Who we are:
The Memento Mei Foundation aims to address the missing link between disabled people and continued care support during emergencies and in the first 24 hours after the death or infirmity of their primary caregiver and provide short-term transitional supports aimed at connecting people to long-term support solutions.
Breadth of impact statement: Our services are designed to address the immediate and short-term support needs of individuals with disabilities by ensuring continuity of care and fostering a sense of stability in times of crisis. From providing emergency planning tools and consultation and community grief supports to a vision of being able to provide person-centered housing opportunities, specialized transportation to connect families, and inclusive and adaptive employment opportunities we will create a ripple effect of positive change. By addressing the gap in care supports and legal decision making through pre-planning and being prepared to respond in the immediate aftermath of the loss of a caregiver we not only offer peace of mind but also strengthen community support networks, enhance accessibility, and promote greater social inclusion.
Curious about our current and future goals?
About our Founder
About Me
With over 25 years of experience in death investigation, including more than a decade as a Medicolegal Death Investigator and service with DMORT (FEMA’s Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team), I’ve witnessed firsthand the vulnerabilities faced by individuals with disabilities during times of crisis. Too often, I’ve seen people left without a support plan after the loss of a primary caregiver or displaced—or worse—during disasters due to a lack of preparation and community resources. My work with Washington State’s Developmental Disabilities Administration further highlighted the gaps in systems designed to provide immediate and effective care in these critical moments.
These experiences inspired me to found the Memento Mei Foundation—a name derived from the Latin phrase meaning “remember me.” At its core, this organization is dedicated to ensuring that the care needs of the disabled community are not forgotten, whether in the aftermath of a caregiver’s death or during large-scale emergencies. Our mission is twofold: to bridge the gap in continuity of care during these vulnerable times and to spark broader conversations about the systemic changes needed to protect and support this often-overlooked community.
The disabled community deserves more than being placed on the back burner when chaos strikes. At Memento Mei, we’re committed to being a resource you can count on—a voice that remembers, advocates, and acts.
Join us in making a difference. Whether you’re looking to support our mission, learn more about our work, or collaborate on solutions, we invite you to reach out and get involved. Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind.
Qualifications include: Master’s of Science, D-ABMDI (10 years), FEMA Incident command certifications (IS- 100, 200, 201a, 300, 400, 700, 800, 1300a, 368a), 2 years as a case resource manager with WA Developmental Disabilities Administration.
PERSONAL DISCLAIMER: In my capacity as founder of this organization I bring my experience from working for Washington State Developmental Disabilities Administration, DMORT/FEMA, and Medical Examiner’s Offices. However, in this capacity, I and my organization are in no way representative of these entities.
