What do You Envision for 2023?

What do You Envision for 2023?

ByJennifer Brush

Many people resolve to do things differently, better, or more or less often in the new year. These resolutions typically start off with gusto and sometimes fizzle out quickly, making us feel bad that we didn’t keep our resolution. For years, instead of making resolutions, I have created a vision board for myself. I think about what I would like to see or do in my personal, professional, and spiritual life and make a collage of drawings, words, photos, whatever inspires me.

“WELL DONE!” Showing Appreciation for Top Notch Teams
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“WELL DONE!” Showing Appreciation for Top Notch Teams

ByJennifer Brush

The joy of educating and sharing the word about a new concept or idea is always so fun, and the energy following learning is high and ideas are everywhere! But as time moves along, the joy and excitement of the new information wears off and the reality of all the time and effort needed to…

Montessori for Dementia Workshop in Slovenia

Montessori for Dementia Workshop in Slovenia

ByJennifer Brush

Congratulations and thank you to all of the students who participated in the first Brush Development Montessori Workshop in Slovenia. The course was hosted by Pavel and Melita Demsar, the founders of Institut Montessori. It was inspirational to be in such a well-designed and cared for Montessori environment. Participants had the opportunity to have lessons from the school guides and practice using the materials while discussing how they can be adapted for elders.

Brush Development’s First Annual Practitioner Symposium
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Brush Development’s First Annual Practitioner Symposium

ByJennifer Brush

The First Annual Practitioner Symposium on September 29th brought together Montessori professionals from around the world who have completed our Practitioner Certification Course. Since the first cohort was certified in 2016, there are now over 276 Certified Montessori for Aging and Dementia Practitioners around the world.

Art is a Meaningful (and Beautiful) Way to Help Elders Wayfind
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Art is a Meaningful (and Beautiful) Way to Help Elders Wayfind

ByJennifer Brush

For the past two years, Brush Development has been collaborating with Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina and McMillan Pazdan Smith Architects to design the new Evergreen House at Summerville, a thriving Montessori memory care community. Penny & Lucy Lou Art were instrumental in providing clear, vibrant images to complement the building design and aid in wayfinding. We couldn’t have had such success without the involvement of interior designer, Sydney Kerschen. The following interview with her is from Penny & Lucy Lou Art’s recent blog post.

Gifts from the Heart: Gift Ideas for a Loved One Living with Dementia

Gifts from the Heart: Gift Ideas for a Loved One Living with Dementia

ByJennifer Brush

As a care partner, you already know that the greatest gift you can give your loved one diagnosed with dementia is your time. The love and attention you share and the experiences you create for your loved one are truly priceless. But if you do find yourself shopping for a tangible gift to give for a birthday or holiday, keep the following in mind.

Demi, The Remembrance Elephant
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Demi, The Remembrance Elephant

ByJennifer Brush

We love opportunities to show off the great work that our students are doing all over the world. Adri Stander, a Certified Practitioner in Montessori for Aging and Dementia in South Africa, is also a talented jewelry designer. She has chosen to bring awareness to and raise money for Alzheimer’s disease through her artwork. Her jewelry makes a great gift for a loved one, friend, or colleague.

Inspiring Purpose through Montessori at Renew Center, Adult Enrichment Centers
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Inspiring Purpose through Montessori at Renew Center, Adult Enrichment Centers

ByJennifer Brush

We are proud to share this article written by Beth Ann Scruggs, Director of the Renew Montessori Center for Aging and Memory, an adult day program in Fort Mill, South Carolina. We have been in partnership with Renew since 2020, working with the leadership team to plan and implement a Montessori program, training staff, and providing ongoing coaching as the program got off the ground. We are so proud of all they have accomplished!