, MA, is a Mental Health Counselor, author, and musician. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Goldsmiths University of London where she trained in psychodynamic therapy. She is on track to obtain her Advanced Graduate Mental Health Counseling Certification through the University at Buffalo in August, 2022 and curre
Jenn Friedman, MA, is a Mental Health Counselor, author, and musician. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Goldsmiths University of London where she trained in psychodynamic therapy. She is on track to obtain her Advanced Graduate Mental Health Counseling Certification through the University at Buffalo in August, 2022 and currently provides therapy at MTZ Counseling. Jenn has received specialized training working with Dementia patients and their family members and holds a Teepa Snow Dementia Training certification. She also holds a certification in Creative Arts and Health from the New School for Social Research. Jenn has facilitated music, writing, skill-building and discussion groups with a variety of populations. She has also performed her original music at a variety of venues and published a variety of written works.
My name is Kerianne Edwards and I am a volunteer with virtual-Gatherings. I help do admin work, and occasionally co-lead during our sessions. I was born and raised in Queens, New York and love my city dearly. Some of my hobbies include collaging, brainstorming/creative thinking, volunteering and singing. I graduated from Drexel University
My name is Kerianne Edwards and I am a volunteer with virtual-Gatherings. I help do admin work, and occasionally co-lead during our sessions. I was born and raised in Queens, New York and love my city dearly. Some of my hobbies include collaging, brainstorming/creative thinking, volunteering and singing. I graduated from Drexel University in 2021 with a degree in Bachelor’s of Science in Public Health. I’ll be attending University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill in September of 2022 for my Masters in Public Health Nutrition. I have a creative and helpful spirit with aspirations to transform these attributes into entrepreneurial solutions for communities and to collaborate with other great minds to bring about needed change. Later, I would consider becoming a Registered Dietician to pair my creative ventures with a deeper knowledge of the human body, our food habits and environments to further understand and remedy how these things support and divide our communities.
Named one of the “Best Instructors in Los Angeles” by ClassPass and one of the “Nicest Instructors” in New York City by RateYourBurn, Danielle is known for her masterful sequencing, intuitive spiritual teachings, warm demeanor, healing touch and accessible loving energy. Through years of continuous study in Tibetan Buddhism and Yoga Phi
Named one of the “Best Instructors in Los Angeles” by ClassPass and one of the “Nicest Instructors” in New York City by RateYourBurn, Danielle is known for her masterful sequencing, intuitive spiritual teachings, warm demeanor, healing touch and accessible loving energy. Through years of continuous study in Tibetan Buddhism and Yoga Philosophy, Danielle infuses every class with accessible life lessons rooted in ancient scriptures and deep wisdom. She embodies divine love and her intuitive teaching style allows for the perfect messages to come through, leading students to connect to their own self-understanding, self-acceptance, compassion and wisdom both on and off the mat.
Margaret Alexander has a BBA in Organizational Psychology and was last employed by the New York City Office of the Comptroller as a Claims Specialist. Now retired, she is a certified Chair Yoga Instructor and Wedding Officiant. A dedicated and passionate volunteer for several causes, Margaret’s devotion to community service projects inclu
Margaret Alexander has a BBA in Organizational Psychology and was last employed by the New York City Office of the Comptroller as a Claims Specialist. Now retired, she is a certified Chair Yoga Instructor and Wedding Officiant. A dedicated and passionate volunteer for several causes, Margaret’s devotion to community service projects includes coordinating events for The Beacon of Hope and as a Youth Mentor with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), and Advocate for the Alzheimer’s Association.
Margaret cared for her mom and aunt, both of whom succumbed to Alzheimer’s, for over 15 years. As an experienced caregiver, she participated in Alzheimer's research trials and her work with the Alzheimer's Association has afforded her the opportunity to present during zoom calls, attend rallies, and meet with elected officials. She spoke before a congressional hearing in March 2023 to promote awareness about the many challenges caregivers face.
Margaret finds enjoyment in gathering with family and friends, dancing, exercise, music, Broadway shows and travel.
She is excited to join the team as a volunteer to co-facilitate the new Loving Caregivers Support Group and be a Support Partner.
After working for the NYC Police Department for 30 years as a Police Administrative Aide and Integrity Control Assistant, Beverly retired to become a full-time caregiver to her mom, whose health was declining due to dementia. Transferring her organizational and research skills from her profession to her home life, she sought to find the m
After working for the NYC Police Department for 30 years as a Police Administrative Aide and Integrity Control Assistant, Beverly retired to become a full-time caregiver to her mom, whose health was declining due to dementia. Transferring her organizational and research skills from her profession to her home life, she sought to find the most qualified healthcare providers and resources for her mom. Additionally, Beverly devotes her time to advocating for reform within the criminal justice system as she fights for fair treatment and housing for a family member struggling with mental health issues and incarceration, all while providing them with emotional and loving support. As an experienced caregiver, she is passionate about helping others navigate their caregiving journey. Her goal as a volunteer facilitator is to help relieve some of the stress and worry caregivers carry by sharing her experiences, knowledge, and compassion.
All movement is seated and taught by certified professionals. Each session might include chair yoga, dance, tai chi or basic stretching.
YES! We regularly welcome yoga instructors, art therapists, music therapists, poets, story tellers and musicians.
Yes, one can join or leave a session whenever they want.
Just let us know and we can create a sliding scale. We want our program to be accessible to anyone who would like to join.
We understand everyone has different capabilities and responses. We format our programming to ensure that all members are included and engaged.
Yes! We have many activities that involve music. We also have music performances and music therapy.
The program is designed for the participants to have independence and it is also a respite for the caregiver. We find that all participants require assistance opening the Zoom meeting. We do ask that someone be close by in case of technical difficulties.
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