Michelle Gunnin is a wife, mom of four grown children, retired teacher, writer, sister, daughter, and caregiver. These different roles give her a unique perspective on life. In addition to her teaching certificate, she earned a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in collaborative teaching and learning. She has been in a long-term caregiving role for her husband who has a traumatic brain injury for over 36 years. She has also cared for other family members including her mother-in-law who had brain cancer and her mother who has dementia. She currently lives in Cleveland, Georgia, with her husband and two dogs.

Melinda Jenkins is a wife, mom of two grown children, nurse practitioner, sister, daughter, and caregiver for her mother who has dementia. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing and a doctorate in nursing practice. Most of her 30+ years in nursing has been spent in cardiology. Working with patients near end of life has always been part of her role. However, Jenkins has learned firsthand that transferring knowledge from one’s professional life to one’s personal life brings new and unique perspectives on caregiving. Currently, she lives in South Carolina with her husband while continuing to work full time as nurse practitioner.