Michele K. Steigleder, Ph.D., CDP

Serving: Flower Mound, Lewisville and Highland Village, Texas

Dr. Michele Steigleder is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She has been in the mental health field since 1987. After having several family members and friends diagnosed with dementia, Dr. Steigleder “retooled” and applied her years of experience to develop expertise in the psychological treatment of dementia for patients and their families. She is an invited speaker on understanding and caring for dementia patients for Home Health and Hospice organizations and also supervises therapists in training for the Psychology Department at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Psychology Department. Dr. Steigleder has an additional certification in Tele-mental Health which allows her to ethically and confidentially provide psychological treatment using the Internet. Dr. Steigleder is certified by the National Council of Dementia Care Providers (NCCDP) as a Dementia Care Provider specialist.

Venieca Kusek, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Venieca Kusek is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker certified by the National Council of Dementia Care Providers (NCCDP) as a dementia care provider specialist. She is committed to supporting individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Drawing from personal experience with family members, as well as extensive work in hospice and nursing homes, she is devoted to providing compassionate care to enhance the quality of life for both patients and their loved ones. By integrating her clinical experience with empathy and understanding, she aims to empower families to navigate the journey of dementia with resilience and hope.

Venieca graduated from University of Texas at Arlington with a Masters Degree in Social Work with a focus on aging. She volunteers for the Alzheimers’ Association as an advocate working with government officials to help increase funding for research. Venieca has participated in several research studies on improving the lives of older adults through interventions such as the Caring Caller Program where seniors call other seniors for companionship, and Feathered Friends, a program introducing birds and nature to older adults in senior living.

Publication – Peer Review Article:
Lee, K., Fields, N., Cassidy, J., Kusek, V., Feinhals, G., & Calhoun, M. (2021). Caring callers: the impact of the telephone reassurance program on homebound older adults during COVID-19. Home Health Care Services Quarterly, 40(4), 247-261.

Publication – Peer Review Article:
Lee, K., Cassidy, J., Tang, W., & Kusek, V. (2020). Older Adults’ Responses to a Meaningful Activity Using Indoor-Based Nature Experiences: Bird Tales. Clinical Gerontologist, 1-11.