Meet Davina Anglemyer of Oakwood Creative Care

Today we’d like to introduce you to Davina Anglemyer.

Davina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story started as an artist and a mom. I was blessed to stay home with my kids for many years, and during that time, art became both my outlet and my joy. I’ve always been creative, coming from a family of artists and outside-the-box thinkers, but my grandmother probably influenced me the most. She was a fine art oil painter who continued painting into her 90’s. Watching her passion and persistence made me believe that creativity is something that never fades. Even though I used to tell her, “Grandma, I’m not really a painter,” I eventually found myself drawn back to painting, working mostly creating floral and landscape paintings and mixed media work. Art has always fed my soul. It’s what keeps me grounded and whole.

Alongside my love for art, caregiving also became a meaningful part of my story. During COVID, I helped care for a close family friend’s mother who was living with dementia. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for the strength and compassion it takes to walk that journey. It also reminded me how short and precious life is, and how important it is to stay connected to the people and stories that came before us.

When my kids got older and I started looking for a career that would bring together my art degree, creativity, and compassion, I came across Oakwood Creative Care. They were looking for an art instructor to teach members living with dementia, and I immediately knew it could be the right fit. I had already been teaching watercolor classes in a memory care setting, where I saw firsthand how powerful creativity can be, even in later stages of life. But when I walked into Oakwood for the first time, I felt something different. There was warmth, happiness, and a sense of belonging. The members were welcoming, kind, and patient. It was clear that this was a place where people were valued for who they are, not defined by what they’ve lost.

From my first day teaching, I knew I had found my calling. There’s nothing like watching someone who says, “I can’t paint,” surprise themselves by creating something beautiful. You can see the pride and joy on their faces, and that connection, that spark, is everything. I fell in love with Oakwood’s mission to bring joy to people living with cognitive decline and to treat them as whole, capable individuals.

After a few months as the art teacher, I was offered the opportunity to step into the role of director at The Perfect Place, our Sun Lakes location. I worried at first about losing that daily connection with the members, but I quickly realized how much fulfillment came from supporting caregivers too. Listening to their stories, walking alongside them, and helping them find encouragement during a difficult season filled my heart in new ways.

Now, as Senior Club Director, I oversee our three licensed locations in Chandler, Central Mesa, and East Mesa, with a new social model club opening soon in Flagstaff. My art background still influences the way I lead. I approach challenges with creativity, openness, and collaboration. I love helping my team think differently, find new ways to connect with members, and make each day meaningful.

This work has changed me in more ways than I can count. It has taught me to slow down, appreciate the little things, and be present. Every day, I’m reminded that joy isn’t found in perfection but in connection. Whether it’s through a shared laugh, a familiar song, or a painting that comes to life, I get to witness moments that truly matter. And for me, that is what it’s all about.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been full of growth, learning, and moments that stretched me in the best ways. Transitioning from art teacher to director meant learning new skills and seeing the caregiving journey from a new perspective. I had to understand the emotional side of what families go through while also conducting testing and assessments to understand each member’s needs and levels of ability.

When I moved into the senior director role, the challenge became balancing the needs of multiple locations while making sure every team and every club received the support they needed. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed when juggling so many moving parts, but I always try to refocus on what drives me: the members. When I’m feeling stretched thin, I make a point to step back onto the floor, share a lunch table, listen to stories, and remember why we do this work.

There have absolutely been moments of self-doubt. I was surprised when I was first asked to become a director, unsure if I had the skill set for it. But the purpose behind what we do, the members, their families, and the joy we get to bring continues to push me forward. I’ve learned that I’m stronger and more capable than I often give myself credit for. I also make sure to take care of myself and encourage my staff to do the same. This work can be emotionally heavy, and it’s important that we all have time to decompress and refill our cups.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Oakwood Creative Care?
Oakwood Creative Care is a nonprofit organization that provides adult day clubs for people living with dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke recovery, or age-related challenges. We’re open Monday through Friday from 8:30 in the morning to 5:30 in the evening, offering a safe and joyful space where caregivers can bring their loved ones to engage in meaningful activities. At Oakwood Creative Care, we believe there is still time for creativity, curiosity, laughter, and love, and that belief shapes everything we do.

What makes Oakwood special is that we don’t just care for our members, we celebrate them. We specialize in healthy aging and dementia-focused engagement and are known for creating a culture of inclusion, creativity, and purpose. There’s no bingo and no television time. Instead, members spend their days choosing from art, music, and lifelong learning classes that spark joy and support connection.

A typical day begins with coffee and conversation, followed by chair exercise, and then morning classes such as art, music, or lifelong learning. After lunch, there’s another round of classes before we wrap up the afternoon with what we call happy hour, complete with ice cream, trivia, or open studio art.

Our art classes include acrylic painting, watercolor, mixed media, woodworking, and sewing. Music classes range from drum circles to ukulele, choir, artist biographies, and musical studies. Lifelong learning covers topics like national parks, historical figures, ecosystems, and cultural traditions from around the world. Each teacher adapts their classes to the members in front of them, keeping activities fresh, personal, and meaningful.

We’ve begun implementing Cognitive Stimulation Therapy and expanded ADS Plus training for staff to support cognitive health and help members stay active and engaged for longer. Beyond our clubs, Oakwood Creative Care operates The Hub, which offers family support, education, and opportunities for caregivers and members to connect through shared activities.

For more than 50 years, Oakwood Creative Care has been part of the community, working to change the way people view dementia and healthy aging. We honor the person behind the diagnosis and continue to show that with the right support, creativity, purpose, and joy can remain at the center of someone’s life.

What’s next?
We’re very excited about the recent grand opening of our new Chandler facility, which took place in October. The Perfect Place officially moved from its former Sun Lakes location into this beautiful, expanded space, allowing us to welcome even more members and families. Our new Chandler campus brings together a day club, The Hub for caregiver support and education, and our Clinic, all in one convenient location. Having these services on the same campus creates a connected, supportive environment where families can find resources, respite, and meaningful engagement in one place. Now that the City of Chandler is an age-friendly and dementia-friendly community, we’re proud to offer programs and services that align with the city’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for older adults and their families.

Looking ahead, we’re preparing to open a new social model club in Flagstaff, and this project holds a special place in my heart. I began my leadership journey at The Perfect Place in Sun Lakes when it was still a social model, and I saw firsthand how impactful that environment can be for both members and their families. Being able to bring that same creative, community-focused approach to Flagstaff, a community that doesn’t yet have anything like this, feels like a meaningful opportunity to support families who need connection, guidance, and a place where their loved ones can truly thrive.

This work is truly a team effort. The people who make up Oakwood Creative Care have some of the biggest hearts I’ve ever known. Every staff member, from our teachers and nurses to our directors and support staff, brings compassion, creativity, and genuine care to the people we serve. We lift each other up, collaborate closely, and share the same goal of helping our members live with dignity, joy, and purpose.

I hope Oakwood continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact within the community. Personally, I want to continue learning and developing so I can better support our families, our members, and our staff.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.oakwoodcreativecare.org/
• Instagram: @oakwoodcreativecare
• Facebook: oakwoodcreativecare
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oakwoodcreativecare/posts/?feedView=all