Michele Tarsitano

Michele Tarsitano-Amato is an Art Therapist Registered – Board Certified by the American Art Therapy Association and Art Therapy Credentials Board. Michele completed her undergraduate degree from Ohio University in 1988 and completed her Masters in Art from Ursuline College in 1991. In 2007 Michele became a Certified Dementia Practitioner. Michele has been working in the field of aging since 1984, as a volunteer, and then as employee of Judson Retirement Community in 1989. Since 1993 Michele has been working for Kendal at Oberlin, A Northern Ohio Continuing Care Retirement Community Serving Oder Adults in the Quaker Tradition. Michele is proud to be among the founding staff members. In the past years she has lead the Kendal CommUnity to be the first in Ohio to receive the designation by CARF/CCAC for Person Centered Care, and lead the team in receiving the designation of a CARF/CCAC certified Dementia Specialty Program without walls. Michele has been part of a team of residents and staff
who are together transforming the experience of aging. In addition to her role as Director of Creative Arts Therapy and Dementia Specialist, Michele coordinates the partnership of student experiences from Oberlin College, local high schools, and residents living in Lorain County. During COVID 19 Michele has overseen the visitation standards for Kendal at Oberlin’s Stephens Care Center. Michele has served on committees for
LeadingAge Ohio and American Society of Aging. She has participated as a Board member for Dementia Friendly Life (Memory Café) and Buckeye Art Therapy Association. Michele has presented on many topics, her specialty focus is on Art Therapy and Dementia.