Coffee and Conversations
October 7, 2025
9:30 to 11:30
Everything you need to know about Medicare during the open enrollment period: join us as Kristen Maurice shares the latest updates and addresses any questions you may have. Kristen is with Acuity Health Advisors.
Here is the link to sign up: https://harpethhills.wufoo.com/forms/k16kpu730cczz2q/
Begins September 3, 2025, through December 10, 2025
https://www.griefshare.org/
GriefShare Grief Support Group
No matter what the circumstances, grief is a painful, confusing process. A GriefShare group is a safe,
welcoming place where people understand the complex emotions of grief. At this 13-week support
group program, you’ll discover what to expect in the days ahead and what’s “normal” in grief. Since
there are no neat, orderly stages of grief, you’ll learn helpful ways of coping with grief, in all its
unpredictability—and gain solid support each step of the way.
At each weekly meeting, you will view a video featuring respected counselors, pastors, and healthcare professionals.
Professionals on grief-related topics, plus you’ll hear relatable personal stories of grief.
After that, a small group discussion will allow people time to talk, share support, and personally apply what they
learned in the video. Everyone will receive a book to take home filled with valuable exercises for
navigating their grieving process.
Coping and Caring Caregiver Conference
October 17, 2025
Time:8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Harpeth Hills Church of Christ (Community Room)
1949 Old Hickory Blvd
Brentwood, TN 37027
Presenters will offer answers to medical questions as well as unique strategies to connect with those living with dementia.
Leslie Gaynor, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
She graduated summa cum laude with a BA in English and a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies in Neurobiological Sciences from the University of Florida. Following graduation, she entered the University of Florida’s Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, a Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Through the completion of this program, she earned a Master of Science in Psychology and a PhD in Clinical Psychology, with a specialization in Clinical Neuropsychology. Before completion of her doctoral program, Dr. Gaynor completed a predoctoral clinical internship at Emory University School of Medicine and Grady Health System in Adult and Geriatric Neuropsychology. She then completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology at the University of California, San Francisco, in the Department of Neurology, specifically at the Memory and Aging Center.
Dr. Gaynor was recruited to Vanderbilt as a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Medicine on the Physician-Scientist Investigator track. She was also appointed as a core member of the institution-wide Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer’s Center. Her research program investigates early cognitive and brain changes related to Alzheimer’s disease and non-Alzheimer’s disease type dementias. She is an active member of several national and international research societies, including the International Neuropsychological Society and the Alzheimer’s Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment.
Andrea Cziprusz, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist specializing in a proactive approach to healthy aging. As the founder of Livefit Wellness, she helps older adults stay active, safe, and independent through in-home physical therapy and wellness sessions tailored to each individual’s goals. Andrea partners with families to address mobility challenges, reduce fall risk, and create supportive home environments that improve quality of life. Her approach emphasizes early planning, practical education, and collaborative problem-solving to help caregivers feel prepared and empowered.
Beth Bedore | Senior Home Coach | Realtor® | Occupational Therapist, ECHM, CAPS
With over 25 years of experience as an occupational therapist, Beth Bedore brings a deep understanding of how physical and cognitive changes impact daily life. Now, as a licensed Realtor® and Senior Home Coach, she combines her healthcare expertise with real estate knowledge to help individuals and families of all ages create homes that are safe, accessible, and genuinely supportive. Whether it’s aging in place, navigating a life transition, or modifying a home for changing needs, Beth is passionate about guiding her clients toward solutions that promote independence, connection, and peace of mind.
Debbie Miller is a Qualified Dementia Care Specialist with over 12 years of experience as an educator, helping families, care professionals, and community groups better understand Alzheimer’s and other types of Dementia. She regularly presents elder care workshops on Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and chronic disease management, utilizing practical techniques that make the caregiving experience a positive one. Debbie owns and operates a multi-office, aged care company in Tennessee. She is a C.A.R.E.S. Coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and is a certified National Trainer for the Virtual Dementia Tour.
Rebecca Wellner, M.S., CCC-SLP (she/her) is a licensed speech-language pathologist and certified dementia practitioner® in New York City. She is also the founder and president of A Sweeter Course, Inc., a nonprofit organization seeking to build a dementia-inclusive café. Rebecca received her Master of Science from New York University. She has worked in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and home health settings. Rebecca specializes in communication and swallowing changes resulting from neurodegenerative diseases, and she is invested in raising awareness of all types of dementia to ensure optimal social support for care partners and individuals living with dementia. Her background also includes six years of assisting in neurocognitive research focused on memory and psycholinguistics. Rebecca holds her certificate of clinical competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and certifications from both the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (Certified Dementia Practitioner®) and from Brush Development (Can Do! Dementia Certificate).
Family Caregivers: $25 | Professionals: $40 (includes CEUs)
Breakfast, lunch, and all workshop materials are included..