Island Treasures
by Alison van Schie
Island Treasures began as a platform for caregivers with its guests sharing their stories to encourage, provide insights, and resources to support those in the midst of caregiving. With over 100 heartfelt episodes, it reminded caregivers they were not alone, as it uplifted voices of wisdom, empowerment, and compassion. In October 2025 Island Treasures enters a new chapter. This relaunched season explores life after caregiving—the transitions, transformations, and moments that follow with former caregivers sharing how they have transitioned into their next chapter. In addition to these heartfelt episodes addressing life after caregiving, from time to time we will celebrate the treasures of Vancouver Island with an episode highlighting a place or experience unique to Vancouver Island—after all that’s where the podcast calls home. Whether you’re just beginning to rediscover life beyond caregiving or caregiving is pa
Episodes
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Life After Caregiving: A Conversation with Lindsay Friedman
What happens when caregiving ends — and who do we become after giving so much of ourselves to someone else? In this episode, I sit down with Lindsay Friedman, whose journey from nursing assistant to multi‑generational family caregiver shaped the work she does today. Lindsay shares the story of...
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Life After Caregiving: Where Grief, Boundaries, and Real Self‑Care Come Into Focus
In this episode, Jeanette Yates reflects on four decades of caregiving that began when she was just nine years old. She shares how early messages about being “a good girl” shaped her caregiving identity, how burnout crept in despite doing all the self‑care things, and how she slowly learned to...
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Life After Caregiving: Being a Care Leader
Mark Wilson spent his career of more than 25 years heading the Leadership and Organization Effectiveness & HR functions at Fortune 500 companies, including PepsiCo, Taco Bell and YUM! Brands. And yet, when his mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, he left his career behind to take care…
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Life After Caregiving: A Conversation with Breeda Miller
What does life look like when caregiving ends — not the tasks, but the identity, the vigilance, the emotional weight you carried for years? In this episode, Breeda Miller returns to Island Treasures Podcast to share an honest, comprehensive look at the chapter that followed caring for her mom....
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Island Treasures: The Malahat Skywalk Experience
In this Island Treasures Podcast adventure, we head out to explore another remarkable gem on Vancouver Island: the Malahat SkyWalk. Perched just off the Malahat Highway, this stunning architectural spiral rises above the treetops and offers sweeping, unforgettable views over the Salish Sea and...
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From Caring for His Dad to Supporting Caregivers
Caregiving often arrives without warning, and for many families, the weight of responsibility is compounded by not knowing where to turn. In this episode, we sit down with Lance A Slatton, whose plan to help his father recover from a fall turned into a nearly three‑year caregiving journey. His...
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Life After Caregiving: Heart Memories
In this episode, we welcome back a familiar voice from Season 5, Episode 1 — Grace Block returns to share what life looks like after caregiving. She opens up about the transition from being a full‑time caregiver for her mom, who lived with dementia, to stepping into her next chapter. Grace…
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Island Treasures Nature Spotlight: Sea Lions on the Shore
A rare gathering of California Sea Lions turned a quiet Vancouver Island shoreline into a living, breathing wildlife spectacle. In this Island Treasures spotlight episode, come along as we get an unusually close look at these massive, captivating mammals as they rest and jostle for space on the...
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Life After Caregiving: Reconstructing Sharon
After eleven years as the sole caregiver for her mom living with young‑onset dementia, Sharon Davis wasn’t prepared for the grief, anger, and loss that followed her mother’s passing. Holidays lost their sparkle, her faith felt fractured, and life paused as she stepped back from work and withdrew…
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Family Is Everything: Helping Children Understand Alzheimer’s, and Life After Caregiving
Carol Steinberg is an accomplished writer/editor and a former award-winning journalist who contributed regularly to The New York Times, Success magazine, and other publications. In addition, Carol brings a deeply personal lens to the world of Alzheimer’s disease. After supporting her mother as…
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Caregiver Recovery: Redefining Normal and Moving Forward
Caregiver Recovery: Redefining Normal and Moving Forward invites listeners into another honest conversation with Christina Keys about life after caregiving. Too often, caregivers are left 'soul tired' and unprepared for life after caregiving. Christina is a caregiving advocate, national speaker,...
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Grief, Grit, and Growth: A Caregiver’s Guide to Healing and Renewal
In our first full episode since the relaunch, we sit down with former caregiver, Licia Thompson-Young, who shares what it means to grow forward with intention after caregiving. From stepping beyond her comfort zone to embracing the unknown in unfamiliar environments, she reveals how healing began...
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Life After Caregiving: Finding Your Footing
When caregiving ends, it can feel like standing at the edge of a cliff—grief, uncertainty, and a quiet question echoing: “What now?” In this heartfelt episode of Island Treasures, we explore the transition from active caregiving to life beyond the role. Whether your caregiving journey spanned…
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Island Treasures Relaunch 2025
After six seasons, Island Treasures returns with a fresh focus. We’ve rebranded to explore life after caregiving—the stories, reflections, and quiet renewals. This new season shines a light on what follows caregiving, because that matters. You’ll hear candid conversations with former caregivers,...
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Island Treasures Podcast: Change is A-Coming!
Island Treasures Podcast is taking a short break from publishing new episodes to reflect and seek future direction! Over the past six seasons, we've explored the many facets of caregiving, sharing insightful conversations and meaningful stories. While our existing content will remain available…
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Island Treasures Mini Podcast: No Regrets
A central theme of the full podcast episode with Rayna Neises, called "Rayna's Caregiving Wisdom: No Regrets and Cherished Memories" was how to have no regrets when caregiving. After 26 years of caregiving during which Rayna completed her training to become a certified coach, Rayna shares what...
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Rayna’s Caregiving Wisdom: No Regrets and Cherished Memories
In this episode we are joined by Rayna Neises for an enlightening conversation about her extensive caregiving journey. Rayna is a dedicated Caregiving Coach, author, and advocate for family caregivers. With a heart deeply rooted in faith, Rayna has transformed her caregiving experiences into a...
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Island Treasures Mini Podcast: A Dementia Companion
This mini episode highlights key points from “Creating Connections with a Dementia Companion” featuring Gina Awad. Gina, who studied Dementia as part of her Health and Social Care degree, is a valuable resource for those living with dementia and their caregivers. She noticed common themes like…
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Meaningful Connections with a Dementia Companion
Gina Awad's heartfelt journey into dementia caregiving began with her childhood visits to care homes, sparking a lifelong mission to support families navigating this challenging landscape. She studied Dementia as part of her Health and Social Care degree in 2011 to further explore the challenges...
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Island Treasures Mini Podcast: Thinking Ahead with Betsy Haddad
This mini episode visits a few of the key takeaways Betsy Haddad shared with the listeners in the full episode "Thinking Ahead about Alzheimer's and Care Needs with Betsy Haddad". Since her caregiving experience she has become an activist and wanted to share about: Why she became an activist?...
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Thinking Ahead About Alzheimer's and Care Needs with Betsy Haddad
Betsy Haddad has returned to the podcast to share some exciting news on the fight against Alzheimer's Disease. Since the passing of her beloved dad, Edward, Betsy has had time to reflect on his suffering and that has channeled her grief into activism in the fight against the disease. Betsy is a...
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Island Treasures Mini Podcast: Geri-Gadgets®
Angela Fairhurst demonstrates the 3 Geri-Gadgets ® buckets that, as an entrepeneur she designed and created to enhance the lives of folks living with dementia. There's the Fidget-Gadget ® bucket, the Shapes bucket and the Flower bucket. Each bucket has its own unique contents to bring activity…
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A Caregiver's Innovative Creation
Angela Fairhurst was the primary caregiver for her mom who after a misdiagnosis and several different medications was eventually diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. Angela's passion to find engaging activities for her mom led her to create Geri-Gadgets® and as the founder and CEO of Geri-Gadgets®,...
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Island Treasures 'Treasure Chest' with Judy Cornish
Another 'Island Treasures Treasure Chest' bonus episode. In this episode we revisit "Skills Retained: Strengths-Based Approach to Dementia Care" Season 2, Episode 13 featuring Judy Cornish. Judy Cornish is the founder of the DAWN Method - a strengths-based approach to dementia care. From the...
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Island Treasures Mini Podcast: Caregiver Respite
Rebekah Dowhy, grew up being the caregiver for her mom. Through her caregiving life she learned the importance of support. She describes the rare opportunity she had to experience the joy that came with taking a break. A break that to many would be taken for granted, as she was able to join her...
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Normal Life Plus Caregiving
This episode offers valuable insights to both caregivers and non-caregivers, featuring valuable tips from Rebekah Dowhy for those who aren't caregivers but want to lend a hand. Rebekah's journey into caregiving began at birth, as her mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis the same year she...
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Island Treasures 2024 Podcast Title Story
This mini episode contains a fictional short story that combines the titles from the full episodes of the Island Treasures podcast that aired throughout 2024. The story encompasses the various aspects of caregiving mentioned in the titles, highlighting the emotional journey, the obstacles, and…
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Island Treasures Mini Podcast: Two Poems from Sarah Merriman
In the full episode entitled "Roadblocks and Signposts for Caregivers", Sarah Merriman talked about her poetry and reminiscence sessions for people living with dementia; and that she is a poet herself! Sarah was willing to share two of her heart-felt poems in this mini episode. The first is…
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Roadblocks and Signposts for Caregivers
Sarah Merriman joins this episode straight from the United Kingdom. Sarah was the primary caregiver for her Nana for seven years. Her grandmother experienced cognitive deficits and despite Sarah's attempts to have her assessed, her grandma was resistant. Sarah was a sandwich-generation caregiver,...
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Island Treasures 'Treasure Chest' with Loretta Veney
Loretta Veney is a LEGO Serious Play Instructor and she was able to find effective ways to incorporate LEGO into caregiving for her mom who was living with dementia. You can hear all about Loretta's journey as a caregiver in the full podcast episode titled "Building the Unbreakable Caregiver"…
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Island Treasures Mini Podcast: In the Company of Angels
Have you heard a caregiver referred to as an angel? This mini episode features a clip from the Caregiver Warrior, Susanne White describing how when she's in the company of caregivers she feels the space is sacred. Susanne paints great word pictures and this one certainly conveys the respect, and...
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The Messy Middle of Caregiving
Susanne White is the founder of Caregiver Warrior. She was faced with the opportunity to care for her parents and embarked on a caregiving journey that would change her life. She ventured into this journey with a true cargiver warrior spirit and uses that same spirit to empower other caregivers...
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Island Treasures 'Treasure Chest' with Betsy Haddad
Another 'Island Treasures Treasure Chest' bonus episode. In this episode we revisit "A Musician's Daughter" Season 2 Episode 2, featuring Betsy Haddad. At the time of the original episode Betsy's caregiving experience was a supportive role to her mom who was her dad's primary caregiver. Sadly…
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Island Treasures Mini Podcast: The Must-Have Talk for Caregivers
This mini episode highlights a few key points that Amy Friesen made in the full podcast episode "The Must Have Talk for Caregivers". What is 'the talk'? Amy describes how important it is for caregivers not to bury their head in the sand - but to address difficult issues before they reach crisis...
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The Must-Have Talk for Caregivers
Today's guest, Amy Friesen, is a best-selling author and expert in the senior living industry and she has worked with seniors and their families throughout the world. She shares how she and her family used 'the talk' to open the door for her father-in-law to come and live with them. Amy founded…
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Island Treasures 'Treasure Chest' with Dennis Dulniak
When Dennis Dulniak joined me as a guest on the Island Treasures podcast in the episode called "Life Does Not End With a Diagnosis of Alzheimer's" I knew we had valuable information to share with caregivers relating to Alzheimer's Disease. In this 'Treasure Chest' episode we visit some of the key...
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Island Treasures Mini Podcast: Music is a Bridge for Caregivers and their Loved Ones
In this mini episode we feature clips from the full episode called 'Music is a Bridge for Caregivers and Their Loved Ones' with Alexis Baker. Alexis is a board-certified music therapist who works with caregivers and their loved ones living with dementia. We start with Alexis describing music...
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Music is a Bridge for Caregivers and Their Loved Ones
Alexis Baker is a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC), certified dementia practitioner (CDP), and founder of Bridgetown Music Therapy. Her mission as a music therapist is to spark joy and improve quality of life through meaningful music engagement. In this episode you'll hear how connections...
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Island Treasures 'Treasure Chest' with Lisa Kendall
Island Treasures is introducing its Treasure Chest where treasures from a previous episode will be shared. Today's treasures come from Season 2 Episode 6 which featured Lisa Kendall in the episode titled "Growth in Caregiving: Healing through Trauma." We look at the meaning of care, caregiver…
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Lived Experience Nets Empowering Resources for Caregivers
Debbie Compton returns to the podcast in this episode. Debbie is a three-time caregiver for loved ones who were living with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and vascular dementia. She’s a Certified Caregiving Consultant, Certified Caregiver Advocate, keynote speaker, and author of several books geared...
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Island Treasures Mini Podcast: A Caregiver's Vision
This mini episode visits some of the content of the full episode "A Caregiver's Vision" relating both to caregiving and assistive technology. Victoria Essner brings her knowledge and experience to the podcast being legally blind and having a hearing impairment and caregiving for her husband 24/7....
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A Caregiver's Vision
Today's guest, Victoria Essner, is all about breaking down barriers and turning challenges into opportunities. When a childhood accident left her legally blind, she didn’t stop forging ahead and embracing what life had in store, including caregiving for her husband. She shares her caregiving…
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Actionable Useful Information for Caregivers: No Fluff!
Island Treasures is delighted to welcome back Debbie Compton to the podcast. Debbie is a 3-time caregiver; a certified caregiving consultant and educator. She joins us today to introduce her latest book, released in July 2024. This book is for caregivers and it is filled with caregiving…
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Island Treasures Mini Podcast: Her World Turned Upside Down
This Island Treasures Mini podcast features highlights from the full episode called "Her World Turned Upside Down", where Jenna Rumberger shares her caregiving story from the perspective of the one receiving care. Jenna is a licensed social worker who supports adults, older adults and their...
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Her World Turned Upside Down
Today’s caregiving story is told from the perspective of one receiving care. When Jenna Rumberger had a cardiac arrest at the age of 32, her world turned upside down. She had been working as a social worker in the field of geriatrics since 2013 and was familiar with caregiving - but this medical...
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Island Treasures Mini Podcast: Tapping Into Communication
In this mini episode we focus on the first half of the full episode called "Tapping Into Communication and Positive Activity". We hear how Lori Rogers has been a true champion for her son Craig. Craig is now an adult who has autism and is non-verbal. For example, when equipment in the Special…
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Tapping Into Communication and Positive Activity
This episode follows the compelling caregiving story of Lori Rogers. Lori is a successful businesswoman with three adult children. Her second child was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and he was a non-speaker. In 2011 her eldest child had a sports-related injury resulting in…
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Island Treasures Mini Podcast: Sharon's Son's Journey: Caregiver to Advocate
April is Parkinson's Awareness Month and the airing of the podcast featuring Dr. George Ackerman are timely as he is a huge voice in raising awareness for Parkinson's Disease. He and I spoke on February 1st, 2024 and the very next day he was able to meet his hero, Michael J. Fox. George shared…
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Sharon's Son's Journey: Caregiver to Advocate
Dr. George Ackerman is from Brooklyn, N.Y. Now residing in Florida, he works in the fields of law, police, and education. George lost his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman on 1/1/2020 due to Parkinson’s Disease. George and his family started TogetherForSharon® to honour his mother by keeping her…
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Island Treasures Mini Podcast: Getting Curious with Teepa Snow
Following the full podcast episode featuring Teepa Snow, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, this mini episode captures the content of the GEMS® model which describes the stages of brain change for folks living with dementia. Each stage is represented by a gem to help describe the progression of dementia and how...
About this show
Island Treasures began as a platform for caregivers with its guests sharing their stories to encourage, provide insights, and resources to support those in the midst of caregiving. With over 100 heartfelt episodes, it reminded caregivers they were not alone, as it uplifted voices of wisdom, empowerment, and compassion. In October 2025 Island Treasures enters a new chapter.
This relaunched season explores life after caregiving—the transitions, transformations, and moments that follow with former caregivers sharing how they have transitioned into their next chapter.
In addition to these heartfelt episodes addressing life after caregiving, from time to time we will celebrate the treasures of Vancouver Island with an episode highlighting a place or experience unique to Vancouver Island—after all that’s where the podcast calls home.
Whether you’re just beginning to rediscover life beyond caregiving or caregiving is pa
Hosted by
Alison van Schie
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