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Cari Randa-Beaulieu
Name:
Cari Randa-Beaulieu
Job title:
Provincial Coordinator, Knowledge Mobilization
Place of work / study:
Alzheimer Society of British Columbia and Yukon
Area of Research:
Collaborative and co-design approaches for the meaningful inclusion of people affected by dementia in qualitative and biomedical dementia-focused research.
How is your work funded:
The Alzheimer Society of BC and Yukon conducts and champions dementia-inclusive research.
Tell us a little about yourself:
I’m Cari Randa-Beaulieu, I am Provincial Coordinator, Knowledge Mobilization at the Alzheimer Society of BC and Yukon.
Before moving into research-focused roles in 2021, I worked as an art therapist across long-term care, assisted living and community settings. I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Simon Fraser University before training at the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute, where I adapted my practice to support older adults living with dementia in long-term care through accessible artmaking methods.
My direct care experiences during the pandemic sparked an interest in policy analysis, programme design and evaluation, motivating me to return to Simon Fraser University to complete a Master of Arts in Gerontology. My approach to knowledge mobilization is grounded in accessibility, dementia-inclusive design, co-creation and community-engaged research.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
I’m fascinated by rituals and rites of passage in modern life. I’ve also trained as an end-of-life doula and my graduate research explored staff grief rituals in long-term care! At the opposite end of the life course, I am a board director for Flourish Education and Mentorship Society, a nature-based rites of passage and empowerment program for girls and gender-diverse youth as they navigate the transition of adolescence. I believe creativity and person-centred storytelling can make a difference by addressing stigma and encouraging engagement with tough topics for more compassionate communities and health systems.
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
My personal connection with dementia has evolved over the years, but it started with my maternal grandparents. My Grandad was living with vascular dementia and my Nan, a retired nurse, was very opposed to long-term care. It sparked my curiosity about non-pharmacological supports for people living with dementia and I began volunteering in the art room for an adult day program (undoubtedly influential for a future art therapist). For more than a decade, my Mum was heavily involved in service of her parents’ wish to age in place, presenting a gamut of intergenerational challenges and lessons.
What single piece of advise would you give to an early-career researcher?
Make the things you wish existed! Ask yourself, “why not me?” If you’re excited and passionate about whatever you’re creating and playing to your unique strengths, you will make a stronger, more compelling knowledge product.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool by Emily Oster. *I am not a parent, but have a lot of babies and first-time parents in my life! This New York Times Bestseller is a masterclass in digestible science communication interwoven with lived experience.
Favourite film of all time?
The Silence of the Lambs (1991) made me want to study psychology and Jodie Foster is absolutely iconic as Clarice Starling.
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
I love cycling! There is nothing better than a bike ride on a summer night. I’ve put over 1500km on my bike this year so far.
What’s the best decision you ever made?
The best decision I ever made was to redownload Bumble in early 2019. The next day I matched with my now husband, an animation and art director, who I never would have met otherwise. He’s been instrumental in video projects and we’re always collaborating on something creative. He’s very generous with his expertise as a visual storyteller and it’s pushed me to grow and try other mediums as an artist and knowledge mobilizer.
What’s your favourite vacation spot?
Any of BC’s Gulf Islands
Do you collect anything?
I am a total clotheshorse: Every time I travel, I try to thrift something I can wear to remember that place. Two of my favourite examples are Dr. Martens from Portland, OR and a few vintage silk scarves from Tokyo and Nagoya, Japan.
NIHR