The onboard presenter for our January 2012 cruise with Home Instead Senior Care is Dr. Amy D'Aprix.

Dr. Amy is a life transition consultant, author, corporate speaker, facilitator, coach, and an expert in aging, retirement, and caregiving. Committed to empowering others to care for themselves and their families, Dr. Amy helps transform the lives of people involved in the caregiving experience. Her passion, understanding and empathy come from her own personal experience of caring for her parents for more than a decade.

Clients and caregivers across North America embrace her warm, engaging style and Dr. Amy is a frequent guest on radio and television programs. She has authored two books on caregiving and friendship, has written numerous articles for various media publications and is highly sought-after as a trainer and speaker throughout North America.

Dr. Amy has an extensive background working with seniors and their caregiving families, as well as educating other professionals about the needs of caregiving and aging.

The event manager for all of our cruises is Patrick Toal. Patrick has worked with people living with dementia for well over 20 years. He has served as the Executive Director of an Alzheimer's Adult Day Care Center, is a support group facilitator, has worked with Alzheimer's Research Study Programs at Duke University Medical Center, has chaired Walks To End Alzheimer's and served on the board of directors of The Center for Volunteer Caregiving. Patrick is a contributor to the book, "You Are One of Us" by long term care specialist Lisa Gwyther. He is also the co-author of "Pressure Points: Alzheimer's and Anger" co-written by Lisa Gwyther and Edna Ballard. Both are published by Duke University Press and are available for sale through The Duke Family Support Program.