Generous gift supports next generation of dementia specialists
9/1/2025
When Charlene Edson reflects on her nursing career, she remembers the profound impact that skilled, compassionate health care providers have on patients and families during their most vulnerable moments. It is this understanding that inspired Charlene and her husband, Grant Simpson, to make a transformative gift to the Banner Alzheimer’s Foundation, supporting the development of Advanced Practice Provider (APP) fellowship programs that will shape the future of specialized care.
Essential members of today’s health care teams, Advanced Practice Providers are Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Certified Nurse Midwives, and Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants. These highly-trained professionals work alongside physicians to diagnose, treat and manage medical conditions, prescribe medications, conduct physical exams, and develop comprehensive treatment plans.
As Banner Health continues to serve an ever-growing population of patients, current recruitment efforts alone will not meet the increasing demand for specialized providers. The establishment of a robust APP fellowship program addresses this critical need by creating a stable pipeline of skilled professionals ready to serve our communities.
A vision for excellence in memory care
The generous gift from Charlene and Grant will specifically support the Banner Health Advanced Practice Provider Neurology fellowship program; a three-year initiative to develop skilled, dementia-trained APPs through a systematic approach that includes:
- Two APP fellows: Fully licensed and boarded professionals who will function as clinical providers while learning specialized skills in memory care and neuroscience
- Expert leadership: Program direction from Michele Grigaitis-Reyes, DNP, whose expertise as a Ph.D. Nurse Practitioner makes her uniquely qualified to train the next generation of APPs
- Comprehensive curriculum: Specialized training materials and supplies designed to prepare fellows for excellence in their respective fields
- Immediate impact: Fellows will assist during staffing gaps while developing their expertise, providing both learning opportunities and essential patient care
Honoring a legacy of care
Charlene Edson’s background as a nurse deeply informs her philanthropic vision. Her family’s previous major gift to Arizona State University helped establish the Edson College of Nursing, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to advancing nursing education and practice. This latest gift to Banner Health Foundation continues that legacy, focusing specifically on the specialized care needed for patients and families affected by dementia and memory disorders.
"We are honored to support the extraordinary work of nurse practitioners who walk alongside patients and families living with dementia," shared Edson. "Their expertise, compassion, and commitment bring comfort and dignity during such a challenging journey. It is our hope that this gift strengthens their ability to provide the highest level of care and guidance, and that families feel supported, understood, and never alone."
Celebrating Advanced Practice Providers
This gift comes at a particularly meaningful time, as National Advanced Practice Provider Week (September 22-26, 2025) approaches. This annual recognition celebrates the invaluable contributions of APPs across all health care settings and specialties. The timing underscores the importance of supporting these dedicated professionals who serve on the front lines of patient care.
The APP fellowship program represents more than just training—it's an investment in Banner Health's ability to attract and retain top talent in critical specialties. With Banner already pursuing APP programs in palliative care and neurosciences, the training framework is well-established and ready for expansion.
Michele Grigaitis-Reyes brings particular value to this initiative, as her expertise and leadership will help establish best practices before her retirement, ensuring the program's sustainability and success for years to come.
“Through their generous support, Charlene and Grant are helping to ensure that families facing the challenges of dementia and memory disorders will have access to the highest caliber of specialized care,” says Grigaitis-Reyes. “The APP fellows trained through this program will carry forward the values of expertise, compassion and commitment that define Banner Health's approach to patient care.”