Some stories are not just about business; they are about profound human connection and purpose. They reveal a journey where professional expertise meets personal passion to drive meaningful change in the world. Lisa Skinner, CEO and Founder of Minding Dementia, LLC, is one such visionary leader.
Her’s is a name that resonates with expertise, advocacy, and deep compassion in the specialized field of dementia care. Her impressive career, spanning over three decades, is a testament to her unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementia, as well as providing essential support to their families and professional caregivers. She is not just a healthcare professional; she is a recognized expert, a prolific author, a dedicated trainer, and a powerful voice in the global conversation surrounding brain disease.
A Foundation Built on Expertise and Experience
Lisa’s journey in the hospital and healthcare industry has been one of continuous growth and impact, culminating in her current role as CEO and Founder of Minding Dementia, a position she has held for 16 years. This entrepreneurial venture sits alongside her extensive work as a Behavior Specialist at Minding Dementia, LLC, a full-time role she has maintained since 1996. For 30 years, she has immersed herself in the practical and emotional complexities of dementia, serving various roles, including community counselor, regional director of senior care facilities, trainer, speaker, and private advisor.
Her professional foundation is fortified by a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, evidenced by her degree in the subject, which informs her unique, often “counter-intuitive solutions and tools” for effectively managing the symptoms of brain disease. This blend of academic grounding and vast hands-on experience allows her to offer a truly compassionate perspective on care.
Furthermore, her commitment to the highest standards of care is demonstrated through her significant professional credentials, including three key certifications in the field:
- Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP): This certification highlights her demonstrated knowledge and expertise in dementia care, emphasizing best practices in providing support and care that respects the dignity and enhances the quality of life for patients.
- Certified Dementia Trainer (CDT): As a certified trainer, she is equipped to educate others, including healthcare providers, caregivers, and family members, on the complexities of dementia, effective communication, and approaches to improve care outcomes.
- Certified Dementia Program Director (CPD): This certification is tailored for professionals who develop, implement, and manage programs for individuals with dementia, ensuring the utilization of best practices in all aspects of program delivery and evaluation.
These certifications underscore her dedication to both direct patient care and the crucial work of disseminating knowledge and setting best-practice standards across the industry.
A Voice for the Unheard: Advocacy and Publications
Lisa Skinner is a staunch advocate for individuals with dementia and their caregivers, aiming to raise awareness about the significant challenges they face and promote best practices in care. Her advocacy efforts are seamlessly interwoven with her work as a bestselling author and resource developer.
She has authored several books and resources that serve as essential guides for both caregivers and healthcare professionals. Her works focus on practical strategies for managing the day-to-day challenges of dementia, offering insights into effective communication and behavioral management techniques. Critically, she often emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional and psychological aspects of dementia, an often-overlooked dimension that affects both the person with the disease and their care providers.
Skinner’s most recognized works include her award-winning and two-time bestselling book, Not All Who Wander Need Be Lost, and her recently released book and workbook, Truth Lies & Alzheimer’s – It’s Secret Faces. This latter title mirrors her highly-rated weekly podcast:
The Power of the Podcast
A core pillar of Skinner’s outreach is her popular weekly podcast, “The Truth, Lies, and Alzheimer’s Show,” which addresses the complex realities of Alzheimer’s and related dementia. The podcast provides a vital platform for:
- Accurate Information: Educating listeners and dispelling common myths and misinformation surrounding the disease.
- Practical Advice: Featuring discussions on various topics, including caregiving strategies and the latest research.
- Emotional Support: Fostering a sense of community by featuring personal stories from both caregivers and experts.
The podcast has achieved remarkable success, cementing its place as a valuable resource globally. It is currently rated as being in the top 10% most popular listened-to podcasts globally out of the 3.5 million podcasts aired around the world, a clear indicator of the resonance and impact of her work.
Person-Centered Philosophy
At the heart of Lisa’s approach is the philosophy of person-centered care. She tirelessly advocates for approaches that respect the individuality and inherent dignity of people living with dementia. Her work is fundamentally driven by empathy and a deep understanding that compassionate care must be the cornerstone of all interaction.
Her training and workshops, which she conducts for healthcare professionals and family members alike, are designed to equip people with the necessary skills for compassionate and effective care. These sessions often include:
- Hands-on Workshops: Providing practical tools, role-playing scenarios, and techniques for managing daily challenges and behaviors associated with dementia care.
- Online Courses: Offering broader access to her expertise on topics like self-care strategies for caregivers and effective communication.
- Focus on Family Support: Recognizing the critical role and burden placed on family members, her resources and training are specifically aimed at helping families cope with the emotional and practical challenges of caregiving.
By consistently focusing on enhancing the understanding of dementia and reducing its stigma, Skinner works toward creating supportive environments for those with cognitive impairments. Through her dedication, she has contributed significantly to the establishment of crucial support networks for caregivers, connecting those who share similar experiences.
A Recognized Thought Leader on the Global Stage
Lisa’s commitment and impact have earned her significant professional recognition and high-profile media coverage, confirming her status as a thought leader in the industry. Her ability to blend personal experience with professional knowledge has made her a highly sought-after speaker at conferences and community events.
Her recent media highlights reflect the broad reach and appreciation for her message:
- Cover of New York Weekly Magazine: This high-visibility feature provides substantial exposure and reinforces her credibility as an authority in dementia care, helping to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with the condition.
- Cover of Forbes Celebrity Magazine: Appearing on the cover of a prestigious publication like Forbes Celebrity Magazine is a notable achievement, reflecting her influence and amplifying her message to a new and diverse audience.
- Nasdaq Times Square Bulletin Board: Being featured on the iconic Nasdaq Times Square bulletin board showcases her influence and underscores her impact in raising awareness about dementia on a national stage.
These high-profile features provide powerful platforms for Skinner to amplify her advocacy efforts, share her personal insights, and encourage public discourse on the critical issues surrounding quality dementia care. The recognition she has garnered is a testament to the fact that dedicated work in this challenging field can achieve a monumental level of support and visibility.
The Business of Compassion
As the CEO and Founder of Minding Dementia, Lisa Skinner applies her strong business development skills honed through experience in Marketing Management, Fundraising, Management, Leadership, and Marketing to create a sustainable model for delivering essential, high-quality dementia care resources and support.
Her work through the company aligns with a future-forward vision of expanding outreach, particularly to underserved communities where resources are limited. This vision recognizes that to truly impact the lives of those affected by dementia, the resources must be accessible, current, and based on evidence-based practices.
Her entrepreneurial and leadership roles allow her to scale her mission:
- Resource Development: She creates and curates practical resources, such as guides and infographics, that simplify complex information for families and caregivers.
- Community Building: She leverages her online presence and media platforms to foster a supportive, wide-reaching community for caregivers.
- Knowledge Dissemination: Utilizing her podcast, articles, and training programs, she ensures that both professionals and families have access to the latest research and best practices.
Her business is fundamentally the business of empathy and education. Her success is measured not in mere profit, but in the profound impact she has on the thousands of families and caregivers she helps to navigate the “daunting challenges of brain disease” with dignity and effectiveness.
The Future
Lisa is not resting on her past achievements. She is committed to ongoing education in the field, continually seeking out new knowledge and practices to share with her audience. Her dedication to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with dementia and providing robust support for their caregivers positions her as a significant and indispensable figure in the field. Through her podcasts, writings, workshops, and high-profile community engagement, she continues to be a beacon of hope and a vital resource, teaching the world how to foster understanding, implement compassionate care, and embrace effective strategies for those affected by one of the most challenging diseases of our time. Her story is a powerful reminder that the most successful businesses are those built on a deeply human commitment to making the world a better, more supportive place.
