Upcoming Education Topics - 2026

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January 10: When Grief Boils Over

Caring for a loved one through illness or loss can evoke guilt, fear, and grief—often complicating relationships and straining family dynamics. This workshop provides DBT-based calming techniques, tools for managing family relationships, and communication skills to ease tension and reduce potential conflict.

 

Presented by Molly Darsow, mediator and owner of Still Waters Mediation, with a background in counseling and group facilitation that informs her professional approach to conflict resolution.

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February 14: Long-Term Care Planning

In this presentation you will learn about Medicare, Medicaid (MA), Veterans Benefits, and Long-term Care Insurance. You will learn what resources are available and how to build a plan to pay for care that’s not covered by Medicare.

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Presented by Mary Frances Price, an elder law attorney based in Minnetonka, MN.

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March 14: A Dementia Presence-tation

In this presentation, Ann will use true stories to illustrate successful approaches to side-step conflict, communicate effectively, and enhance safety and engagement. She feels the #1 tool we can bring to dementia care is our peaceful presence which is easy to say, but hard to accomplish. She will offer a formula for MASTERING dementia and fostering a peaceful presence.

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Presented by Ann Olson, OTR/L, author of Making Peace with Dementia: An Occupational Therapist’s Formula for Optimizing Care and Restoring Calm.

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April 11: Storytelling, Literature and Music When Caring For Self and Others*

Stories evoke stories. Music can be healing - both laments or the blues and songs or sounds that lift spirits. Many of us yearn for words to describe losses, caregiving for others, and even our many moods. Participants in this session will experience multiple resources that foster well-being when caring for self and others. Bring your own examples to the session.

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Presented by Ted Bowman, a grief and family educator whose focus is on disruptive changes and the resulting loss and grief that occurs.

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*Followed at 11:30 am by Voices in Bloom: A Spring Luncheon + Sing-Along with speaker Kayla Shafer and the Giving Voice Edina Chorus. Tickets $10. Purchase your tickets HERE.

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May 9: Self-Acupressure for Stress Management

In this session, you will learn how acupressure can be a powerful tool for self-healing in times of stress. Dr. Christensen will describe the theory behind acupressure and demonstrate how the use of specific acupoints can help to encourage calm, reduce the impact of stress, and promote resiliency. There will be an opportunity to participate in a guided sequence of self-acupressure, breathing, and visualization.

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Presented by Dr. Kim Christensen, a Licensed Acupuncturist and Chinese medicine herbalist, instructor at the Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing, and co-owner of Constellation Acupuncture & Healing Arts in Minneapolis.

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June 13: Building Foundations of Caregiving

This class explores the role of the caregiver and changes they may experience, how to build a support team and ways to manage caregiver stress.

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Presented by Alzheimer’s Association, Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter.

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July 11: Continuing the Conversation: Medicare, Medicaid, and Planning for Long-Term Care – Part II

Join us for the return of elder law attorney Mary Frances Price for a follow-up to her highly requested February presentation. In this session, you will learn more about Medicare, Medicaid (MA), Veterans Benefits, and Long-Term Care Insurance, and how these programs work together when planning for future care needs. Mary helps families understand what resources may be available and how to begin building a financial plan for care that may not be covered by Medicare. Time will be allotted for questions and group discussion, giving attendees the opportunity to explore real-life scenarios and get answers to common concerns. Whether you attended the February session or are joining us for the first time, this educational event will provide helpful insights for caregivers and seniors navigating the complexities of long-term care planning.

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Presented by Mary Frances Price, an elder law attorney based in Minnetonka, MN.

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August 8: Creative Water Coloring

Join us for a creative water coloring workshop with local artist and caregiver, Susan Roufs. More information coming soon!​

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Presented by Susan Roufs.

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September 12: Melodies for the Mind: How Music Supports the Aging Brain

Although the impacts of music often feel like magic, they are rooted in science and neurology. Come join a board-certified music therapist from Keynote Music Therapy in learning about the growing field of music therapy and ways to intentionally utilize music in your daily life.​

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Presented by Carolyn Beck, MT-BC, a board-certified music therapist with Keynote Music Therapy.

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October 10: An Introduction to Sound Bath

A seated restorative sound bath and self-care workshop designed for caregivers and supporters, offering relaxation, gentle stress relief, and practical tools for ongoing emotional well-being.

 

Presented by Carolyn Vinup.

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November 14: Just in Case

We should all be documenting our administrative affairs and personal wishes to ease future life transitions.  During this overview session, you will learn what information to gather and document, methods for keeping information organized and tactics for keeping your trusted contacts informed.

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Presented by Jeanine Brattebo & Sue Bohnsack. Jeanine’s worked in human resources for 30+ years, specifically enjoying work involving training and education.  Recent experience as a caregiver and estate executrix opened her eyes to the preventable challenges associated with helping elders through life transitions. These experiences inspired her to develop the Just in Case class to help others minimize the administrative stresses of caregiving. Sue has been working in the field of active senior adults for 30 years. She has worked in long term care, assisted living, memory care and, for the last 17 years, at the Eden Prairie Senior Center.

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December 12: Communicating Effectively

This class teaches how dementia affects communication, including tips for communicating well with family, friends and health care professionals.

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Presented by Alzheimer’s Association, Minnesota/North Dakota Chapter.