What is Memory Masterclass?
Memory Masterclass is a course for people 55+ who are interested in maximizing their brain health! In this 6-week course you will learn strategies you can apply to daily life that can strengthen your brain’s reserve as you age.
Schedule:
Memory Masterclass is offered multiple times throughout the year at various times to accommodate busy schedules. Our 6-week courses meet 2-3 times a week for 1-1.5 hours.
Fall 2025 Registration
Check back here for more information about our Fall sessions! Stay tuned!
Diagnosed with MCI?
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is not a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s. A diagnosis of MCI does not mean that you will necessarily develop dementia or Alzheimer’s, but rather that you are experiencing some changes in your brain function that require attention. Research has shown that even with a diagnosis of MCI, some practical changes in your daily life can improve brain function. Come learn with us and discover how you can take charge of your memory.
In Memory Masterclass you can:
- Learn and implement lifestyles strategies that directly impact brain health
- Understand current research on memory impairments
- Build brain connections by learning and remembering new information
- Define the difference between normal changes to memory and areas of concern
- Discover how exercise and nutrition can affect brain health
- Discuss the impact of sleep and stress on brain function
- Get connected with others who have similar concerns about memory
Meet the Co-Instructors for Summer 2025
Brenda Stanfill-Carrillo
Brenda comes to us from her home state of Texas as a graduate student in Human Development and Family Sciences. While pursuing her Master’s and then her Ph.D., Brenda supports ECCA through our mahjong club on Tuesdays and working with our undergraduate students. Her research interest focus on the benefits and meanings in our connections with on another, particularly through our friendships, and the factors that disrupt or prevent us from making these meaningful and rewarding bonds.
During her free time, you’ll find Brenda on the Huckleberry trail exercising her overly fit terrier, Luna, playing video games like Minecraft, or traveling to see her family in Texas, Florida, Mexico, or DC.
Violet Zaleski
Violet has worked with ECCA as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Adult Day Services since September 2021. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise in December 2023. Her love of science grew further that same year when she joined the IMAGINE Lab as a research assistant, studying the impact of music therapy on individuals living with dementia. The lab has since evolved into an intergenerational community choir, The Beat Goes On, where she serves as a co-lead investigator. Over the past year, she also served as a Teaching Assistant for the Memory Masterclass.
Violet is currently applying to medical school and hopes to begin in Fall 2026. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, journaling, reading, crocheting, and knitting. As a lifelong animal lover, she hopes to adopt a cat soon!