Kate Bryan Expands Support for Senior Adults Through Brain Health Education in Alabama

Kate Bryan was pursuing a Master’s in Public Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (link opens in new window) when she served as a Region IV PHTC Pathways to Practice Scholar in Spring 2026. She completed her field placement with the Hoover Senior Center (link opens in new window) in Hoover, AL, where she worked to strengthen support for older adults through education, resource development, and program assessment. Her internship focused on several challenges facing senior centers today, including transportation barriers, limited resources, and the growing need for support for seniors experiencing cognitive decline.

During her placement, Kate developed three major deliverables: a needs assessment, a memory workshop for seniors and their loved ones, and a cognitive resource guide (link opens in new window) to help connect individuals to local services and providers. These tools gave the center practical ways to better understand participant needs and expand support for healthy aging.

Kate said the placement appealed to her because older adults are often overlooked in educational programming and community outreach.

“I’ve spent much of my professional career working with the senior population, and they hold a place near and dear to my heart.”

One of the most meaningful parts of the internship was leading the memory workshop, where seniors learned about normal versus abnormal aging and early signs of cognitive decline. After one workshop, a participant told her the presentation helped her recognize possible early dementia symptoms in her sister and motivated her to help seek follow-up care.

“Educating the senior center participants on the difference between normal and abnormal aging during the memory workshop was one of my favorite moments. Moments like that are what bring me the most joy—being able to connect people with services they need in the moments that they need them.”

Looking ahead, Kate sees this work as part of her long-term path in public health.

“I am extremely passionate about educating seniors on brain health. I think that working with this population will always be a part of what I do professionally.”