Our Team
Each member of our team is a specialist in their field. The Ohio Council for Cognitive Health's work blends time-tested and emergent clinical approaches along with broader community involvement. By giving voice to care recipients, care providers and the broader community, we are taking person-centered care and caring and the mantra, “nothing about me without me,” to a new level.
Bonnie Burman, ScD
President, working to change the culture of aging in Ohio
Bonnie has spent her career as an agent of change, bringing people together to view the world of dementia differently and pushing all of us to transform services and supports for our elders. As a care partner for her mother who was living with dementia, Bonnie experienced firsthand the rewards and challenges that so many Ohioans encountered every day. As the former Director of the Ohio Department of Aging, she advocated for and implemented cost-effective approaches that emphasized high quality, person-centered care.
Bonnie also served as the Executive Director of the Pioneer Network. Working with a wide range of stakeholders at the national, state and local level her team developed consumer-directed long-term care programs, policies and financing through regulatory enforcement, payment reform, and workforce enhancements. Earlier in her career, Bonnie served in a variety of capacities at the Ohio State University College of Medicine including Director of the Office of Geriatrics and Gerontology.
- Visionary 70%
- Elder Care Activist 30%
- Focused on Transforming How We Think about Aging 100%
Jennifer Brush, MA, CCC/SLP
Educator, redesigning dementia care
Jennifer Brush, MA, CCC/SLP is an award-winning Dementia Educator, author and consultant. Passionate about enriching the lives of people with dementia, Jennifer is on a mission to put the focus of care on the person’s preferences, interests and abilities. Jennifer flawlessly bridges the gap between care communities and the individuals they serve. Jennifer serves on the Association Montessori International (AMI) Advisory Board for Montessori for Aging and Dementia. She conducts research that has been funded by private foundations as well as the National Institutes of Health. Jennifer is the author of five nationally recognized books on dementia. Currently she is busy writing our educational material to support caregivers.
- Author 20%
- Educator 60%
- Researcher 20%
- Focused on Person-Centered Dementia Care 100%
Marty Williman, RN
Program Director, helping to make communities dementia friendly
For the past 18 years, Marty has provided education and support to individuals living with a diagnosis of dementia, care partners and professional caregivers through education programs, care consultation, helpline, early-stage programs and advocacy.
In 2007, Marty began coordinating efforts in Hancock County to create a Dementia Friendly Community. In 2016, Hancock County was the first community in Ohio to be recognized as Dementia Friendly by the Dementia Friendly America Initiative, a multi-sector, national collaborative of organizations working to create dementia friendly communities across the United States.
- Educator 70%
- Community Organizer 30%
- Focused on Creating Dementia Friendly Settings 100%
Our Core Values
DRIVEN by positive outcomes
We believe there is always something that can be done to improve the lives of those affected by dementia.
FOCUSED on sustainable impact and scalable efforts in Ohio
One of our primary aims is to achieve long-term, lasting change in the way people in Ohio view dementia.
INSPIRED by evidence based and promising practices
We implement innovative strategies based on credible research to achieve the best possible outcomes.
ARDENTLY person-focused
We listen to Ohioans with dementia and their care partners and empower them to direct their lives.