Professional Dementia Trainings & Development
I am a PAC™ Certified Dementia Educator Licensed (PAC CDE/L) in Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care® (PAC™).
I provide dementia education and skill-based training for care communities, home care agencies, and interdisciplinary teams supporting individuals living with dementia.
These trainings focus on real-world application, helping staff understand what is driving changes in communication and behavior, and how to respond in the moment with more curiosity, confidence and consistency.
The goal is to strengthen day-to-day interactions in care environments so teams feel more equipped, less reactive, and more grounded in challenging situations.
Many organizations find that even small shifts in approach can significantly improve both staff experience and outcomes for the individuals receiving care.
These trainings are designed for organizations that:
Support individuals living with dementia in daily care settings
Want to strengthen communication and reduce care-related stress
Are looking for practical, skill-based dementia education
Want staff to feel more confident in real-time interactions
PAC™ trainings go beyond foundational dementia education
While many programs focus primarily on theory, PAC™ trainings emphasize real-world application, helping teams understand how dementia affects communication and behavior, and how to get curious in order to respond in the moment in ways that support connection, dignity, and safety.
AVAILABLE PAC™ TRAININGS (by inquiry):
Below are core PAC™ workshops. Descriptions reflect standardized PAC™ language.
Workshop A: Normal Aging vs. Not Normal Aging (2hrs)
Learners understand and recognize the differences in normal and not normal aging. The learner will develop better observational skills to recognize and intervene effectively when behavioral challenges occur.
Workshop B: Positive Physical Approach™ & Hand-under-Hand® (2hrs)
Learners understand how to adapt how we interact when the other person’s brain is changing. This workshop will include explanations of how the brain is changing when someone is living with dementia and what care partners can do to be supportive.
Workshop C: Seeing GEMS®, Not Just Loss (2hrs)
Learners understand the GEMS® Model developed by Teepa Snow. This model is based on the Allen cognitive scale and focuses on what is retained for people living with dementia instead of only focusing on what is lost. In identifying retained skills and abilities, learners will be able to provide the right level of support and assistance in care with people in different ability states.
Additional PAC™ Workshops:
Dementia Orientation In-Service: This 2-hour workshop is designed to help attendees develop a basic appreciation for what happens in the brain due to some form of dementia.
PAC Skills Make the Difference: This workshop includes 14 training sessions that involve watching videos and practicing skill. Sessions include understanding the thinking brain versus the primitive brain, understanding different GEMS® states, and PAC™ skills demonstrations within real-life scenarios.
Total time: 1.5-2 hours
Getting to Know Dementia: This workshop includes 6 training sessions (1.5hrs each) designed to help learners develop their dementia awareness.
Total time: 9 hours
What teams gain from training:
Increased confidence responding to challenging situations and distress in real time
Practical strategies for improving communication and reducing distress
Stronger understanding of how brain changes affect interaction and care needs
Tools to support both individuals and staff in care environments
Training is often adapted to your team’s needs
In addition to core PAC™ workshops, training can be tailored to reflect the specific care environment, population, and challenges your team is navigating.
This may include focused consultation on communication, behavior support, or workflow-based interaction strategies within your setting.
Inquire About Professional Trainings
Let’s talk about your team, your setting, and what would be most helpful.
PAC disclaimer: PAC™ Certified Dementia Educator Licensed- PAC CDE/L are not employees of Positive Approach, LLC. The opinions and views expressed by PAC™ Certified Dementia Educator Licensed- PAC CDE/L do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of Positive Approach, LLC or any of its employees. Positive Approach, LLC is not liable for any actions by PAC™ Certified Dementia Educator Licensed- PAC CDE/L. Educational content provided by Positive Approach to Care® is used with permission and based on the GEMS® and the techniques, strategies, and overall approach to care created and developed by Positive Approach, LLC. www.teepasnow.com.