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"Kareen has found a wonderful way
to incorporate a joyful mix of drama, music, story, movement,
interaction, and art into the lives of others. She is a wonderful
role model of creativity in action with clients of ALL ages!."
(click here to read the complete letter)
Sally Bailey, MFA, MSW, RDT/BCT
Associate Professor, Director, Drama Therapy Program, Kansas State
University
“She is our conscience.”
Scott Averill, CEO, Brookside &
Wellsville Retirement Communities
"Kareen has the unique gift of taking
moments of truth that she has experienced with elders, and weaving
them into captivating stories and songs. Her delivery is both moving
and motivational. Recently she was the closing speaker at the Ohio
Person Centered Care Coalition conference. She was a perfect
conclusion to a fantastic conference!"
Susan Marsico, LNHA,
COO, Leeson Brown Ltd
“Kareen King is a dynamic singer and
songwriter who has captured the true heart of the elder and
beautifully displayed this through her music. I have seen and heard
her unique and inspiring keynote presentation at the MO State
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Conference in the Spring of 2009 and
breakout session at the Pioneer Network Conference in August 2009,
where she reminded us all of the importance of valuing individuals
of long-term care homes and treating them with dignity and respect.
Her music and stories are captivating and truly a JOY to hear!”
Julie Ballard, Missouri Assistant
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, President of MC5 (MO Coalition
Celebrating Care Continuum Change)
“I've been doing this for almost 12
years and been to conference after conference, You give what AD's do
a meaning! Sometimes the meaning is lost between the chores and
duties but you put that meaning to the forefront and I know from
talking with others at the conference that they feel the same way.
There are still days I wanna throw up my hands and go flip burgers
at Burger King but then I get in my car and listen to your songs and
it is ok! I can remember why I do what I do. You give a voice to the
residents who have no voice. I sat today with a distressed, agitated
woman who hasn't slept in two days and I rubbed her arms, legs, back
and shoulders for over two hours and hummed gospel tunes to her just
to calm her. Not once did I stop to think about the mountain of
mail, charting and e-mails that had piled up while I was at the
conference. I just focused on her. I decided after your
presentations that I would get back to focusing on my residents
because that is why I chose this career. Today that is what I did
and it really felt good. As I sat with her, I thought a lot about
the messages of your songs. She and people like her are why I do
this. Thanks!”
Jerry Lynn Daniels, ADC, SSD,
www.jerrylynnsnetworking.com
"May we all be blessed in our golden
years to have a sincere advocate for our personal care, dignity, and
independence who is as profoundly dedicated and talented as Kareen
King. I think every person working in healthcare should hear her
message."
(click here to read the complete letter)
PJ Prusia, Executive Director, Silvercrest Senior Living Community
at Deer Creek
“Kareen King’s CD album is a creative contribution to the field of
long-term caring. After over 30 years in the field, it is the only
attempt (to the best of my knowledge) at trying to capture the
humanity of our most frail and vulnerable older adults in a musical
format. What a powerful teaching tool this is! Too often we forget
that the frail elders have feelings, have had fascinating lives and
have so much to teach us. I strongly recommend her album and perhaps
better yet, her participation as a drama therapist and singer for
your next long-term care training program!”
Cullen T. Hayashida, Ph.D.
Director, Kupuna (Elder) Education
Center, Kapiolani Community College, Honolulu, Hawaii
“The feedback received (at the State Surveyor’s Fall 2009
Conference) was overwhelmingly positive. Staff appreciated your use
of humor and sensitivity in sharing your stories of the elders you
serve. Just a few of the comments received were: it was so
touching, it made me cry; you can tell by her music, she practices
the culture change journey; bet she really does connect with her
residents. It was truly generous of you to give us your time,
talents and your story. All of which was greatly appreciated by the
surveyors and myself.” Donna Deason, RN & Education Coordinator, Kansas Department
on Aging
“Listening to you speak about your experiences with those ‘who need
a voice’ displayed extreme compassion and brought tears as well as
laughter to your audience. To put their thoughts and feelings to
music is an incredible gift to all who listen! So many times we
forget what it would be like to walk in the shoes of someone
else...and until you do you can only imagine what it would be like.
Your songs are truly making a difference and of all the ways that I
can express my gratitude the simple phrase, GOD BLESS YOU, somehow
seems to be the best!”
Diana Thompson, Osage City, KS
“Your songs move me and motivate
me to be the best I can be, the kindest I can be at work and all
over. You remind me that there is another point of view to each
situation I’m in. You help me remember that being kind might help
someone today. Thank you,”
Marlene Hoglund, Activity Coordinator,
Catholic Charities Adult Day Services, Wichita
“This session was worth much more than
the cost of the whole conference. Amazing!”
"Wish the speaker could be 'cloned' for other facilities. Awesome
storyteller!"
"Excellent presentation. I loved your songs. They really make you
'feel' the individuals you sang about."
(Attendees at the Kansas Governor's
Conference on Aging)
“That was the best concert we ever had
here.”
Michael Leader, President, Country
Meadows Retirement Communities, Hershey, PA
“I was at the conference, and just
wanted you to know I love what you are all about. Your music is
wonderful. Thank you for a great session, and what you do for
everyone you come in contact with. You are a wonderful person and
have touched many lives in a positive ways.”
Zola Beeson
“You inspire us!”
(94-year-old attendee of Hiawatha Senior
Expo on Aging)
“Thanks for including the residents in
your concert.”
(nursing home resident)
Endorsements from Staff & Residents of
Brookside
“You have been a model for me of
someone who truly sees our confused elders as ‘disguised Christ’s.’”
Dale Beaulieu, Director of Communications,
Brookside
“I’ll say it again – when you sing, the heavens open up! Who are we
to be selfish and want you to stay with us?” -
Miss Martha, Brookside kitchen staff
“I love you a bushel and a peck!” -
Jewell Daniels, 101-year-old resident and CD cover design model of
The Person in the Picture Ain’t Me
“I don’t know why I didn’t meet you sooner.” -
Emilou, former Brookside resident who is featured in four songs from
The Person in the Picture Ain’t Me
“It’ll be a different world here without Kareen.”
- Melvin, resident
“We miss your spirit around here.” - LPN
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