The Center for Memory Support and Inclusion was launched in February of 2020 with the goal of creating intimate living environments, quality programming and care, innovative training programs, and community outreach in an effort to make safe and welcoming spaces for those that live with the disease.

Paola Suro of WCPO 9 News sat down at the time with ERS President and CEO Laura Lamb to learn about the Center for Memory Support and Inclusion. Click here for the full story.

Also, in 2020, Episcopal Retirement Services, hired its first director of the Center, Shannon Braun.  Shannon brings broad knowledge and expertise in the field of aging to her new role at ERS as the former Early-Stage Coordinator with the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Cincinnati.  In her five years at the Alzheimer’s Association, she developed and managed education, support, and engagement programs with community partners, conducted guidance sessions with families, and facilitated support groups. She was formerly with Bayley, LifeSpan and VITAS Innovative Hospice Care in social work and care manager roles.  Shannon is a graduate of Saint Louis University with Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and from the University of Cincinnati with a Master of Social Work. She is a recent winner of the Outstanding Leader Award from the Association for Professionals in Aging for her work to make Cincinnati more dementia-inclusive.

As the Director of The Center, Shannon serves as a member of Marjorie P. Lee’s Memory Support team by supporting families considering placement with consultation and guidance through decision making with education about best practices for move-in day as it relates to an individual with dementia.  Shannon also participates in Memory Support care conferences, Realistic Expectations meetings, family education, and support meetings for MPL’s Memory Support families.

Additionally, Shannon leads the training for all staff as a part of new hire orientation and annual education.  Shannon supports ongoing education with a focus on staff serving Memory Support residents.  Shannon is partnering with Household Coordinators and Managers at the CCRCs to provide education, tools, and resources for staff on a routine basis.  Shannon’s goal is to provide best practices and brainstorm strategies with team members who are serving residents with various symptoms of dementia. 

Within the community, Shannon serves on the following board and committees:

• • • Giving Voice Collaborative

    • Accessibility Committee for Cincinnati Contemporary Arts Center

    • City of Cincinnati - Engagement & Social Services Sub-Committee through Age Friendly Cincinnati