Ellen Phipps, CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) is Co-Author of Connections: Engagement in Life for Persons with Dementia, A Complete Activities Guide,  and Vice President of Programs & Services at the Alzheimer’s Association, Central & Western Virginia Chapter where she has served for the past eight years.  Ellen specializes in creative therapeutic design for persons diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. She received her Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Colorado, at Boulder, and, her Montessori Teacher’s training certification in England in 1989.  Before joining the Alzheimer's Association, Ellen served as Director of Adult Day Centers both in Charlottesville, VA and Somerset, England providing creative and innovative approaches to care.  Ellen was instrumental in initiating one of the first Intergenerational – Montessori Adult Day Centers in Charlottesville, VA, a combination Adult Day Center for Persons diagnosed with dementia and on-site Montessori Pre- School.  Ellen established Art Therapy, Music Therapy and Creative, Expressive Arts programs at both Adult Day Centers.  Ellen is a master trainer and presenter for the Alzheimer's Association’s Foundations of Dementia Care, and, Activities Based Alzheimer’s Care.  She has served on the Foundations of Dementia Care development committee and, on the steering committee for the Strategic Common Work Plan for the National Alzheimer's Association.  

Barbara A. Braddock, PhD, CCC-SLP, is Assistant Professor in the Curry School of Education at University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA.   As a speech-language pathologist, she completes research in cognitive- communication intervention for persons with Alzheimer’s and related diseases.

Ayn Welleford, PhD, received her B.A. in Management/Psychology from Averett College, M.S. in Gerontology and Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has taught extensively in the areas of Lifespan Development, and Adult Development and Aging, Geropsychology, and Aging & Human Values. As an educator, researcher, and previously as a practitioner she has worked with a broad spectrum of individuals across the caregiving and long term care continuum.  As Associate Professor and  Chair of VCU's Department of Gerontology, she currently works to "Improve Elder Care through Education" through her Teaching, Scholarship, and Community Engagement. Outside of the classroom, Dr. Welleford provides community education and serves on several boards and committees.  She currently serves as Chair of the Governor's Commonwealth of Virginia Alzheimer's and Related Disorders Commission.

Dr. Welleford is the proud recipient of the 2008 AGHE Distinguished Teacher Award.