Kathryn Westland

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT KATHRYN WESTLAND

I grew up being an over-the-top storyteller. I lived with my grandfather who had dementia and we could only connect through emotions, experiences and storytelling.so that’s what we did. I loved those 13 years of recounting old stories and making up wild new ones with him and couldn’t understand why the word ‘dementia’ was so upsetting to everyone (my blissful ignorance at the time). My professional career has focused on understanding how we can make this *currently* untreatable condition a less scary word/concept/experience/stigma. I have dedicated my educational pursuits in the space of ethnogerontology and innovative program development to address the unique, specific and humanistic needs of those living with and impacted by a dementia diagnosis. My undergraduate and postgraduate research includes the investigation of how the infrastructure of mega-events impacts health care routing and outcomes for older adults (Brasil), the transitions away from traditional in-home, nuclear family care models (Japan) and the complexity of culturally specific care models for multi-generational immigration groups (Australia & New Zealand). I am just as passionate about finding answers to tough questions as I am about always having questions to ask. I thrive in work environments with people who bring in diverse insights, experiences, opinions and talents; my most prideful, personal talent is my ability to bring people together to see how their differences complement one another in achieving our overall goal. I am always open to discussing collaborative program development, awareness and outreach efforts, education opportunities and pugs. I will always be open to talking about pugs.