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 MARCH 2010 Download Calendar of Events >> All programs are FREE of CHARGE. Stop by anytime or make and appointment to inquire about resources. EDUCATION *“Grow Yourself Young With Meditation” with Harry Karadjian Friday, March 5th @ 11:00 a.m. “Eating Right for Health & Happiness”* with Anita Smith Friday, March 19th @ 11:00 a.m. *“Creating Your Own Outcomes”* with Bonnie Bonomo Friday, March 26th @ 11:00 a.m Support Groups Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Support Group Daytime – March 4th & 18th ~ 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. (1st & 3rd Thursday of the month) Evening – March 11th & 25th ~ 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. (2nd & 4th Thursday of the month) ES Connect – Education Support & Connection (March 3rd & 17th) 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 – March 8th & 22nd ~ 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. (2snd & 4th Monday of the month) Daytime – March 25th ~ 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. (4th Thursday of the month) Bereavement Support (March 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd &30th )* facilitated by VITAS Every Tuesday from 11:00am-12:30 The Art of Storytelling & Journaling – Wed. March 24th@ 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 (March. 2nd, 9th, 16th, & 23rd 30th) Chronic Illnesses/Fibromyalgia Empower & Enrich Group - Monday, March 15th @ 1:00pm ENERGY FREE Private Healing Touch Sessions, compliments of Mary Shaughnessy – Friday, March 12th from 10:00am – 12:30pm. MUST Call for Appointment Reiki Healing Energy Circle – Every Friday @ 1:00 p.m. (March 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th). Education Alleviates Anxiety- Check Out our Educational Programs this Month: “Grow Yourself Young With Meditation” (Friday, March 5th @ 11:00 a.m.) with Harry Karadjian, Buddhist monk. Harry will be discussing the practice of meditation and why you should consider this powerful source of energy. Meditation prevents stresses from getting into the body system and also releases accumulated stress. Ultimately, you become happier and tend to discover beauty in everything. Heal the mind through meditation! Friday, March 5th @ 11:00 a.m. Please RSVP as refreshments will be served. “Eating Right for Health & Happiness!” (Friday, March 19th @ 11:00 a.m.) with Anita Smith. Good nutrition is necessary for keeping the body functioning normally, maintaining a healthy weight, and preventing disease. When we make the conscious choice to eat healthier, we also begin to feel better about ourselves! Join us for a conversation on key nutritional guidelines and the positive benefits to your physical and emotional health. Friday, March 19th @ 11:00am. Please RSVP as refreshments will be served. “Creating Your Own Outcomes” (Friday, March 26th @ 11:00 a.m.) with Bonnie Bonomo. Bonnie will be presenting a series of presentations that will inspire, educate and empower you! Part I of the series will be held Friday, March 26th @ 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. March 15th @ 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 – March 4th & 18th ~ 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. (1st & 3rd Thursday of the month) Evening – March 11th & 25th ~ 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. (2nd & 4th Thursday of the month) ES Connect – Education Support & Connection (March 3rd & 17th) 10:30 – 12:00pm (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 – March 8th & 22nd ~ 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. (2nd & 4th Monday of the month) Daytime – March 25th ~ 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. (4th Thursday of the month) Bereavement Support (March 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd &30th )* facilitated by VITAS Every Tuesday from 11:00am-12:30pm. Other Empowerment Programs: The Art of Storytelling & Journaling – Wednesday, March 24th @ 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, March 27th 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. Will resume in April 2010. Energy . . . The Absence of Anxiety Reiki Healing Energy Circle (March 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th) 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 (March 31st ) @ 11:00 a.m. Join us for a movie and some delicious treats! This month we will be featuring: Amelia Amelia Earhart, a Kansas girl, discovers the thrill of aviation at age 23, and within 12 years has progressed to winning the Distinguished Flying Cross for being the first woman pilot a plane solo across the Atlantic Ocean. At age 39, she sets out on an attempt to circumnavigate the globe, an adventure that catapults her into aviation myth. Get together with your friends at Leeza’s Place! Please RSVP to reserve your seat. Community News Advisors Needed for the Patient & Family Centered Care Program at Memorial Hospital. As a consumer of health services, your observations and ideas about what does and does not work are POWERFUL. We welcome you to join the Patient and Family Council, where you can help design programs and services that met real healthcare needs as patients and families define the, Our wonderful Nat Gross is a volunteer of the advisory panel. For more information, please call (954) 265-3000 or email: PFCC@mhs.net NEW!!! Grand Opening of Sarah Care Adult Day Care in Pembroke Pines The mission of Sarah Care is to provide professional services in a secure and caring environment for older adults with health related needs, including caregiver respite and support. Sarah Care creates a customized activity program for all participants, which includes: Wii, music, cards, community service projects in-house, pet therapy, and memory enhancement programs such as Refine Your Mind. Men’s Club: special activities and bonding experiences for male participants Out-To-Lunch club for independent participants Physical Activities: motion exercises, indoor golf, and bowling For more information, please contact Doris Campbell at (954) 237-5050 or visit: www.sarahcare.com Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden: Plants & People: An Interactive Garden Support is provided by the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 HELPLINE: 1-800-272-3900 Are you or a loved one living with Alzheimer’s? If so, then come to Fairchild to experience the power of plants. Fairchild Tropical Garden is pleased to present “Plants & People: An Interactive Garden.” Early to mid-stages Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers will be treated to lunch and an exclusive tram tour of Fairchild. Please use the north entrance to meet at the Shehan Visitor Center at 11:30 a.m. Registration is requested one week in advance of each offering. RSVP to 305-667-1651 ext. 3388. This program is free of charge. Next Tour Dates: Monday, April 12, 2010 Saturday, May 1, 2010 Monday, May 10, 2010 “No life ends if it leaves a memory. Memories give us strength for another day.”