Breakout Sessions

Session 1
1:00–1:45 p.m.

“Quality of Life for Residents”
Presented by Eric Portnoff

“The Three D’s: Delirium, Depression, & Dementia”
Presented by Jeff Overdyke, MD
Retired Geriatric Psychiatrist

“Safety vs. Autonomy: When to Intervene”
Presented by Stacey Hand, MA, CVT
The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center

“The Latest Advancements in Alzheimer’s Treatment”
Bruno Alvarez Concejo, MD
Ochsner LSUHS

Session 2
2:00–2:45 p.m.

“Digital Discoveries: How Technology Can Enhance the Well-being of People Living with Dementia”
Presented by Eric Portnoff, B.A., CVT

“Death, Dying, & Grief”
Presented by Clint Davis, MS, LPC, CSAT
Clint Davis Counseling & Integrative Wellness

“Real Life Challenges”
Presented by Mary Strong, MS, RSW, LPC-S, RPT, CAS
The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center

“Reducing Risks In Your Home”
Presented by Jennifer Smith, COTA
Louisiana Association of the Blind

Eric Portnoff, B.A. CVT

Keynote Address: “Delivering Compassion: Using Validation to Express Our Natural Caring”

Breakout Sessions: “Quality of Life for Residents” & “Digital Discoveries: How Technology Can Enhance the Well-being of People Living with Dementia”

Eric Portnoff, B.A., CVT is a highly experienced professional in the senior living industry, with a career spanning over 35 years. Eric began his career working with adults with developmental disabilities and mental illness in residential settings. After two decades in this field, Eric became a nonprofit Executive Director before transitioning to the senior living industry as an Executive Director.

Eric’s passion for dementia support led him to become a Regional Director and Vice-President of Memory Care and Resident Programs as well as a Certified Validation Teacher. One of his career highlights was teaching the first Validation Certification courses ever offered in China over a three-year period.

Currently, Eric serves as Regional Director of Wellness Programming for MBK Senior Living, where he brings his extensive experience and expertise to lead the development and implementation of innovative and engaging memory care and wellness programs for older adults.

Jeff Overdyke, MD
Retired Geriatric Psychiatrist

“The Three D’s: Delirium, Depression, & Dementia”

Jeff Overdyke, MD, serves on the Board of Directors with The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center. Dr. Overdyke worked as a Geriatric Psychiatrist in Shreveport for 12 years until his retirement due to medical reasons. Much of his work during those 12 years was on the frontline and involved diagnosing, treating, and educating patients and clients on Alzheimer’s and other dementias. “I am eager to pass along my knowledge and experience to help the clients at The Bridge.”

Stacey Hand, MA, CVT
The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center

“Safety vs. Autonomy: When to Intervene”

Stacey Hand is the Dementia Educator with The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center. After 20 years of experience with local non-profits, Stacey Hand received a Master’s degree in Gerontology in 2011. She continued her studies with the international Validation Training Institute for six years of specialty training in working and caring for elders with dementia. She is a Certified Validation Practitioner and Teacher for the Institute. She has worked in independent senior living and long-term care over the past decade and cared for her mother-in-law and mother, who were both diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Bruno Alvarez Concejo, MD
Ochsner LSUHS

“The Latest Advancements in Alzheimer’s Treatment”

Bruno Álvarez Concejo, MD, is an Internal Medicine (IM) physician at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, where he is also the Associate Geriatrics Director for the IM Residency program and the Clerkship Director for the medical student IM rotation. He is passionate about geriatric care, particularly frailty and neurocognitive disorders. He completed his medical school in Madrid, Spain, and his Internal Medicine residency and Chief Residency at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, Texas. 

Clint Davis, MS, LPC, CSAT
Clint Davis Counseling & Integrative Wellness

“Death, Dying, & Grief”

Clint Davis is an Army Veteran, the owner of Clint Davis Counseling and Integrative Wellness, and the host of the podcast “Asking Why”. He leads a team of mental health counselors and other medical professionals who help people recover from trauma of the mind, body, and spirit. He is an ordained minister, an LPC trained in trauma, and certified in sexual addiction recovery. He is also trained in Natural Lifemanship, a trauma-responsive equine therapy where horses and humans connect and heal. For over a decade, he has worked in ministry to help those affected by human trafficking and poverty.

Mary Strong, MS, RSW, LPC-S, RPT, CAS
The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center

“Real Life Challenges”

Mary Strong is a Registered Social Worker, Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, a Registered Play Therapist, and a Certified Autism Specialist. She earned her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. She is also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Shreveport Chapter. Strong is the owner of Creative Counseling Services and has been providing mental health services to adults and children for over 20 years. She incorporates elements of music and humor into her informative presentations. Her personal motto is: “Can’t Go Wrong with Mary Strong.”

Jennifer Smith, COTA
Louisiana Association of the Blind

“Reducing Risks In Your Home”

Jennifer Smith is a Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant at the Louisiana Association for the Blind as the Manager of the Occupational Therapy Practitioners. Smith has 6 years of specialty clinical experience providing and managing direct and indirect services to senior adults with low vision and other co-morbidities including but not limited to dementia. She provides direct service delivery in the clinic, home, and community setting to address issues related to occupational performance and maximizing participation in preferred activities of daily living for clients and families. Additionally, she holds the credential of CLIPP, Certified Living in Place Professional.