Compassionate Professional

Care Management

The Difference

We work quietly and thoughtfully behind the scenes, making sure every aspect of care—both clinical and personal—is handled with attention and heart, so families can feel supported and at ease.

Personalized Care Plans
We believe care should feel personal. Each care plan is thoughtfully created around the individual needs, routines, and preferences of every client.

Compassion at the Center
Empathy guides everything we do. We prioritize emotional well-being alongside physical care, honoring each senior with kindness, patience, and respect.

One Trusted Point of Contact
Instead of juggling multiple providers, families have one dedicated point of contact. We coordinate the details, so you can focus on what matters most—being present with your loved one.

At Santa Barbara Dementia Care Management, we believe that the best care is born from experience and empathy.

Our founders, Marisa Pasquini and Dr. D'Ann Lawson, combine over 40 years of expertise to bring your family peace of mind.

Mission Statement

To transform the dementia care journey from a place of overwhelm to one of empowered peace. By blending 40 years of hands-on expertise with empathic attunement and organizational mastery, we provide families and professionals with the tools to provide compassionate, high-quality care while protecting their own well-being and preserving the dignity of those they love.

Marisa Pasquini, CDP, CAEd

Certified Dementia Practitioner, Certified Alzheimer’s Educator

Marisa Pasquini is the founder of the National Home Care Academy, author and a distinguished international trainer specializing in dementia care. With over 20 years of hands-on caregiving and management experience, Marisa bridges the gap between clinical best practices and the deeply personal realities of memory care. Her approach is defined by a unique blend of practical expertise, rigorous administrative standards, and a profound empathic attunement to the clients and families she serves.

As a dedicated Care Manager, Marisa specializes in the delicate art of curating the best match between professional caregivers and clients. She understands that inviting someone into your home is a sensitive situation that requires immense trust. To ensure a smooth transition, Marisa hand-selects caregivers who are skilled, reliable, and compassionate, prioritizing continuity of care so that families always know exactly who is entering their private sanctuary.

Beyond placement, Marisa serves as a consultant and coach, bringing specific techniques and problem-solving skills to the most challenging caregiving situations. She is particularly known for her focus on communication, her "New Reality Rules," which transform conflict into peace for families navigating new behaviors in their journey. Her clients frequently report that with her guidance, the caregiving journey feels significantly more doable and less stressful.

Marisa is dedicated to helping families navigate this tender season of life with confidence, grace, and the peace of mind that comes from having a "trusted ally" in their corner.

To support families in taking the first step, she offers a free 30-minute consultation, as well as ongoing private coaching sessions tailored to your unique needs.

Founder and Care Manager, Santa Barbara Dementia Care Management

Author, Surviving Dementia Without Losing Your Mind, A Caregiver Guidebook

Founder and International Trainer, National Home Care Academy, Inc.

Consultant and Caregiver Coach

Dr. D’Ann Lawson is a dedicated leader in the Santa Barbara Community, serving as the Board Chair and Cofounder of Santa Barbara Dementia Care Management while maintaining her private chiropractic practice, life coaching and volunteer work. D’Ann's expertise is rooted in a rare combination of clinical insight and deeply personal experience. Having navigated the complexities of end-of-life, in-home care for both of her parents, she intimately understands the emotional and logistical weight that families carry. She has "been there," and that lived experience informs every decision she makes for her clients.

D’Ann has spent decades guiding and supporting patients and families through the transition into elder care. She recognizes that dementia care is distinct from general caregiving; a "nuts and bolts" approach is rarely enough. Instead, she believes that successful memory care requires a specific personality—one capable of deep emotional resonance and the ability to forge a genuine connection. This philosophy has made her an expert in pairing caregivers and clients based on temperament, skill, and heart.

Deeply committed to the Santa Barbara community, D’Ann has spent the last 15 years as a devoted volunteer with Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care. Her long-standing service in hospice care has given her a profound perspective on the importance of dignity and comfort during life’s most tender transitions. Through her work, D’Ann ensures that families don't just find a worker, but a trusted companion who can navigate the nuances of dementia with grace and professional excellence.

Board Chair and Care Manager, Santa Barbara Dementia Care Management

Doctor of Chiropractic

Life and Fitness Coach

D'Ann Lawson

Marisa Pasquini