Joanne and Lisa first met in 2016 while working at Idaho State University. From day one, they felt an instant connection through their shared passion for dementia care — and for the profession that brought them together: occupational therapy.
Over the years, both have gained extensive clinical experience across many settings, learning firsthand how to manage challenging behaviors and, more importantly, how to promote joy and quality of life for people living with dementia.
This mission is deeply personal. Both Joanne and Lisa have lost loved ones to dementia, giving them not only professional insight but also a heartfelt understanding of the journey families face.
That combination of expertise and empathy is what fuels Dementia Mastery: Empowered by OT — our commitment to helping others provide the kind of care every person with dementia deserves.
Joanne Trammel
MS, OTR/L
With over 25 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist, Joanne has dedicated her career to improving quality of life across a variety of care settings, including inpatient acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, home health, acute geriatric psychiatry, and outpatient rehab.
A graduate of UNC–Chapel Hill, she has practiced in five states and has called Idaho home for more than two decades, beginning her journey there as a traveling OT. Joanne developed the Occupational Therapy–led Activities Therapy Program at Sawtooth Behavioral Hospital in Twin Falls. This is where she discovered her interest in dementia care. Joanne was then offered the opportunity to develop the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Idaho State University, where she continues to serve as Founding Program Coordinator and Clinical Senior Instructor.
Her professional passion lies in graduating new OTAs from Idaho State University (ISU) and educating health care professionals and family caregivers in dementia care, through ISU Continuing Education and the Alzheimer’s Association Community Education programs.
Lisa Hong
OTD, OTR/L
Lisa is an experienced Occupational Therapist with more than 14 years of practice across diverse settings, including home health, skilled nursing, outpatient care, school-based services, and private practice.Â
Lisa earned her post-doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy from Eastern Kentucky University and has served as the Clinic Manager for Idaho State University’s Master of Occupational Therapy Program. Lisa is co-owner of Achieve Therapy and Learning, a private practice dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate care for individuals of all ages. Her professional focus centers on dementia care and supporting clients and families across the lifespan. Lisa also teaches in the Idaho State University Occupational Therapy Assistant Program.
Lisa teaches dementia-focused courses for ISU Continuing Education and has served as a Board Member for the Eastern Idaho Alzheimer’s Association, where she continues to advocate for education, awareness, and improved care for those living with dementia.Â
Sign up for monthly check ins!
Â
We won't send spam. Unsubscribe at any time.
