WTWH Healthcare has officially announced the Memory Care Innovation Awards Class of 2026, recognizing professionals across multiple sectors of the aging industry for their contributions to cognitive care delivery. The announcement was made on April 22, 2026, coinciding with the program’s designated announcement date as outlined in its official timeline. This year’s honorees represent behavioral health, home health and home care, hospice and palliative care and senior housing and senior living sectors.
The Memory Care Innovation Awards program, administered by WTWH Healthcare—a subsidiary of WTWH Media, LLC—seeks to identify and elevate individuals who demonstrate innovation, dedication, and leadership in advancing care for people living with memory-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. According to the program’s official materials, winners are selected based on their ability to translate vision into action, advocate for patients and caregivers, and contribute to the evolution of cognitive care practices within their respective fields.
Tim Mullaney, vice president and editorial director of WTWH Healthcare, emphasized the significance of the honorees’ work, stating: “The Memory Care Innovation Awards highlight the leaders who are blending innovation and dedication to advance care for individuals living with memory-related conditions. Across care settings, this year’s honorees are advancing new approaches that improve outcomes, elevate quality of life and support caregivers. Their work not only reflects where the field is today, but points to where it must travel next.” This quote appears in the original announcement and has been preserved verbatim as presented in the source material.
Each member of the Class of 2026 will receive recognition in WTWH Healthcare publications, a digital badge and social media assets for professional sharing, and a complimentary invitation to attend the inaugural TRENDS Conference. The event is scheduled to grab place from August 4 to August 6, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois, as confirmed by multiple official program sources.
Home Health & Home Care Honorees
Three professionals were recognized in the Home Health & Home Care category:
- Lauren Weissberg, Director of Nursing at Emerest Health
- Linda Murphy, Chief Operating Officer at Concierge Home Care
- Nicole Bays, Director of Training & Learning Operations at TheKey Home Care
These individuals were selected for their leadership in delivering compassionate, innovative care to individuals with memory-related disorders in home-based settings. Their work focuses on supporting patients and families through personalized care plans, staff training initiatives, and operational improvements aimed at enhancing quality of life.
Behavioral Health Honorees
The Behavioral Health category includes two honorees:
- Allison Schindler, Regional Director of Memory Care, Lifestyles & Programs at Optima Living
- Dr. Michael Leon, Chief Scientific Officer at Memory Air
Behavioral health professionals in memory care integrate clinical expertise with patient-centered approaches to address the psychological and emotional needs of individuals experiencing cognitive decline. Their roles often involve developing therapeutic programs, advancing treatment protocols, and ensuring holistic care models that support both patients and their caregivers.
Hospice & Palliative Care Honoree
One professional was recognized in the Hospice & Palliative Care category:
- Susan Edwards, Occupational Therapist at Optimal Care
In hospice and palliative care settings, occupational therapists like Edwards play a critical role in helping individuals with advanced cognitive conditions maintain independence, engage in meaningful activities, and experience comfort during later stages of illness. Their interventions focus on adapting environments and routines to support dignity and well-being.
Senior Housing & Senior Living Honorees
Ten professionals were honored in the Senior Housing & Senior Living category:
- Cathy Lockhart, Director of Nursing at Trico LivingWell Retirement Community
- Debbie Jenkins-Melancon, Vice President of Clinical Operations at The Aspenwood Company
- Eny Fernandes, Mind & Memory Care Director at Benchmark Senior Living – The Branches of Marlboro
- Lynn Lavallee, Chief Operating Officer at Omega Senior Living
- Madeline Diaz, Memory Care Director at Inspir Embassy Row
- Mary Silvia, Avita Program Director at Autumn Glen at Dartmouth
- Michael Wang, Founder & Chief Clinical Officer at Inspiren
- Michael Tubbs, Senior Director of Lifestyle Engagement at Benchmark Senior Living
- Michelle Tristani, Director of Memory Care Training & Innovation at Benchmark Senior Living
- Rachel Little, Vice President of Health & Wellbeing at EverTrue
- Robert Archer, Life Enrichment Director at Dimensions Living Appleton
- Somita Ray, Director of Programming at The Cordwainer
- Wendy Bucacci, Avita Program Director at Avita of Wells
These leaders operate within residential senior living environments where memory care programs are integrated into broader wellness offerings. Their responsibilities include overseeing clinical operations, designing engagement activities, directing staff training, and ensuring that care practices align with evolving standards in dementia support.
All honorees were selected through a nomination process that closed on April 3, 2026, with final entries due by that date. The program is open to professionals in eligible industries including behavioral health, home health and home care, hospice and palliative care, memory care, senior housing and senior living, and skilled nursing. Nominees are evaluated based on their impact, innovation, and commitment to improving outcomes for individuals living with cognitive decline.
The Memory Care Innovation Awards are part of WTWH Healthcare’s broader effort to spotlight excellence in aging services and promote innovation across the continuum of care. By highlighting individuals who are driving change in their organizations and communities, the program aims to inspire broader adoption of effective, person-centered approaches to memory care.
For those interested in learning more about the Memory Care Innovation Awards Class of 2026 or the nomination process for future years, detailed information is available through the program’s official website. The site provides eligibility guidelines, submission instructions, and profiles of past and current honorees.
The announcement of the 2026 class marks a continued commitment by WTWH Healthcare to support and elevate the professionals dedicated to improving life for individuals affected by memory-related conditions. As the aging population grows and demand for specialized cognitive care increases, initiatives like the Memory Care Innovation Awards play a vital role in recognizing excellence and fostering innovation in the field.
Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on the importance of recognizing innovation in memory care and to spread awareness of the work being done by this year’s honorees. Engaging with these stories helps amplify the voices of those shaping the future of cognitive care delivery.