About the Author

Brief Bio: Dr. Lori-Renee Dixon James

Dr. Lori James is a highly sought-after advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities, including both visible and hidden.  She is the founder of Focus on Education, Inc., an organization dedicated to providing consultation and advocacy services, workshop development and facilitation, support coaching, and publishing.  Dr. James is deeply involved in the Alzheimer’s and related dementia community, having established The James M. Dixon Foundation for Alzheimer’s Research and Support in 2018.  This Foundation offers assistance to caregivers and those living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias, supporting senior facilities, individuals, organizations, and more.

Dr. Lori, as she is commonly referred to, hails from Chicago, Illinois, and attended the Academy of Our Lady High School.  She pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and obtained her Master’s degree from Georgia State University. Although she commenced her PhD  coursework at Georgia State University, seeking a program focused on action research, writing, and grounded theory, she eventually completed the degree at Fielding University in Santa Barbara, California, in 2003, in Leadership & Change with a concentration in Neuropsychology.

With over 28 years of professional experience, Dr. Lori began her career as a teacher and then an administrator in an Atlanta school district.  Subsequently, she transitioned into the role of Executive Consultant, collaborating with the Georgia Department of Education, Scholastic, Inc., and other schools and school districts, traveling across the United States training and supporting educators.  Dr. Lori’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that children, regardless of their unique needs, received essential services and support, led her to establish close partnerships with parents and other organizations and agencies.

Dr. Lori’s main devotion is centered on The Foundation’s unwavering commitment to the Alzheimer’s and related dementia community.  The Foundation assumes a central role in offering crucial aid to individuals navigating their challenging paths, while also providing essential support to caregivers and family members.  Dr. Lori’s expertise plays a pivotal role in crafting programs, resources, and meaningful experiences that enable caregivers to emphasize self-care, acquire knowledge about preventive measures, ease the challenges of caregiving, and provide exceptional care to their loved ones.

Dr. Lori is not only a dedicated advocate, but also an accomplished author.  Her first publication, dating back to 1991, titled “Inclusion: Metamorphosis or Masquerade?” focused on the inclusion movement.  Her latest work, an enhanced journal titled, “I’ve Got My Mind Back, Can I Go Home Now? The Journal,” aims to assist caregivers and others in embracing a life of self-care, relaxation, and introspection.  Look for her newest book, a revision of a 2017 book titled, “My Father Has Dementia, My Mother Has Denial” in March 2024.  She has also contributed her leadership and writing skills to textbooks authored by faculty members at Georgia State University and has been involved in grant writing and proposal development.

Dr. James’ daily motivation stems from her passion for serving others.  She firmly believes that caregiving can be significantly improved for both the caregiver and recipient.  Moreover, she is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease by designing programs and materials that ensure their well-being and support.