About Us
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Dr. John Zeisel
Dr. Zeisel is the President of Hopeful Aging and a Research Scientist. He is also an internationally known expert on dementia care and treatment innovations. He is the author of I’m Still Here: A New Philosophy of Alzheimer Care and of numerous articles about treatment alternatives that do not rely on conventional pharmaceutical therapy. His research and practice spanning more than two decades has resulted in award-winning design and planning guidebooks, successful developments, award-winning prototype facilities, as well as books and articles currently used by developers and service providers internationally.
Michael Skrajner
Mr. Skrajner is a Research Scientist and Director of Research and Innovation at Hopeful Aging. He conducts federally-funded clinical trials of non-pharmacological interventions for dementia, including PEER (Purposeful Engagement for Every Resident), which enables persons with early stage dementia to lead activities for their peers (other persons with dementia). He also founded Hearthside Book Club, a digital book-of-the-week club that provides activity staff with reading materials that are specially designed for persons with dementia. Mike trains professionals and care providers nationally and globally on the I’m Still Here® Approach. Mr. Skrajner has written 15 peer-reviewed articles.
Gregg Gorzelle
Mr. Gorzelle is a Research Scientist and the Associate Director of Research and at Hopeful Aging. Mr. Gorzelle has extensive experience in non-pharmacological and clinical gerontological research, as well as the I’m Still Here® Approach. Gregg has served as Principal Investigator on several studies funded by National Institute on Aging. Gregg has co-authored a number of peer-reviewed journal articles, a manual on dementia programming, and a book chapter on assessment of persons with dementia. He has managed both federally- and privately-funded grants over the past 20 years.
Drew Walker
Ms. Walker is a Research Assistant at Hopeful Aging. She is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and has been researching non-pharmacological interventions for over 10 years. Ms. Walker consistently shows compassion to those we are all so dedicated to serving. As a Research Assistant, she conducts data collection, data entry, and data analysis, but wears many other hats as well. Ms. Walker particularly enjoys interacting with study participants, noticing the staying-power of small details from their individual characters and the insightful lessons they teach her.