About Donna Newman-Bluestein
Photo by Art Illman for Wicked Local
2023 Maude’s Award Recipient for Innovations in Dementia Care
Donna Newman-Bluestein, MEd, Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist, Certified Movement Analyst, Licensed Mental Health Center
As a dance/movement therapist in the US since 1979, Donna has worked with many populations, ultimately discovering that dancing with older adults and people with cognitive impairment was her calling. An educator, international workshop leader, trainer, and consultant, she has published articles, a book chapter, and a professional manual. Her Quality of Life Movement Assessment tool enables a person's movement to serve as feedback of their level of interest and meaningful engagement. To motivate people to connect with others through movement, she created the Octaband®, an interactive device used with great success around the world. Donna received a 2023 Maude’s Award for Innovations in Dementia Care.
Donna’s focus is on transforming the culture of care to one that is relationship-centered for people with dementia through dance and embodied caregiving.