better for your loved one. better for you.

As the first dementia-specific medical-model memory care day center in the Lowcountry, we provide unrivaled private care for those affected by memory loss.

With a staff of highly trained and experienced dementia professionals leading a cutting-edge and stimulating daily program, we also offer deliciously balanced meals, a one-stop facility for many of your care needs, and emotional support for both our members and their families.

Our cost-effective membership not only helps our members, but allows you to get control over your life as well — providing a welcome peace of mind for all.

OUR PROGRAMS

Tour The Facility

ABOUT US

As a dementia-specific medical-model memory care center, Alice’s Clubhouse offers much more than just a cutting edge and stimulating day program for those with memory loss. Importantly, it lightens the responsibility that can weigh so heavily on the shoulders of the caregivers. With an onsite medical staff, and available services such as physical, occupational and speech therapies, dentistry, podiatry, and salon services, Alice’s Clubhouse eliminates much of the need to have to travel from necessary appointment to necessary appointment. The respite given the caregivers is as important to us as the quality of care provided to our members.

Alice’s Clubhouse was founded to help not only those affected by memory loss, but their caregivers as well. A gap in the healthcare spectrum was discovered when Alice’s Clubhouse President, David AvRutick, and his father were looking for some help in taking care of Alice – David’s mother – after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Wanting her to stay home, but receive the stimulation and socialization that is so important, the AvRuticks looked for a day memory care program, but discovered that there were no appropriate solutions in South Carolina – and few even in the United States. During this search the AvRuticks met Diane Sancho, now Alice’s Clubhouse Executive Director, who had been seeking to create such a facility. They joined forces to meet the rapidly growing need for new forms of care for those suffering a cognitive impairment and their caregivers. The result? Alice’s Clubhouse.

DOWNLOAD OUR BROCHURE HERE

OUR TEAM

Each staff member working in Alice’s Clubhouse is dementia trained and certified. While the State of South Carolina requires a day center to have a ratio of one staffer to eight members, Alice’s Clubhouse will always maintain a ratio of 1:6 or better. We believe that individualized attention is extremely important. Working closely with each member and their family to understand their interests and needs, we provide each member with personalized care and stimulation.

Co-Founder/PRESIDENT:
DAVID AVRUTICK

Motivated by the Alzheimer’s diagnosis of his mother, Alice, David has applied his wide-ranging business experience to help make Alice’s Clubhouse a reality. With a law degree as a base, David has led both for-profit and non-profit organizations in as diverse areas as book publishing, kayak manufacturing, high technology and the prevention of child sexual abuse. He was also the Founding President of the American College of the Building Arts. With Alice’s Clubhouse, David hopes to be able to help those suffering with dementia, along with their families and caregivers.

Executive director:
bonnie cresser

Bonnie brings over 20 years of experience in healthcare administration and a strong nursing background to her leadership role. Dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with memory impairments, Bonnie is passionate about providing compassionate, personalized care for seniors facing Alzheimer's, dementia, and other memory-related conditions.

With a background in nursing, Bonnie has a deep understanding of the clinical needs of those in her care, which allows her to lead a multidisciplinary team that delivers the highest standard of care. As Executive Director, she oversees the day-to-day operations of the center, manages a team of individuals who develop innovative programs that support both the mental and physical well-being of the members. She works closely with families to ensure their loved ones receive the most individualized and empathetic care possible.

Her leadership is driven by a commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for both residents and staff. Outside of work, Bonnie enjoys spending time with her husband and family, playing golf and pickleball, long walks and going to the beach. Bonnie is a dedicated advocate for the well-being of older adults in her community

therapeutic recreation director: NADIA CROW

Nadia is a compassionate and clinically trained nurse specializing in memory care. She brings a unique combination of healthcare knowledge and program leadership to create safe, engaging, and therapeutic environments for individuals living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

Nadia leverages a strong clinical background to design activities that not only stimulate cognitive and emotional well-being, but also align with each participant's health needs, abilities and stage of memory loss. She is experienced in coordinating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure holistic, person-centered care.

Nadia is known for balancing warmth with structure and for developing programs that foster dignity, joy and a sense of purpose in every individual served. She is passionate about improving the quality of life through meaningful connections, therapeutic engagement and compassionate care.

Outside of work, Nadia enjoys spending time with her two children and German Sheppard dog. She loves hiking and exploring. Nadia has a passion for art, especially photography, and spends time learning and practicing art.

Co-Founder :
Diane K. Sancho, MSW

Diane K. Sancho, MSW, a Mt. Pleasant resident, holds a Master of Social Work degree with specialization in Geriatrics. With over thirty years of experience in the senior health care field, Sancho has devoted her life to teaching caregivers to understand how important it is to care for themselves while they take care of others.

Prior to opening Alice’s Clubhouse, Sancho held administrative positions in adult day centers, home care and assisted living. In 2014 Sancho published “Dementia and Caregiver Stress” in the medical journal Issues in Mental Health.

Community ENGAGEMENT director:
Lisa westerman, rn

Lisa, a Mt Pleasant resident, has three decades of experience in the medical field as a Registered Nurse with the last 15 years focused on senior healthcare. She enjoys helping seniors identify community resources to assist them and their families in their daily lives. Lisa also holds certifications as a Life Coach and Mindfulness Facilitator. Her passion for assisting those suffering from memory loss and their caregivers came about after her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Her experience has led to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics that memory loss has on individuals and their families.

She fell in love with Alice’s Clubhouse during her time here as a staff nurse.

Lisa enjoys spending time with her family, the beach, and decorating in her free time.

registered nurse: carolyn hayden

certified nursing assistant: bridgette robinson

Bridgette has been a certified nursing assistant for 30 years.

She has experience with long-term care, rehabilitation and acute medical settings. Known for her calm demeanor and strong work ethic, she brings empathy and joy to every day, ensuring our members feel seen, heard and cared for.

With a solid foundation in monitoring, mobility assistance and hygiene support. Bridgette excels at creating a safe and comfortable environment for all members. Bridgette's ability to build trust with the members and their families is matched by her commitment to uphold the highest standards of dignity and respect.

Bridgette enjoys reading, taking long walks and spending time with her son.

In addition to our permanent staff, additional resources are also available as part of our Wellness Program.