Leeza's Place

Betty Chinsue
Leeza Care Advocate
Leeza’s Place at Memorial Hospital Pembroke

Betty Chinsue was born in Caracas, Venezuela and immigrated to the United States in 1982. She grew up in the state of Maryland, with a large and festive family. She currently resides in South Florida with her husband and four year old dog, a chocolate cockapoo named Toby.

Betty Chinsue completed her undergraduate degree at American University, in Washington, DC. In 2002, she graduated from the School of Public Affairs, with a degree in Justice, Law & Society and a minor in Psychology. For the next several years, Ms. Chinsue worked in the field of child welfare, mental health and criminal justice. Her broad range of experience and service delivery enhanced her ability to work with a diverse client population. In 2007, Ms. Chinsue completed her Masters of Social Work from Florida International University. For the last five years, Ms. Chinsue has specialized in geriatric social work. Previously, she was employed by the City of Pembroke Pines South West Focal Point Senior Center. Ms. Chinsue worked with older adults and caregivers, facilitating caregiver and bereavement support groups.

Ms. Chinsue is thankful for the wisdom and strength she had received from her caregivers and their families. Inspiration is received from the most simple and sincere interactions with fellow man. On weekends, she enjoys biking, reading historical novels, and playing with her dog.


Leeza's Place at Memorial Hospital Pembroke
2261 N. University Drive, Suite 103 Pembroke Pines, FL 33024 Tel 954-967-7240 Fax 954-967-7241
Leeza’s Place is “A Place for Caregivers”, a community gathering place and resource center for caregivers impacted by chronic or progressive illness.We support all families by connecting caregivers to one another, and by offering individual guidance, information and referrals, as well as a calendar full of programs designed to Educate, Empower & Energize. Appointments not necessary; available upon request Bonnie Bonomo, Care Advocate ~ bbonomo@mhs.net or (954) 883-7243 Justine Hoo, Asst. Care Advocate ~ jhoo@mhs.net or (954) 883-7240 APRIL 2010 Download Calendar of Events >> All programs are FREE of CHARGE. Stop by anytime or make and appointment to inquire about resources. EDUCATION *“Powerful Transformations” with Dr. Jaime Friday, April 2nd @ 11:00 a.m. “Assisted Living: 101 Questions”* with Michael Karban Friday, April 9th @ 11:00 a.m. *“Medicaid Long Term Diversion Programs”* with Stacie Bertram Friday, April 16th @ 11:00 a.m *“Creating Your Outcomes Part I”with Bonnie Bonomo, Friday, April 23rd @ 11:00 a.m.* Support Groups Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Support Group Daytime – April 15st & 29th ~ 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. (3rd & 5th Thursday of the month) Evening – April 8h & 29th ~ 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. (2nd & 5th Thursday of the month) ES Connect – Education Support & Connection (April 7th & 21st) 10:30 – 12:00 (1st & 3rd Wednesday A group for recently diagnosed caregivers and loved ones dealing with Alzheimer’s & Dementia. Please call Betty to RSVP if you are new to this group. Generic Caregiver Support for Any Illness- Support for family members dealing with any chronic or progressive illness Daytime – April 12th & 26th ~ 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. (2snd & 4th Monday of the month) Daytime – March 29th ~ 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. (5th Thursday of the month) Bereavement Support (April 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th )* facilitated by VITAS Every Tuesday from 11:00am-12:30 NEW!! Parkinson’s Support Group (April 1st ) Thursday, 10:30am- 12:00pm A support group for person’s diagnosed with Parkinson’s and their loved ones. Please call Betty to RSVP if you are new to this group. Group will meet once per month. The Art of Storytelling & Journaling – Wed. April 28th@ 10:30 p.m. Recall, remember, relive and capture wonderful memories in this lively discussion/ writing group. You do not need to be a “writer” to join in the fun. Kim Neale, from Hospice by the Sea is an educator and storyteller herself – Join Us. Scrapbooking/Family Memory Making Every Tues.@ 1:30pm (April. 6th, 13th, 20th, & 27th) Chronic Illnesses/Fibromyalgia Empower & Enrich Group - Monday, April 19th @ 1:00pm ENERGY FREE Private Healing Touch Sessions, compliments of Mary Shaughnessy – Friday, April 30th from 10:00am – 12:00pm. MUST Call for Appointment Reiki Healing Energy Circle – Every Friday @ 1:00 p.m. (April 2nd, 9th, 16th 23rd & 30th). Education Alleviates Anxiety- Check Out our Educational Programs this Month: “Powerful Tranformations” (Friday, April 2nd @ 11:00 a.m.) with Dr. Jaime Huysman. Dr. Jaime infuses his life experiences, professional work and unique background in order to deliver a presentation full of energy and inspiration! Our Leeza Care Advocate, Betty Chinsue, will be interviewed by Dr. Jaime and assist in this one-of-a-kind experience~ Dr. Jaime is a Psychologist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Join us Friday, April 2nd @ 11:00 a.m. Please RSVP as refreshments will be served. “Assisted Living Facilities: 101 Questions” (Friday, March 19th @ 11:00 a.m.) with Michael Karban, Administrator for Bay Pointe Terrace. As time passes we may find it necessary to change our living arrangements. This decision may be a choice or out grow out of necessity, and increasingly we may find that our lives are being directed towards Active Senior Living, or Assisted Living. Now the questions begin to cascade in: • Am I ok to stay home? • Would I be better off with assistance? – In Assisted Living? • Which types of places would be better for me? • Where are they located? • How much will they cost? Please join us as Michael provides a comprehensive review of ALF’s and key questions to ask as you begin your search. Friday, March 19th @ 11:00am. Please RSVP as refreshments will be served. “Medicaid Long Term Diversion Programs” (Friday, April 16th @ 11:00 a.m.) with Stacie Bertram from American Eldercare. The State of Florida offers a variety of diversion programs with the goal of improving the health and wellness of seniors. Long Term Diversion programs seek to prevent nursing home placement by providing a broad range of services, including, but not limited to: adult companion, adult day health, case management, medical supplies, environmental accessibility and adaptation, escort, family training, home delivered meals, homemaker, nutritional assessment, personal care, etc. Our speaker will further define the program, explain how it works, and review qualification requirements. Friday, April 16th @ 11:00am. Please RSVP as refreshments will be served. “Creating Your Own Outcomes” (Friday, March 26th @ 11:00 a.m.) with Bonnie Bonomo. We thank you for your ongoing patience. Bonnie will be presenting a series of presentations that will inspire, educate and empower you! Part I of the series will be held Friday, April 23rd @ 11:00 a.m. Please RSVP as refreshments will be served. Empowerment – “Now that you are aware, you are no longer naïve” Chronic Illnessess/Fibromyalgia Empower and Enrich Group (Mon. April 19th @ 1 p.m.) Having a chronic illness certainly affects your daily routine – your energy level. Your ability to rally may become diminished, but wouldn’t it be great to learn ways to shift your thinking that may help you endure this journey you are on? Join us 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Support Groups: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Support Group Daytime – April 1st & 15th ~ 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. (1st & 3rd Thursday of the month) Evening – April 8h & 22th ~ 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. (2nd & 4th Thursday of the month) ES Connect – Education Support & Connection (April 7th & 21st) 10:30 – 12:00 (1st & 3rd Wednesday A group for recently diagnosed caregivers and loved ones dealing with Alzheimer’s & Dementia. Please call Betty to RSVP if you are new to this group. Generic Caregiver Support for Any Illness- Support for family members dealing with any chronic or progressive illness Daytime – April 12th & 26th ~ 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. (2snd & 4th Monday of the month) Daytime – April 29th ~ 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. (5th Thursday of the month) Bereavement Support (April 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th )* facilitated by VITAS Every Tuesday from 11:00am-12:30 Other Empowerment Programs: The Art of Storytelling & Journaling – Wednesday, April 28th @ 10:30 a.m. An on-going Journaling Workshop for anyone interested in writing their life story. Beginners – this is for you! Share your life experiences and learn how to start writing. There is so much to say and often not enough time to express it. We help you find the time and show you the way. Kim Neale from Hospice by The Sea shares and facilitates – what a delight! Scrapbooking/Family Memory Making – Every Tuesday 1:30 -3:30 p.m. All you need to bring are photos; we provide the rest of the supplies, the instruction and FUN! And Saturday, April 17th for Betty’s Brunch Bunch and Scrapbooking from 11 – 1 FREE Memory Screenings offered by Leeza’s Place at Memorial Hospital Pembroke- Using a standardized assessment tool - a snapshot of your memory that assesses memory in 3 specific areas of your brain. April 1st & April 22nd. Please call for an appointment. Energy . . . The Absence of Anxiety Reiki Healing Energy Circle (April 2nd, 9th, 16th 23rd & 30th) Fridays @ 1:00 p.m. A weekly class for caregivers and their loved ones to spend time breathing, relaxing and taking care of themselves. Reiki increases your body’s ability to heal itself. Reiki relieves stress and facilitates emotional, mental and spiritual restoration. Movie & Popcorn (April 28th ) @ 11:00 a.m. Join us for a movie and some delicious treats! This month we will be featuring: Slumdog Millionaire (2008) The heartfelt story of a young boy named Jamal Malik, who has landed an appearance on India’s version of our hit show WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE? When Jamal exceeds expectations of the show, the police are called into investigate allegations of cheating. A moving tale which exposes the deep poverty of India’s slums and reveals human emotion and life experiences in a beautifully woven manner. An Oscar winning performance! Get together with your friends at Leeza’s Place! Please RSVP to reserve your seat. Community News New Parkinson’s Support Group At Leeza’s Place~ The purpose of the Parkinson Support Group is to provide an opportunity for caregivers and their loved ones to receive support, guidance, and education. Our facilitator, Linda Posnick, will be providing frequent presentations by medical experts and other key professionals in the community. We will meet once per month and welcome you! If you have any further questions, please contact Betty Chinsue, MSW 954-883-7240. NO RSVP is required. Light refreshments will be served. Grand Opening of All Day Care Center in Hollywood 5001 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, Fl 33021 A comprehensive day program offering respite for family caregivers. All Day Care Center is an adult day care program, serving clients with memory disorders and other physical and mental limitations. The Medical Director will meet with each client and complete a targeted assessment in order to determine the appropriate programming level. Early stage/Early onset program for mild memory loss (includes field trips and courses at NSU Lifelong Learning Institute) Moderate and Advanced Memory Loss Programs Massage Therapy & Pet Therapy onsite Recreational Programs, low impact aerobics Open five days a week, from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information and a tour, please contact Carmen Guiterrez at (954) 374-8236 or visit: www.alldaycarecenter.com “No life ends if it leaves a memory. Memories give us strength for another day.”