Andrea Batsis

Andrea Batsis is a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Certified Dementia Practitioner, educator, and program leader with more than 20 years of experience supporting older adults living with dementia and other neurocognitive disorders. Her passion for the field is rooted in lived experience. As a young adult, she became a caregiver to her father following his diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia at age 52, an experience that inspired her career in dementia care and caregiver support.

With a background in fine arts and a specialization in therapeutic recreation, Andrea brings a unique blend of creativity, empathy, and practical expertise to her work. Throughout her career, she has developed and led innovative programs in community, nonprofit, and private-sector settings. She is particularly interested in helping families adapt living environments and daily interactions to create meaningful moments, preserve strengths, and enhance quality of life throughout the dementia journey.

Andrea currently serves as Program Manager, Inclusion and Engagement at the Cummings Centre in Montreal, where she champions community participation, lifelong learning, social inclusion, and dementia education. She also contributes to government-funded initiatives and serves on the Centre’s Research Ethics Committee. Her perspective continues to be informed by both professional and personal experience, as she is currently supporting a close family member through the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

Andrea has a particular interest in the cultural and linguistic challenges that can arise in dementia care and is committed to advancing person-centred approaches. As a member of the EPLED Advisory Board, she is dedicated to fostering compassionate, inclusive environments that amplify the voices of people living with dementia and their care partners.