Amina Weiland

I've been working in healthcare for 18 years, starting in 2007 when I took my first full-time job in America after being a stay-at-home mom and going back to school for healthcare training. I began as a unit secretary in a behavioral health unit at a nursing facility, learning about long-term care, short-term care, behavioral health for older adults, and adult day centers during the transition from paper to electronic medical records. I worked for 9 years with Pam Edward, a dementia specialist who taught me about brain health and showed me different ways of working with people with dementia and their families. This led me to advocate for Asian populations in Connecticut to have Alzheimer's support groups, though I learned that Asian culture doesn't readily talk about dementia, so I shifted to individual outreach instead. For the past 9 and a half years, I've worked as a resource coordinator in a healthcare system with a storefront where people can walk in for free consultation. I receive referrals from doctors and neighbors, helping anyone from age 18 to over 100, though mostly older adults and their adult children who are caregivers. My main area of expertise is health and well-being, focusing on connecting people with healthcare resources using a holistic approach and preventive care education. I'm also a pro bono health and well-being coach supporting Asian communities, particularly around mental health, helping people understand the stigma and make small baby steps toward their goals.