Lakeside Memory Neighborhood

Ann Elly Joan

Founded by families that know about dementia first hand.

ABOUT US

Welcome to Lakeside Memory Neighborhood!

Lakeside Memory Neighborhood is led by co-founders Elly Contreras, Joan Fletcher and Ann Godshall —three women united by both professional expertise and personal experience with dementia.

Together, they combine clinical knowledge, operational expertise, grassroots community leadership, and lived experience—creating a strong, compassionate, and highly capable foundation for LMN’s success. They are dedicated to enhancing the lives of and families navigating the challenges of dementia in the Lake Chapala region.

Elly — Community Leadership & Dementia Advocacy
“Championing dementia awareness, education, and compassionate community support across the Lake Chapala region.”

Elly contributes decades of entrepreneurial leadership and has become a driving force in building dementia awareness, education, and community-based support initiatives throughout Lake Chapala region.
Originally from the Netherlands, later made Canada home, bringing an international perspective to community leadership.
Co-founded and operated a successful printing, marketing, and promotion business for over 30 years with her husband Ramiro.
Built the business through innovation, continuous learning, and strong community engagement, including active involvement in Rotary and international service initiatives.
Personal journey changed when her husband was diagnosed with dementia, giving her firsthand insight into the challenges families face navigating care systems.
Founded Lakeside DayBreak, a dementia support initiative providing education, connection, and practical resources for families in the Lake Chapala region.
Passionately works to make Lakeside a more dementia-inclusive community, helping families access support while preserving dignity and quality of life.
Inspired by innovative memory care models in the Netherlands, she helped shape the vision for Lakeside Memory Neighborhood (LMN).
Advocates for small-scale, home-like care environments using a Montessori-inspired approach that promotes independence, dignity, purpose, and meaningful daily engagement.

Elly was trained by the Dementia Montessori Center (DMC) in Canada.

https://montessoridementia.ca/

Ann — Healthcare Leadership & Dementia Care Insight

"Bringing nearly three decades of healthcare leadership in clinical operations and administration, along with the personal understanding gained through supporting a spouse living with long-term dementia.”

Registered Nurse with a Master’s degree in Healthcare Services Administration and more than 30 years of healthcare experience.
Co-founder and visionary leader of Lakeside Memory Neighborhood (LMN), integrating clinical expertise with lived experience.
Began her career as an Emergency Department nurse, providing frontline patient care for 12 years.
Has held progressive leadership roles over the past 18 years, including Nurse Manager, Nurse Educator, Director of Operations, Chief Clinical Officer, and Healthcare Administrator.
Extensive experience overseeing clinical quality, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and patient-centered care models.
Mother of two, whose personal life was profoundly impacted when her husband was diagnosed with early-onset Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD).
Gained firsthand understanding of the emotional and practical challenges families face navigating dementia care systems.
This personal journey deepened her commitment to improving dementia care environments that protect dignity, purpose, and quality of life.
Advocates for small-scale, home-like communities focused on abilities rather than limitations, supporting meaningful engagement and independence for people living with dementia.

Joan — Community Engagement & Volunteer Leadership
“Building strong community connections, inspiring volunteers, and mobilizing support through creative vision, collaborative leadership, and a proven ability to recruit teams and secure funding.”

Joan is a dynamic community builder with exceptional rapport, creative vision, and strong leadership.
Skilled at inspiring volunteers, fostering meaningful connections, and mobilizing support. Proven ability to recruit dedicated teams and secure funding.
Grew up in Pennsylvania, developing a strong appreciation for family, community, and creative expression.
Earned a degree in Art Education and began her career teaching art to children in Arlington County, Virginia, inspiring creativity and confidence in her students.
Later founded a successful business specializing in custom wall graphics and large-scale artistic designs.
Her creative work enhanced architectural firms, schools, hospitals, and private homes, transforming spaces into inspiring environments.
Lifelong commitment to community service, including serving as President of a hospital auxiliary and President of the Parent Teacher Association at her children’s school.
Continued community involvement as a volunteer coordinator, strengthening relationships between families, educators, and community organizations.
Volunteered with Ronald McDonald House and served as an art history tour guide at the Cleveland Museum of Art, sharing her love of culture and learning.
Personal experiences caring for her husband and other family members living with dementia deepened her compassion and commitment to supporting others.
Brings creative vision, strong community connections, and volunteer leadership to help build a supportive and compassionate community through Lakeside Memory Neighborhood (LMN).