Baker Senior Center Naples Names Chief Cognitive Health Officer

Baker Senior Center Naples, a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive programs and social services to support local seniors and their families, announced the appointment of Marisa Luizzi as its Chief Cognitive Health Officer.

In this role, she will oversee the entire Cognitive Health Program for the senior center, including Dementia Respite, Caregiver Training and Support, and Music Therapy. A native Floridian, Luizzi is making a return to Baker Senior Center Naples, having previously served as its Manager of Dementia Respite Activities and Music Therapist.

“We are delighted to welcome Marisa to our leadership team,” said Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, President/CEO of the Naples Senior Center. “Her experience in assessing and treating older adults with cognitive issues such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia make her a natural for this important position, plus she has solid relationships across the local community.”

Luizzi brings nearly 10 years of experience with a background of implementing individualized and group music programming and activities to support older adults. Most recently, she was Director of Memory Care for Discovery Villages at the Forum in Fort Myers where she directed a staff of certified nursing assistants and nurses in day-to-day operations of resident care and implemented programs with therapeutic goals in mind.

Baker Senior Center Naples is the only human services agency of its kind, providing “one-stop shop” services addressing the emotional and social needs of seniors in Collier and southern Lee counties. Since opening its doors in 2014, the organization has seen a surge in the depth and scope of need for comprehensive senior services in this region.

All programs and services are provided by licensed and credentialed professionals. These include Structured Dementia Respite Support; Geriatric Case Management and Senior Outreach Programs; and Emotional Support Services as well as a “choice” Food Pantry.

An average of 40 different social, educational and wellness programs also are offered each week thanks to a dedicated corps of more than 200 trained and vetted volunteers. Among these social programs are classes in art, music and film; brain fitness and educational seminars; courses in technology and computer science; physical well-being; and interest groups. The center serves everyone regardless of backgrounds and beliefs.

Baker Senior Center Naples is one of just 111 senior centers all across the United States, including just eight located within the state of Florida, to achieve accreditation from the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC). Accreditation means that the senior center meets the standards as developed by NISC in developing quality programs and services to meet the needs of seniors in the community.

For additional information on Baker Senior Center Naples and its comprehensive programs and social services for local seniors, visit www.NaplesSeniorCenter.org.