Nancy Shadowens M.S., CCC-SLP and colleague, Peggy Watson M.S., CCC-SLP, are practicing speech-language pathologists with more than 20 combined years of experience working with the geriatric population. They are experts in dementia behavior management and specialize in dementia interventions and strategies including the areas of communication, mobility, socialization, behaviors and swallowing problems. Ms. Watson and Ms. Shadowens are published in Advance for Speech-Language Pathologists & Audiologists, are actively touring the U.S. speaking to therapists and caregivers on the topic of dementia behavior management including various state speech-language association conventions, and were invited speakers at the 2010 International Conference – Dementia Coming of Age in the 21st Century. They are co-writers of two books, one for therapists, Dementia Therapy and Program Development, and one for caregivers, Dementia: Loving Care with a Therapeutic Benefit. Working together, they have established a highly successful approach to managing dementia induced behavior that incorporates four evidence-based strategies unique to individuals with dementia to improve their lives and restore balance to their living environment.
They are members of the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association and are co-owners of Consultants in Dementia Therapy PLLC, a company founded as a resource for therapists, nurses and caregivers and as a consulting company for facilities developing or enhancing dementia programs.
Ms. Shadowens received her B.S. from Texas Christian University and her M.S. from Texas Woman’s University. Her professional career includes working in the school setting, skilled nursing facilities, long term acute care hospital, acute care hospital and rehab hospital. Currently, she is the Rehab Director for Select Rehabilitation Hospital, Denton, Texas where she has developed a successful model for inpatient and outpatient dementia therapy.