Joshua Freitas, PhD
Dr. Joshua J. Freitas, Ph.D., is an award-winning memory-care innovator whose work bridges research, program design, and education. As Vice President of Program Development at CERTUS Senior Living, Chief Research Officer of the CERTUS Institute, and Chief Educational Officer & Board Chair at the National Institute for Dementia Education (NIDE), he leads initiatives that translate gerontology and lifestyle medicine into everyday dementia care. He earned his doctorate in Transformative Studies (Gerontology, Aging Neuroscience, and Dementia) from the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS); holds a Master of Education focused on non-pharmacological dementia care; completed graduate coursework in Strategic Management and training in Lifestyle and Wellness Coaching at Harvard University; and earned a Bachelor of Music with concentrations in Music Education and Music Therapy from Berklee College of Music. A two-time author (The Dementia Concept, Joining Grandma’s Journey) and host of the NIDE Talks podcast, Dr. Freitas is dedicated to dismantling aging stereotypes and designing vibrant, stigma-free environments for older adults.