Mary Ellen Geist
Broadcast Journalist Turned Caregiver
Mary Ellen Geist grew up in a farmhouse in the country outside of Detroit, Michigan…
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Full Bio
Mary Ellen Geist grew up in a farmhouse in the country outside of Detroit, Michigan. She graduated from Kalamazoo College with a degree in English/creative writing and studied abroad in Sierra Leone, West Africa. She also took some graduate writing courses at the University of Michigan. She has been a broadcast journalist for more than 20 years, at ABC and CBS radio stations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. Her many honors have included national and regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for best newscast and investigative reporting, and Associated Press Awards for best newscast, live coverage, investigative reporting, and Reporter of the Year.
Geist’s decision to leave her job as an anchor at WCBS Radio in New York to become a caregiver for her father was the subject of a front page article in The New York Times on Thanksgiving Day, 2005. Her book about how she dealt with her father’s Alzheimer’s disease, Measure of the Heart, was released in August of 2008. Her first interview about the book was on NBC’s Today Show, followed by “The Diane Rehm Show” on NPR. Since then, she has been interviewed for newspapers, magazines, and radio and TV stations across the country.
Geist and her book were the cover story for Caring Today magazine in July 2008. She was also interviewed about her decision to leave her job to come home to help take care of her father for an article in Reader’s Digest called “Home Front: A Reporter Takes on Her Toughest Assignment: Caring for Dad” in August of 2007. Her father Woody’s musical ability—despite having Alzheimer’s for almost sixteen years—is the subject of one of the chapters of Dr. Oliver Sack’s recent book Musicophilia.
Geist was selected as one of the top 20 Michigan Notable Authors in 2009, which took her on a book tour of libraries throughout the state of Michigan. The website Beliefnet.com chose Measure of the Heart as one of the Best Books for Caregivers. The book was also selected to be read by Dick Estell for the nationwide Public Radio Program called “Radio Reader.” Measure of the Heart was also selected for AARP’s “Best Book List.”
Since the release of the book, Geist has been lecturing about the gifts of coming home to help take care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, and about the special connection music can create between caregivers and people living with Alzheimer’s. As a result of the book, a cappella singing groups throughout the nation have begun organizing visits to residential facilities for people with Alzheimer’s and nursing homes on a regular basis.
Mary Ellen Geist’s perspective on the positive impact of music on people living with Alzheimer’s disease is the topic of an article she wrote which was published in Prevention Magazine. She is currently working on a second book, writing for Traverse Magazine, and reporting for Public Radio.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
Measure of the Heart: Caring for a Loved One
Videos
Mary Ellen Geist | Sustainable Brands | Great Lakes Now
MiWeek Web Preview Mary Ellen Geist 4/19/2018 | MiWeek
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