Meeshi Anjali
Denver,CO
Summary
Working in Senior Living communities for the past 3 years, I have witnessed a huge demographic change as senior living residents are shifting from the Jazz-Depression Era Generation to the Rock & Roll-Baby Boomer Generation. These new Boomers are more open minded, free spirited and emotionally expressive than the prior generation, and life enrichment activities should reflect that shift. As your Memory Care Life Enrichment Director, I will fully utilize my 20 plus years of experience teaching, leading and coordinating intergenerational group activities to purposefully and playfully connect residents, family members and caregiving staff through rhythmic movement, lively discussion and fun.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Memory Care Life Enrichment Manager
Modena Cherry Creek
Denver, CO
04.2021 - Current
- Increased resident engagement and socialization from 30% to 80% group participation in activities through the implementation of a broad range of fun, educational and interactive programming (Brain-Body Boogie, 50s/60s Sing Along, Hula Dance Parties & Inner Smile Meditation, etc.)
- Worked closely with Memory Care Director to create and manage our Daily and Monthly Activities Calendar so that it met residents' diverse emotional, intellectual, physical, spiritual and social needs
- Since working at Modena, Memory Care went from only 12 residents to full capacity (32 residents). Family members have since told me that a main factor for their decision was witnessing our lively, creative programming
- Follow "No Resident Left Behind" policy, and committed to doing whatever it takes to bring daily joy and meaning to each resident's life
Assisted Living Life Enrichment Manager
Sunrise at Pinehurst
Denver, CO
10.2019 - 04.2021
- Personally learned about each resident's hobbies and interests and encouraged them to create their own weekly programs. Resident who was an avid Colorado hiker co-created a popular weekly program, "Hiking Colorado", where we took "virtual" hikes via discussion, trail maps and virtual hiking videos
- After shifting from group programming to outside-the-door visits in March 2020, visited each resident to learn about his/her favorite song, and then taught myself to play the ukulele (never played an instrument before) to play and sing his/her favorite song with each of the 40 residents
- Highly proficient in information technology including use of Microsoft Word, iPad/Tablet, internet, email, Facebook and other social media platforms
- Collaborated closely with family members to see how we could make each resident's live more fun, engaging and joyful each and every day
Founder and Creative Director
GroovaRoo Dance
San Diego, CA
10.2015 - Current
- Co-founded America's first babywearing dance school and our videos have been featured on the Today Show, Good Morning America, and NBC Nightly News
- Created an online teacher training program to certify over 75 teachers to offer prenatal and babywearing dance in 15 U.S, states and 15 countries worldwide
- Collaborated with senior living activities directors in California and Scotland to offer interactive, intergenerational song and dance programs for seniors, parents and babies (GroovaRoo "Babies & Boomers" Project)
Dance Teacher/Director of Operations
Firehouse Swing Dance
San Diego, CA
11.1998 - 09.2017
- Taught and organized beginning to advanced level swing dance classes in San Diego County for dancers from ages 8 to 80 for almost 19 years
- Managed the teaching, DJ and live music schedule for the Firehouse Swing Dance, San Diego's largest swing dance, with over 200 dancers attending weekly
- Managed all the administrative logistics of event planning including teacher contracts, fee collection, staffing, marketing and social media promotions
Education
Bachelor of Science - Physics
Santa Clara University
Skills
Play-Based Group Instruction
Intergenerational Programming
Community Integration
Safety Monitoring
Event Coordination
Public Speaking
Websites
Certification
Love to Move UK Training - Dementia Friendly Gymnastics
30+ Years Dance Experience
studying Afro-Cuban Dance,
Afro-Brazilian Dance,
Modern Dance,
R&B Line Dance,
Lindy Hop Swing Dance,
and Hatha Yoga
Pending Certifications in Music and Sound Therapy
Timeline
Memory Care Life Enrichment Manager
Modena Cherry Creek
04.2021 - Current
Assisted Living Life Enrichment Manager
Sunrise at Pinehurst
10.2019 - 04.2021
Founder and Creative Director
GroovaRoo Dance
10.2015 - Current
Dance Teacher/Director of Operations
Firehouse Swing Dance
11.1998 - 09.2017
Bachelor of Science - Physics
Santa Clara University
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