About Us
View Our Bi-Annual Report Here.
Our History
Established in 2014, and opened in 2015, DayBreak is the first (and only) program to provide adult day services to Teller County residents, focusing on providing individual growth and tailored socialization for participants on a regular basis. DayBreak affords the caregiver the opportunity to regroup, refresh, and recharge while their loved one lives a full and active life in our “home away from home” setting – preventing a long term care placement before its time.
Paula Levy
Founder
With a genuine passion for elder care, Paula Levy has dedicated the past 30 years of her life to making a difference in the lives of persons living with dementia, as well as assisting their family members with their arduous caregiving journey. A graduate from Pepperdine University with a BS in Leisure Science/Recreation and an emphasis in geriatrics, she worked as an Activities Therapist and a Nursing Home Administrator at Namaste Alzheimer Center in Colorado Springs. She also developed, implemented and managed Namaste’s Adult Day Program at both the primary facility and a satellite branch.
Since moving to Woodland Park in 1999, Levy has volunteered as facilitator of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Caregiver Support Groups in the Teller County area. The association honored her with its Volunteer of the Year award in 2012.
Paula has earned the following two certifications from Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care: Trainer and Consultant and completes the extensive recertification process on an annual basis. Paula was recently awarded the 2019 Joe Henjum Senior Accolades Legacy Award: Business Professional by the Senior Resource Council.
Our Team
Paula Levy
Founder
Elisa Santos
Executive Director
Joni Edmisten
Assistant Director, CNA
Heidi Howard
Administrative Assistant, CNA
Deb Landkammer
Activities Assistant, LPN/QMAP
Amanda Brady
Activities Assistant, Music and Art Specialist
Theresa Jordan
Volunteer Community Liaison (Not Pictured)
Board of Directors
Bernie Vayle
REALTOR
COLDWELL BANKER 1ST CHOICE REALTY
Connie Sims
REALTOR
KELLER WILLIAMS CLIENT’S CHOICE REALTY
Dan Williams
Commissioner
Teller County
Samantha Kelley
CPA; MANAGING PARTNER
KELLEY & CHULICK
Mike Samp
Retired Executive
CATERPILLAR
I did not realize how much stress I had until we had been with DayBreak two weeks. One day when I left Alvin at DayBreak and started home, I had to stop the truck. I was crying so hard because I realized I have found a wonderful group of helpers to continue this journey with me, or us, really, because Alvin not only reaps the wonderful care at DayBreak, but I am a much better, more relaxed caregiver.
We are grateful for DayBreak’s EXCEPTIONAL program! Our mother with Alzheimer’s loves it. Her language bloomed with social interaction and brain-enhancing activities. The staff gives from their hearts.
Dean is in SUCH a good mood this morning! (So unusual from his often grumpiness.) And he also took a shower on his own. (His personal hygiene hasn’t been good the past few months… with weeks going by between showers) so I was shocked when I saw him walking by my craft room (where I meditate in the morning)… in his bathrobe, carrying his clothes for the day… that meant that he hadn’t dressed immediately on awakening and was off to take a shower.
You can just imagine how good I felt that he was (1) in such high spirits AND (2) that he thought he needed to take a shower (and care for his body).
Like many people today, I have been affected by the consuming devastation that surrounds Alzheimer’s, dementia, and the aging process of friends and loved ones. I see the identity and dignity of those affected by these conditions slip away. They are unable to continue a normal life pattern. Their spouses and extended families are usually stretched beyond their limits. DayBreak is a provision from God for these individuals fighting to take care of their loved ones. DayBreak offers a safe place that provides loving supervision and respite for those in need. I volunteer at DayBreak so that God can use my talents and skills to care for our community.
The respite received at DayBreak was invaluable to my sense of well-being during Helgi’s final year of life. I found comfort and relief leaving her at DayBreak knowing she was well respected, cared for, and accepted with love and understanding about her condition and individual needs.
My mom has a great time at DayBreak and gives her a safe place to go with fun and engaging activities in a caring and compassionate environment. Thank you DayBreak!
Certifications & Memberships
DayBreak is an active member in local and national organizations, bringing awareness to the what, why and when of adult day services.
National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat
It's A New Day!
Won’t you be a part of our expansion by donating today? Any amount will help us in our next step to expand our program to serve even more families in need of caregiving respite and loving support.
