Executive Staff
Cordula Dick-Muehlke, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Cordula is a licensed clinical psychologist who has served as the agency's executive director for nearly 12 years. A member of the Department of Community Medicine at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, Cordula has dedicated her career to bettering the lives of people with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia and their families. Considered an expert in dementia care, Cordula also holds an appointment with the Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia at University of California, Irvine. She has worked in the field of Alzheimer's disease since 1984, and has served as Chair of the State of California Health and Human Services Agency's Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Advisory Committee, and the President of the California Association of Adult Day Services. Cordula holds a bachelor's degree in English from Portland State University, a master's degree in counseling psychology from the University of Portland, and a master's degree in theology and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California.
Karen M. Freeman, MPA
Associate Director
Karen, who has served as the agency's associate director for 6 years has worked in the nonprofit sector for 20 years. Karen began her career in the political arena, serving as an aide to both a U.S. senator and a U.S. congresswoman. It was through those experiences that Karen decided to dedicate her life to helping those in need. Rather than focusing on direct service, Karen has concentrated on the management of nonprofits, and throughout her career has specialized in finance, human resource management, program development and management, and fundraising. She has worked in the areas of health care, conflict resolution, and domestic violence. Karen has a bachelor's degree in sociology from Saginaw Valley State University, and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Toledo.
Heather Dale, MSW
Director of Programs
Heather joined the Adult Day Services team as director of programs in August 2005. She discovered her passion for working with individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease and their families while providing in-kind social work services at the center. Her initial experience with the elderly was as an analyst in the Department of Community Medicine at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian. Dedicated to the non-profit sector for eight years, Heather incorporates a unique mix of the clinical and administrative aspects of social welfare in her work. Heather completed her Bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in business administration and a master's in social welfare, with concentrations in health and gerontology at the University of California, Los Angeles.
David Hart, MS
Director of Education
Dave, who launched the agency's education department in January 2007, is an adjunct faculty member with the Department of Counseling at California State University, Fullerton. David is completing his clinical internship as a marriage and family therapist and has worked with individuals, families, and groups of all ages and cultures. As a former caregiver, he has a passion for working with families challenged by Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. He holds a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in counseling from California State University, Fullerton. He is currently a doctoral student at the University of New England.