Seeing GEMS, Not Just Loss, 18 July | Event in San Diego | AllEvents

Seeing GEMS, Not Just Loss

April Kohnen

Highlights

Fri, 18 Jul, 2025 at 11:30 am

1 hour

Griswold Home Care for North San Diego

Free Tickets Available

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Date & Location

Fri, 18 Jul, 2025 at 11:30 am to 12:30 pm (GMT-07:00)

Griswold Home Care for North San Diego

12625 High Bluff Drive, San Diego, United States

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About the event

Seeing GEMS, Not Just Loss
Discover the GEMS® model to better understand dementia, recognize retained abilities, and improve how you support those living with brain ch

About this Event

Event Description:

How would you feel if someone referred to you as a number—or a stage—instead of recognizing the unique person you are?

When someone is living with dementia or cognitive change, too often their identity is reduced to a medical label. But what if we used a different lens—one that sees their value, not just their decline?

In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore the GEMS® States of Brain Change, a model created by dementia care expert Teepa Snow. Instead of numbers or stages, the GEMS® model compares changing abilities to precious gemstones—each with its own strengths, needs, and beauty.

Led by April Kohnen, a PAC Certified Independent Trainer & Coach, this session helps friends, family, and professionals like fiduciaries and care managers shift how they see and support individuals living with brain change.

In this workshop, you’ll:

  • Discover why labeling someone as a “stage” often falls short—and how the GEMS® model offers a more respectful and helpful approach
  • Learn to recognize six different GEMS® states based on behavior, communication, and how a person processes the world
  • Walk away with real-life strategies to better connect, reduce stress, and support quality of life
  • Reflect on what it means to truly honor someone’s experience—even as their abilities shift

Whether you're new to dementia care or looking to deepen your understanding, this workshop will leave you with a renewed sense of empathy and practical tools you can use right away. Let’s move beyond stages—and start seeing the person, not just the diagnosis.


This is a free event. Optional donations are welcome and will benefit The Jean Griswold Foundation and Snow Approach Foundation, Inc.—both 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting caregiver education.



Also check out other Workshops in San Diego, Nonprofit events in San Diego.

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Ticket Info

Tickets for Seeing GEMS, Not Just Loss can be booked here.

Ticket type Ticket price
General Admission Free
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Nearby Hotels

Griswold Home Care for North San Diego, 12625 High Bluff Drive, San Diego, United States

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Host Details

April Kohnen

April Kohnen

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Seeing GEMS, Not Just Loss, 18 July | Event in San Diego | AllEvents
Seeing GEMS, Not Just Loss
Fri, 18 Jul, 2025 at 11:30 am
Free