Joshua J. Freitas, Ph.D., M.Ed., BC-DEd

Dr. Joshua J. Freitas is a nationally recognized dementia educator, researcher, author, and leader in advancing person-centered approaches to dementia care. As a NIDE Collaborator with Omega Senior Living, he brings expertise in integrative psychogerontology and aging neuroscience to support education, training, and practices that help improve the experience of individuals living with dementia, their families, and the professionals who care for them.

Dr. Freitas serves as Chair of the Standards of Excellence Council and Chief Education Officer for the National Institute for Dementia Education (NIDE), where he helps establish credentialing standards and practitioner education designed to advance excellence in dementia care. A board-certified dementia educator, he translates emerging research in neuroscience, aging, and lifestyle medicine into practical approaches that caregivers and senior living professionals can apply in everyday interactions.

He also serves as Chief Research Officer for the CERTUS Institute and Vice President of Program Development for CERTUS Senior Living Communities. Through these roles, Dr. Freitas connects research with real-world senior living practices that emphasize dignity, purpose, engagement, and quality of life.

An author and sought-after speaker, Dr. Freitas has dedicated his work to helping professionals, caregivers, and families better understand dementia and the individuals experiencing it. His collaboration with Omega Senior Living strengthens the organization's commitment to informed, person-centered dementia support by helping translate research and education into meaningful practices for the residents and families our communities serve.