Memory Care Innovation Awards

By Elyse Matson, MA CCC-SLP, SLP Resource

 This year, we had four nominations in the Skilled Nursing Division of the Memory Care Innovation Awards, sponsored by Senior Housing News. We are thrilled to share that all four nominations were selected as winners and will be honored at the upcoming BRAIN Conference in Dallas this November.

“The Memory Care Innovation Award winners exemplify what it means to push the field forward,” said Tim Mullaney, Vice President and Editorial Director of WTWH Healthcare. “Each honoree has demonstrated not only a profound commitment to improving quality of life for those living with memory-related conditions but also a forward-looking vision for how care can evolve. Their work inspires hope and sets a higher standard for excellence.”

Award winners will be featured in upcoming WTWH Healthcare publications and recognized at WTWH Healthcare’s BUILD & BRAIN Conference, taking place in Dallas, Texas, on November 6–7, 2025.

Out of six winners in the Skilled Nursing category, Ensign affiliates proudly represented four of them. Congratulations to these exemplary partners on this outstanding achievement!

Lindsay Burson, our amazing COTA at Rock Creek of Ottawa in Ottawa, KS, is a Master Clinician in Abilities Care and a highly skilled educator. Lindsay has taught many ACE training classes at her facility and market and helps teach our Abilities Care courses as well. Rock Creek of Ottawa has an exceptional dementia program in part because of Lindsay’s dedication. Congratulations to Lindsay!

Amber Freeman, our Lead SLP at The Garrison in Lubbock, Texas, is also a Master Clinician in Abilities Care. Amber has shared so many wonderful ideas for working with residents with dementia. Amber specializes in using sensory items to help these residents engage, calm, and decrease risk of falling. We are grateful that Amber helps teach our Abilities Care courses throughout the organization, sharing her passion for dementia care. Thank you for all your passion!

Danielle Long is our Lead SLP at Rosewood Rehab in Reno, Nevada.  Danielle also helps teach our Abilities Care courses and brings a thoughtful, organized approach to caring for her residents. Danielle is skilled at using trackers to ensure all residents who need care are assessed and treated using an interdisciplinary approach. We are so thankful for her dedication to her residents!

Melissa Smuin is our jack of all trades, IDT specialist in Utah. Melissa has an undeniable passion for effective, interdisciplinary dementia care. She brings an understanding of the interworking between CNAs, Activities, Licensed Nursing, Social Services, Therapy, and our surveyors. Melissa helps bring it all together when she teaches our Abilities Care courses. She is an invaluable partner!