Meet the Team
Team Founders and Members
Amanda Oporta
Founder and LeaderConvener for Dementia Friendly Indiana Communities, Amanda researched and organized Dementia Friendly Bloomington together with other motivated and compassionate individuals in 2017. Being the first to lead the movement along with Dayna Thompson, she was recognized by Dementia Friendly America to continue to spread the efforts into other communities and become the State’s Liaison.
Holly Hess
Co-Convener and FounderLead Liaison for Dementia Friendly Indianapolis, Holly is the Dementia Outreach Specialist and manager for the Dementia Friends Indiana Program through CICOA. She organized and created the Indianapolis Dementia Friendly community kick off and still oversees the action team and program development. She is the regional leader for Marion and surrounding counties and assists in oversight for DFIC development.
Dayna Thompson
Founder and MemberLead Liaison for Dementia Friendly Bloomington, Dayna oversees the local Bloomington action team and program development. Dayna was one of the original thinkers and inspirers for the creation and development of dementia friendly communities, hiring Amanda Oporta in 2016 to develop and create a program that was led by grassroot participants in the Bloomington area. Dayna has developed many educational and awareness programs and assists with the oversight and development of DFIC.
What we are about
Purpose: We exist to build an Indiana where every person living with dementia and their care partners are treated with dignity, supported by informed communities, and free from fear and stigma — advancing the mission of Dementia Friendly America one Hoosier community at a time.
Mission: Dementia Friendly Indiana Communities unites and activates community leaders across Indiana — building a statewide network rooted in local strength and fostering communities that are truly equipped to support people living with dementia, so that no one faces it alone.
Vision: An Indiana where every community — every business, healthcare system, school, and local government — moves beyond dementia awareness to become truly dementia capable. A state where understanding is built into the fabric of daily life, and every person living with dementia can count on the people and places around them.
What we are looking for
We are looking to build a team of compassionate and motivated board members. As we move forward with our Vision, we will need board members who are willing to be active and participate in development, events and fundraising. If you are interested in a position on the board of our organization, please fill out the form and indicate which position you are interested in. Be prepared to upload a resume and a reason to why you would like to be an active on our board.