OUR TEAM | Life Circle

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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”

Director at Life Circle Lea VanMerkenstyn

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.

• It was from her intergenerational music teaching experience that led Lea 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 was a Board member in numerous music education organizations and was the operations manager of the Memphis Jazz Workshop.

Health Rhythms Group Empowerment Drumming Facilitator

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

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

Would You Like to Donate?

Every donation makes an impact. Every donor matters.

At Life Circle, we want to make our services affordable and accessible to every single person in Santa Fe…without question.

Our city has one of the highest percentages of population over 65 in the country. Please help us stay ahead of what scholarly literature calls the ‘silver tsunami.’ Which is a metaphor for our aging baby boomers.

Please donate today!

Together, we can care for those who have made Santa Fe one of America’s favorite vacation destinations, but more importantly, our home.

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