Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Technical And Creative Skills
Timeline
Micki Shugars   Tyson

Micki Shugars Tyson

Grand Rapids,MI

Summary

With over 15 years of experience in senior living care, specializing in dementia and Alzheimer's care, and 30+ years in graphic design and marketing, this dependable and creative professional offers a wealth of expertise. As a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), they bring extensive knowledge in program development, staff training, and community engagement. Their strong background in marketing, event planning, and social media enables them to passionately enrich lives through innovative, person-centered activities.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Activity Director

Quincy Place Senior Living
08.2023 - Current
  • Develop and implement engaging activity programs tailored to residents’ needs
  • Manage the life enrichment budget while maximizing resident engagement
  • Planned resident outings and special events to mark holidays and celebrate special occasions.
  • Train and supervise staff to ensure excellence in dementia care
  • Developed monthly life enrichment calendar and published electronically and in print.
  • Developed strong relationships with residents and their families, fostering a supportive community environment.
  • Developed and lead intergenerational activities to encourage mental agility of patients.
  • Designed wide variety of activities to stimulate interest, involvement, and engagement of patients.

Freelance Designer & Illustrator

For Heaven’s Sake
01.1997 - Current
  • Designed apparel, book covers, and promotional materials for major clients including Zondervan, Hope Harvest Publishing, and Right to Life of Michigan
  • Illustrated children's books and developed creative product designs for commercial use
  • Designed baby clothes and products for large chain stores
  • Planned and designed special events, including weddings and corporate functions

Life Enrichment Director

American House Wyoming
03.2022 - 08.2023
  • Established strong partnerships with local vendors and service providers to enhance available resources and offerings for residents.
  • Coordinated special events such as holiday celebrations, trips, and guest speakers to enrich the overall experience of residents.

Life Enrichment Manager

Aspira Place of Breton (Now Cardinal Care)
03.2021 - 03.2022
  • Planned and facilitated engaging activities for assisted living and memory care residents
  • Designed monthly calendars and newsletters for resident engagement
  • Organized special events and community outings to enhance social interaction
  • Contributed to marketing efforts showcasing the facility''s robust activity offerings, attracting new residents by highlighting the vibrant community environment.

Life Experience & Memory Care Director

Vista Springs Wyoming
11.2017 - 03.2021
  • Developed an extensive memory care program with staff training and engagement strategies
  • Planned and facilitated dementia support group meetings for families
  • Managed department budgets and supervised a team of activity coordinators
  • Designed and implemented engaging resident programs, ensuring high participation rates
  • Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.

Marketing Director & Graphic Designer

KeyCard
01.2011 - 09.2018
  • Designed and produced a 400+ page annual fundraising coupon book
  • Managed marketing campaigns, promotional materials, and email campaigns
  • Developed branding strategies and created visual assets for local businesses

Resident Assistant

Porter Hills Retirement Communities & Services
07.2009 - 07.2011
  • Assisted residents with personal care and daily living activities
  • Provided compassionate support for residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s
  • Monitored residents' well-being and reported changes to nursing staff

Instructor & Substitute Teacher

Careerline Tech Center
08.1997 - 08.2009
  • Art and Design Summer School and Night School programs. Substitute Instructor for High School program.
  • Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent classroom management techniques.
  • Initiated new learning methods, eliminating instructional gaps and improving comprehension.

Private Home Care Provider

Private Care Practice
09.2004 - 06.2009
  • Provided personalized in-home care for individuals with dementia and assisted with daily living activities, medication management, and companionship

Education

Undergraduate Degree - Graphic Design

Kendall College of Art & Design, Grand Rapids, MI
05.1987

Vocational College Degree - Advertising Design

Careerline Tech Center, Holland, MI
05.1984

Skills

  • Memory Care & Alzheimer’s Programming
  • Staff Development & Training
  • Event Planning & Coordination
  • Marketing & Graphic Design
  • Creative Writing & Communication
  • Social Media & Digital Marketing
  • Fundraising & Community Engagement
  • Leadership & Team Management
  • Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop & InDesign
  • Social Media Management
  • Content Creation
  • Creative Photography
  • Continuous professional development
  • Video Production
  • Web Design
  • Event Planning
  • Fundraising Strategies
  • Teamwork skills
  • Program development & implementation
  • Monthly event calendars
  • Person-centered approach
  • Problem-solving abilities

Certification

  • Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP)
  • Core Dementia Care Instructor
  • CPR Certification
  • CDL


Technical And Creative Skills

  • Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign
  • Microsoft Office & Publisher
  • Social Media Management & Content Creation
  • Photography & Video Production
  • WordPress & Web Design
  • Event Planning & Fundraising Strategies

Timeline

Activity Director - Quincy Place Senior Living
08.2023 - Current
Life Enrichment Director - American House Wyoming
03.2022 - 08.2023
Life Enrichment Manager - Aspira Place of Breton (Now Cardinal Care)
03.2021 - 03.2022
Life Experience & Memory Care Director - Vista Springs Wyoming
11.2017 - 03.2021
Marketing Director & Graphic Designer - KeyCard
01.2011 - 09.2018
Resident Assistant - Porter Hills Retirement Communities & Services
07.2009 - 07.2011
Private Home Care Provider - Private Care Practice
09.2004 - 06.2009
Instructor & Substitute Teacher - Careerline Tech Center
08.1997 - 08.2009
Freelance Designer & Illustrator - For Heaven’s Sake
01.1997 - Current
Careerline Tech Center - Vocational College Degree, Advertising Design
Kendall College of Art & Design - Undergraduate Degree, Graphic Design
Micki Shugars Tyson