Founder

Becky Khayum, M.S., CCC-SLP

Becky is a speech-language pathologist and a nationally recognized leader in providing person-centered care for people living with cognitive conditions. Over the past 15 years, she has held leadership positions in rehabilitation centers, assisted living communities, memory care communities and home health environments with a focus on addressing the needs of people living with dementia, stroke and traumatic brain injury.

In 2009, Becky co-founded MemoryCare Corporation, a therapy company specializing in providing care for families coping with dementia. Becky currently serves as the CEO of MemoryCare.

Becky previously served as an Adjunct Instructor at the Northwestern Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology & Alzheimer’s Disease where she collaborates on research initiatives in the areas of telehealth and Primary Progressive Aphasia. She speaks nationally to train healthcare providers and families on how to creatively utilize high-tech and low-tech strategies to address common problems associated with aphasia, memory loss and behavioral challenges. She has also co-authored various articles on these topics.

Becky is passionate about providing individuals living with cognitive conditions and their family members with the tools, support, and advocacy they need to preserve dignity and participate in meaningful life activities. Becky holds an MS in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Arizona and an BA in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from Purdue University.

Founder

Omar Khayum

Omar is an experienced healthcare and energy executive, having founded and led startups across both industries.

In the healthcare space, Omar co-founded MemoryCare Corporation, which is a pioneer in providing person-centered therapy for individuals and families coping with dementia and other cognitive conditions.

In the energy space, Omar has raised equity capital for and led the development of large infrastructure projects, including natural gas liquefaction, natural gas power generation, wind, solar and battery storage projects. Omar currently serves as the CEO of Annova LNG, a liquefied natural gas export startup company in Texas.

Omar is passionate about building sustainable businesses that solve underserved healthcare and energy needs. Omar holds an MBA in Economics, Finance and Entrepreneurship from the University of Chicago and a BS in Computer Science from Purdue University.

Cognitive Consultant

Maureen O’Neil Brown, M.S., OTR/L

Maureen is a registered, licensed Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience working with individuals and their families to return to meaningful activity following cognitive injury or illness. With a holistic and functional approach, Maureen works collaboratively with clients and their team to problem solve, educate, and create individualized plans based upon the specific goals of individuals and their families. Maureen has partnered with those learning to cope with new diagnoses such as acquired brain injury and concussion, brain cancer, TIA and CVA, Parkinson’s Disease, Lewy Body Dementia, Multiple Sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s Disease. Forging relationships between clients, their families and community resources has been a mainstay of this comprehensive strategy for improving the lives of those for whom she is grateful to advocate.

Maureen was graduated from Springfield College, Springfield, Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Rehabilitation, Cum Laude. Following, Maureen received a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia. Maureen has worked in a variety of inpatient and outpatient acute and rehabilitative settings, skilled nursing facilities, and schools. Educating students has been a long-term commitment throughout her career and Maureen has enjoying being a guest lecturer, teaching hands-on skills to years-worth of field work students, and presenting to colleagues at conferences. In striving to be a life-long learner, Maureen has taken continuing education courses to further her skill set and to remain current with the most up-to-date research and treatment techniques. Currently, Maureen is in the process of credentialing as a Certified Brain Injury Specialist through the Brain Injury Association of America.

Maureen is committed to giving back to the community. Whether as a former Board Member and Past President of the Ocean State Montessori School or as a volunteer at Doorways, a local food pantry, being generous with time and resources has been especially important to enriching the lives of others while acknowledging the significant positive outcomes that can come from pooling resources for a good cause. When not working or volunteering, you can find Maureen spending time with family and friends and enjoying as much time outside as possible, usually hiking or gardening.

Cognitive Consultant

Taryn Bushey, M.S., CCC-SLP

Taryn is an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist with seven years of experience working with adults and geriatrics with cognitive-communication impairments. She has practiced in multiple settings including home health, assisted and independent living communities, skilled nursing centers, and memory care centers. Taryn also has experience as a Director of Rehabilitation and a Memory Care Mentor, giving her a thorough understanding of the client centered approach.  

Taryn’s passion is working with clients and their families toward the most impactful functional outcomes and improved life quality. She holds an MS and BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of New Hampshire.  

Cognitive Consultant

Samantha McGovern, M.A., CCC-SLP

Samantha McGovern is a speech-language pathologist and certified health and life coach.  She has focused her 11 years as an SLP working with adults and geriatrics with cognitive communication disorders.  Her experience as a Director of Rehabilitation has given her a well-rounded understanding and approach to her work as a clinician and cognitive ambassador.  As a health and life coach, Samantha is focused on creating a safe and supportive space to honor and understand health concerns and develop a successful plan to work toward a happier, healthier life.

Samantha’s passion is providing counseling and support to people coping with cognitive changes through a holistic wellness approach using mindset and behavior change.  She holds an MA in Communication Disorders from the University of Connecticut, a BS in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from Northeastern University, and a Certification in Health and Life Coaching from The Health Coach Institute.

Cognitive Consultant

Hannah Caron, SLPD, MS, CCC-SLP

Hannah Caron is a medical speech-language pathologist with nine years of experience treating patients with cognitive-communication and swallowing deficits. She received her Master of Sciences degree in 2014 from the University of Utah and a Clinical Doctorate in 2022 from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, where she currently serves as an adjunct professor for the speech pathology doctoral program. Dr. Caron’s research focuses on mindfulness, meditation, and stress management. As a certified Meditation and Mindfulness Teacher since 2020, she enjoys integrating mindfulness practices into therapy for a holistic approach to rehabilitation.

Outside of work, Dr. Caron loves to swim. She is an elite US master’s swimmer, holding a current world record since 2023. Dr. Caron is a former Division 1 college athlete and Olympic Trials qualifier.

Dr. Caron is passionate about learning and sharing evidence-based strategies to help patients maximize their functional communication and independence. Dr. Caron holds a North Carolina state license and national certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Cognitive Consultant

Erin Cecchi, MSW, LCSW 

Erin Cecchi is a licensed clinical social worker with over 10 years of experience in healthcare. She has worked at some of the leading medical institutions in the Midwest where she gained valuable hands-on experience working with individuals with memory loss and cognitive challenges. Erin’s background includes being the lead social worker for the General Neurology and Neuromuscular departments at Rush University Medical Center, the Senior Program Coordinator for Northwestern’s Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Center, and is currently the social worker for The University of Michigan’s Movement Disorder Clinic.

She has a deep passion for working with older adults, individuals with neurological conditions, and caregivers. The favorite part of her work is being able to qualitatively connect with and work alongside individuals and families. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Michigan State University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan. Erin is licensed in the State of Michigan.