We’re kicking off our Global Caregiver Advocate Series by heading north to spotlight the amazing work being done in Canada. We sat down with three incredible advocates—Christa Haanstra, Sharon Anderson, and Amy Coupal—who are making waves across the country when it comes to caregiver policy, support, and visibility. Join us as we explore how Canada is leading efforts to recognize caregiving as both a personal journey and a workforce strength.
Christa Haanstra, Founder, 4C Strategy
With 25+ years of strategic leadership experience, Christa uses the power of storytelling to advocate for family caregivers. She champions their integration as essential partners in healthcare and policy. LinkedIn
Dr. Sharon Anderson, University of Alberta
A researcher and educator with a PhD in Family Gerontology, Dr. Anderson co-leads caregiver-centered education and research to better embed caregiver support in healthcare systems. LinkedIn
Amy Coupal, CEO, Ontario Caregiver Organization
A visionary nonprofit leader supporting Ontario’s 4 million caregivers. Amy’s personal caregiving experiences fuel her mission to amplify caregiver voices and improve systemic support. LinkedIn
Episode 14: Global Caregiver Advocates Bonus Series: Spotlight On Canadian Caregiver Advocates
Caregiving doesn’t just happen at home—it happens at work, too. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Donna Benton, the Director of the Family Caregiver Support Center at the University of Southern California, to discuss the often-overlooked challenges faced by working caregivers. With over 28 years of experience, Dr. Benton shares invaluable insights on how workplaces can better support employees who are juggling their careers and caregiving responsibilities. Zack challenges their listeners as to who will be the first HR leader to reach out to Dr. Benton and inquire about an educational program for their organization.
Donna Benton. Ph.D. is a research associate professor of gerontology and director of the Family Caregiver Support Center at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. She is a member of the CA Coalition on Family Caregiving, Work Family coalition and the Elder Justice Coalition and continues to work on the CA Master Plan of Aging. She has worked in the field of aging for over 30 years. Her volunteer experience with the Gray Panthers in high school inspired her career as an advocate for improving how we all view the natural process of aging. She is committed to promoting collaborative partnerships that enhance service delivery for families caring for older adults with long-term memory and health problems.
Episode 13: Balancing Work and Caregiving: A Conversation with Dr. Donna Benton
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Madhavi Vemireddy, a powerhouse advocate for working caregivers and the Chief Executive Officer at Cleo. Dr. Vemireddy shares her personal caregiving journey—from navigating her son’s congenital heart disease and autism diagnosis to supporting aging parents—all while balancing a demanding career. We dive into the hidden struggles of working caregivers, the critical gaps in employer support, and how technology is stepping in to bridge the divide.
Are you a working caregiver feeling overwhelmed? Do you lead a team and want to create a more caregiver-friendly workplace? Tune in to hear Dr. Vemireddy’s expert insights on population health, caregiving burnout, and how employers can better support their invisible workforce.
Madhavi Vemireddy, MD is the CEO of Cleo, having previously served as Chief Clinical Officer. A board-certified internal medicine physician, she has over 20 years of experience in clinical analytics, population health, and digital health solutions.
As a working caregiver herself, Dr. Vemireddy co-founded CareTribe, a company dedicated to supporting family caregivers, which was acquired by Cleo in 2022. She has held leadership roles at ActiveHealth Management and Aetna Care Management (CVS Health), designing evidence-based programs that serve over 22 million Americans.
Episode 12: Navigating Caregiving, Work, and Mental Health—Expert Insights with Dr. Madhavi Vemireddy
In this episode, we sit down with Dahlia Sizer, an HR leader and passionate advocate for caregivers, to unpack how companies can create a more supportive and flexible work environment for employees juggling caregiving responsibilities.
Dahlia shares her personal caregiving journey, the impact it had on her career, and the lessons she’s carried into her HR leadership role. We talk about flexible work policies, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and how leadership can step up to better support caregivers. Plus, Dahlia offers practical advice for both employees and managers on navigating workplace benefits, advocating for change, and ensuring that caregiving doesn’t come at the cost of professional success.
Dahlia Sizer is the former Director of DEI for Saint-Gobain, NA. An accomplished Human Resources Practitioner with expertise in Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Dahlia is adept at navigating complex organizational structures to deliver strategic vision and tailored solutions. Known as a catalyst for change, Dahlia consistently drives impactful results. Integrating deep expertise in global diversity, equity, inclusion, employee engagement, organizational behavior, project management, and recruitment, Dahlia effects substantial and positive transformation. With over a decade of experience in human resources, Dahlia's approach blends strategic vision with a deep understanding of HR policies and team leadership to foster an inclusive culture that not only retains talent but also propels the company forward.
Episode 11: From Caregiver to Advocate: Dahlia Sizer’s Workplace Solutions
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Gina Anderson, a learning scientist and advocate for working caregivers. Join us as we explore her personal caregiving journey, her groundbreaking compassionate care policy, and the profound ripple effects such policies can have on workplaces and beyond. Dr. Anderson shares her experience of caregiving for her mother while balancing the demands of running a business, offering practical advice and inspiration for employers and caregivers alike. We also dive into how businesses can create a culture of support and trust, the importance of human connection in the workplace, and Dr. Anderson’s work in behavioral learning and safety with her company, Luma Brighter Learning.
Dr. Gina Anderson is on a mission to help motor carriers grow their safety culture through meaningful learning that inspires and engages employees. For more than 25 years, she has focused her attention on studying how adults best learn, consistently growing her methodology by engaging in the trucking industry and learning professionals. Gina is the CEO of Luma Brighter Learning, an award-winning company that provides an enterprise learning management system (LMS) tailored to the transportation and logistics industry. With a focus on maximizing safety, ensuring compliance, and boosting employee retention, Luma supports the entire organization with individualized coaching programs, customizable content, digital forms, compliance reporting tools, and unlimited secure file storage. She routinely publishes new, measurable, science-based techniques specifically focused on adult learning to help companies improve their safety scores and uphold compliance. She is also an author with a new book that just came out: Thrive: How Learning Can Ignite a New Way Forward by Dr. Gina Anderson.
Episode 10: How Compassionate Policies Transform Workplaces and Lives with Dr. Gina Anderson
In this podcast episode we welcome Jason Resendez, a leading advocate in the caregiving and Alzheimer's space. Together, we discuss the critical challenges facing working caregivers and how systemic changes can create supportive environments both in the workplace and in society. Jason shares his personal caregiving journey, the groundbreaking advocacy work of the National Alliance for Caregiving, and practical tips for employees and employers navigating caregiving responsibilities. From public policy changes to personal empowerment, this conversation sheds light on the invisible struggles and triumphs of working caregivers. Plus, Jason provides a sneak peek into the 2025 "Caregiving in the U.S." study, offering a glimpse into the future of caregiving data and trends.
Jason Resendez is a nationally recognized caregiving advocate. He currently serves as the President and CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving, where he leads research, policy, and programmatic initiatives to build health, wealth, and equity for America’s 53 million family caregivers. In 2023, Jason was named one of the most consequential leaders in health and medicine by STAT News. Prior to joining NAC, Jason was the founding executive director of the Us Against Alzheimer’s Center for Brain Health Equity where he pioneered the concept of Brain Health Equity through peer-reviewed research, public health partnerships, and public policy. In 2020, Jason was named one of America’s top influencers in aging by PBS’s Next Avenue alongside Michael J. Fox and Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. He has been quoted by The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, STAT News, and Univision on issues related to caregiving and health equity. Jason is from South Texas and graduated from Georgetown University.
We also challenge our listeners to reach out to Jason and his organization to inquire about how you as an employer can support caregiver advocacy. You can reach out here: https://www.caregiving.org/
Episode 9: Jason Resendez on Caregiver Advocacy and Workplace Culture
In this episode, we welcome Amy Goyer, a nationally renowned caregiving advocate, author, and consultant. Amy shares her journey from music therapy to becoming a voice for caregivers everywhere. We’ll explore the invisible challenges working caregivers face and how employers can create meaningful change.
Tune in to hear Amy’s insights on advocacy, the power of storytelling, and how employers can foster flexibility and support for working caregivers. This is a conversation filled with wisdom, humor, and actionable advice that you won’t want to miss!
Amy Goyer, author of Juggling Life, Work and Caregiving, is a consultant, writer, and speaker and serves as AARP’s national family and caregiving expert. Amy’s work is the perfect fusion of her personal and professional experiences. A passionate champion for family caregivers, she has been one her entire adult life, caring for her grandparents, parents, sister, and other friends and neighbors. Amy also has nearly 40 years of experience working in the field of aging, starting her career as a music therapist working at the local level in adult day care centers and nursing homes, later working at the state level at the OhioDepartment of Aging, and at the national level for about 30 years. She heldvarious positions at AARP before becoming a consultant. She has shared her personal caregiving journey as well as practical, actionable tips for caregivers in her columns and videos. She is a sought-after speaker and moderates AARP’s Facebook Family Caregivers Discussion Group. She is a widely quoted media authority, appearing on the news programs of all the major networks, as well as The Doctors, Dr. Phil, and as a recurring guest on NBC’s TODAY. Connect with Amy on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and amygoyer.com. Find more great caregiving tips, tools, and resources at www.aarp.org/caregiving.
Episode 8: How to Create a Caregiver-Friendly Workplace with Amy Goyer
In this episode of Working Caregivers, we have an insightful conversation into the challenges faced by working caregivers and explore how employers can build trust and support systems for this often invisible yet essential workforce. Selma and Zach are joined by Lee Hafner, an accomplished writer and editor at Employee Benefit News, who shares her insights into the growing caregiving crisis and practical ways organizations can address it.
We discuss the importance of empathy in leadership, the role of storytelling in fostering a supportive workplace culture, and simple, cost-effective strategies employers can adopt to create a more inclusive environment. Whether you're a caregiver, an HR professional, or a leader seeking to make a difference, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories
Episode 7: Empathy at Work: Supporting Caregivers and Building Trust in the Workplace with Lee Hafner
In this episode of Working Caregivers: The Invisible Employees, we welcome Julian Hayes, a writer and advocate for working caregivers, to discuss the often-overlooked challenges faced by this silent workforce. From navigating the emotional, financial, and mental strains of caregiving to offering practical strategies for employers, Julian shares insights rooted in personal experience and professional expertise. This conversation highlights why organizations must address caregiving as a critical workplace issue and how doing so benefits both employees and businesses. His Forbes article: Employee Caregiving: A Silent Pandemic CEOs Must Pay Attention To can be found here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/julianhayesii/2024/06/29/employee-caregivers-a-silent-pandemic-ceos-must-pay-attention-to/
Episode 6: The Silent Struggles of Working Caregivers: Insights and Solutions with Julian Hayes
In this episode, we welcome Jenn Chan, an inspiring caregiver advocate and entrepreneur. Jenn shares her personal journey of becoming a family caregiver for her grandmother at a young age, discussing the struggles and rewards of balancing work with caregiving responsibilities. We dive into the importance of recognizing caregivers in the workplace, the significance of having supportive employers, and Jenn’s exciting new project: the Senior Shower Project, which celebrates caregivers through special events akin to baby showers. Tune in to discover how employers can create a culture that supports working caregivers and why normalizing caregiving conversations is so crucial.
We also challenge our listeners to host the first Senior Shower at their workplace. Will it be you?!
Episode 5: Why Every Workplace Should Host A Senior Shower For Caregivers With Jenn Chan
In this episode, we’re thrilled to be joined by Aisha Adkins, a powerhouse advocate for caregivers. Aisha shares her personal journey as a caregiver for her mother, discussing how she found her way into advocacy and the importance of supporting caregivers in the workplace. We dive into the stigma surrounding caregiving, the challenges of balancing caregiving and work, and why it's essential to normalize caregiving experiences on resumes.
Throughout our conversation, Aisha offers practical advice for both caregivers and employers on how to navigate caregiving with compassion and flexibility. We also touch on the importance of resources like hospice care and why employers need to rethink how they support their caregiving employees. Aisha’s insight is invaluable for anyone interested in creating a more inclusive and supportive work environment for caregivers.
Episode 4: Breaking The Caregiver Stigma With AIsha Adkins
Episode 3: Caregiver Burnout: Lessons and Insights From Kate Washington
Our guest is the brilliant author Kate Washington who takes us through her incredible journey of caregiving and the profound insights she gained from it. Kate shares the inspiration behind her book, Already Toast, a raw and honest account of her experience as a caregiver for her husband during his battle with cancer. We highlight the challenges caregivers face, how caregiving is often undervalued in society, and how her writing serves as a voice for caregivers everywhere. We also discuss the emotional toll caregiving takes, why setting boundaries is essential, and how caregivers can seek the support they need. Kate also opens up about her next project, focusing on self-rediscovery through swimming holes and finding joy in midlife. This episode offers not just empathy for anyone on the caregiving path, but also a call for systemic change to better support caregivers.
Episode 2: Supporting Working Caregivers: Insights from CareSprint’s Sarah Johal
Episode 1: Building Caregiver-Friendly Workplaces with Donna Thomson
In this inaugural episode of Working Caregivers, The Invisible Employees, we are thrilled to welcome an incredible guest, Donna Thomson. Donna is a caregiver, educator, advocate, and co-author of The Unexpected Journey of Caring. She shares her personal caregiving journey and the powerful transformation that occurs when you become a caregiver. We dive deep into the challenges of caregiving, the impact on the workforce, and the need for employers to create caregiver-friendly workplaces.
Donna discusses the importance of flexibility and compassion in the workplace, offering practical insights on how leaders can support their employees who are also caregivers. We explore key topics from Donna’s book and learn how caregiving is not just about managing tasks—it’s about embracing personal transformation and understanding the value of care.
In this episode we welcome special guest Sarah Johal, the founder of CareSprint, a nonprofit organization focused on transforming workforce systems to better support working caregivers. Sarah shares how her organization is helping employers create a more inclusive, supportive environment for caregivers. From her personal caregiving journey to the intersection of data and workplace policies, this conversation offers powerful insights into the critical changes needed to uplift the invisible workforce—working caregivers.
As Sarah discusses the work CareSprint is doing, she emphasizes the need for better data, collaboration, and action from employers and business leaders. We get into thought-provoking ideas on how workplaces can gain a competitive edge by centering care for their employees, ultimately boosting productivity, retention, and loyalty. Don’t miss this information if you are a leader, HR professional, and anyone invested in building a more supportive, empathetic workforce.