West Liberty, W.Va., September 22, 2025 – West Liberty University is proud to highlight the growth of Opportunities to Shine – WLU Branch, a clinical support group for individuals living with dementia and their care partners. Supported by resources from the West Virginia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, Positive Approach to Care, and WLU, the program provides a vital space for education, empathy, and connection.
The group meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m. at First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, 1343 National Road in Wheeling. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24.
“Being the caregiver for my husband, who has Alzheimer’s, has been one of the most challenging times of my life. Until I joined the Support Group, I thought that I was on this journey alone and that I would never be able to cope,” said Perri Slosky, Support Group Member. “The meetings provide an inordinate amount of discussion, resources, suggestions for dealing with various situations, and dissemination of knowledge of the brain and brain change to help us understand what is happening to those we love. It’s an informative and safe space to share and to learn, and I look forward to attending every month.”
As part of the curriculum, Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS SLP) students regularly attend and help facilitate the group. Each September and October, students take the lead in programming. This year, they are planning dementia simulations to give care partners firsthand insight into the sensory-motor changes that accompany cognitive decline.
“Participating in the dementia support group as a graduate SLP student deepened my understanding of both the emotional and practical challenges faced by residents and their caregivers,” said Kara Kapiskosky, WLU MS SLP Student. “This experience not only solidified my clinical knowledge but also prepared me for my medical placement by helping me approach treatment sessions with greater empathy, patience, and purpose.”
The initiative’s impact extends well beyond the support group. When MS SLP students enter practicum placements, supervisors consistently remark on their exceptional knowledge and compassion in caring for patients with dementia. The group also welcomes healthcare professionals who wish to strengthen their dementia communication strategies.
WLU’s University Speech & Hearing Clinic and Behavioral Health Clinic further expand this anchor role by offering cognitive preservation groups, social interaction groups, care partner consultations, and mental health consultations in collaboration with WLU’s Psychology faculty. Together, these services provide immediate support for families while preparing a future healthcare workforce equipped with empathy and expertise.
For more information about Opportunities to Shine – WLU Branch, contact Dr. Sara Alig at (304) 336-8522 or sara.alig@westliberty.edu.
For more information about the University’s Speech & Hearing or Behavioral Health Clinic, please visit http://westliberty.edu/clinics.
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.
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Media Contact
Theresa Gretchen
West Liberty University
tgretchen1@westliberty.edu
