Bill Menard is the Managing Partner for K2 Medical Research, in East Providence, RI. He has over 25 years of research experience and has spent the last 10 years working towards finding a way to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease in those already diagnosed with AD and trying to find a way to prevent the disease in those who have biomarkers risk factors that elevate their chance of developing AD. He has met with 100's of patients and caregivers working through the challenges the disease presents and believes that the first person cured of Alzheimer's disease will be a participant in a clinical trial. His team participated in the research studies that led to the first two current FDA approved treatments available for Alzheimer's disease. When he's not working, Bill enjoys cooking, watching sports, and spending time with his family.

With over 30 years of clinical and educational experience, Laurie Mantz is an Occupational Therapist, an international lecturer, a published author, a clinical educator, a certified dementia care trainer, and an adjunct professor. Laurie has created professional development trainings for the University of RI Geriatric Education Center and RI College, is on the advisory board of the Johnson & Wales University Doctorate of OT program, and is a past Leadership Council for National Consumer Voice member. She is a member of the RI State Advisory Committee for Alzheimer’s Disease and related disorders and chair of the workforce development subcommittee. She founded the non-profit RI Memory Cafés organization emphasizing the importance of social and intellectual stimulation, education, support, and fun for those living with dementia and their care partners. Laurie's leadership and influence in the field are evident in her advocacy for state and national plans to provide care for both those living with dementia and their care partners in NH, MA, RI, and Washington, DC. As an Executive Director of a 65-bed all-memory care ALF, she was the first to introduce the Montessori Approach to dementia care.