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Meet Carleena, Helpline Services Manager at Alzheimer’s Orange County, where she manages the Helpline, supervises employees and interns, provides family support, education and assistance with care planning, and much more!
Since 1982, Alzheimer’s Orange County has been Orange County’s center for Alzheimer’s resources. They are dedicated to providing quality care and support services to the thousands of residents of Orange County who are affected by Alzheimer’s disease or other related dementia, and also partnering with local researchers to populate clinical trials to help find a cure. Carleena has been working with Alzheimer’s Orange County for almost 15 years, and started in August 2008 as a Master’s student intern! We had the wonderful opportunity to interview Carleena some questions about herself, read below to learn more about Carleena’s story:
How long have you been working at Alzheimer’s Orange County?
I began working with Alzheimer’s Orange County in August of 2008 as a Master’s student intern, and became an employee after that, so almost 15 years now.
What’s your day-to-day at Alzheimer’s Orange County like?
I manage the Helpline, supervise employees and interns, provide family support, education, and assistance with care planning, accessing resources, provide cognitive screenings, healthy brain aging education, and sometimes facilitate support groups and present educational classes.
What’s your favourite part about your job?
There are two things that stand out to me. Being able to work directly with the families who come to us for support is what makes my job here worth it to me, but our work place culture is another. We are a family oriented organization with a wonderfully collaborative, close-knit staff who are all here to serve one purpose – helping individuals and families living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
What led you to work for a nonprofit organization? What makes it impactful?
When you work for a nonprofit organization, you do it because you care. You care about the purpose and mission of the organization, you care about the families you serve, and you care about the people around you who share that mission. I started here as a required internship as part of my Master’s degree. I stayed because I found a family here and because I have seen how Alzheimer’s Orange County makes a real difference in the lives of the thousands of people who come to us for support and guidance.
What do you like to do in your spare time outside of work?
Probably not what people expect of me when they meet me. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling (27 countries visited) with my husband and 3 children, and I enjoy high risk activities – sky diving, SCUBA, Hang Gliding, etc.. I’m always up for an adventure!
Who is the most influential person to you? Who motivates you?
This would have to be my grandparents as they were the ones who raised me to be the person I am today. They are the reason I respect the generations before us and part of why I found my calling at Alzheimer’s Orange County. My grandfather is still my sounding board on the harder days and lets me know that I will get through the hard ones to come.
What’s a motto you live by?
Oh boy, choosing a motto, that is hard, especially for someone like me who often recites many. I would say the most common one I use is “It is what it is”. When I say this, I don’t mean that we cannot change our circumstances, but it helps me accept the harder moments, and the things I cannot change, and it gives me a starting point to change what “is” into what “can be”.
Thank you Carleena for sharing your story with us! To learn more about Alzheimer’s Orange County and their amazing programs, services, and resources, please click below.
FAQ
How does Alzheimer’s Orange County support families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia?
Alzheimer’s Orange County provides helpline support, care planning, resource navigation, cognitive screenings, support groups, and educational classes for families and caregivers. Their services help individuals receive guidance, emotional support, and practical steps for managing memory-related challenges.
What services does the Helpline at Alzheimer’s Orange County offer?
The Helpline offers one-on-one guidance for families seeking assistance, connecting them to resources, care planning, dementia education, screenings, and support groups. It is often the first step for families who don’t know where to begin or what help is available.
How long has Alzheimer’s Orange County been serving the community?
Since 1982, Alzheimer’s Orange County has served as the region’s trusted resource, offering programs, education, and support services for thousands of families every year. They also collaborate with researchers to help advance clinical trials and work toward a cure.
Why do professionals choose to work in Alzheimer’s and dementia-focused nonprofits?
Many professionals, like Carleena, join Alzheimer’s nonprofits because they care deeply about the mission, families served, and community impact. Work in this space is purpose-driven and emotionally meaningful, helping improve the lives of those affected by dementia.
What makes Alzheimer’s Orange County different from other support organizations?
Alzheimer’s Orange County combines community programs, education, clinical partnerships, dementia expertise, and family-centered care. Their staff culture is collaborative and mission-driven, ensuring every family receives compassionate, personalized support.