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About Us

Being in the Moment Team

Karen Stobbe

Founder, Content & Script Writer and Chief Purpose Officer of In the Moment

Karen was working as an actress, director, writer and instructor of theatre when her dad, Manfred, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Manfred passed away in October of 2000 and her mom, Virginia, was diagnosed with mixed dementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. (Vascular & Alzheimer’s) a year after Manfred passed away.

Karen has worked all over North America presenting keynotes, workshops, performances and consulting.

She was the Director of Education for Pioneer Network and Chair of the National Conference for 6 years. Karen worked with the Eden Alternative on their International Conference (3) and education curriculum for Dr. Al Power’s DementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Beyond Drugs seminars. Karen was priviledged to work on the National Alzheimer’s Association Campaign for Quality Care as a consultant and writer for videos.

Karen was the co-developer (with Sonya Barsness) of all the content for the Hand in Hand Training Toolkit produced by CMS and distributed to every nursing home in the country in 2012. She has written a book, has a training DVD, featured in Real Simple magazine, Guideposts, heard on NPR’s This American Life and presented at the International TEDMED Conference.

The Being in the Moment site is Karen’s passion and her hope is that every person who come here finds something to make their day better.

“I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness – it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.” – Brene Brown

“Maybe you think someone doesn’t have a lot on their plate compared to you. But maybe their plate is smaller than yours and doesn’t have a lot of room to begin with. Or maybe their plate is paper, and their flimsy paper plate can’t hold as much as your sturdy ceramic plate can.” – Unknown

Mondy Carter

Head of Creative Chaos

Mondy Carter is a videographer, actor, director and improv guy. He was the main caregiverAnyone who’s responsibility is to provide or help provide for the needs of another. for Karen’s Mom (Virginia) for the 11 years she lived with them. His caregiving experience has changed him into a very patient person. That’s one of benefits of getting to be with a person with dementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia.. If you are open to it they can allow you to grow in unexpected ways.

Sonya Barsness

Presenter, Researcher, Interviewer, Advice Giver & Emotional Support Human

Sonya is a revisionary gerontologistA professional trained in Gerontology. Gerontologists have a Masters or doctoral degree, either in Gerontology, or in another discipline (psychology, biology, social work, etc.) with a focus in gerontology. with over 25 years of professional experience in the field of aging. Her passion and vocation is changing the culture of aging and dementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. so that we can all age meaningfully, in community, wherever we live, and with whatever challenges we face.

She is the founder of Sonya Barsness Consulting (SBC), a multidimensional company that provides a variety of products and services to promote a different way of thinking about growing older and growing with dementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia.. SBC’s focus is on applied paradigm shifting, beginning with the lived experience of people growing older or growing with dementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia., and bringing these perspectives to life so that education, research, policy, and practice truly reflect what is important to people who are growing older or growing with dementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia., and their care partners, wherever they live.

Sonya is a nationally recognized educator on person-centered thinking related to aging, long-term care, and dementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia.. She is a co-developer of CMS’ Hand in Hand toolkit, a series of training modules for nurse aides on person-centered dementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. care and the prevention of abuse. She is also the voice of Being Heard, a blog about revising the paradigm of aging (www.beingheard.blog). Sonya is adjunct faculty at Georgetown University’s Aging and Health Program.

Claudia Looze & Anthony Wood

Smoking Monkey Productions: Video, Sound, Editing & Best Couple in the Universe

This Emmy Award-winning husband and wife creative team have been producing independent, commercial, and public television programs for over thirty years. They reside in rural Wisconsin with their chickens and cats. (And they are incredibly modest)

Actors, Interns & Crew! Oh My!

Alphie Hyorth, Betsy Puckett, Becky Stone, CJ Breland, Frank Ash, Tina Rosato, Anna Holleman, Stephanie Hickling-Beckham, Carin Metzger, Paula O’Brien, Maximillian Koger, Trinity Keel, Kim Mako, Collin Byrne, Tom Chalmers, Katie Kasben, Jinna Kim, Jan Robbins, Drew McDermott, Erin Schmidt, Gary Gaines, Candace Taylor, Suparna Thies, Kristi DeVille, Bart Murray, Frank Carter, Susan Carter, Molly Pifko, Grace Carter & Rosie the pup
And with loving memory Pat Daly Hart.

Sparking Design

Jamie King, Web Designer and lover of donuts

I think being a designer of any kind must be soul wrenching. You do this work and you present it to your client and they say, “uhmmm, it’s not quite right.” And then the designer says, “Okay, what do you want?” and the client says, ” I don’t know.” or “I want something that is completely opposite.”

I just want to say publicly, Jamie is the Goddess of Patience. I so appreciate everything she has done for this site and and making little videos so we can remember how to add more content. You are full of awesomesauce.

Advisory Council

Mary Ann Anachini

Mary Ann Anichini, a board certified Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, has worked with elders for 40 years. In addition to clinical expertise in geriatric nursing and the promotion of wellness, she is passionate about the advancement of well-being in persons living with cognitiveof, relating to, being, or involving conscious intellectual activity (such as thinking, reasoning, or remembering) (Dictionary.com) disorders and those who care for them. Mary Ann has multiple certifications in the most recent standards for providing compassionate care to persons with different types of dementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. including Alzheimer’s Disease. She walked the caregiverAnyone who’s responsibility is to provide or help provide for the needs of another. journey with her mother who had dementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. for nearly 20 years. Their journey together has left a deep recognition of how even as memory and cognitionThe process of knowing; of being aware of thoughts. The ability to reason and understand. fade, the Spirit dwells within, alive and well. In addition to many local presentations, she has spoken at the following national conventions: Leading Age, Pioneer Network, and The National Alzheimer’s Association.

Amy Conoly

Thirty years of experience working with seniors, people living with dementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia., and families. Areas of interest include programming, adaptations, training, and working with behavioral expressions.
Currently a Division Director of Life Enrichment & Memory Care with Enlivant.

Darlene Cray

For the last 16 years, Darlene Cray has served elders who reside in Long-Term Care settings within the state of New Hampshire as a Long-Term Care Ombudsman and previously for 23 years in varying roles within the continuum of Long-Term Care and Home Care. In addition to the role of Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Darlene has assisted with the creation and facilitation of a virtual statewide forum for residents in care, served as a Senior Examiner for the American Health Care Association (AHCA) Baldrige-based Quality Awards, actively participated in the taskforce for Community Based Care Initiatives in New Hampshire and facilitates, and provides education to groups and organizations within the state and on a national level. Darlene was the primary conveyor for the Pioneer Network Learning Collaborative and the founder of the New Hampshire Culture ChangeThe common name given to the national movement for the transformation of older adult services, based on person-directed values and practices, where the voices of elders and those working with them always come first. Core person-directed values are choice, dignity, respect, self-determination and purposeful living. Culture change transformation supports the creation of both long- and short-term living environments as well… Coalition. Most recently Darlene has served in what she believes to be one of the most challenging and amazing roles; the gift of being a care partnerMany people use the term of care partner for any caregiving situation. We feel that you can use whatever term makes you comfortable and is right for you. My story is that for many years we were care partners with my Mom. We received love and care and help from her and she received the same from us. And slowly… for several family elders who live with Alzheimer’s Disease. Darlene has a demonstrated record of accomplishments within the areas of Quality Improvement, Long Term Care and in Person Centered and Person Directed Care. Beyond this she has also earned a level of respect from local peers as well as many individuals on the national and international level. Darlene’s experience and reputation have positioned her to be a leader, facilitator, and educator; however, it has also taught her the importance of remaining a “student of the elders” and learning from their wise council, through all levels of their abilities.

Pastor Gary Gibson

Pastor Gary Gibson takes a real practical approach to the importance of a healthy spirit in our daily lives. Life is indeed a journey; for some it is a journey of faith and for others a journey of religion and yet for others it is rooted in their own individual spirit. Maintaining a healthy spirit can and should carry us through each day with purpose, motivation, and a natural desire to help ourselves grow. Pastor Gary has been a national speaker for enhancing the quality through a healthy spirit for more than 25 years. He has been a national speaker for the International Conference on Aging and the Young Presidents Organization YPO, The Pioneer Network, VOICE (Voice for Inspirited Change for Elders in PA) and Leading Age PA., as well as several colleges and universities. Gary has served three Presbyterian churches in southwestern Pennsylvania. He has served as the Director of Pastoral Care for Presbyterian Senior Care at the Washington PA Campus for the past 15 years and the Oncology Chaplain and Spiritual Counselor for the Washington Health System for 25 years. He is a life-long residentA person who lives in a residential long-term care setting, such as a nursing home or assisted living community. of Pennsylvania and a proud veteran of the United States Navy.

Daphne Johnston

In 2012, Daphne Johnston developed and launched the Respite Ministry, housed at First United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, as a faith-based program that draws on simple interactive techniques and a room full of engaged volunteers to provide cognitiveof, relating to, being, or involving conscious intellectual activity (such as thinking, reasoning, or remembering) (Dictionary.com), social, spiritual, service activities for those living with dementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. during a four-hour day four days a week. Through this program, individuals and their family members rediscover a sense of purpose and enjoy the opportunity to participate in meaningful activities among their peers. The local Respite Ministry has been nationally recognized by the Administration on Aging and featured in Kiplinger’s Magazine Retirement Issue for alternative quality healthcare. To replicate the success of the local program in communities across the country, Daphne founded the Respite for All Foundation in 2018 and serves as its executive director. Through the Foundation, Daphne teaches churches and congregations of any denomination how to build Respite Ministries. It is her belief that the faith-based community can provides scores of willing volunteers to offer fellowship and love to families living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. if given the chance. The Respite for All Foundation has to date inspired 18 new volunteer communities spanning from Florida to Washington and has engaged over 2000 volunteers and families living with dementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia.. In 2019, Daphne was invited to present her volunteer-based model of care in Australia at the International Aging and Spirituality Conference. She is the author of Reclaiming Joy Together, which lays out the concepts of building and implementing Respite communities across the country.

Jennifer LaPorte

Jennifer LaPorte is from Milwaukee, WI and started working for Dr. Kate HospiceA program of medical and social services for people diagnosed with terminal (end-stage) illnesses that focuses on comfort, not curing an illness. Hospice services can be given at home, in a hospital, hospice residence, assisted living community, or nursing home. They are designed to help both the patient and his or her family. Hospice care stresses pain control and symptom… in northern Wisconsin as a volunteer in 2011, later becoming bereavement coordinator and chaplain. She also serves as an on-call chaplain for a local hospital system and provides community grief support throughout the Northwoods She has a Masters in Thanatology (the study of death and dying, emphasizing grief and bereavement models) and has completed four units of clinical pastoral education. Her passion is working in the field directly with families and patients to help meet their spiritual and emotional care needs and also in using the arts to communicate with people living with dementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia..

Jytte Lokvig, PhD

Jytte Lokvig is a nationally recognized Alzheimer’s and dementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. specialist, frequent speaker, and the author of several popular books on effective dementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. care. Lokvig guides family caregivers through the dementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. wilderness and trains professional staff on person-centered care and creativity programs based on the Montessori philosophy. In October, 2008, Lokvig opened the Alzheimer’s Cafe in Santa Fe, NM, which introduced the Alzheimer’s/memory Cafe concept to the United States.

Heather Luth

As the DementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Program Specialist for Schlegel Villages, Heather believes the lived experience of people living with dementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. should direct and guide our efforts to come alongside with support. More than 20 years in Senior Living Communities has taught her that observations are the first step in understanding and fostering creative problem solving that taps into people’s strengths and abilities. She considers a relational approach to be the cornerstone to providing person-centred care and creating moments of meaningful connection, purpose and joy. Heather’s education style sprinkles learning with real life stories and examples, and she enjoys opportunities to be a guest lecturer, conference speaker, educator and trainer.

Beth Meyer-Arnold

Beth Meyer-Arnold, RN, MS is a past president of the Alzheimer’s Association of Southeastern Wisconsin and the National Adult Day ServicesCommunity-based programs that provide meals and structured activities for people with cognitive or functional impairments, as well as adults needing social interaction and a place to go when their family caregivers are at work. (See also Respite.) Association. Twenty-five years of Beth’s nursing career was devoted to developing community-based services for persons with dementia, particularly adult day servicesCommunity-based programs that provide meals and structured activities for people with cognitive or functional impairments, as well as adults needing social interaction and a place to go when their family caregivers are at work. (See also Respite.), in the Milwaukee area. Beth, a nationally-recognized expert in person-centered care in practice, is now a principal with EM-A Consulting LLC (Milwaukee, WI), a long-term care and dementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. care quality improvement consulting firm that specializes in adult day and dementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. care services. Beth served on the Milwaukee County Commission on Aging from 2016 -2019.

Andrea Nelson

Andrea Nelson is an advance practice nurse and the Director of Memory Care Programs with the Memory and Alzheimer’s Treatment Center at Johns Hopkins Bayview. She has over 25 years’ experience working in psychiatry and dementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. care as well as a degree in music performance. As a family caregiverAny family member, partner, friend, or neighbor who provides or manages the care of someone who is ill, disabled, or frail. There may be more than one family caregiver involved in a person’s care. Sometimes family caregivers are referred to as informal caregivers. This is meant to show that they are different from formal caregivers (professional healthcare workers). But many… for her father and mother-in-law with dementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. as well as a professional providerA provider is typically a professional healthcare worker, agency, or organization that delivers health care or social services. Providers can be individuals (doctors, nurses, social workers, and others), organizations (hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living communities, or continuing care retirement communities), agencies (e.g., home care and hospice), or businesses that sell healthcare services or assistive equipment (e.g., colostomy care supplies, wheelchairs,…, she believes people with dementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. and their caregivers can and should live active and engaged lives, with daily doses of hope, humor and joy.

Brenda & Mark Roberts & Sophie

Brenda Roberts, M.A. has over 40 years of experience in the human service field working with elders and persons living with disabilities. As a volunteer, Brenda facilitates the activities of the DementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Minds which is a group of persons living with dementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. whose mission is to teach about living with dementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. BY people living with dementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia..

Brenda and her husband Mark and his service dog, Sophie, live in Michigan in a four-generation household. Mark was diagnosed with Vascular DementiaVascular dementia is a general term describing problems with reasoning, planning, judgment, memory and other thought processes caused by brain damage from impaired blood flow to your brain. You can develop vascular dementia after a stroke blocks an artery in your brain, but strokes don't always cause vascular dementia. Whether a stroke affects your thinking and reasoning depends on your… in 2014 at the age of 61. Brenda and Mark enjoy working together as dementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. advocates and educators.