This series brings together researchers, community organizations, and healthcare stakeholders focused on healthy aging and dementia. Through brief expert presentations and interactive discussion, participants engage with emerging research while sharing strategies for real-world settings. The series also supports teams preparing for funding opportunities through the Dementia Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT).
Where Changemakers Come to Learn: Upcoming Sessions
This series is designed for the people and organizations at the forefront of aging and dementia care; including community-based organizations, healthcare stakeholders, clinicians, training institutions, academic and research communities, hospital and health systems, philanthropic funders, grantmakers, grant seekers, and policymakers.
2026 Brain Health Community Collaborative Schedule
- July 7, 2026 | 12-1 PM: Dementia Support Systems: Patient, Caregiver, and Spouse Wellbeing
- August 4, 2026 | 12-1 PM: Innovations in Aging Research and Technology
- September 1, 2026 | 12-1 PM: Developing the Texas Dementia Workforce
- October 6, 2026 | 12 - 1PM: Dementia Policy: Texas and Beyond
- November 10, 2026 | 12 - 1 PM: Building Successful Community-Research Partnerships
Past Sessions
Models of Care for Aging Populations
Cognitive Health and Resilience in Aging
Social Determinants of Healthy Aging
Healthy Aging Research Landscape and Funding Opportunities
Meet Our Speakers
Session 1: Healthy Aging Research Landscape and Funding Opportunities
Melissa Sanchez
Texas Senior Director of Public Policy, Alzheimer’s Association
Alida Coutino
Network Coordinator, Aging Services Council and the Aging & Disability Resource Center at the Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area
Scott Hiebert, Ph.D.
Chief Scientific Officer, Cancer Prevention Institute of Texas (CPRIT)
Melinda Villagran, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Translational Health Research Center
Session 2: Social Determinants of Healthy Aging
Dr. Seoyoun Kim
Research Associate Professor, Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research and Faculty Associate
Dr. Jazmin Graff
Physician Specializing in Women's Health, Disease Prevention, and Cognitive Health
Session 3: Cognitive Health and Resilience in Aging
Dr. Ranjini Mohan
Associate Professor, Communication Disorders, Texas State University
Dr. Rebecca Deason
Professor, Psychology, Texas State University
Anna Tutum
Memory Connections. Programs Director, AGE of Central Texas
Session 4: Models of Care for Aging Populations
Dr. John Brown
Owner & CEO, Oasis Senior Advisors Austin & Central TX
Dr. Kylie Meyer
Co-director, University Center on Aging & Health, Assistant Professor, Case Western Reserve University
Session 5: Dementia Support Systems: Patient, Caregiver, and Spouse Well-Being
Dr. Sara S. Masoud
Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Eddie L. Orum, III
Community Educator
Through this virtual learning network, we’re not just sharing research—we’re building a community of practice. Participants gain access to expertise and develop collaborative partnerships essential for serving communities across Texas.
Christina Aubert
Research and Community Senior Program Specialist
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
Have Any Questions?
Please contact Christina Aubert if you want to learn more about this program.