I’m Melissa Tschinkel, and I am most passionate about music and senior care. After receiving my Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, I unexpectedly became a long-time caregiver to my Grandma Betty with Alzheimer’s. This journey shifted my path from music education to music and Dementia Care.
Today I am a NIDE Certified Dementia Professional with ten years of experience working with individuals with cognitive impairment. I’ve held positions in Recreation including as a Memory Care Coordinator, and I am a trained and experienced Support Group Facilitator for caregivers. I am trained in a number of modalities for working with individuals with Dementia. I am experienced working in assisted livings and currently work in skilled nursing facilities around Long Island. I launched my Inspire and Soothe programs in August 2023, which are interactive music and sensory classes for people with Dementia. I am a classically trained pianist, vocalist, and ukulele player and have been teaching piano for nearly 20 years.