PETER CACCIOLA
Peter joined the LIAD team in 2013. Besides having a personal connection with dementia, and a special place in his heart for helping seniors.
Peter values interacting with the families and participants, as well growing relationships with his coworkers. He appreciates the community the LIAD Center organically offers.
Outside of work, Peter enjoys being active, watching sports and classic television shows.
Fun facts: Previously, Peter worked for New York City Transit. He was also born in Italy!
RACHEL HINKEN
Rachel has been a program assistant since 2018. Working at the LIAD Center, Rachel says “there are no two days alike.” What she enjoys most are the participants, the families, and the variety or programming that the LIAD Center provides. “We always have something going on, whether it is entertainment, our therapy dogs, caregiver support groups, art therapy or playing games - we are always adding services to grow.”
Rachel’s grandmother suffered from vascular dementia, but at the time, there were no programs available. Upset with the limited resources her grandmother had, Rachel is now inspired and determined to use her work at the LIAD Center to “do some good in the world, and help change lives.”
“I truly, deeply love my job and feel the LIAD Center is top notch. I wish everyone living with Alzheimer’s disease and related forms of dementia had access to the LIAD Center because it makes a huge difference in lives of diagnosed individuals, as well as the caregivers. I am proud and privileged to be a part of what I call my second family.”
Outside from work, Rachel enjoys baking and playing piano. “I have perfect pitch and an eidetic musical memory!”
MEGAN MONTGOMERY
Megan began her journey at the LIAD Center as an intern while earning a B.A. in psychology. She then became a program assistant in May 2019. What Megan most enjoys about working at the LIAD Center is the staff, families, and the rewarding feeling she receives as a result of her work. “I feel so grateful to be able to work with such an amazing team and the participants make me laugh constantly as they share stories about their lives. Working at the LIAD Center makes me feel like I have a purpose. It is rewarding to know that each day I spend with them I can help improve their mood,” she says.
Making seniors feel acknowledged and happy is what truly draws Megan into working with seniors. “often, I feel this population goes unnoticed. However, behind a diagnosis, for example, still lies a person with a purpose and story. I like to think that I help make someone’s day a little brighter and more interesting by engaging with them at the LIAD Center.”
Megan’s favorite part about the day program is entertainment afternoons. Often you can find her singing and dancing along with the participants, helping to unfold new friendships and bring the best out of the social event. “Some of our entertainers are extraordinary, and I love watching the participants light up and have fun with each other.”
Outside of work, Megan enjoys reading, playing with her dog, Rex, meditating and spending time with her niece and nephew. She’s newly discovered a passion for writing, and her current goal is to publish a book eventually.
Fun Facts: Megan is the only left-handed person in her family, and loves doing difficult puzzles in her free time!
