My life, like that of over 32 million other professionals in America, changed profoundly in 2019 when my mother was diagnosed with dementia. This diagnosis marked the beginning of my journey as her primary caregiver, a role that quickly became central to my daily life. The challenges were compounded in 2020 with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, making traditional support structures difficult to access.

For a time, my employer recognized the complexities of my situation. In both 2022 and 2023, I was granted accommodations that allowed me to navigate the demanding balance between my full-time job and my caregiving responsibilities. These accommodations were not just conveniences; they were essential lifelines that enabled me to remain a contributing member of the workforce while providing necessary care for my mother.

However, 2024 brought a significant shift. A new Return-to-Office (RTO) policy eliminated the very flexibility that had sustained me. This abrupt change highlighted a stark reality: the lack of formal, protected workplace accommodations for caregivers. My experience is not unique; countless working caregivers face similar, often insurmountable, barriers that can lead to job loss, financial instability, and increased stress.

It became clear that relying solely on individual employer discretion was not a sustainable or equitable solution. We need systemic change. This realization ignited my passion for advocacy and led me to become a citizen lobbyist here in Colorado. I founded the Caregiver Advocacy & Support Initiative (CASI) with a clear purpose: to champion legislative protections for working caregivers.

Through CASI, I am actively working to amend key legislation. In Colorado, I am focused on amending C.R.S 24-34-402 of the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) through the proposed Colorado CARE (Caregiver Accommodation & Rights Expansion) Act. Simultaneously, I am advocating for change at the federal level by pushing for amendments to Article 42 of the Americans with Disabilities Act to recognize caregivers as a protected class, through the proposed Federal CARE Act. My proposals are meticulously designed to address the critical needs of caregivers while also considering the state’s budget limitations and addressing potential concerns from businesses and legislators regarding undue burden.

This journey is deeply personal, born from my own challenges, but it is fueled by a commitment to ensuring that no working caregiver has to choose between their livelihood and providing essential care for their loved ones. As the Director of Advocacy for Professionals Who Care, a non-profit dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace for caregivers, I am proud to collaborate with others who share this vision. Professionals Who Care unites caregivers and allies to advocate for a workplace that acknowledges and supports the vital contributions of employed caregivers. We believe that supporting working caregivers is not just the right thing to do; it’s good for business and essential for a thriving society.

Our Mission

The mission of the Caregiver Advocacy & Support Initiative (CASI) is to advocate for and secure legislative protections and workplace accommodations for family caregivers, recognizing their invaluable role and ensuring they can maintain their employment while providing essential care for their loved ones. We strive to raise awareness, build alliances, and champion policies that create a more supportive and inclusive environment for working caregivers at both the state and federal levels.

Our Team