From corporate leader to caregiver advocate

Before caregiving changed my life, I spent more than 20 years in corporate leadership, including a decade leading nationwide teams. I knew how to solve problems, manage crises, organize people, and keep things moving—or so I thought.

Then my mom developed vascular dementia, and my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Suddenly, I became a full-time caregiver without training, a roadmap, or any idea what I was doing. When my mother-in-law later developed Alzheimer’s disease, I found myself caring for three people I loved while trying to learn everything the hard way.

After two of them passed away, I became a Certified Caregiving Consultant and Certified Caregiver Advocate. I founded The Purple Vine and began writing books and articles to share the practical strategies, hard-earned lessons, encouragement, and occasional laughter I had gathered along the way. My goal was simple: I wanted other caregivers to have an easier journey than I did.

Today, I’m the author of three international bestselling books, a frequent speaker, and the founder of The Caregiver’s Advocate website and movement. Yet one of the most meaningful parts of my work remains sitting across from caregivers during private Hope & Help Chats on Zoom—listening, encouraging, and reminding them that they don’t have to figure everything out alone.