Biographical Info
Samantha has a passion for the geriatric and long term care population. Her goal is to reach out to other professionals and grow and learn from others in different populations and then share ideas and offer encouragement. Samantha holds certifications in Activities, Dementia practitioner, Montessori and serves on a county organization for Activity Professionals.
Samantha overseas the Northeast Region as the Regional Director with the following states:
Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine.
Biographical Info
Julie Cooley serves as the Regional Director for Southern United States. She looks forward to connecting with her 11 appointed states and their Activity Professionals. With 26 years in the Activity Profession, her passions are Pet Therapy and all of the Creative Arts. She calls the mountains of North Carolina her home.
Julie oversees the following Southern States:
Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Oklahoma and Tennessee
Biographical Info
Colleen Knudson serves as the International Development Director for NAAP. Her interest and intrigue with various cultures and countries in our world makes her the perfect fit as she discovers new ideas and resources. A passion for providing the best for her clients drives the opportunity to collaborate and explore international relationships. NAAP Members get to benefit from these relationships between countries. and cultures. Colleen has served as President of the Wisconsin Representatives of Activity Professionals and brings that experience and expertise to the NAAP Board.
Biographical Info
The following states are served by the Central Regional Director: North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin
Biographical Info
Tammy Point serves as the Regional Director for the Western United States. Tammy has served in many settings including Alzheimer units, long term care, skilled units, assisted living, independent living and currently is the owner of a home health business to help family members keep their loved ones home as long as possible. Carrying certifications as an activity consultant and dementia practitioner, having served on the Ohio Activity Board, and along with her love for the aging population, Tammy brings her expertise and passion to the NAAP Board.
The West Regional Director oversees the following states:
Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Alaska and Hawaii.
Ex Officio Board Members
Biographical Info
Vanessa Emm serves as the Operations Director for NAAP. Vanessa has a long history in Activities both as a Director and a Consultant serving multiple communities. She brings operational experience working with vendors, organizational partnerships, marketing, management, organization, and communication. She enjoys working with others and brings a historical perspective to the current board.
Biographical Info
Alisa Tagg serves as the Association Director for NAAP. Alisa has a long history in Activities as a consultant serving professionals operating at all levels of care. She brings exceptional leadership skills and experience in collaboration with a variety of other national organizations in the healthcare industry. She enjoys working with others in providing educational support and communication skills in ensuring excellence in quality.
Biographical Info
Cindy Tewalt serves as the Financial Treasurer for NAAP. Cindy has a long history in Activities. She served many years as Treasurer for WRAP (Wisconsin) and has been trusted as the Treasurer of her church with a million-dollar budget. She brings financial experience working with budgets, reports, banking institutions, boards, and communication. She likes working with others and brings her laughter and hard-hitting questions to keep organizations on track of their goals.
Education Council Members
Biographical Info
Timothy has been working in the field of senior engagement since 2007, beginning using music engagement for clients with dementia. He later established a music services company for clients in adult day, assisted living and senior center settings. Timothy is a pre-approved instuctor for MEPAP and a graduate of the American College of Education with his master’s degree in education with a specialization in Instructional Design and Technology. Outside of activity work, he is a certified Reiki Master-Teacher, Life Coach, Chair Chi Facilitator and more.
Biographical Info
Cathy Braxton is the Owner, Educator and Content Creator of improv4caregivers. Cathy believes in creating thought-provoking educational content. Her unapologetic style allows caregivers to dig deep into empathy and provides a safe space for exploration into the important foundational concept of using the rules of improv for improving communication and connection. Cathy is a Relationship Centered Communication Specialist, Registered Cognitive Behavioral Therapist and is Certified in the Neurobiology of Sleep through the University of Michigan. In March of 2023 Cathy created the 6 hour Dementia Specific Training for the National Association of Activity Professionals. Her commentary titled “The Rules of Engagement” has been published in the Peer Reviewed Seniors Housing & Care Journal. She is the co-author of “Start with Yes”. Cathy has received her degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois and her Masters coursework in Health Psychology and Gerontology Studies from National Louis University. She has studied improv under the tutelage of Ron Harlow at the Hammond Community Theater and Antoine McKay at McKay Arts in Chicago. Cathy has been in the aging industry for over 27 years managing memory care units, directing activity programs, providing case management, service coordination, quality control and support group facilitation. During the height of the pandemic in 2020 and 2021 she devoted her time volunteering as a consultant to facilities in need of education, motivation, training, and crisis management as well as providing complementary services to adult children that were self-isolating at home with their aging parents.
Biographical Info
Natalie Davis is a pioneer in the activity profession in providing education, training, and consulting services based on the principle “Through a relationship all things are possible, without one, nothing.” Her consultation services focus on promoting quality of life throughout the care community and have included “Activities in a Person-Centered Environment” and “Activities in Action.” Natalie has dedicated her time to mentoring professionals in achieving their maximum potential through meaningful engagement to enhance quality of life.
Biographical Info
Julie Reginek is the instructor of the online Activity Director Associate’s degree program and national MEPAP certification courses at Ridgewater College in Minnesota. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation, a Master of Science degree in Instructional Design and eLearning from St. Cloud State University and has over 36 years of experience as an activity director, consultant and educator. In addition to being a Certified Dementia Practitioner, she is also a Certified Alzheimer’s’ Diseases and Dementia Care Trainer, NCCAP Activity Consultant, Memory Care, and Educator certified.
Julie is also the Online Curriculum Specialist, D2L Campus Trainer, D2L Site Administrator, and Quality Matters Coordinator for Ridgewater College.
Biographical Info
Nancy Richards is the lead Creative for Activity Pathways which is on a mission to push back stigma about mental health and aging across the community through mobilizing the power of sensory activities that engage, empower, and cultivate well-being. A dedicated Activity Professional who has grown through serving people on all levels of care and specializes in serving folks living with acute mental health, substance use and trauma challenges who are striving for a healthy lifestyle through the power of activities. She loves all things sensory, is a lifelong learner and enjoys working on collaborative projects that enhance Activity Services to deliver quality of life experiences.
Biographical Info
Catherine has built her professional career around the ever-growing dementia sector. As a director and mentor, she provides quality training to professionals in promoting meaningful moments. She has exceptional leadership skills and experience working with a multitude of professional boards that focus on the healthcare industry. Catherine is a passionate advocate for the validity of the Activities profession, and relishes in merging a person’s past and their beliefs to foster a sense of fulfillment and peace.
Cultural Competency Council Members
Biographical Info
Timothy has been working in the field of senior engagement since 2007, beginning using music engagement for clients with dementia. He later established a music services company for clients in adult day, assisted living and senior center settings. Timothy is a pre-approved instuctor for MEPAP and a graduate of the American College of Education with his master’s degree in education with a specialization in Instructional Design and Technology. Outside of activity work, he is a certified Reiki Master-Teacher, Life Coach, Chair Chi Facilitator and more.
Biographical Info
BA degree from Bethel University in St. Paul, MN, Certified Activity Consultant, ACC. Certified Senior Fitness Personal Trainer., SFPT. Currently serves as the Director of Safety and Quality Support for Cassia Care in Edina, MN. Primary job duties include, Emergency Preparedness, Safety and Worker’s Compensation Programs, and Corporate Director of Therapeutic Activities and Social Services in 5 states that include over 50 facilities providing care and services to older adults and others in need. She is the NAAP state contact for Minnesota and serves as the Minnesota Activity Association Education Chair. Pamela is also the former Board-Chair for the Vital Aging Network a non-profit dedicated to Active Aging, and encouraging older adults to be engaged in their communities. Pamela has over 40 years’ experience in aging services, and was hired as a “special expert” by CMS to train surveyors on the revised guidance for activities in 2004, and continues to consult with the Minnesota Department of Health on issues related to compliance and activity services.
Biographical Info
Lynne has always had a passion for Seniors. She earned her degree in Therapeutic Recreation and Leisure Services, from Eastern Washington University, in 1984. Since then, she has spent 37 years working to ensure seniors receive the best quality of life possible, while staying in a care setting. Lynne has spent 14 or those years as a Recreational Activities Director, and 21 years as a corporate Recreational Activities Consultant. Lynne enjoys training and mentoring others to keep the lives of those we serve vital.
