We Are Here For You!

Our team is comprised of a dedicated and compassionate staff and volunteers. Many whom have had deeply personal experiences in caring for their loved ones. Every member is trained to the highest standards of their position. We even have volunteers with professional geriatric credentials and experience who kindly donate their time to care for our clients. This team is led by Lea VanMerkenstyn. The best description of Lea is by one of our board members (who lost her mother to Alzheimer’s Disease):

“Lea’s heart of gold is only matched by her shining soul. Witnessing her comfort and compassion with the clients is enchanting.”

– Julie Rieger, Board Member, former President at Fox Film & Author of “The Ghost Photographer”

Lea VanMerkestyn: Program Director

Lea is originally from Chicago, Illinois and received her BS in Music Education, from the University of Illinois, in Champaign-Urbana. While working on her masters degree at the University of Memphis, she began teaching intergenerational music classes. This led her to begin working with those who were living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. She founded her “Musical Memories” business in Memphis, TN in 2000.

Lea served on the Board of several music education organizations and was the operations manager of the Memphis Jazz Workshop.

Lea’s favorite thing about working at Life Circle is the opportunity to spread joy to those who are living with challenging life changes and to help provide respite for their family members.

• AED-CPR certified.
• ServSafe Certified
• Teepa Snow Positive Approach to Care Dementia training
• Health Rhythms Group Empowerment Drumming Facilitator

Elizabeth

Elizabeth is from Chihuahua, Mexico and loves caring for others.  She has 15 years experience in caring for seniors. A mom to two children, Elizabeth loves church and also teaches Sunday School.

Elizabeth’s favorite part of working at Life Circle is meeting lots of new people and making them smile.

• AED-CPR certified.
• ServSafe Certified
• Teepa Snow Positive Approach to Care Dementia training

Gina

Gina was born in NM and grew up in Salt Lake City, UT. She returned to NM in her twenties.  With 30 years of experience in healthcare, she has worked in long term care, hospice care, private care, and residential.

Gina’s favorite part of working at Life Circle is to see the smile on the faces of the participants every day.  It is such a blessing to be able to laugh and have fun, and feels like a family.

• Licensed CNA in the state of NM.
• AED-CPR certified.
• ServSafe Certified.

Julia

Julia is from Rapid City, South Dakota. She is an enrolled member of Oglala Lakota tribe in Pine Ridge, SD and is also of European descent.  Julia was brought up culturally to respect and to be of service to our elders as they are the most sacred. She shared a close bond to her maternal grandparents and cherishes the elders in her life. She considers it an honor to take care of elders and children throughout her working career and is passionate about community, social justice, healing and access for all.

Julia’s favorite thing about working at Life Circle is “it has brought so much joy and passion to my heart. Each and every elder has taught me how to keep it under 90mph, eat ice cream, and have a blast laughing, dancing, creating, and playing with my wonderful coworkers.”

Mikenna

Mikenna’s favorite part about working at Life Circle is seeing all the clients enjoy being present with each other. She loves hearing all the life stories her clients share with her.

• AED-CPR certified.
• ServSafe Certified