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The Northern Plains Conference on Aging and Disability Resilience and Wisdom Through Aging
About the Speakers Keynote Speakers
Colin Combs Dr. Combs obtained a Bachelors Degree in Chemistry from Berea College, Kentucky in 1990. He obtained a Ph.D. from the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy at the University of Rochester, NY in 1996. A continuing interest in Alzheimer’s disease led him to pursue a post-doctoral fellowship in the Alzheimer Research Laboratory at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH from 1996-2000. As a fellow he focused upon the inflammatory changes occurring in the brain during Alzheimer’s disease. This resulted in the discovery of the potential to treat the disease with thiazolidinedione drugs and human clinical trials. After completing his postdoctoral fellowship, Dr. Combs assumed an Assistant Professor position in the Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Therapeutics at the University of North Dakota in 2000. He received promotion to the Associate Professor level in 2007. At UND his work focuses on defining novel anti-inflammatory strategies to limit the degenerative changes occurring in the brain using a variety of experimental models. The work in his laboratory is funded by the National Institute of Health.
"Normal and Pathological Changes in the Aging Brain" This presentation will provide a general overview of brain changes both normal and pathological with age, as well as a review of major theories of the mechanism of degeneration responsible for Alzheimer's disease. This presentation is suitable for a general audience.
 Harry R. Moody, PhD Harry R. Moody is currently Director of Academic Affairs for AARP. Dr. Moody is the author of over 100 scholarly articles, as well as a number of books including: “Abundance of Life: Human Development Policies for an Aging Society” (Columbia University Press, 1988); and “Ethics in an Aging Society” (Johns Hopkins University Press, 1992); His most recent book, “The Five Stages of the Soul”, was published by Doubleday Anchor Books (1997) and has been translated into seven languages worldwide. A graduate of Yale (1967) and a Ph.D. in philosophy from Columbia University (1973), Dr. Moody taught philosophy at Columbia, Hunter College, New York University, and the University of California at Santa Cruz.
"The Journey of the Soul" Dr. Moody takes us through life's stages including dreams of the last half-century reflected through the prism of life review and how it has shaped generational identity. We will look at a single life story revealed in the self-portraits of Rembrandt and conclude with the stages of spiritual growth unfolding in the second half of life.
Bruce is a licensed psychologist with over twenty years of experience as a speaker, trainer, and consultant. He has spoken at the prestigious Million Dollar Roundtable Conference, London’s Royal College of Surgeons, the Mayo Clinic, and on The Largest Stage in the World. His list of clients include: 3M, IBM, Texas Instruments, Oracle, General Electric, Qwest, American Airlines, and the Internal Revenue Service. A practicing Clinical Psychologist, holding degrees in Professional Psychology and Interpersonal Communications, Bruce is a credentialed professional speaker, a member of the International Who’s Who of Entrepreneurs, and The National Speakers Association. He speaks over 150 times each year and is one of the most sought after speakers in Fortune 500 and many other excellent organizations. Humor is a big part of Bruce’s presentations for he believes, “When you’re laughing, you’re learning!”
"Why Are Women So Strange and Men So Weird?" At the heart of any business are relationships – between team members, customers, and supervisors. Excellent communicators have better relationships at work and home. They climb the ladder of success more effectively and achieve greater success. This session takes a very hilarious look at how men and women think, speak, and make decisions differently.
Deadra Stanton, owner and presenter for her company Creative Communications, has been a teacher of English, Speech and Theatre for over 31 years. She is an honor graduate of Mankato State University in Mankato, MN and recently earned her Masters in Education from St. Mary's University. With majors in Speech Communications, Theatre Arts and Business Administration, she brings a diverse background to the podium. When not in the classroom, Deadra is a frequent presenter and motivational speaker for numerous audiences across the nation. Her humorous style and upbeat presentations make her a versatile and sought after speaker. Deadra's husband, Mark, is a business owner and she has two children.
"Don't Chase Skinny Rabbits" Before we can grow professionally, we need to learn to survive personally. As the pace of change quickens every day, we sometimes end up chasing too many skinny rabbits. When we do this we lose our energy and our focus on what’s really important. Coming from an “in the trenches” perspective, Ms. Stanton draws on real life examples and humor to reaffirm that your choices in life are good ones. Plan on leaving this presentation with many new ideas, a revitalized sense of self and NO SKINNY RABBITS!
Presenters Deanna Bakken Deanna, a disability awareness expert, has given many groups and individuals a new perspective on the issues facing people with disabilities today. As many of us acquire disabilities through aging, illnesses and accidents, these same issues will affect many more of us in the future. Deanna is a self advocate with a 4 year degree in accounting from Minot State University. She is active on a number of committees and has written a number of editorials.
Carol Bradley Bursack For over twenty years, author, columnist and speaker Carol Bradley Bursack cared for a neighbor and six elderly family members. As a result of this experience, Bursack wrote “Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories”. Bursack’s elder care newspaper column, “Minding Our Elders,” runs weekly, in print and on-line. Bursack is a member of AARP, CAPS (Children of Aging Parents), the National Caregivers Advisory Panel, the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA), and the National Council of Hospice and Palliative Professionals (NCHPP).
Linda Ehlers Linda has significant hearing loss and has worked for the North Dakota School for the Deaf Outreach Department for twelve years. She has experience working with a variety of individuals, families, and agencies with differing needs.
David Goldberg David Goldberg is the Early Stage Services Coordinator at the MNND Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association in Edina, MN. In his position he develops programs and services specifically for individuals impacted by early stage Alzheimer’s disease and early dementia. David holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Pennsylvania State University.
Steve Hennes Steve has been the Director of Whitney Senior Center in St. Cloud, Minnesota for 28 years. Prior to his current position, he was the Sherburne County Aging Volunteer and Transportation Coordinator. He holds a Social Work degree from St. Cloud State University.
Susan Johnson-Drenth, CELA, JD Susan E. Johnson-Drenth is a shareholder in the Vogel Law Firm. Sue primarily practices in the areas of estate planning, trust law, probate, elder law and medical assistance planning in North Dakota and Minnesota. She is the first and only Certified Elder Law Attorney in North Dakota and northern Minnesota. Sue is a frequent presenter at estate planning seminars, especially those focusing on estate planning, elder law, medical assistance planning and special needs trusts. In addition to practicing law, Sue continues to hold a licensure as a Registered Nurse. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and her Associate Degree in Nursing from North Dakota State University. She received her Juris Doctor Degree, with distinction, from the University of North Dakota.
Jeannie Krull, MS/CCC-SLP Jeannie is an assistive technology (AT) coordinator and speech/language pathologist who has worked with children and adults with varying disabilities for over 18 years. In 2000, Ms. Krull began a position as AT Coordinator and Funding Specialist with the Interagency Program for Assistive Technology (IPAT). She provides technical assistance, trainings, equipment demonstrations/ setup, consultations, evaluations, and public awareness activities in the area of assistive technology (AT) for the state of North Dakota. Her statewide activities include reviewing and monitoring current state and federal policies governing AT, and she has been the Chair/Co-Chair of the Regional Assistive Technology Expo since its inception in 2004.
Dennis McCullough, MD Dr. McCullough has been an “in-the-trenches” family physician and geriatrician for 30 years. He is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Medical School, and trained in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Western Ontario. Presently, he serves as a faculty member in the Department of Community and Family Medicine at Dartmouth Medical School in Hanover, NH. He is a member of the American Geriatrics Society, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, and the American Medical Directors Association, as well as the coauthor of “The Little Black Book of Geriatrics”. He lives with his wife, the poet Pamela Harrison, in Norwich, VT.
Nancy Paul Nancy has been affiliated with the Speech/Language/Hearing Sciences Department at MSUM since 1995. Her assignments include teaching in the area of adult neurogenic disorders and providing supervision in the on-campus clinic. She received her Bachelor of Science in Speech/Language/Hearing Sciences from Minnesota State University Moorhead and her Master of Science in Communication Disorders from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She received her Ph.D. in Human Development-Applied Gerontology from North Dakota State University.
Tom Pence Tom is funeral director and assistant manager at Korsmo Funeral Service and has been a licensed funeral director since 1981. In 2007, Tom started Share the Story Video Services, which videotapes individuals sharing their personal stories and history for the benefit of future generations. Tom received his degree in Mortuary Science from Mt. Hood College, Portland, OR.
Marcia Schutt Marcia Schutt has worked with deaf and hard of hearing people, issues, and programs for over 30 years in education and human services, including her current job as regional consultant for MN Department of Human Services, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, Moorhead, MN.
Dean Shrock Dr. Shrock is the author of two books, “Why Love Heals” and “Doctor’s Orders: Go Fishing”. Dr. Shrock shares his experience as Director of Mind-Body Medicine for a physician management group of cancer centers, where he developed and researched a wellness program that extended survival with cancer. He graduated from the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio, with a Master’s Degree in Community and College Counseling, and a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology.
David Troxel, MPH David Troxel is co-author of four books (most notable, "The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer's Care") and has written numerous articles relating to Alzheimer's disease care. David received his Master's Degree in Public Health from UMDNJ, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (formerly Rutgers Medical School) in 1986. David is a member of the Ethics Advisory Panel for the United States Alzheimer's Association California Central Coast Chapter in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties.
Janet E. Witt, MS, RD, Grassroots Manager Ms. Witt brings to the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare a background in citizen advocacy and grassroots organization. As the Grassroots Manager for 12 states in the northwest, she provides educational programs and assistance implementing the national committee's legislative strategy supporting Social Security, Medicare, and family financial and health issues. Ms. Witt is a Registered Dietician with a Masters Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences.
Cheryl E. Woodson, MD, FACP, AGSF Dr. Woodson is Director of the Woodson Center for Adult Healthcare in Chicago Heights where the motto is "Age is not a disease." Dr. Woodson has personal and professional knowledge of caregiving: she has taught and practiced geriatric medicine for more that 20 years. For 10 of those years, she also served as caregiver for her mother who died of Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Woodson is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics. She received her undergraduate degree at Wesleyan University, and attended medical school at the University of Pittsburgh. She is an experienced educator with 10 years teaching at Northwestern University and the University of Chicago Medical Schools. She founded "Sterling Silver" seminar series in 2008. |
Bruce
Christopher
Deadra
Stanton