Alzheimer’s Family Center Welcomes Four New Board Members

Alzheimer’s Family Center (AFC) is pleased to announce the addition of four new members to the Board of Directors: Laura DeSoto, Nancy Grimaldi, Dr. John Gentile, and Jeff Harpster. The Board provides leadership for carrying out AFC’s mission to create happier and healthier days for families caring for a memory-impaired loved one.

Laura DeSoto is Senior Vice President of Transaction Services for Experian’s Consumer Information Services. “As the daughter of an Alzheimer’s sufferer,” says DeSoto, “I have a deep connection with AFC’s position to preserve the health, dignity, and personhood of those who are affected by this disease. As a successful business woman in the Orange County community, I hope to take my talents and abilities and contribute them to the work the Alzheimer’s Family Center is doing whether through my employer, out in the community, or in the Center itself.”

Nancy Grimaldi is a retired Executive Assistant at Turner Broadcasting, Time Warner, Warner Bros, and Hanna-Barbera Productions. She joined the Board as a result of her daily involvement while her late husband was a patient at Alzheimer’s Family Center. “I know firsthand what a special place AFC is,” stated Grimaldi. “My husband was happy while at the center, and his participation there made it possible for him to remain at home as long as possible.”

John Gentile, M.D. has over 30 years of clinical and administrative experience and is currently President at South County Urgent Care. “I had the opportunity to volunteer at AFC last year, and I was amazed by the Center’s fantastic staff and leadership. I am honored and excited to be a part of the organization.”

Jeff Harpster is Executive Director of Patient Financial Services and Coding at Saint Joseph Health System – Heritage. He was previously involved in nonprofit organizations tackling homelessness and cancer relief.

Mary Lou Shattuck, community volunteer and longtime supporter of Alzheimer’s Family Center, serves as chair of the 2016-2017 Board of Directors.

About Alzheimer’s Family Center

Alzheimer’s Family Center (AFC) is an independent nonprofit adult day health care provider dedicated to the daily care of individuals living with memory loss. It has a 36-year history of improving the quality of life of families challenged by Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. Given its specialization and commitment to excellence, the center draws adult day health care patients from across Orange County, and serves nearly 100 patients daily through customized programming tailored to the needs of individuals from the earliest to most advanced stages of dementia.

The center makes a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of its patients, with patients experiencing 43% less falls and a 25% reduction in emergency room visits within six months of enrollment in AFC’s adult day health care services. AFC families find help from day one of receiving a dementia diagnosis, relief from the anxiety and fear of taking on the responsibilities of caregiving. AFC also provides support with the medical, emotional, and financial challenges of caring for a memory-impaired loved one.

For more information, please call 714-593-9630 or visit www.AFSCenter.org

Media inquiries: Marie Oyegun – 714-593-1868 / MOyegun@AFSCenter.org