Today we’d like to introduce you to Teepa Snow.
Hi Teepa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Originally from West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania, I moved to North Carolina to attend Duke University, then received my Occupational Therapy degree from UNC-CH. I have had over forty years of experience as an Occupational Therapist, including working at UNC-CH’s Geriatric Clinic, as part of Duke University Medical Center’s Neuro-Rehabilitation Team, as an OT director in a head injury facility, as a clinical specialist in geriatrics for a Veteran’s Administration Medical Center, and as a therapist and restorative care coordinator for various long-term care facilities in the area. I have also held a clinical appointment with UNC-CH School of Medicine, served as the Director of Education and Lead Trainer for the Eastern North Carolina Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, and was the Program Director of Durham Technical Community College’s OTA program. Currently, I maintain a consulting associate appointment with Duke University’s School of Nursing.
Through my education, work experience, medical research, and first-hand caregiving experiences, I developed the Snow Approach™ training strategies, which are effective techniques for anyone seeking to optimize care and support for those living with brain change. I have founded two organizations – Positive Approach to Care and the Snow Approach Foundation. My mission to improve the culture of dementia care, one mind at a time.
On a personal note, I am a longtime resident of Efland, and my immediate family members are all involved in my organizations in various capacities. I enjoy hiking, crafts, cooking, and yoga.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would say it has definitely been a winding country road, with many bumps and unexpected twists and turns along the way! One of the biggest challenges was the COVID19 pandemic, as we had to pivot almost overnight from primarily in-person training to providing all training exclusively online. Like many organizations, we were forced to reduce the size of our team and were required many changes to the way we delivered education and speaking events. As a dementia advocate, it was devastating to see the effect that isolation during the pandemic had on many individuals who were living with the condition. Another significant challenge we have faced over the years is simply how difficult it can be for people to accept a different way of providing support. Many professionals and organizations are quite set in their ways and encouraging them to change to improve the care they offer, even when they’re aware that they’re struggling, is often not an easy task.
We’ve been impressed with Positive Approach to Care, Snow Approach Foundation, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I founded Positive Approach to Care® (PAC™), in 2007 and we are now collaborating to improve dementia care in over thirty countries worldwide. PAC provides online and in-person services, training, and products to professionals, family members, the lay public, and people living with brain change. We are the only dementia education organization that requires demonstration of skill for certification. An important aspect of our organization is that it includes a core team of individuals who are living with dementia – their opinions and input inform the decisions we make. I am proud that we are working to radically transform the experience of dementia.
In 2022, I also founded Snow Approach Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Hillsborough. The purpose of Snow Approach Foundation is to foster the development of a neurodiverse, inclusive community through access to information, services, and support. I am proud that we are truly are helping to improve the culture of care and support in the local community.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Dementia and brain change is everywhere, and being afraid or worried about it doesn’t make it go away. Awareness, knowledge, and skill to effectively support those living with brain change can truly help to improve quality of life for all involved. The more we become aware of our own abilities and limitations and potential for change, the better we can support others – and ourselves. Until there’s a cure, let’s figure out how we can support others and provide care that we would want for ourselves.
If you have any questions or would like to connect with us to learn more, please email [email protected]
Pricing:
- My organization offers online Champion Courses to build dementia care skills: https://teepa.life/VoyageRaleigh_Champion
- The Champion Courses are offered periodically at Snow Approach Foundation and are complimentary there.
- We offer an online educational support series called the Care Partner Support Series: https://teepa.life/VoyageRaleigh_CPSS
- Our books, videos, and other dementia care resources are available here: https://teepa.life/VoyageRaleigh_Products
- Also, if you are a family member residing in North Carolina, you may access a complimentary online course I helped to create: https://acceptingthechallenge.org/
Contact Info:
- Website: www.teepasnow.com and www.snowapproach.org
- Instagram: @teepasnows_pac and @snowapproachfoundation
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teepasnows.pac and https://www.facebook.com/SnowApproachFoundationInc
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teepa-snow-ms-otr-l-faota-44271719/ and https://www.linkedin.com/company/86890718/admin/page-posts/published/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@teepasnowvideos
