Susan G. Shields Grant, CEO, Owner and Founder of mindful gatherings llc, formerly virtual gatherings llc
Susan has a master's degree in Human Services, with a specialization in Multidisciplinary Human Services and Leadership Coaching Psychology. She is certified in dementia training from the Alzheimer's Association, a certified Mindfulness and Meditation Coach, and a certified Let Your Yoga Dance® teacher.
She has enjoyed a 30-year career
a
Susan has a master's degree in Human Services, with a specialization in Multidisciplinary Human Services and Leadership Coaching Psychology. She is certified in dementia training from the Alzheimer's Association, a certified Mindfulness and Meditation Coach, and a certified Let Your Yoga Dance® teacher.
She has enjoyed a 30-year career
as a public speaker and coach in the social services field, where she initiated several women's empowerment, youth mentoring, and other programs for underserved and marginalized populations.
Susan also has 17 years of personal experience with Alzheimer’s and Dementia as a devoted caregiver to her mother and aunt. In their honor, she was inspired to co-found Virtual Gatherings. Mindful Gatherings was birthed from Virtual Gatherings to broaden more offerings to seniors living with memory loss and for women 50 years and older seeking empowerment circles and retreats
Our team
Margaret Alexander, volunteer Program Facilitator, Lead Support group Facilitator and Support Partner
Margaret Alexander, volunteer Program Facilitator, Lead Support group Facilitator and Support Partner
Margaret Alexander, volunteer Program Facilitator, Lead Support group Facilitator and Support Partner
Margaret Alexander has a BBA in Organizational Psychology and was last employed by the New York City Office of the Comptroller as a Claims Specialist. Now retired, she is a certified Chair Yoga Instructor and Wedding Officiant.
A dedicated and passionate volunteer for several causes, Margaret’s devotion to community service projects inclu
Margaret Alexander has a BBA in Organizational Psychology and was last employed by the New York City Office of the Comptroller as a Claims Specialist. Now retired, she is a certified Chair Yoga Instructor and Wedding Officiant.
A dedicated and passionate volunteer for several causes, Margaret’s devotion to community service projects includes coordinating events for The Beacon of Hope and as a Youth Mentor with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), and Advocate for the Alzheimer’s Association.
Margaret cared for her mom and aunt, both of whom succumbed to Alzheimer’s, for over 15 years. As an experienced caregiver, she participated in Alzheimer's research trials and her work with the Alzheimer's Association. She spoke before a congressional hearing in March 2023 to promote awareness about the many challenges caregivers face and was awarded the 2024 Congressional Advocate Award for the outstanding impact she and her team have made with elected officials to pass bills to benefits families living with the disease.
Beverly Petrus, Volunteer Support Group Facilitator
Margaret Alexander, volunteer Program Facilitator, Lead Support group Facilitator and Support Partner
Margaret Alexander, volunteer Program Facilitator, Lead Support group Facilitator and Support Partner
After working for the NYC Police Department for 30 years as a Police Administrative Aide and Integrity Control Assistant, Beverly retired to become a full-time caregiver to her mom, whose health was declining due to dementia. Transferring her organizational and research skills from her profession to her home life, she sought to find the m
After working for the NYC Police Department for 30 years as a Police Administrative Aide and Integrity Control Assistant, Beverly retired to become a full-time caregiver to her mom, whose health was declining due to dementia. Transferring her organizational and research skills from her profession to her home life, she sought to find the most qualified healthcare providers and resources for her mom.
Additionally, Beverly devotes her time to advocating for reform within the criminal justice system as she fights for fair treatment and housing for a family member struggling with mental health issues and incarceration, all while providing them with emotional and loving support. As an experienced caregiver, she is passionate about helping others navigate their caregiving journey. Her goal as a volunteer facilitator is to help relieve some of the stress and worry caregivers carry by sharing her experiences, knowledge, and compassion.