Visit with our wonderful community partners and enjoy pastries and coffee by Morrison. EdenHill Communities will give opening statements before the presenters begin

Rev. Dr. Carla Cheatham began in psychosocial services with an MA in Psychology, certification in trauma therapy, a PhD in Health & Kinesiology, and M.Div. before working 10 years as a hospice grief counselor and chaplain with special training in care for those with dementia and their loved ones.

Dr. Cheatham is a national keynote speaker and consultant focusing on emotionally intelligent and resilient professionals and organizations as well as care for family caregivers. 

Dr. Cheatham is a member of NHPCOs Trauma Informed Care Task Force, former Chair of NHPCOs Ethics Advisory Council, and Assistant Professor for University of Maryland’s MS in Palliative Care.  

She publishes books and videos about resilience, grief, healthy leadership, and other emotional competencies for professionals and families. 

Rev. Cheatham also serves as the pastor of Faith Church, United Church of Christ, in New Braunfels.  An avid mountain biker and hiker, she spends as much time as she can in the mountains to renew and recharge so she may come home and be more present for all whom she serves.

Neela K. Patel, MD, MPH, CMD, has developed a superb reputation in geriatric care for the care. Dr. Patel and her team have developed a model of integrated care for older adults across all clinical settings including acute care inpatient elder care, skilled nursing care and long-term custodial care, rehabilitation center care and palliative and hospice care called the CARINO Approach. This approach is linked to community resources such as home health agencies, the Alzheimer’s association, senior centers, hospital, consultants and other community resources.

At the Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Dr. Patel’s role is to develop and implement closely integrated, seamless care patterns across clinicians– ranging from screening in primary care offices, personalized preventive advice, diagnosis and differential diagnosis and developing integrated care plans. She collaborates with team members for supporting community care providers and family caregivers, as behavioral, medical and neurological issues arise, to manage severe dementia, discussion of advance directives and palliative care/hospice care support.

Dr. Patel serves on the Community Advisory Board for the UT Health San Antonio School of NursingCaring for the Caregiver Program. She is also the co-primary investigator with Dr. Carole White on a PCORI – Grant to enhance palliative care and end of life care for persons with dementia where she is an integral part of the grant’s stakeholder advisory council.

Sponsored By HEB

Assisted Living Director at EdenHill

Brandon Dixon is a Licensed Vocational Nurse with over 14 years of hands-on nursing experience, including extensive work in home health, assisted living, and dementia care. He currently serves as the Assisted Living Director at EdenHill, where he leads with compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to enhancing the lives of seniors.

Throughout his career, Brandon has developed a strong reputation for his ability to connect with patients and families. His warm demeanor and infectious smile bring comfort and joy to residents, families, and staff alike. His interpersonal skills and leadership have allowed him to build lasting relationships with physicians, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations across the senior care community.

Brandon has worked closely with individuals living with dementia for many years. He understands the unique challenges they face and is passionate about creating environments that promote dignity, safety, and meaningful engagement. He believes the Dementia Live program is a powerful tool that fosters empathy and understanding among caregivers by offering a firsthand experience of what it’s like to live with dementia. He sees it as a transformative resource that can elevate the quality of care and deepen the connection between staff and residents.

Brandon earned his nursing degree from Career Point College in 2010 and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Aspen University. His academic journey has fueled his passion for sustainable healthcare development and spiritual growth.

Wellness Director at EdenHill Communities. Devonne brings over 16 years of dedicated service and expertise. A Certified Dementia Live Coach and CNA-certified professional, Devonne has worked across all care units at EdenHill, including Skilled Nursing, Neighborhoods, and Memory Care. In her current role, she leads staff education and training to ensure compassionate, informed care for residents living with dementia, while also overseeing staffing needs. Her passion for resident well-being is matched only by her love for family—she cherishes time spent with her grandchildren and loved ones

While serving with the Police Department, Maureen Watson collaborated with the Alzheimer’s Association to establish a local registry identifying individuals with dementia and their caregivers. This initiative enabled law enforcement to quickly and safely reunite individuals who had eloped with their families.

Maureen also spearheaded the creation of a Mental Health Police Officer initiative, designed to recognize and assist individuals in crisis. This approach prioritized connecting people with appropriate care rather than pursuing criminal charges, particularly in cases involving mental illness or dementia.

As a law enforcement instructor, she provided specialized training in de-escalation techniques for officers interacting with individuals affected by mental illness, brain injuries, or dementia. This training emphasized compassionate, informed responses to ensure safety and dignity for all involved.