Kathryn Pears is Chief Operating Officer of the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices (NTG), a nonprofit dedicated to advocating for people with intellectual disability and their families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. She co-chaired the committee that developed the NTG’s national curriculum on intellectual disabilities and dementia and has led more than 85 workshops in 35 states. With over 40 years of personal and professional experience, Kathryn specializes in the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Previously, she served as Director of Policy and Programs for the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, where she was the chapter’s registered lobbyist. She led groundbreaking legislative efforts, including dementia care unit disclosure, mandatory nursing home training, and Maine’s Silver Alert program. A Master Trainer for the Savvy Caregiver program, Kathryn has trained over 300 caregivers and has a special interest in supporting families and rural communities.