Life Before Alzheimer’s San Diego
Isabel Huerta was originally a volunteer for the organization as a part of our ALZ Companions program, and this past fall officially became our Office Assistant. Having recently graduated from Arizona State University, she then completed a summer fellowship in Michigan before coming back home to San Diego. After these experiences, Isabel wanted to join a team that was focused on making an immediate impact on the community and helping people in their day-to-day lives.
While in school, she was part of a leadership development program that focused on instilling values of integrity, selflessness, respect, and responsibility all to better address complex societal issues. Isabel was also able to join a few research labs and learn about various aspects of healthcare access. She adds “I joined the Former Dementia Caregiver [research lab] where I got to learn more about this disease and the impact it has on caregivers.”
Voice of the Organization
Isabel’s role involves being the first friendly face you see when coming into our office, answering our main line when people call for support, and assisting other departments with projects. With previous experiences involving being a receptionist, a staff assistant, and more – these roles combined with her research exposure have taught her how to lead with compassion and think of innovative solutions while “contributing to a compassionate work environment for our clients, volunteers, and staff.”
Isabel’s Perspective
While volunteering in the ALZ Companions program, Isabel was matched with a family who she played games with during each visit and mentions they were a highlight of her week every time she spent time with them. Her great grandmother lived with Alzheimer’s disease, and although she never had the chance to meet her, Isabel’s grandmother (also the caregiver) provided another pathway of connection and “shared with [Isabel] so many stories about her; what she was like, her jokes, her contribution to the community and much more.” Through experiences as volunteer and now as a part of the organization, Isabel sees the compassion and care that the team provides for the community, and urges people to contact us for support.
Call us at 858.492.4400, where you’ll likely speak with Isabel and she can connect you with one of our dementia experts who are here to help San Diego County residents and/or those caring for someone living in San Diego County (Spanish speakers available). Also check out our free education classes, social activities, caregiver support groups, & more.
By Braulio Ambriz
RECOMMENDED: Meet Sally Lantz Cobian, our Social Activities Coordinator!
Posted on January 9th, 2025
