Meet The Sundance University Instructors

Cameron J. Camp, Ph.D.

Cameron originally developed the use of the Montessori method as an intervention for use with persons with dementia. He is a noted psychologist specializing in applied research in gerontology, and currently serves as Director of Research and Development for the Center for Applied Research in Dementia.

Dr. Camp gives workshops on designing cognitive and behavioral interventions for dementia internationally. These interventions are all designed to reduce challenging behaviors and increase the level of functioning and quality of life of persons with dementia. He has co-authored three college textbooks and published over 150 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters.

Dr. Camp is a Fellow and past-president of Division 20 (Adult Development and Aging) of the American Psychological Association, a Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America, and a Charter Member of the Association for Psychological Science.

His research has been funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health, and the national Alzheimer’s Association. He is recipient of the American Psychological Association Award for Distinguished Professional Contributions to Applied Research.

Kacye Vanderplas

Kacye Vanderplas is the Vice President of Operations for Sundance Memory Care after previously serving as the Director of Education. She is a graduate of Kansas State University with a degree in Elementary Education, a certified Dementia instructor through the Center for Applied Research and Dementia, and is currently serving on the American Montessori Society’s Task Force Board on Dementia and Aging out of New York City.

She is well known curriculum writer for McKinney and Frisco ISD, and her work, which garnered her designation as District Elementary Teacher of the Year in McKinney ISD has been featured on MSNBC and is still a staple for Texas Educators to this day.

Kacye has established a research based approach to mild and major cognitive care with Sundance, adopting a Montessori approach that emphasizes strength based engagement and a prepared environment, a philosophy Maria Montessori utilized for progressive brain function, but parallels regressive brain function in persons with various forms of dementia.

Her years of research, including design and conceptual concepts with Michael Bol, one of the designers of Dementia Village in Weesp, Netherlands and Rome, Italy have been utilized in Sundance’s latest community in Cypress,Texas where resident choice and stronger care team ratios have created lower resident attrition and greater independence.

D. Matt Stanley

Innovation is the mother of invention. Whenever there’s a need, creative individuals rise to the challenge and find solutions for the problems that plague people, both as individuals and within society overall.

That was situation that D. Matt Stanley found himself in, one which led him to a decision that not only changed his life, but also the lives of many others. He created an innovative treatment to help those that are suffering from Alzheimers and dementia. As founder, president and CEO of Sundance Memory Care, Mr. Stanley oversees three Texas-based campuses conceived and designed to provide those in need as well as their families with the care and compassion they deserve.

A graduate of Baylor University with a degree in finance and real estate, Mr. Stanley began his career specializing in real estate investment and business development. However, after a decade of pursuing those interests, a family situation caused him to change course and look at ways to serve the seniors who weren’t given the tools and assistance needed to deal with their disfunction. Indeed, the scenario hit close to home, spurred by what he observed with an unclear family member who wasn’t being cared for properly due to a lack of resources available to him, his relatives and others in similar situations.

Mr. Stanley’s goals boil down to three words: “Respect. Dignity. Equality.” That’s the mantra for efforts well-spent.

Gary Johnson

Gary’s passion is improving the relationship that happens between frontline staff and their leaders. He has served as a Vice President of Operations for a large CCRC in central Pennsylvania. Gary is a licensed nursing home administrator.

He has served on numerous boards and presented at regional and national conferences. He also served as adjunct faculty for Temple University. He is skilled at creating healthy teams, cultures and operational efficiencies. Gary has the unique ability to see to the heart of things and help people to be the best versions of themselves.

Joe Caracci

Joe founded Monarch out of his passion for saving companies money by engaging employees, developing leaders and transforming safety cultures. Joe is a dynamic and engaging public speaker.

He presents at state and national conferences on topics related to culture change and risk management. Joe has the rare ability to capture the attention of executive leaders interested in increasing productivity while reducing injuries.

Vincent M. Antenucci, M.A.

Vince has over 25 years of experience in research and 20 years in developing and disseminating innovative research-based interventions. His formal education is in political science, urban planning and public policy.

In 1995, Mr. Antenucci began working on transportation service development and coordination for older adults and people with disabilities. Since then, he has built a unique career in applied gerontology. Mr. Antenucci has a successful background in research grant writing and administration, project coordination and management, sales and marketing.

His work is focused on the creation and dissemination of innovative services and interventions for—and with—individuals who have cognitive and physical disabilities.

Ruby Stanley, M.Ed., CSC, CCTS-F

An educator at heart and a childhood trauma survivor, Ruby uses the power of story to lift others to a place where they may choose to flourish in life, work, and within relationships as they become trauma informed. As a mental health practitioner she offers professional and personal development coaching from a trauma perspective through presentation, equine facilitation, group work and individual consultation. Lifting individuals to a place where they may give themselves permission to identify, understand and resolve personal trauma over time is a personal passion. 

Using her own powerful story of thriving in real time she encourages participants to explore the possibilities which exist within themselves to also personally experience resiliency, and not only bounce back, but thrive.

Ruby has a Masters of Education in Counseling and Guidance (CSC) and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist-Family (CCTS-F), as well as a basic level certified equine facilitator (E3A-C1). Presently, she works with a small team of equine professionals in Texas through The Aspire International Foundation to train and assist retiring clergy towards making personally meaningful life transitions.

For periods of refreshment Ruby enjoys spending time with horses, organic gardening with her husband, writing, and hiking anywhere in the great outdoors.