RACHEL K

Rachel K. Adelson (905) 787-9812

radelson@livewirecom.com

summary

Highly competent, personable communicator specializing in aging and brain health supports health care, research and advocacy organizations that want to develop and disseminate clear and accurate information to individuals, groups, funders, the media and the general public.

“I recommend Rachel highly for research, training and consulting work in the fields of aging and public health.” -- Mary Altpeter, PhD, Interim Co-Director, Institute on Aging, University of North Carolina

accomplishments

Launched and built consistently profitable communications business with top-tier longtime clients such as the American Psychological Association, Discovery Communications, IBM.

Communicated effectively about complex topics in science and technology to varied audiences, helping clients reach their goals and earning awards and community recognition.

Developed Brainstay blog to share information about cognitive development and aging.

Started Staypower blog and community workshop promoting safe independent living for older adults. Conducted pilot survey of adult children about parents’ home safety.

Earned honours in graduate programs in Aging and in Public Health while supporting clients.

Investigated information needs in early-stage dementia. Developed survey; interviewed key informants; analyzed data; won honours for practicum report.

Successfully transitioned from high tech to healthy brain and behaviour after high-performing career as program manager, speechwriter and editor with IBM Corporate Communications.

career history

Principal, Live Wire Communications

Work effectively with researchers, academics and their organizations to translate, disseminate, promote and gain support for their endeavors.

Also develop and implement communications programs for non-profit/health care organizations.

Highlighted clients, 1992-present:

§ American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C. (2001-present)

§ Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, Toronto (2008-present)

§ National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Canada and United States (2004-08)

§ Ontario Psychological Association, Toronto (2008-present)

§ Central CCAC (Community Care Access Centre), York Region, Ont. (2008-2009)

§ Doorways to Care, Central Local Health Integration Network, York Region, Ont. (2008)

§ Duke University; The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (2006-present)

§ Discovery Communications Inc., Silver Spring, Md. (1996-2004)

§ Benton Foundation, Washington, D.C. (1996)

IBM Corporation, Armonk, N.Y. (1992-2001)

Communications Program Manager, IBM Corporation

§ Managing Editor, IBM Horizons, Somers, N.Y.

§ Editor, IBM Management Report, Armonk, N.Y.

§ Executive Speechwriter, IBM senior vice president of network systems, White Plains, N.Y.

§ Senior Communications Specialist, IBM Research Triangle Park, N.C.

EDUCATION

Certificate in Core Public Health Concepts, University of North Carolina.

Certificate in Aging (Interdisciplinary), University of North Carolina. Honours in both programs.

M.A. Journalism, University of Texas at Austin. Graduate Fellowships, Sigma Chi Delta.

B.A. Psychology, high honors, State University of New York at Stony Brook. Phi Beta Kappa.

REPRINTS, AWARDS AND AFFILIATIONS (SELECTED)

§ Mending Memory. Annual Editions: Psychology, 2008/2009 and 2007/2008 Editions. McGraw-Hill Contemporary Learning Series. Reprinted from Monitor on Psychology.

§ Hard-Hitting Hormones: The Stress-Depression Link. Depression Sourcebook, 2^nd Edition. Omnigraphics Health Reference Series, April 2008. Stress-Related Disorders Sourcebook, 2^nd Edition. Omnigraphics Health Reference Series, September 2007. Reprinted from Monitor on Psychology.

§ The Power of Potent Steroids. Annual Editions: Drugs, Society and Behavior, 2007/2008 Edition. McGraw-Hill Contemporary Learning Series. Reprinted from Monitor on Psychology, July/August 2005.

§ National Health Information Awards, Solving Problems of the Toilet World, MS & Pregnancy.

§ Clarion Award, Women in Communications, Solving Problems of the Toilet World.

§ Magazine Coverage of Mental Illness, Association for Education in Journalism.

§ Member, Canadian Association of Science Writers.

PRESENTATIONS AND WORKSHOPS (selected)

§ Live at Home and Love It!, McConaghy Seniors Centre, Richmond Hill, Ont. (June 2009)

§ Adapting for the Long Haul of Careers, IBM Networking Group, Raleigh, N.C. (2006)

§ Knowledge is Empowering: Communicating Across Cultures, Languages and Technologies, Raleigh Business and Professional Women. (2002)

§ Computer Confidence for Everyone, Montgomery College IT Institute, Rockville, Md. (2000)

ADDITIONAL CONTACT INFORMATION