We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sharon Semien. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sharon below.
Sharon, before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’d love to share my story and the heart behind what I do. My name is Sharon Semien, RN., and I am the founder of Leona C.A.R.E. Academy, an organization dedicated to educating and empowering caregivers to provide exceptional care to their loved ones and others. My journey into this field is deeply personal and rooted in my experience as a caregiver for my beloved mother.
For many years, I worked as a nurse, but my perspective on caregiving shifted when I became the primary caregiver for my 94-year-old mother. She faced numerous physical challenges and was diagnosed with dementia, which required around-the-clock care, advocacy, and unwavering compassion. I learned so much from that experience—not just about the physical aspects of caregiving but about the importance of treating someone with dignity, respect, and love.
Caring for my mother taught me that caregiving is more than just tasks and routines; it’s about being an advocate, understanding the unique needs of the individual, and creating a plan of care that reflects who they are—their history, their preferences, and their voice. After my mother’s passing in March 2024, I realized I wanted to take what I had learned and use it to help others who were walking the same path. That’s when I decided to pivot my career and start Leona C.A.R.E. Academy.
At Leona C.A.R.E. Academy, we offer caregiver education and training services designed to empower both professional and family caregivers. Our programs focus on teaching essential caregiving skills, such as how to create personalized care plans, provide physical and emotional support, and advocate for the dignity of those in their care. We also emphasize self-care for caregivers, recognizing that taking care of yourself is a critical part of being able to care for others.
What sets us apart is the personal connection and compassion that forms the foundation of our work. Leona C.A.R.E. Academy isn’t just about teaching skills—it’s about building confidence, fostering resilience, and helping caregivers feel supported in their journey. Every program we design is inspired by my experience with my mother and the lessons I learned along the way.
What I’m most proud of is the impact we’re making on caregivers’ lives. Knowing that our work helps people feel more prepared, less alone, and more confident in their ability to care for their loved ones is incredibly rewarding.
If there’s one thing I want potential clients, caregivers, and followers to know, it’s this: caregiving is a journey, and you don’t have to walk it alone. Whether you’re new to caregiving or looking for additional support, Leona C.A.R.E. Academy is here to guide you every step of the way with compassion, respect, and practical knowledge. My goal is to help you feel empowered to provide the care your loved one deserves while finding strength and purpose in your own journey.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One of the most defining moments in my journey as a caregiver came when my mother fell and broke her leg. It was a terrifying experience—I can still picture the moment she tripped and fell, and the helplessness I felt as I rushed her to the hospital. In the emergency room, the diagnosis confirmed a major break that required surgery. It was the beginning of a long, uphill battle that would test both of our strength and resilience.
After surgery, my mother faced a long recovery process, which included physical therapy to relearn how to stand and walk. For weeks, the physical therapist would come to the house to work with her. But eventually, those visits ended, and we were left on our own. I knew I could not let her progress stop just because the professionals were not there anymore. That is when I decided I would take on the role myself.
Every day after work, I dedicated time to helping her regain her strength. I would teach her how to stand using a walker, encouraging her to believe in her ability to recover. I would take her down the street in her wheelchair, talking to her, keeping her spirits high, and always reminding her to put one foot in front of the other. When she could not do it on her own, I would kneel in front of her, gently lifting one foot and placing it forward, then the other, guiding her through the motions. I told her, “This is just temporary—you’ll do it yourself soon.”
It was not easy. There were days when she felt frustrated, and I could see the doubt creeping in. But we never gave up. We prayed together, drawing strength from our faith, and I reminded her every step of the way that I believed in her. Slowly but surely, she began to make progress.
I’ll never forget the day she stood up on her own with her walker for balance. She looked at me with determination in her eyes, and then, to my surprise, she waved her hand to our family, placing her other hand on her hip, and said with pride, “Look at me!” I’ll never forget the joy on her face and the relief in my heart. That moment was everything—it was a testament to her resilience and to the power of love, patience, and faith.
Helping my mother through that chapter taught me so much about strength—not just hers, but mine too. It showed me what it means to truly care for someone, to believe in them even when they doubt themselves. And in the end, her recovery was not just about learning to stand again. It was about reminding both of us what is possible when we face challenges with hope and determination. That day, when she stood tall and proud, was one of the most rewarding moments of my life. That’s when I knew I had to teach others to be extraordinary caregivers whether it be for their loved ones or for their patients.
Have you ever had to pivot?
I felt a strong calling to take what I had learned from being my mother’s caregiver and use it to educate and empower others. That’s when the idea for Leona C.A.R.E. Academy was born.
I envisioned the Academy as a space where caregivers—whether family members or professionals—could learn how to provide care with compassion, respect, and dignity. I wanted to teach others how to advocate for their loved ones, how to ensure they felt valued and seen, and how to create care plans tailored to individual needs. My mother’s journey became the foundation of this mission. Her life, and the care I gave her, inspired every aspect of the Academy.
Starting Leona C.A.R.E. Academy wasn’t just a career pivot; it was a way to honor my mother’s legacy. It became my way of carrying forward the lessons she taught me and the love she gave me. Now, every class I teach, every caregiver I mentor, and every life the Academy touches reminds me of why I started this journey—to ensure that others have the tools, confidence, and heart to care for their loved ones the way I cared for my mom.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.leonacareacademy.com
- Instagram: leonacareacademy
- Facebook: leonacareacademy
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/leona-care-academy-geismar
