A Caregiver Speaks to Caregivers

Published in WSJ, Associated Press (AP) and countless other media, Colleen was featured speaker for RI Department of Health and Cranston Sr. Services, at Cranston Central Lib., Sept 24th, 2024. Following that, she spoke in libraries in Coventry and Narragansett, RI, and then went before the Leisure Learning group in East Greenwich, RI. She’s been front page story for Mark Patinkin in Prov Journal and G. Wayne Miller’s PBS’s “Ocean State Stories.” Health host Barbara Morse-Silva featured her in WPRI segment and Deanna interviewed her for the podcast “Rhody Wave.” On May 6th, she spoke at Bristol’s Rogers Library and on May 20th, she went to Masonicare, a 245-unit facility in Mystic, Ct. She’ll follow that up with a visit to Charlton Library in Charlton, Mass on June 10. It’s safe to say: Colleen is making waves in the Ocean State and beyond. She welcomes new bookings.

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What You’ll Learn at one of her talks?

Practical tips/suggestions in “How to Survive—and Even Thrive in Caring for a Loved One with Cognitive Disease.”

Colleen Kelly Mellor, author of 4 books and articles that appeared in WSJ, Associated Press (AP), World News is the author of  Az and Me: A Partner’s Journey with Alzheimer’s, an Amazon Best Seller, focusing on her many years as sole Caregiver to her cognitively impaired husband. 

What Attendees Say:

“I have to say that this presentation by Ms. Mellor has been by far the most insightful and heartwarming depictions of what a caregiver goes through on the journey… (She) not only touched a chord, but she also touched everyone’s hearts and souls during her presentation.  She made it about us, the caregivers!”…David Quiroa, Assistant Director,  Cranston Department of Senior Services

“Sharing her life and how she arrived at where she is today was incredibly moving.  How she has met each of her challenges head on is extraordinary.  Her practical tips are eye openers for any caregiver.  Her presentation should be heard not only by caregivers but by everyone.  She is truly a role model on coping skills!” Maria Rondeau, Health & Wellness Coordinator, Cranston Department of Senior Services

Jessica Carsten Coppa, Assist. Lib Director of Coventry Library says: “Thank you for the wonderful presentation. Attendees (and myself) found it very helpful and (we) were really engaged.”

Kerri Cassino of The Arc of Rhode Island (promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities) says: “I met her (Colleen) at a Caregiver Conference a few weeks ago…(she) is an enthusiastic, energetic and a spunky upbeat voice for care for elders…I also thought she was hilarious and witty.“

 The Public’s Reaction to my Talk:

  • Exeter Town Councilman Cal Ellis: “Your presentation was very effective and engaging. Kudos to you for your candor and sincerity.”
  •  Former Prov Journal Op-Ed columnist, Daniel Harrington, says: “A Wonderful presentation…sublimely important and yet so engaging!”
  • Margaret Voit, former West Warwick High School graduate (and one who ‘loved my Dad,’ her principal): “Wonderful presentation!! Keep it going!!”
  • Lynne Holden says “I hope you can come to Johnston Senior Center.”
  • Former Cranston school principal, Linda Casey, describes “a stellar presentation.”
  • Ann M. Harper-Sheriff offers: “You brought tears to my eyes. You were brilliant.”
  • JoAnn Lovett adds: “Congratulations! This is good work and so necessary…As a fellow retired Cranston teacher, I am so proud of you for the good and much-needed work you are doing. God Bless!”
  • Sandra Nolette says: “I enjoyed your presentation Tuesday night.”
  • Rebecca Nero says: “Such an important book, needed by many!”
  • Christine Testoni says: “I got your book and I can’t put it down!”

*** My intent is to go everywhere with my message, saving Caregivers from mistakes I made. My book, Az and Me: A Partner’s Journey with Alzheimer’s is easy-to-read and ‘enjoyable’ (according to others). The “chapters” are super-short and I share our experiences and offer tips and suggestions to make your life easier. The mix of my poetry (some are downright funny), photos and texts is ‘refreshing’ according to Dr. Norman Gordon, former Head of Neurology at Miriam Hospital. Three Top RI Docs recommend my book, along with a host of others.

Az and Me: A Partner’s Journey with Alzheimer’s…5 stars on Amazon’s Best Sellers’ List. Click on link to order her Amazon Best Sellers’ book.