Faculty/Staff
Joanna (Jo) Culligan | Director
Email: joculligan@vt.edu | Faculty Page
Jo is a parent, partner, music therapist, instructor and researcher at Virginia Tech. As a collaborative and creative creature, she strives build connections between people. She specializes in working with persons who are experiencing dementia and their care-partners using evidence-based musical approaches through neurologic research discovery to improve their communication and engagement. As an instructor, Jo is passionate about breaking down stigmas associated with aging and hopes to create the next generation of gerontology enthusiasts.
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Mauro Anastacio | Therapeutic Program Manager
Mauro is ECCA’s therapeutic program manager and an instructor in the department of Human Development and Family Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Gerontology from the University of Campinas in São Paulo, Brazil. His background is in home-based music therapy with couples experience cognitive change, and he loves to play the piano for our participants!
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Jenna Booth | Program Assistant
Jenna’s favorite part of her job is seeing participants smile and laugh. Her focus is on person centered care and is passionate about creating purposeful programming that fosters meaningful interactions and connections. Her favorite area inside ECCA is the patio and garden space, she loves all things flowers and plants!
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Debbie Kleiner | Health Care Coordinator
Debbie started working at Virginia Tech Adult Day Services in 2004 and has stayed because it is a wonderful place to work. She enjoys the friendly community atmosphere ECCA has and the opportunity to work with students. In Debbie’s free time, she enjoys walking, hiking, kayaking, community theatre, outdoor music concerts and spending time with family and friends.
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Heather Ratcliffe
Heather is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with a deep passion for helping others. She loves what she does and it brings her true happiness knowing she is making a positive impact on peoples lives. With experience in compassionate, hands-on care, Heather strives to support participants and their families with empathy, respect and dedication.
Family is at the heart of everything she does as a mother of five (four girls and one boy). Much of Heather’s free time is spent at the softball field cheering on her daughters as they play. Spending time with family is one of her greatest joys. Heather is also and animal love with her home full of furry friends, including two playful boxers, a cat and a rabbit!
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