Kensington Senior Living invites you to join us for Part II of our Care. Cure. Prevent. series—a special caregiver-focused roundtable dedicated to the heart of dementia care: the caregiving journey itself.
Our expert panel will dive deeper into the realities of supporting a loved one with dementia, offering practical tips, emotional insight, and valuable resources for caregivers at every stage. From managing daily routines and communication challenges to finding moments of connection and self-care, this discussion will provide tools to help you navigate the complexities of caregiving with confidence and compassion.
Gain firsthand advice from professionals and peers who understand the unique challenges caregivers face—and discover ways to ensure both you and your loved one continue to thrive.
Lauren Miller Rogen, Co-Founder, HFC is a screenwriter, director, producer, and philanthropist, whose life has been touched many times over by Alzheimer’s. In 2012—when Lauren’s mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease at just 55 years old— Lauren, still in her twenties, co-founded HFC to activate the next generation of Alzheimer’s advocates. Since then, Lauren and the HFC team have brought significant awareness to Alzheimer’s, raising millions of dollars to award free, quality in-home care to families in need of respite and support – all while using humor and hope to engage people. Her dedication to sharing her personal story and using humor as a form of advocacy has left an indelible impact on the Alzheimer’s space. Since 2013, Lauren has served as the Alzheimer’s patient advocate on the board of California’s Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). She also sits on the California Alzheimer’s Task Force and the Steering Committee of the Milken Institute’s Alliance to Improve Dementia Care. In 2012, Lauren starred in, co-wrote, and produced the film For A Good Time Call, which premiered at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. She made her feature-length directorial debut in 2018 with the “dramedy” Like Father, a film she wrote and which starred Kristen Bell and Kelsey Grammer. If there is one thing Lauren wants people to remember, it’s that Alzheimer’s doesn’t have to be sad or scary when you’re fighting against it. You can come to an HFC event and have fun, but also do something for Alzheimer’s.
Patricia Lee Ann Varalo, LCSW, MSW, CYW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in healthcare, senior care, oncology, and youth mental health. She currently practices in Senior Care and Home-Based Senior Care at Stanford Healthcare, where she provides caregiver education and support, facilitates the Stanford Dementia Caregiver Support Group, and serves on the Shared Leadership Council. Patricia earned her graduate and undergraduate degrees in Social Work from Carleton University and a diploma in Child and Youth Work from St. Lawrence College. Originally from Ottawa, Ontario, she is dedicated to promoting mental health awareness, supporting caregivers, and enhancing the well-being of others through compassionate, client-centered care.
Alyssa Ghiringhelli, MSW, ACSW
Alyssa Ghiringhelli is an Associate Clinical Social Worker at the Ray Dolby Brain Health Center in San Francisco, where she supports individuals and care partners navigating neurodegenerative diseases. She earned her Master’s in Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley, and completed internships in outpatient neurology and skilled nursing. Alyssa is passionate about enhancing quality of life and providing meaningful support to those living with dementia.
Veronica Romo is a social worker at the Cedars-Sinai Memory Clinic, where she works closely with individuals and families navigating the challenges of memory loss and dementia. With more than 10 years of experience supporting people through difficult times, she is passionate about helping caregivers feel prepared and supported. Her own personal experience with dementia shapes the empathy and understanding she brings to both her clinic and private practice work. She is dedicated to creating spaces where caregivers feel less alone and more connected to the resources they need.
Monica Moore, MSG is the Community Health Program Manager for the Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer’s Research and Care at UCLAand the Co-Director, Training and Education Activities, UCLA-California Alzheimer’s Disease Center. She has worked in the field of aging and Alzheimer’s disease for 20 years focusing on community education and outreach and caregiver support. She holds a Master’s Degree in Gerontology from California State University Long Beach and a certificate in Gerontology from Sonoma State University.
