About Memory Matters Utah

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Founded on March 23, 2012, Memory Matters Utah, formerly the Alzheimer's and Dementia Society, meets the growing needs of our senior population. As a 501(C)(3) service organization in Southern Utah, we believe in passionately empowering individuals, families, and communities with support, education, and caregiving.  With the help of volunteers and the generous support of donors, we are able to walk alongside those who are navigating the difficult path of Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and caregiving.

LuAnn passionately serves caregivers and those with dementia in our community.

She is a 1976 graduate of Dixie State College and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1993 from Northern Arizona University with a BS degree in General Studies - Social and Behavioral Science with a minor in Anthropology.    

LuAnn is a licensed Therapeutic Recreational Technician (TRT).                   

LuAnn has worked in the field since 2002, serving as a Recreation Department Head in an SNF and as a Regional Manager and Statewide Education Coordinator for the Utah Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association before founding the nonprofit.

She has completed training in Maintain your Brain, Foundations of Dementia Care Trainer, Dementia Dialogues Trainer, and has been an in-home caregiver for family.

Ron Higginbotham 
Executive Assistant

Michelle came to Memory Matters at the beginning of 2020 with Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) and business office management experience.

As the Activity Club Manager, she oversees therapeutic and recreational activities under the supervision of a licensed TRT.      

Michelle has strong leadership skills and believes that people of all ages fare better in life when they’re physically, socially, and mentally active.   

Michelle has completed 10 hours of dementia care training and will soon be certified in Dementia Dialogues.

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Janet came to us in 2015 as the Activity Coordinator after working professionally in the senior care industry for 10 years - during which she also cared for family members with dementia.

As a Dementia Dialogues graduate, she now serves as Program Director where she is instrumental in organizing Early Stage Memory Loss courses, facilitating caregiver support groups in St. George, Utah, and Mesquite, Nevada. She excels at helping caregivers with coping strategies, referrals, and cognitive assessments.

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The most important thing she hopes to convey to clients is that they are not alone in this journey.

Jenny Jones - Executive President

Founding Partner in the law firm of Faux, Walker, and Jones. PLLC

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Connie Zdunich - Retired Marketing Professional

Spilsbury Mortuary

St. George, UT

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Tony Wrigley - Executive Vice President, Treasurer

Geriatric Health Care

St. George, UT

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Harold Tanner - DBA FUN ART Director

ISID Interior Designer and Display World Magazine Design Gold Medalist

Represented by Hayden-Hayes Broadmoor Gallery

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Sharon Shores - Board Specialist / Interfaith

Registered Nurse

Hurricane, UT

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Mary Hatch - Board Specialist / Accounting

Washington, UT

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Kurt B. Lundquist - MPT / Founding Emeritus Board Representative 

Coral Desert Rehabilitation

St. George, UT

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Kim Boyer - Retired Physician Assistant

Hurricane, UT

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