University of Southern Indiana Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program ECHO

About USI Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program ECHO

The University of Southern Indiana (USI) Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) ECHO aimed to connect a network of healthcare providers committed to improving and enhancing health outcomes for older adults. Each ECHO session consisted of didactic presentations that covered timely topics and best practices in geriatric care. Real, de-identified case-based studies were used to educate and support clinical decision-making.

This program connected direct service providers in skilled nursing facilities, anyone who was referred to nursing facilities, home care and hospice workers, and health facility administrators.

This ECHO was hosted by the Indiana University Indianapolis ECHO Center in partnership with Teepa Snow and her team at Positive Approach to Care®, and the University of Southern Indiana Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program.

University of Southern Indiana Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program logo

About Teepa Snow

Teepa Snow and the Positive Approach to Care Team share about dementia so that everyone can understand why this is happening and how to support those living with brain change in a more positive and respectful way.

To get in touch, email: info@teepasnow.com

Session schedule

Sessions met online via Zoom from 3:00-4:00 pm ET / 2:00-3:00 pm CT.

Date	Session Topic
3/14/2023	Delirium, Anxiety, Depression and Dementia
4/14/2023	The Art of Person-Centered Care: Appreciating the Importance of Permission
4/21/2023	End of Life Dementia with Pain, Movement and Discomfort
4/25/2023	Engaging in Living: Responding to the Rhythms of People Living with Dementia
5/2/2023	Challenging Care Situations: Intimate Care with Dementia
5/5/2023	Trauma-Informed Care for Patients & Staff

Continuing Medical Education Credits

This program provided a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ at no cost through the Indiana University School of Medicine Division of Continuing Education in Health Professions. Health Facility Administrators CEUs will also be freely available.

Hub team

Ashwini Bapat, MD

Ashwini Bapat

Palliative Care Physician, Coach, and Co-Founder | EpioneMD

Ashwini Bapat is a co-founder of EpioneMD which provides virtual advance care planning and serious illness coaching to individuals and caregivers, helping them navigate aging and illness with confidence. Learn more at epionemd.com. Dr. Bapat completed her medical training at Yale University, was a palliative care physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, and was an Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Melanie Bunn, RN, MS

Melanie Bunn

Lead Speaker and Trainer | Positive Approach to Care®

Melanie Bunn received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Master of Science degree in Family Health Nursing from Clemson University, and a Certificate as a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner from Duke University. Melanie currently also serves as a faculty/consultant/clinician at the Duke University School of Nursing.

Cheryl Buchholtz

Certified Community Mentor | Positive Approach to Care®

Cheryl Buchholtz is a member of the consulting team at Positive Approach to Care®. As a Personal Support Worker with twenty-three years of long-term care experience, Cheryl has a passion for caring for and supporting people living with dementia. She also serves as an advocate and care partner for her brother, who is living with brain change.

Matthew Christopher

Certified Community Lead | Positive Approach to Care®

Matthew Christopher earned his Associates of Science/Physical Therapy/Therapist Assistant degree from Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley, and worked as a physical therapist assistant in the field of geriatrics for over fifteen years before joining Positive Approach to Care®. Matthew is passionate about providing support to those on the journey of dementia.

Polly Logan

Executive Assistant and Speaking Event Coordinator | Positive Approach to Care®

Dr. Polly Logan received her D.D.S. degree from the University of Minnesota and was employed as a general dentist in private practice for several years. After hearing Teepa present at a conference, she was inspired to receive her Trainer Certification and join the team.

Amanda Mullen, MD

Amanda Mullen

Mentor and Trainer | Positive Approach to Care®

Dr. Amanda Mullen obtained her Doctor of Psychology degree from Nova Southeastern University and is a practicing Clinical Psychologist. Amanda’s private practice focuses on helping individuals and their families navigate the world of brain change.

Beth Nolan, Ph.D.

Beth Nolan

Director of Research and Policy, Speaker, and Mentor | Positive Approach to Care®

Beth A. D. Nolan, Ph.D. was formerly an Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public Health, Dr. Nolan received her Ph.D. in applied gerontology. She now enjoys helping caregivers to become care partners.

Teepa Snow, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA

Teepa Snow

Occupational Therapist | Positive Approach to Care®

Teepa Snow, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, is an Occupational Therapist with over forty years of rich and varied clinical and academic experience. Her experiences led her to the development of the GEMS® State Model, for understanding the progression of dementia, and the Positive Approach® training strategies. Her company, Positive Approach to Care® (PAC) provides online and in-person education and products to support those living with brain change. Teepa presents with extraordinary expertise and humor to audiences throughout the world.

Rachel Voelkers

Consultant, Trainer, Engagement Leader, and Lead Liaison | Positive Approach to Care®

Rachel Voelkers is a Positive Approach to Care® Consultant, Trainer, Engagement leader and the lead liaison for people living with neurocognitive change within PAC. She has over a decade’s experience as a friend and volunteer supporting and working with people living with dementia. Rachel has also served as a family care partner and advocate for several family members who have lived with dementia.

Rebekah Wilson, MSW

Rebekah Wilson

Speaker & Mentor | Positive Approach to Care®

Rebekah Wilson, MSW, is a Speaker and Mentor for Positive Approach to Care®. She received her Master of Social Work degree from Arizona State University. Rebekah has over fifteen years of experience in dementia care services, including hospice, home health care, assisted living, and care management.

USI's HRSA Statement

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $3,691,706 million with zero percentage financed with nongovernmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.