The Memory Project
Supporting older adults with memory loss and their families
Launched in 2023 at The Wechsler Center for Modern Aging at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, the Memory Project was created to meet a growing need: programs that serve both individuals experiencing memory loss and their family caregivers—together.
Why We Started
Families were reaching out for help, yet few local services offered joint activities or meaningful caregiver support. Our team, led by Susan Lechter, EDD and Judith Margolis, MSW, designed the Memory Project to fill this gap with research-based, community-centered programming.
What We Offer
The Memory Project brings individuals with early memory loss and their caregivers together through:
- Group Activities
Music, movement, conversation, and social engagement that stimulate the brain, encourage creativity, and foster joy. - Caregiver Support Groups
Safe, supportive spaces where caregivers share experiences, resources, and coping skills—guided by experienced social workers. - Music Hour
This is an interactive session led by a music therapist. Rhythm and song are used to spark memory, connection, and shared enjoyment. - Interpretive Art
Participants observe and discuss the elements in the pictures. Facilitators are trained to engage and lead discussions about the presentation, helping the participants recall if the experiences were part of their past lives. - Creative Experience
Participants are offered a range of materials to use to create something from their imagination or their current world. Many of the participants, in their early careers, were part of the art world and enjoy creating something from the past.
Everyone participates—individuals, caregivers, volunteers, interns, and aides—creating a warm, communal environment of support and laughter.
The Research Behind What We Do
Our approach is grounded in dementia care research. Dementia affects memory, behavior, and daily functioning, often bringing anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal. These changes impact both the individual and their family.
Evidence shows that structured activities like music, movement, and group interaction can:
- Stimulate multiple brain functions
- Improve mood and reduce anxiety
- Encourage social engagement
- Strengthen bonds between caregivers and loved ones
Music, in particular, has been shown to enhance cognitive functioning and spark joyful memories (Ting et al., 2024; Moreno-Morales et al., 2020; Reschke-Hernandez, 2023).
The Memory Project translates this research into practice—creating moments of connection, empowerment, and shared joy for both participants and caregivers.
Unique Features
We understand the challenges caregivers face in looking after someone with memory loss. The Memory Project aims to ease this burden by supporting those with memory loss and their caregivers in a normalized, family-centered, and community-building environment.
- High touch
Our staff provides hands-on guidance and support to families throughout the entire process—from registration to helping them find the right group - Family-centered approach
We take a holistic view, focusing on the needs of individuals, caregivers, and families as a whole. - Community building
We believe that bringing together participants, their loved ones, and caregivers fosters a strong sense of community and creates a meaningful experience for everyone involved.
Program Overview
Meet The Memory Project Team
Key Staff
This is a project of The Wechsler Center for Modern Aging, under the direction of Susan Lechter.
- Judy Margolis, MSW
Memory Project Program Director - Lonnie Rubin, LMSW
Staff Social Worker
Specialized Instructors
- Linda Cholodenko
Performing Arts Specialist, Montessori Dementia Capable Certified, NCTRC - Dawn Crandell
Movement Educator - Elizabeth Gronke
Art Therapist - Jeffery Grover
Actor, Producer, Writer; BA Theater/Acting, CWRU - Baba Israel
Theater Educator - Harvey Newman, MSW
Group Facilitator - Barbara Packer
Specialized Instructor, Interpretive Arts; BA from SUNY, MA from Brooklyn College; taught ESL - Roger and Yvonne Puckett
Performing Arts Specialists - Ariel Weissberger, MA, MT-BC, LCAT
Music Specialist - Dan Gleason
Music Intern
Caregiver Support Facilitators
- Diane Blum
LMSW - Alison Leiberman
- Mary Ann Grossinger
LCSW, GCM (Retired) - Norma Sacks
Master of Arts and Master of Education
Supportive Program Coaches
- Olivia Antrobus, BA
Environmental Science - Terri Buch
Master’s in Special Education - Lisa Johnson
- Anita Leifer
Gerontology Certification - Steven Melero
Volunteer - Richard Nager, Esq.
Volunteer - Shari Sachar
Master’s in Special Education - Linda Waldman
Consultants
- Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine
Dr. Joyce Fogel - Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine
Dr. Rosanne Leipzig - Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine
Dr. Gregory Hinrichsen - Creative Center, University Settlement
Sheila Fontanive - Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine
Music Consultants - Renewal Inc.
Joe Fisher, CEO - Alice Nadelman, Ph.D.
Educational Consultant and Trainer
Testimonials
“No one, no matter how close we are, really gets it. That’s why I’m so grateful for this group.”
– Caregiver
“I do not know of another program like this and believe me I’ve searched. You have thrown us a life line and brought joy and purpose to my wife’s life, and a respite for me from this relentless and exhausting disease.”
– Caregiver
“Over the 3 years I’ve been working with the Memory Project I’ve seen new relationships made between people who may not remember each other’s names, but hold hands, give and receive hugs, help each other with tasks and somehow make each other smile and laugh.”
– Volunteer in Memory Project
Meet the Team
Administrative Staff
Susan Lechter
Director, Wechsler Center for Modern Aging
slechter@mmjccm.org
Judy Margolis
Program Director
646-505-4398
jmargolis@mmjccm.org
Lonnie Rubin
Staff Social Worker
646-505-4396
lrubin@mmjccm.org
