Hola soy Sara...

Thanks for visiting! I look forward to connecting.

Mi historia (continuación de la página de inicio)

You Are Not Alone.

It all began with my parents. Both parents. Mom was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia first. We were completely unprepared—uncertain what to do, who to ask, or how to best support her. Then came COVID. I moved in to provide 24/7 care. It was an overwhelming time. You may be able to relate to that feeling!

I often think, If only I knew then what I know now.

Hi there! I'm so glad you stopped by. I'm Dr. Sara Martinez, and my experience with dementia changed the course of my life forever.

As I walked alongside my Mom, I began to understand the disease and the impact it was having, but felt like I was still frantically dog paddling my way through each day, trying to keep my head above water. When you're suddenly thrown into the deep end of dementia, there isn't enough time, energy, or emotional reserves to research what's happening, what your options are, where to go for support, what type of support you might need, and how to answer that reverberating question, "Am I doing the right thing?"

In the midst of Mom's journey, my father was becoming increasingly "difficult." It all made sense when he was also diagnosed with Lewy Body dementia. The disease affected them in similar and polar opposite ways. The venture from independent living, 24/7 in-home care, to assisted living, memory care, and finally hospice was starting to feel like a pattern. For better or worse, our expertise was growing...and growing...and growing.

Those challenging, sacred years were life changing.

I knew early in the process that I wanted to help others going through similar situations - family members, care partners, friends and the surrounding community. With extensive prior experience as an educator, trainer, and coach, it was a natural transition to transfer those skills into this area of passion, starting with an MBA in Senior Living and Certification as a Nationally Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), specializing in dementia.

There’s more to learn and reasons for hope every day.

Out of all the approaches I've studied and practiced over the years, I chose two of the most effective, comprehensive, practical and person-centered models to grow personally and to subsequently use to equip and support others. First, came certification as a Nationally Certified Dementia Practitioner and Trainer through the National Council of Dementia and Disease Practitioners® (NCDDP). Secondly, I immersed myself even further in Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care. I can't speak highly enough of both these organizations and the trainings I'm honored to provide through each one.

At the same time, I received the opportunity to serve as a volunteer community educator for the Alzheimer's Association. Their resources were a lifeline for us personally and it's one of those precious blessings in life to be able to give back through sharing their evidence-based trainings. The Alzheimer’s Association continues to lead the charge in Alzheimer's research and serves as an indispensable hub of resources and support for those walking alongside, or living with Alzheimer's and other forms of brain change.

Supporting you is the reason I founded Sparrow Senior Advisors. Thank you for being here. How can I help?