With nine dementia certifications through the world-renowned Positive Approach to Care® organization, our leadership team is uniquely positioned to help those living with dementia and the community that surrounds them improve their well-being.
CURT GRITTERS, RN, BSN, MBA – Director
Curt Gritters grew up in West Michigan and graduated from Calvin University with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and from Grand Valley State University with a master’s degree in business administration. For nearly two decades, he enjoyed additional learning experiences through work in patient education, hospital administration, research, physician practice operations, clinical pathways, and provider contracting. In 2022, Curt wanted to apply these experiences to a cause he is passionate about and a mission that aligns with his faith and values. Helping to design and start the Dementia Institute was just the right fit. His role includes connecting the Dementia Institute with individuals and organizations around Michigan and raising funds to serve more of the 50,000 persons living with dementia right here in our community.
ROSEMARY APOL-HOEZEE, RN, MPH, CPRHM – Dementia Specialist
Rosemary Apol-Hoezee graduated from Blodgett School of Nursing and worked in the inpatient medical-surgical setting before returning to Calvin University to earn a bachelor’s degree in English. She then completed a master’s degree in English at Michigan State University while working in inpatient mental health nursing. Over the next several years, Rosemary taught writing and English at Davenport University and Kuyper College while continuing to practice as a nurse in quality improvement and healthcare risk management in the hospital setting. She returned to school to earn a master’s degree in public health from Kaplan University.
Rosemary joined Holland Home, a senior living community in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she worked in mental health home care and then directed the Quality and Education Department. She now serves as a Dementia Specialist for the Dementia Institute, where she teaches classes, facilitates support groups, offers consultations, and leads quality and research initiatives. Rosemary holds five certifications from Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care®.
LOIS THOMAS, BSN, RN – Dementia Specialist
Lois Thomas grew up in northern Michigan. She moved to the greater Detroit area, where she worked for several years at Henry Ford Health System. She returned to Ossineke to care for her dad while attending nursing school. She achieved a bachelor’s degree in nursing through the University of Michigan. After nursing school, Lois became a nurse case manager for Northeast Michigan Community Mental Health and then a manager for the rehabilitation unit at Medilodge of Alpena. This sparked a love of working with older adults and persons living with dementia, which led to a relocation to West Michigan.
She joined Holland Home as the Memory Care Coordinator, where she earned three dementia-related certifications through the Positive Approach to Care® organization of dementia specialist Teepa Snow. In 2023, she happily joined the Dementia Institute as a Dementia Specialist. She gets great joy in facilitating specialized, interactive training on the changes occurring in the brain of a person living with dementia. In addition, she facilitates support groups and personal consultations, leads the Evening Star™ worship program, and certifies other professionals. She has a passion for helping others learn to engage someone living with dementia.
MELANIE NEWHOUSE, BSN, RN – Dementia Coach
Melanie Newhouse grew up in West Michigan, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Calvin University. After graduation, Melanie served as a Registered Nurse at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. She later was drawn to the role of nurse educator with Grand Valley State University Kirkhoff School of Nursing and her alma mater, Calvin. Melanie found her way to Ohio for a time, where she used her gifts at Dayton Children’s Hospital to care for and connect with those experiencing mental health crises. Over the years, Melanie has cultivated her passion for learning and education with different audiences in a wide variety of settings. Melanie holds two certifications from Positive Approach to Care® and serves as a Dementia Trainer & Coach with the Dementia Institute. Melanie hosts dementia simulations, teaches classes, and continues to coach caregivers after training. Melanie is grateful to be part of a team that prioritizes helping people make meaningful connections with those living with dementia and brain change.