By Kara Jacobsen

Jessica Cortez was looking for a new opportunity to challenge herself when she learned about the job opening at Alzheimer’s San Diego. She’s always worked in the nonprofit world and was excited to hear about the organization’s reputation for serving its own community. Jessica held previous roles involving healthcare case management and was looking forward to sharing her passions for health and wellness with the older adult community.

Jessica is originally from Santa Cruz, California and has lived in San Diego for the past 10 years. She holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from San Diego State University and a Master’s in Public Health from Southern New Hampshire University. While she doesn’t have a direct family tie to the disease, she recently learned it’s possible her grandfather had Parkinson’s, another type of neurodegenerative disease. She remembers his difficulties with walking and symptoms of stiffness and shakiness. As she discussed these memories about her grandfather with her Dad, she had this lightbulb moment:

“I realized there are many families like my own who simply due to limited education and resources have trouble even recognizing diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s…let alone seeking help for them,” she describes.

It’s not uncommon for these types of diseases to go undiagnosed. That’s why Jessica’s glad to be a part of a team that stresses the importance of getting educated and seeking support to help close this information gap.

As Jessica’s interacted with many families over the phone, she notes feeling constantly inspired by those who reach out.

“Those I speak with…it’s so obvious they love their person,” Jessica explains. “This is not an easy lifestyle and disease. Not every family is the same, but I try to put myself in their shoes. And it makes my heart happy to know that despite everything they are putting their whole heart into it.”

Jessica’s compassion and knowledge about dementia she attributes to her mother, who she describes as having a “big heart” and used to work with individuals living with memory loss. This foundation has served her well in this role. In addition to her care for this mission, Jessica feels proud to work for an organization that values diversity and is putting forth effort towards being more inclusive.

“It’s rewarding to provide families with a voice whose primary language is not English,” she shares.

At the end of the day, Jessica leaves this piece of advice for families: “don’t try to figure it out on your own. Give us a call. There’s no such a thing as a bad or wrong question, every question and concern is valid. All of us on the Social Work team just want to be here to help you on this journey. And if it’s your first time calling, we hope you continue reaching out for support.”

Need support? Talk with a compassionate social worker like Jessica by calling 858.492.4400.