ABOUT ESTES PARK DEMENTIA CENTER
Welcome to a safe, respectful, and engaging place
for people in the early to middle stages of Dementia.
Our participants spend time with trained caregivers providing respite to family & caregivers.
Caregivers will appreciate respite to keep themselves healthy while caring for their loved one.
Current Staff
Debora Unruh, Executive Director
Debora Unruh brings over 30 years of nonprofit leadership to EDDC. As founding Executive Director of a Pasadena residential program, she made a notable impact. After moving to Estes Park in 2023, Debora recognized the many needs of this senior community and committed to helping them. Her personal experience with her mother's dementia sparked her dedication to supporting affected families. With expertise in program development, fundraising, and community mobilization, Debora is well-equipped to lead EDDC and launch its new program in Estes Park. With a track record of visionary leadership and a passion for change, Debora is poised to drive EDDC forward, leveraging her wealth of knowledge and dedication to continue her life’s work of serving others.
Basia Buczkiewicz,
Program Manager and Volunteer Coordinator
Making Estes Park her home since 2022, Basia is new to the not-for-profit sector. Earning her B.S. in Biology and M.A. in Science Education from the Ohio State University, she brings to our program experience from 4 years of teaching science, 13 years of teaching yoga and 23 years in the corporate sector. After sharing end of life journeys with each of her parents, Basia found herself actively engaged in home care here in Estes these last few years. She is grateful for the endless support the community of Estes Park has extended and is eager to bring her skills (program development, communications and project management) along with an open heart, great enthusiasm and a passionate desire to give back to our community, to the launch and success of EDDC.
Current Board Members
Mary Mesropian, President
Mary Mesropian attended Fordham University in New York City and spent her career working in Human Services. In 2000, she became the Executive Director of Estes Valley Crisis Advocates and retired at the end of 2016. Because of her Human Services background, she was offered the volunteer position of Facilitator for Estes Park’s Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group. One of the group members, frustrated with not finding programs for people living with dementia, tagged her to help create the Estes Dementia Day Center.
Jane Stuart, Secretary
Jane received her Occupational Therapy Master of Science degree from New York’s Columbia University and has worked with children and adults for more than 40 years. She is and has been the coordinator of Estes Park’s Social-Memory Café for more than five years, where trained volunteers gather with local persons diagnosed with Dementia and their spouses or caregivers for a supportive, social and joyful time together. She has learned so much from participants about how Dementia affects the whole family. She feels strongly that the Estes Dementia Day Center will fill a local void for our Estes Valley community. She has non-profit Board experience, including different executive committee positions.
Pete Sinnott, Board of Director
Pete is the caregiver to his wife and is on a mission to bring Dementia Day Care to the Estes Valley. Pete and Stephanie Sinnott retired to Estes Park in 2006 following a career in the landscape and golf construction industry. In Estes he led hikes for the YMCA for 10 years and has served as President for both the Rotary Club and the Estes Valley Land Trust.
Carl Robicheaux, Board of Director
Carl received his undergraduate degree from the University of Louisiana- Lafayette and his law degree from Loyola University of the South in New Orleans, Louisiana. Carl is the owner of Elkhorn Law Office, in Estes Park. He has been practicing law since 1987. Elkhorn Law specializes in estate planning, probate, real estate, HOA governance and general business advice. While providing help to his mother in assisted living, Carl noted that several elderly residents did not have access to lawyers and were incapable of making decisions for their support and care. In 2017, Carl decided to shift the focus of his legal work from litigation to consulting with elderly persons in need. During his mother’s residency in assisted living, Carl saw first-hand the emotional and physical toll individuals and family members experienced while struggling with cognitive deficits and dementia. Carl believes the EDDC will provide educational activities and support for persons suffering from dementia and their caregivers. Carl is currently or has been on the Board of Directors for various non-profits in Estes Park, including participation on committees and fundraising activities.
Stephen Wood, Treasurer
Steve is a nationally recognized leader in managed care, Medicare and Medicaid, Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), adult day care and Special Needs Plans with a focus on institutional populations and long term care. He is excited to bring this background and experience to help bring Dementia Day Care to the Estes Valley. He is the co-founder and partner of Clear View Solutions, a consulting firm that specializes in working with clients to develop new and innovative programs throughout the United States. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago and he holds a Masters Degree from Harris School of Public Policy. Steve and his wife Kathy have been part time residents of Estes Park since 2003.
Chris Bruell, Board of Director
Chris received a degree in English from Eastern Illinois University and taught middle school in IL, IN, and MA. She earned an MSW from Hunter College School of Social Work in NYC. She worked for Brooklyn Psychiatric Centers and retired from the Psychiatry Dept. at the UIC College of Medicine at Peoria, IL. She has been trained in Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care model for Persons Living with Dementia. Chris’ husband, John, introduced her to Estes Park where they have a home.
Thank You Community Partners & Funders!
