The South End Coalition

13056 Southeast 76th Street,Newcastle WA 98056

21 September, 2022

Description

We are an experienced team of creative arts therapists, teaching artists, recreation therapists, and gerontologists. Through our extensive knowledge of holistic quality of life and the seven wellness domains, we cultivate joy, engage curiosity, and foster personal expression. Our goal is to increase your loved one’s or client’s quality of life through therapeutic activity that is purposeful and meaningful. Each team member is a seasoned therapeutic activity specialist with a range of experience to serve every individual, client, or group. We are passionate about working with people living with memory loss (including those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia). Susan Martelino, MA with the Hummingbird Project Manager About Susan BS Psychology, Upper Iowa University; MA Marriage and Family Therapy, St. Mary’s University Susan’s close relationship with her surrogate grandmother taught her to treat older people with care and respect—and fostered her interest in working with elder men and women. She also discovered the wisdom each elder person holdsas they share their experience and knowledge and believes they should be recognized for the great teachers they are. Susan’s favorite activities to share with her clients include movement, sensory stimulation, life stories, and tapping into their unique interests to maintain who they are. Relevant Experience ● Susan worked as a massage therapist at Lyngblomsten Care Center in St. Paul, MN, where she provided therapeutic geriatric massage of all levels; included in the facility was an Alzheimer’s unit. ● She volunteered with Hospice of Minnesota as a massage therapist. ● Susan worked at On with Life-Brain Specialists in Des Moines, IA before she attended graduate school. Working with individuals who acquired traumatic brain injury (TBI) allowed Susan to experience the ramifications of TBI, which include depression, fatigue,anxiety, frustration,and short-term memory loss. She also experienced this with a family member living with brain injury. ● After moving to California, Susan volunteered with Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly in San Francisco. Education ● Susan holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Upper Iowa University. ● She danced with the Des Moines Ballet Company and maintained a private dance studio for 17 years. ● Susan holds a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. She worked at Marriage and Family Health Services in Hudson, WI before moving to California. Personal Interests ● Susan is an animal lover. She volunteered with the Des Moines Animal Rescue League in Des Moines for five years, walking shelter dogs during her lunch break. ● She still experiences the love of dance by attending local dance programs. ● Susan was a docent with the Des Moines Art Center for three years and her interest in the arts is an important component in her life. ● Susan enjoys cooking and taking in nature with her dog on their daily walk.