OUR TEAM

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

Director at Life Circle Lea VanMerkenstyn

Lea VanMerkestyn: Executive 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, Lead Care Partner

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

Mikenna, Office Manager

Mikenna was born and raised in New Mexico.

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
Teepa Snow Positive Approach to Care Dementia Training

Yolanda Arrey Social Worker at Life Circle New Mexico

Yolanda, Social Worker

Yolanda was born and raised in Santa Fe NM. She ran a successful business with her partner for ten years and worked as a professional in the private sector before returning to school to earn her master’s degree in social work.

Throughout her life, she volunteered in a variety of capacities with her heart always gravitating towards elder populations. In her social work studies, she focused on learning how to advocate and serve people as they age. In the past ten years, she has been serving elderly people living with dementia/ Alzheimer’s and their families as a professional instead of a volunteer. In 2020, she was awarded the prestigious Social Services Award from the New Mexico Health Care Association acknowledging her dedication to her work in this field. She joined the Life Circle team in September 2024 to continue her life’s passion with a team dedicated to ensuring people with dementia/ Alzheimer have a life filled with
meaning, love, and compassion.

Yolanda’s favorite part of working at Life Circle is being with the clients. Engaging, laughing and hearing their stories gives me purpose. “I love being part of the clients’ lives. It is such a fun place to be.”

AED-CPR certified
Eden Alternative Associate
Stress Busting Program for Caregivers Facilitator
Memory Care Alliance Spanish Speaking Facilitator

Myisha Life Circle New Mexico Care Partner

Myisha, Activities

Myisha is from Massachusetts where she grew up with artist parents and a psychologist grandmother that nurtured her. Her interests in art and caring for others brought her to New Mexico in 2022 to begin studies in Art Therapy, although she has not continued with that degree, her passion for those subjects and a deep care for elders led her to Life Circle. She has experience working with elders caregiving, young adults, and children in various capacities.

Myisha believes in the healing potential of simple moments of connection and creativity. Her favorite thing about working at Life Circle is the many moments of humor shared between elders and staff throughout the day. She also loves witnessing when someone becomes immersed in an art project and is proud of what they created.

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.