Returning to CaringKind is like coming home for Eleonora Tornatore-Mikesh. After graduating from college, she trained as a specialist in aging and dementia at CaringKind (formally the Alzheimer’s Association of New York City), working as a research associate for two years on culture change in nursing homes and assisted living residences. She credits her knowledge and expertise to the training she received at CaringKind.
Eleonora then moved to Connecticut and spent almost 14 years as the executive director at a premier assisted living community. Eleonora was recently named CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Connecticut Chapter. During her tenure of 7 years, Eleonora created a statewide early-stage group and secured funding for the state. In addition, she also served as chairperson for the Connecticut Assisted Living Association (CALA), where she created a statewide curriculum for an Executive Director course. This was followed as a senior executive for Assisted Living on the Upper East Side, charged with program development.
New York Lifestyles met with Eleonora Tornatore-Mikesh to learn more about this dynamic woman.
Tell us what brought you to this specific career.
I was born in Italy and came to this country when I was six years old. I have had the pleasure of returning to Italy and other countries and witnessing how elders are treated and viewed in society. In other countries, elders are respected and typically honored as the head of the household. In this country, aging is viewed very differently. So, early in high school, I knew this would be my passion and mission in my career.
I began working in hospitals as a candy stripper and volunteering in nursing facilities on weekends and after school. Every time I entered or visited a resident, the feeling was indescribable; the pure joy these aged adults expressed was enough for me. So, after high school, I decided to major in psychology and sociology for my undergraduate and graduate, and postgraduate, gerontology and thanatology.
As I progressed in my career, I continuously sought opportunities to educate myself, collaborate with professionals in the field, and actively engage with caregiver communities. As a result, my commitment to this cause has only grown stronger over the years.
What makes you wake up in the morning?
For those who know me, I am non-stop talking about work as it’s my passion and a true privilege to advocate for families as a trusted partner during a challenging journey in their lives. We offer diverse services, such as support groups, educational programs, and personalized counseling. However, the knowledge that our work positively impacts people’s lives motivates me each day.
Tell us more about CaringKind and its mission. CaringKind is a fantastic organization dedicated to helping those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. The mission of CaringKind is to create, deliver and promote comprehensive and compassionate care and support services for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research.
Is there one person who has inspired you through your career?
I want to say that one individual inspired me to go into this field, but it was the opposite. It was an individual in college, a guidance counselor, who said to me, “Why does a young, pretty lady like yourself want to work in depressing nursing homes.” At that moment, I knew I would be working in nursing facilities advocating for people in the aged population and those with memory loss. Her comment has been a driving force for me to recruit as many young mentees as possible out of college to enter the field of aging. It is one of the most rewarding jobs one could have.
For more information on CaringKind,
visit caringkindnyc.org; to reach them on their Hotline, call 646-744-2900