Rising Stars: Meet Kimberly Diaz of Westminster

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Diaz.

Hi Kimberly, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My work with seniors, end of life and dementia care didn’t begin in a classroom. It began at my grandparents’ kitchen table. Watching my grandfather navigate memory loss, and illness and witnessing my grandmother care for him with unwavering devotion shaped the core of who I would become. Their journey planted a seed in me long before I could name it: a calling to support aging adults and the families who walk beside them.

Over the past 27 years, I have served in many roles, nurse, author, speaker, dementia consultant, trainer, hospice director, death doula, geriatric care manager, placement specialist, and advocate. In each of these roles, I’ve sat with families during some of their most vulnerable moments. I have seen the gaps in our healthcare system, and I have also seen the profound comfort that comes when families feel understood, supported, and guided with compassion. I quickly realized that families didn’t just need services, they needed partnership, education, and someone to help them navigate the complexities of aging, dementia, and end-of-life care.

That understanding inspired me to create Care Matters, Care Matters Registry, and Caring Minds Dementia Consulting and Training. Together, these organizations form a mission-driven model that connects families with empowered care partners, provides personalized and compassionate care plans, and delivers the education and support so many wish they had earlier. What began as one-on-one guidance has expanded into comprehensive trainings, speaking engagements, a dementia education library, and a movement dedicated to transforming how we support individuals living with cognitive changes and those nearing the end of life.

Today, I continue my work as an author, consultant, advocate, and educator, still guided by the truth I learned as a child: dignity, understanding, and compassion change everything. Every family I serve reinforces my purpose and inspires me to keep asking the question at the heart of my mission:

Where do we go from here?

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have learned to surrender to what the Universe places in front of me and allow it to guide my path. My growth has taken many forms, and at times I’ve been criticized for doing “too many things.” But as long as I am making a meaningful impact in the lives of seniors and their families, I will continue to listen deeply, stay curious, and follow my heart and mission.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
’m a registered nurse, author, speaker, and dementia consultant with over 27 years of experience supporting seniors and their families. I specialize in dementia care, aging transitions, and end-of-life support, helping families feel understood, empowered, and guided through life’s most challenging moments.

I’m known for my heart-centered approach, combining clinical expertise with compassion, personalized care plans, and education. What sets me apart is my mission-driven focus: I don’t just provide care, I partner with families to transform their experience and always ask, “Where do we go from here?”

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success, for me, isn’t measured by titles, income, or accolades—it’s measured by impact, alignment, and growth. I define success as:

Making a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors and their families. Helping them feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Living in alignment with my core values, authenticity, health, and peace, while pursuing my mission.

Continuously growing personally and professionally, remaining curious, compassionate, and open to new ways the Universe guides me.

Creating ripple effects of positive change through education, mentorship, and advocacy, inspiring others to lead with heart.

Ultimately, success is when I can look back and know that I lived purposefully, stayed true to myself, and left people and this world better than I found it.

Pricing:

• 125-150/hr consulting
• FREE placement
• Caregiving is assumed by the caregiver and family
• $400-500 for initial in person needs assessment

Contact Info:

• Website: https://caremattersalways.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caringmindsdementiandbrainhanges
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-diaz-rn/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Caring_minds
• Other: https://caringmindsdementiacare.com/