Leeza's Place

Bonnie Bonomo
bbonomo@leezasplace.org
Leeza Care Advocate
Leeza’s Place at Memorial Hospital Pembroke

Bonnie Bonomo is a caregiver by nature. She has worked with children and adults in both community programs as well as in teaching and training capacities. Bonnie also cared for her husband in his struggle with colon cancer. She learned how to advocate on his behalf and navigate through the healthcare system effectively, with a positive attitude through it all. She understands first hand how challenging it can be to care for a loved one and have the energy to maintain your own health. Bonnie strongly believes there is a need for nourishing and honoring caregivers in our community.

A graduate in Journalism from the University of Florida, Bonnie began her career working with McDonald’s Restaurants of Southeast Florida, eventually earning the position of Director of Marketing, working with over one-hundred Owner Operator and Company owned stores. An integral part of the initial stages of the Ronald McDonald House at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Bonnie has experience in programming, fundraising and community outreach.

For over ten years, Bonnie also had an entrepreneurial phase of her life, opening a successful consulting firm, representing such clients as Gatorade, Coca Cola, Ford Motor Company, Blockbuster Video, Proctor and Gamble, Tenet Healthcare Systems and Mercy Hospital.

Her first love is caregiving, whether reaching out to the young or old. Assisting and advocating for caregivers, enables Bonnie to fulfill her life’s mission to “empower herself and others to life a life of joy and passion each and every day.”


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 community gathering place and resource center for caregivers impacted by chronic illness. We support all family members by offering one on one guidance, information and referrals and with programs and services that Educate, Empower and 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 JULY 2009 Download Calendar of Events >> All programs are FREE of CHARGE. Stop by anytime or make and appointment to inquire about resources. EDUCATION “Healing Through Movement” with Mary Watson, RN, Healing Touch practitioner and certified Medical Intuitive from Hospice by the Sea– Friday, July 10th @ 11:11 a.m. “Stressed? You Bet! “Managing Stress”– Gail Ganotta from The Aging and Disability Resource Center for Broward County. Friday, July 17th 11:00 a.m. (Find out about free service for Seniors) Care for the Caregiver Series – “Independence & Caregiving” – Dr. Jamie, Executive Director and Co-founder of The Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation, Friday, July 24th, 11 a.m. “Creating Harmony Amidst Chaos” With our favorite Buddhist monk, Harry Karadjian, Friday, July 31st @ 11:00 a.m. EMPOWERMENT Support Groups Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Support Group (July 2nd , 9th, 16th & 23rd) Daytime – July 2nd & 16th ~ 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. (1st & 3rd Thursday of the month) Evening – July 9th & 23rd ~ 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. (2nd & 4th Thursday of the month) ES Connect – Education Support & Connection (July 1st & 15th) 10:30 – 12:00 (1st & 3rd Wednesday A group for recently diagnosed caregivers and loved ones dealing with Alzheimer’s & Dementia. Please call Bonnie to RSVP if you are new to this group. Generic Caregiver Support for Any Illness (July 30th)* 10:30 – 11:30 a. m. support for family members dealing with any chronic or progressive illness. Bereavement Support (July 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th) facilitated by VITAS Every Tuesday from 11:00am-12:30 The Art of Storytelling & Journaling - Every 2nd Wednesday, July 8th @ 1:00 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 (July 7th, 14th, 21st , 28th) Chronic Illnesses/Fibromyalgia Empower & Enrich Group Every 3rd Monday, July 13th 1:00 pm Presentation followed by a Social Hour @ 2:00pm Free Memory Screenings – Thursday, July 23rd, - Please call for appointment. ENERGY Reiki Healing Energy Circle – Every Friday @ 1:00 p.m. (July 3rd 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st Lola’s La Bamba – Music & Movement – It’s the Electric Slide! Monday, June 8th 11 a.m. Chair Yoga/Guided Meditation with Cori, Monday, July 27th @ 11:45 (ish) EDUCATION ALLEVIATES ANXIETY . . . So don’t waste another minute – get Educated today! “Healing Through Movement” (July 10th) – with Mary Watson, RN, Healing Touch practitioner, Certified Medical Intuitive and Nurse Educator for Broward County for Hospice by the Sea. Just as we learned last month that different sounds can create calm in the body, so too can different movements. As caregivers it is important to keep our bodies moving, but how can we move them to not only improve our health but have a healing effect both emotionally and spiritually? Join us on Friday, July 10th @ 11:11 a.m. for this wonderful interactive program. Loved ones are more than welcome to attend and reap the benefits too! Please RSVP as refreshments will be served “Stressed? You Bet! “Managing Stress” (July 17th) The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Broward County plans, develops, coordinates, and evaluates programs; funds services; and is the prime advocate for residents of Broward County, Florida, 60 years of age or older. They are a one-stop source of information for services in Broward County, Florida, for seniors, persons with severe and persistent mental illness, their families, and caregivers. Gail Norton Ganotta, RN, specializes in community outreach and getting seniors the help they need. She has been with the ADRC for many years, and has worked with countless individual families to unearth services. Gail is insightful, energetic, creative and knowledgeable. Join us for her presentation on managing stress on Friday, July 17th @ 11 a.m. Please RSVP as snacks will be served Care for the Caregiver Series ”Independence and Caregiving – Is It Possible?” – (July 24th) Dr. James Huysman, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Leeza’s Placeand author of his newest book “Take Your Oxygen First”, shares his perspective with us on caregiving and being independent. as so many times we are challenged and often wonder if it is possible to maintain our independence when someone else is depending on us. How can you have your own life when it is so intertwined with someone elses? Join Dr. Jamie on Friday, July 24th @ 11 a.m. to learn how you can have both – be a caregiver and retain a sense of individuality and self-identity. Please RSVP as refreshments will be served. Educational Programs – Continued: “Creating harmony Amidst Chaos” (July 31st) - with Buddhist Monk, Harry Karadjian, It’s a modern day conversation of ancient Buddhist principles, infused with humor and interaction. Harry discusses philosophy; as well as, taking time for the practical practice of silent meditation. Harry has taught us, that true meditation is practiced in every minute of everyday. He’s taught us how to be aware of the inter-relationship of all things. Please join us on Friday, July 31st @ 11:00 a.m. for this thought provoking, energizing conversation with Harry. Please RSVP as a light snack will be served Chronic Illnesses/Fibromyalgia – Empower & Enrich - Monday, July 13th @ 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? This is a monthly presentation and social hour for those people who are either suffering from a chronic illness or taking care of someone who has a chronic illnesses such as Chronic Fatigue syndrome, Lupus, Crohns, Diabetes, or Fibromyalgia. This group starts with an uplifting educational presentation, followed by a time to socialize and emotionally support each other. 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. – Presentation - 2:00 Social hour Empowerment – The Beginning of Your Transformation “Now that you are aware, you are no longer naïve” Support Groups: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Specific Caregiver Support Group Daytime – July 2nd & 16th ~ 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. (1st and 3rd Thursday of the month) Evening – June 9th & 23rd ~ 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. (2nd & 4th Thursday of the month) ES Connect – Education, Support & Connection ( A group for recently diagnosed Alzheimer’s & Dementia caregivers and their loved ones – please call Bonnie before coming to this group). A collaborative effort, facilitated by Memorial Healthcare System and the Southeast Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. July 1st & 15th ~ 10:30 – 12:00 (1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month) Generic Caregiver Support Group (open to any family member dealing with caregiving issues for any and all types of chronic or progressive illnesses.) July 30th ~ 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Bereavement Support Group – Every Tuesday (July 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th) 11:00 – 12:30 p.m. A time for friendship and encouragement, facilitated by VITAS. If you are dealing with a specific disease, like MS, Parkinson’s Traumatic Brain Injury, etc. and would like Leeza’s Place to consider starting a new group so you can connect with other caregivers on a similar journey, please call Bonnie - we are open to helping all caregivers in need. Other Empowerment Programs: The Art of Storytelling & Journaling – 2nd Tuesday of the month - July 8th @ 1 p.m. An on-going Journaling Workshop for anyone interested in writing their life story. Beginners – this is for you! This class will show you how to take your life story and put it on paper and into a journal. During the class, we share many life experiences as well as how to start writing about your life. 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 will facilitate the process with pizazz. Scrapbooking/Family Memory Making – Every Tuesday (July7th, 14th 21st & 28th) 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, July 18th from 11 – 1 FREE Memory Screenings – Thursday, July23rd - Using a standardized assessment tool - a snapshot of your memory that assesses memory in 3 specific areas of your brain – takes 20 minutes with results given immediately following assessment. Please call for appt. Energy . . . The Absence of Anxiety Reiki Healing Energy Circle (July 3rd, 10th, 17th 24th & 31st) 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. LoLa’s La Bamba – Music and Movement Class – The 2nd Monday of Each Month (Monday July 6th @ 11 a.m.) This month by popular request – it’s The electric Slide and Line Dancing. Join us for this fun, invigorating way to relieve your stress! Chair Yoga and Guided Meditation – (Monday, July 27th @ 11:00 a.m.)** Carve out some peaceful time for you to stretch, breathe, relax and meditate. Join Cori Becker as she shares her techniques to help us reach this peaceful, yet invigorating state. “No life ends if it leaves a memory. Memories give us strength for another day.”