Memory Care Team

Our Team of specialists at the Memory Care Center includes medical professionals from neurology, geriatric psychiatry, clinical social work and neuropsychology. At the Memory Care Center, we are dedicated to helping people understand and adapt to changes in thinking.

Our team takes the time to listen to our patients to best support them and their care partners after a neurodegenerative diagnosis. The manifestations of cognitive and memory disorders can often be discouraging and difficult to process.We are here to help both the patient and care partners through this journey.


Cherish Smith, MDCherish Smith, MD

Psychiatry

Education

Fellowship: University of Florida

Medical School: Xavier University School of Medicine

Residency: SUNY Downstate Medical Center


Jasmen RiceJasmen Rice, PsyD

Clinical Neuropsychologist

Dr. Rice is a Clinical Neuropsychologist at the Memory Care Center. She completed her doctoral internship at Northwell Health – Staten Island University Hospital and earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She completed her post-doctoral fellowship in Clinical Neuropsychology at the University of Virginia Medical Center.

Dr. Rice works primarily with older adults with thinking and memory problems, usually causing concern for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. She also has experience conducting neuropsychological evaluations of refugees, neuro-oncology patients, and individuals with multiple sclerosis. Her clinical interests also include cognitive-behavioral interventions for persons with cognitive impairment and for caregivers of those with dementia. In addition, Dr. Rice is interested in, and dedicated to, eliminating the racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare, especially for older adults.


Lucia SamulisLucia Samulis, APRN-NP

Psychiatry

Dr. Samulis' areas of expertise includes Dementia, Geriatric Evaluations, Memory Disorders, Neuro-Degenerative Disorders

Education

Graduate School: University of St. Joseph and University of Hartford

Internship: University of St. Joseph, Manchester Pediatric Associates and University of St. Joseph, Paragon Behavioral Health


Ashley SchoenerAshley Schoener, PhD

Neuropsychology

Education

Graduate School: University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Ball State University

Residency: Geisinger Medical Center


Adrianna Tyc, LCSW

Clinical Social Worker

Adrianna is the clinical social worker at the Memory Care Center. Adrianna Foreman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who supports individuals living with neurocognitive disorders and their care teams at Hartford HealthCare’s Memory Care Center. Adrianna works with individuals, couples, families, and groups to offer education and support in ways that most effectively meet a patient’s needs. Adrianna favors a strengths-based, collaborative approach to identify existing strengths and assets by seeing the person as an individual with strengths and abilities, not solely who they are by nature of their diagnosis.

Prior to joining The Memory Care Center in April 2019, Adrianna served as a Care Consultant at the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter, where she found an interest in working with people experiencing memory loss and related changes. Adrianna attributes her interest in the field to the individuals who allowed her to hear their stories.

Adrianna’s educational background includes a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Connecticut and a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Central Connecticut State University.

Interests: Neurocognitive Disorders, Care partner Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, Grief and Bereavement, Strength-Based Perspective, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Supportive Therapy and Life Transitions.


Jennifer Cruz, RN

Registered Nurse

Jennifer.Cruz2@hhchealth.org 

Jennifer joined the Memory Care Center in June 2019.


Stephen Beres, APRN

Advanced Practical Registered Nurse

Stephen.Beres@hhchealth.org 


Damaris Sanchez

Office Manager

P. 860.545.7550
F. 860.545.7180
Damaris.Sanchez@hhchealth.org 


The Ayer Neuroscience Institute

The Ayer Neuroscience Institute works to treat the full range of neurologic conditions. Our mission is more personal - to provide advanced, collaborative services across the state.

About the Institute

Memory Care Center

  • Location

    Address:
    1260 Silas Deane Highway
    Suite 101
    Wethersfield, CT 06109
    Get Directions >>

  • Contact Us

    Phone: 860.545.7550
    Fax: 860.545.7180

  • Hours

    Monday – Friday
    8:00 AM – 4:30 PM