Thank you to all who came out to our first conference!

The Dementia Hope Conference exists to give you hope, support, and practical tools to navigate the challenges and joys of caregiving. Whether you are seeking advice, a deeper understanding of dementia care, or connections with others who share your experiences, this event is for you!

If you missed this year’s conference, don’t worry! Follow the link below for free access to watch every session from the 2025 conference.

Key Topics

Understanding Dementia: Gain a deeper understanding of the 10 key signs of dementia and the different types of dementia.

Caregiver Self-Care: Learn practical strategies to prioritize your own well-being, reduce stress, and prevent burnout.

Coping Mechanisms: Explore effective coping techniques to manage the emotional and physical demands of caregiving.

Legal and Financial Planning: Get expert advice on legal and financial considerations for individuals with dementia.

Community Resources: Discover local and national resources available to support caregivers.

Keynote Speakers

Dr. Peter Betz

Dr. Peter Betz has been practicing as a General and Geriatric Psychiatrist in Lynchburg since 2001. He was born on Long Island, NY. He completed his undergraduate degree at Georgia Tech and his medical degree at the Medical College of Georgia. From there, he completed his internship and residency at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. From there, he was awarded the prestigious Maudsley Fellowship studying Autism and Depression in children at the Maudsley Hospital and the Institute of Psychiatry in London, England. He then returned to Johns Hopkins to complete his Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship. In 2001, he joined Centra directly after his training to establish a Geriatric Psychiatric program. In 2011, he developed and opened our Geriatric Psychiatry in-patient unit. In 2019, already the Medical Director for Geriatric Psychiatry, he was selected to become the Executive Medical Director for the Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Service Line. He treats neurodegenerative disorders, mood disorders and other psychiatric illness throughout the lifespan. He is married to his high-school sweetheart for over 30 years who was born and raised in neighboring Roanoke. His two children are currently in college at Virginia Tech and VCU.

Vickie Runk

Vickie Runk is a visionary leader with over 30 years of experience in senior living, serving as Vice President of Runk & Pratt Senior Living Communities. She has been nationally recognized for her work with the Alzheimer’s Association and has pioneered programs that enhance the lives of seniors. Beyond senior care, Vickie has successfully expanded her expertise into hospitality, revitalizing businesses across Central Virginia, including golf courses, restaurants, hotels, and premier event venues. Her commitment to community well-being led to her appointment to the Virginia State Board of Health, where she advocates for senior-related healthcare initiatives. As a businesswoman, philanthropist, wife, and mother of three, Vickie embodies the power of passion-driven purpose.

Hear directly from Vickie weekly on her local radio show and podcast Around The Table with Vickie.

Dr. John C. Thomas

Dr. John C. Thomas is a Professor in the Department of Counselor Education and Family Studies at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. He founded Phoenix Counseling and Consulting, LLC, which is contracted to see clients at Advanced Psychotherapeutics in Forest, VA. Dr. Thomas is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Sex Therapist, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, and Certified Partner Trauma Therapist. He has over 44 years of counseling experience. Dr. Thomas is the editor and contributing author of Counseling Techniques: A Comprehensive Resource for Christian Counselors (Zondervan), co-author of Enduring Your Season of Suffering (Liberty Press), What’s Good about Feeling Bad: Finding Purpose and a Path through Suffering (Tyndale), and Therapeutic Expeditions: Equipping the Christian Counselor for the Journey (B&H Academics) along with a set of accompanying videos.