WELCOME TO DEMENTIA DIGNIFIED ACADEMY
Welcome. We created this Caregiver Support Community to train and teach caregivers and care partners how to provide compassionate loving care to those persons living with Alzheimer's and Dementia.
"ALL ABOUT" DEMENTIA DIGNIFIED ACADEMY
Our Vision and Mission
Dementia Dignified Academy is a Not-for-profit entity providing specialized "unique" training to care partners, caregivers, and the medical community on how to professionally, lovingly, and effectively care for those living with Alzheimer's and Dementia.
OUR VISION
Dementia Dignified Academy
Dementia Dignified Academy strives
to be the premier resource to train
caregivers, and care partners
including clinicians on the
specialized and unique delivery of
daily care to support the community
at large as the number of those living
with Alzheimer’s and Dementia
continues to grow. Ultimately, it is
our desire to shift the care culture
from JUST providing care to caring
with compassion.
OUR MISSION
Dementia Dignified Academy
Dementia Dignified Academy will
provide caregivers, care partners,
including clinicians, as well as
the community at large with specialized
unique data-supported training
modules. Key elements of this training
will be: how to professionally,
respectfully, patiently, creatively,
lovingly, and effectively care for those
living with Alzheimer’s and/or
Dementia.
MEET OUR EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Certified Professional Trainers
We offer custom training programs for medical staff, caregivers, churches, community groups, and families. Our aim is to educate and train them on the best practices for providing specialized care to those living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia with love, professionalism, and effectiveness.
JEANETTE B. JORDAN, M. DIV., CLC, DCS, DCSCT, FOUNDER AND CEO
Certified Trainer
Pastor Jeanette B. Jordan - Bio Rev. Jeanette B. Jordan, M.Div., CLC, DCS, DCSCT is the Founder and Pastor of Journey to the Cross Ministries, a Multi-Denominational Church. She is also the author of Journey of Compassion - Alzheimer's Caregiving Unveiled (Empathy and Strategies for Dementia Care), and the Founder/CEO of Dementia Dignified Academy, a non-profit organization that provides specialized, data-supported training modules to caregivers, care partners, clinicians, and the community at large, to help them learn how to professionally, respectfully, patiently, creatively, lovingly and effectively care for those living with various types of Dementias. Jeanette is a certified life coach whose focus is on relationship building. She has been married for sixty-one years and her coaching is based on both academic training and personal experience. She was ordained by the Evangelical Church Alliance in 1999 and holds a Master's Degree in Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary. Her Church's primary focus is to provide virtual Worship experiences for caregivers and their loved ones who cannot physically attend a church building. Her Church also provides outreach for the social welfare of those in need. After her husband's diagnosis with Dementia/Alzheimer's in 2016, she began to make dementia education her primary focus and advocacy. She serves as an Alzheimer's Community Educational Facilitator and was a New IDEAS Clinical Trial Study Program Champion for Chicago. Pastor Jeanette is a sought-after speaker, telling her caregiving story and experience across various platforms, including Where Medicine Meets Ministry with Dr. Sheri Prentiss, M.D, BlackDoctors.Org, Alzheimer's Speak with Lori La Bey, Author Patricia McClure's Podcast Talk Time with Trish, ABC7 Our Spirit and Perseverance, Caregiver Blog Series (October 2022) - Dr. Jeanne Porter King, Auburn-Gresham Senior Housing Communities, and many more. She is a proud recipient of the 2024 Illinois Women Conquer ALZ and Caregiver Award. Her Church is dementia-friendly and partners with the Alter Program, a program aimed at inspiring and equipping faith-based organizations anchored in African American communities to understand and support families affected by this disease. She is a Certified Dementia Specialist and Trainer who markets her expertise to train church ministries, senior communities, including long-term care facilities, and staff on the need to know the signs of cognitive decline and how to care for those living with the disease. Affectionately referred to as Pastor J, she also co-hosts the Women and Men of Faith Caregiver Virtual Support Group monthly, sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association, for those who care for loved ones with this disease. She is passionate about advocating for caregivers and those affected by this disease, which she calls BOAD (beast of a disease). She is the mother of five: Bryan Anthony, Allison Denice, Christa Lynn, Drew Sidora, and Edilah Vanessa. She is the grandmother to seven, consisting of four grandsons and three granddaughters, and a Mother/Aunt to her nephew that she raised! Her theme is "Here am Pastor Jeanette’s Bio 2024 I, Lord… send me." Her go-to Scripture is Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
MICHELLE MASON CDP, CMDCP, CDSGF, DCS, AND COO
Certified Trainer
Michelle Mason-Wilson is a dedicated professional with over 18 years of experience in the field of dementia care. As the Founder of Ending Dis-Ease Consulting LLC and Chief Operating Officer for Dementia Dignified Academy, her mission is to accelerate change in the care culture for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
She achieves this by developing and implementing specialized training that educates care professionals and care partners on effective communication techniques and catered practical approaches. These initiatives promote human connection throughout the dementia journey, fostering dignity, empathy, and understanding.
Driven by personal and professional experience, Michelle serves as a catalyst for transformation. She intimately understands how the disease impacts not only the individual but also their care partners, family members, and generations to come. Michelle is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, equipped to provide compassionate support. She is also a Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional, integrating innovative approaches that foster independence and dignity. As a Certified Dementia Support Group Facilitator, she creates safe spaces for caregivers to share knowledge and coping strategies. Additionally, Michelle is a Certified Dementia Connection Specialist, bridging gaps and connecting families, professionals, and communities to valuable resources.
Once recognized in a publication of the Health Care Council of Illinois, Michelle Wilson is known for developing and implementing holistic programs that encourage individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease to Relax, Revive, and Rejuvenate. She developed a “Soul Purpose Program” that overcame the stereotype of the disease process. Individuals diagnosed, and their families were able to “Live in the Moment”. Michelle’s commitment extends to giving back. She is a Volunteer Community Educator and Co-Support Group Facilitator (Women and Men of Faith Support Group) for the Alzheimer’s Association - Chicago Chapter, empowering others through educational sessions, community outreach, and advocacy. Some of these sessions included presenting on the 10 Warning Signs to organizations such as WGN and ABC News. Her expert appearances on platforms such as Alzheimer’s Speaks Radio, Rejoice Radio 102.3 FM, and the Community Health Focus Hour - At the Forefront UChicago Medicine contribute to raising awareness and fostering a supportive network. She is known as a servant leader within the African-American Community for empowering community members on methods to decrease their potential for being diagnosed with the disease, identifying and building better resource networks, and working to eliminate disparities related to access to adequate healthcare services.
In addition to her impactful roles, Michelle is partnered with Journey to the Cross Ministries, Chosen Bethel Ministries, and the Alter Program, with a focus on creating and expanding Dementia-Friendly Faith-Based Communities. Michelle Mason-Wilson’s legacy is one of hope, resilience, and transformation, making a profound difference in the lives of individuals and families facing the challenges of dementia.
CHRISTA JORDAN- MITCHEM, MHA, BS, DCS AND CFO
Certified Trainer
Christa Jordan-Mitchem is an executive level Director for the leading healthcare
company in IL. She has been in the healthcare industry for 20+ years. She was
recruited to become part of a ground-breaking team and start-up of a mutual health
insurer organized as a Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan (‘CO-OP") under the
Affordable Care Act in Y2013. She desires to see the needle move for fragile
populations that deserve the very best health care regardless of socioeconomic standing
and level the health equity playing field.
She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Hampton University
and Master’s in Health Administration from Governors State University. She has
served on the Boards for Far South Side Community Health Center and served as
Madam Chair for The South Suburban Council (Substance Abuse and Alcoholism).
Christa is the proud mother of Zion Sidora Mitchem and a grateful daughter of Robert A.
Jordan, M.D. and Pastor Jeanette Jordan.
Her favorite passage and belief is this: “And we know that all things work together for
good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
EDILAH JORDAN BA, DCS
Certified Trainer
Edilah Jordan, DCS is the Senior Director of Dream.Org’s Green for All Transformative
Communities Program. Green For All works at the intersection of the environmental, economic,
and racial justice movements to advance solutions to communities most affected by poverty and
pollution. Edilah plays a pivotal role in leading the execution of Transformative Communities’
agenda, ensuring the most underrepresented communities benefit from the $369 billion Inflation
Reduction Act of 2022. Through a tailored technical assistance strategy, stakeholders gain
support in accessing investments and readying their climate infrastructure projects for
deployment. Edilah has a strategic commitment to environmental justice and equity. She fosters
relationships with local government officials, financial institutions, and community leaders to
ensure minority-owned businesses are not only at the table, but the first in line to build out these
infrastructure projects. Transformative Communities collaborates with expert consultants trained
in centering equity in project development work to ensure communities get the level of niche
expertise needed to move their project forward. In previous years, Edilah traveled to third-world
countries and conducted sustainable housing and neighborhood revitalization initiatives.
While Edilah is deeply passionate about meeting the unique context and needs of disadvantaged
communities nationally, she also has a heart for caregiving. Edilah was a co-caregiver for her
father Dr. Robert Jordan during his six year journey living with Alzheimer’s dementia. She spent
those year ensuring that healthcare professionals treated him with the dignity and respect he
deserved. Dr. Jordan’s battle with dementia ended in August of 2023, however Edilah’s fight for
equitable treatment of people living with Alzheimer’s, dementia continues. Edilah recently
gained her certification as a Dementia Connection Specialist. She also is a proud board member
of Dementia Dignified Academy. Edilah believes everyone deserves an equal opportunity to
healthcare, education, clean air and water, and energy efficient homeownership.
WENDY WOODSON, RN, MSN, CCM, CCP, DCS
Nurse and Certified Trainer
Wendy Woodson is a seasoned Registered Nurse with over 25 years of expertise in managed healthcare and 15 years of skilled clinical practice across various specialties, including med/surg, telemetry, wound care, home health, hospice, and case management. Wendy holds esteemed professional credentials as a Certified Case Manager (CCM) and a Chronic Care Professional (CCP).
A proud alumna of Beloit College with a Bachelor of Arts and Olive Harvey College with an Associate Degree in Nursing, Wendy is on the verge of completing her Master's Degree in Nursing (MSN) at Chamberlain University, expecting to graduate in 2024.
Currently serving as a Utilization Review Nurse for a prominent health plan in Illinois, Wendy's dedication extends beyond her primary role. She actively engages in a "side hustle" as the weekend nurse at a residential substance abuse treatment center. Additionally, Wendy runs her own Avon Store as an independent Avon Sales Representative during her free time.
Wendy and her husband, Paul, have celebrated 21 years of marriage and are proud parents to two daughters, Maya (20 years old) and Joya (13 years old). Beyond her professional commitments, Wendy finds joy in self-care at spas, exploring new destinations through travel, indulging in fine dining, enjoying movies, and being an avid Bravo viewer. Her creative side shines through crafting and scrapbooking, often shared with her SAAS friends. Wendy cherishes moments spent with her extensive family and friends, forming a vibrant and supportive community.
JENNIFER ARMSTRONG PH.D, CCC-SLP, DCS
Speech Pathologist and Certified Trainer
Jennifer Armstrong Ph.D., CCC-SLP is a Communication Specialist. Dr. Armstrong has served as a Speech Language Pathologist for children and adults with communication needs for over 20 years. Dr. Armstrong is also a Professor of Communication for 15 years.
In her spare time, Dr. Armstrong is the producer of the Xpress Your Best Podcast for students of all ages. She is also the daughter and caregiver of a parent currently on the Alzheimer's journey.
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Jennifer Armstrong Ph.D., CCC-SLP
STACEY COOKSEY, DCS
K. Stacey Cooksey, DCS is a passionate Care Partner on the Care Team for her Mother-In-Law diagnosed with Vascular Dementia.
This challenging experience caused Stacey to realize that she needed more information to adequately assist the family with providing QUALITY care compassionately and holistically.
Through her research and networking efforts, she connected with THE WOMEN & MEN OF FAITH CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP.
Stacey was recognized as a deeply concerned advocate for her Mother-In-Law and Dementia patients. As a result, she was invited to join the DEMENTIA DIGNIFIED ACADEMY as a Board Member.
Even though she instinctively possessed the patience and kindness to help care for her loved one, Stacey desired to gain even more scientific-based knowledge regarding Dementia/Dementia Care to enhance the navigation of this process.
She became certified as a DEMENTIA CONNECTION SPECIALIST (DCS) through the DEMENTIA CONNECTION INSTITUTE (c).
Stacey's life's work is rooted in her belief that EVERYONE deserves the opportunity to live the life that Jesus came to provide and to do so more abundantly. (John 10:10)
Her life's motto is: SELF-CARE IS NOT SELFISH because you can NOT pour from an empty cup!
Stacey is married to her Elementary School sweetheart.
She lovingly refers to their four adult daughters as GIFTS FROM GOD & her FOUR HEARTS outside of her heart.
She is also Glammother of THE FIVE HEARTBEATS: 3 granddaughters & 2 grandsons.
Stacey enjoys deepening her love for GOD/GOD'S word through Scripture study, as well as traveling, shopping, House Music, and living 5 minutes from Lake Michigan.
TESTIMONIALS
Customer Feedback and Reviews
Here's what our customers and partners say about their experience working with us and how much you value we can offer. Please read the reviews below straight from the source. Our sparkling feedback speaks for itself.
Pastor Sandra Gillespie
Chosen Bethel Ministries
We extend our special thanks to you and Pastor Jeanette Jordan for providing an amazing workshop on Alzheimer’s Disease last Sunday.
You both presented an invaluable workshop about this insidious disease that was enlightening and engaging. Your experiential learning approach provided our participants with much to think about, skills to apply when faced with this disease in their families, and strategies to use to seek essential resources. The feedback from participants was excellent.
We look forward to continuing a relationship with your agency. Thank you again.
BOOKS
New Release - Journey of Compassion
and also available
From Suspenders to Stethoscopes: The Dr. Jordan Story
Discover the remarkable story that inspired the creation of Dementia Dignified Academy. Dive into the profound insights of Dr. Jordan through his life's work, and explore Pastor Jeanette Jordan's courageous journey as she compassionately cared for him during his battle with Alzheimer's disease. Their shared experience is a testament to the strength of love, resilience, and the power of faith. Don't miss the chance to learn from their incredible journey—one that will leave you inspired and remind you that, with determination and compassion, anything is possible.
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PHOTO GALLERY
Welcome to the Dementia Dignified Academy Photo Gallery
Explore the heart of our mission through the lens of our camera. At Dementia Dignified Academy, we are dedicated to empowering caregivers with the knowledge and skills needed to provide compassionate care for those living with Alzheimer's and dementia. Our photo gallery offers a glimpse into the meaningful moments, transformative training sessions, and the incredible individuals who make up our community. Each image reflects our commitment to dignity, respect, and the well-being of both caregivers and those they care for. We invite you to witness the impact of our work and the stories of hope, support, and empowerment that unfold in every frame.
