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Joan Englander
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Joan Englander has traveled extensively in Egypt, India, and Israel, and is trained in Turkish belly dance (Danse Orientale) and modern dance. From her dance training has emerged a unique style that creates an intimacy with the inner self.
She taught at a folk dance camp in Seattle, Washington, at Camp Long called the "Summer Dance Camp" (July 26-31, 1971), teaching along with Dick Oakes and Sonny Newman, who directed the camp.
Joan is founder of Healing Companions® services, a holistic pioneering vision for eldercare. Check Joan's website ( www.healingcompanions.care) for further information.
Joan works with people in transition, crisis, and end-of-life issues. She is the author of Joy in the Evening of our Lives that deeply touches elders including those challenged by Alzheimers and dementia. Joan says, "Music, storytelling, and even dance, can move elders in ways that other methods may not, and I'm always amazed and excited along with the elder's family and staff when the creative arts touch those in my care so deeply."
Joan's goal is to provide holistic services in eldercare that enrich the quality of life, to provide close relationships with elders to ease isolation and boredom, and to provide inspiration, acceptance of the inner self, and lifelong learning. Healing Companions visit elders in need of physical care in private homes, senior centers, assisted living facilities, nursing homes.
She has been an educator and innovator since 1980 in the field of geriatrics. Joan has initiated a program to enhance the spiritual and emotional well-being of elders in need of physical care.
Joan went on an African trip while blind in one eye. After the trip, she became legally blind in both eyes. As an elder in retirement, Joan Englander has moved into a contemplative life of reflection and poetry, wishing to leave a legacy of her life's work with elders.
Joan's articles and publications include
- Joy in the Evening of our Lives: Nurturing the Elderly Soul, Healing River Press, 2008.