Ideas for activities are only limited by your imagination. The Montessori techniques aim to help patients experience success, which does wonders for building confidence. The goal is to understand the whole person; physical, intellectual and spiritual and then devise activities that they find meaningful. Tapping Montessori concepts in the world of dementia care can yield magical moments of joy for both the patient and caregivers.

 

Program Objectives

•        To learn about the Montessori Approach to Dementia Care

•        Understanding the fundamental principles of the Montessori methods.

•        To acquire techniques on how to start adapting your current activities program to incorporate some Montessori approaches

 

Erica Kelley is a certified Activity Director with NCCAP and is also a MEPAP Instructor in the state of New Hampshire. Erica is currently the Director of Recreation at The Courville Communities, an Assisted Living / Skilled Nursing Community. She has been in the Activities Field for over 15 years and has experience in many areas including Dementia Care, Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Programming. Erica has a Bachelor’s of Marketing Management as well as Certificates in Gerontology and Human Services. For the past 10 years she has been involved in the New Hampshire Health Care Association’s Activity Professional Council serving in roles such as President and Treasurer.  

 

Laura Mammarelli received a B.A. in History from Middlebury College and also became certified to teach K-8 in public schools. She completed Montessori training in 1982 from the New England Montessori Teacher Education Center in Boston and has taught in Montessori programs in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Laura is a founding officer of the New Hampshire Montessori Association.