About Mary & Testimonials

About Mary

Mary C. Fridley RN, BSN, BC is a registered nurse board certified in gerontology with more than twenty years experience in the geriatric health field. She is a columnist, speaker, and consultant dedicated to empowering caregivers, preventing elder abuse, and promoting successful aging. Mary writes caregiver advice columns for several newspapers and is a contributing author to Finding the Joys in Alzheimer's: When Tears are Dried with Laughter by Brenda Avadian M.A. (North Star Books). Her expertise is in dementia care and she is a consultant and educator for the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities . Mary is also a facilitator for two caregiver support groups; one which was started in 1997. Among her speaking engagements have been the 2006 Govenor's Conference on Aging as well as the 2006 ASA/NCOA Joint Conference. Mary is available to speak nationally and can be reached at geroresources@comcast.net or 410-266-9666.

“Mary Fridley’s presentation style has captivated audiences of caregivers as well as in-home-aides and companion workers. Mary’s presentation style is a reflection of the situations that she has experienced in the homes of clients and caregivers…Mary Fridley consistently demonstrates her ability to connect with her audience…and has used a combination of her nursing skills, work experiences and knowledge of aging to empower caregivers to evaluate their situation and develop solutions that are appropriate for them. In fact, we have caregivers registering for workshops because Mary Fridley is the presenter. Many citizens in Anne Arundel County look forward to her regular newspaper articles which provide helpful tips to caregivers.”

Virginia A. Thomas, CPA, Director (Past), Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”~ Sir Winston Churchill - “Mary’s contributions to the citizens of Anne Arundel County, Maryland through the Department of Aging and Disabilities’ National Family Caregiver Support Program & the Respite Care Referral Program are immeasurable. She is an accomplished health educator with substantial academic and practical experience in the field of aging. Mary understands the emotional nature of care giving and is able to relate with the members of her audiences, many of who are physically exhausted and emotionally drained by the burdens of their care giving duties. Her genuine passion and compassion for helping and educating caregivers provides a much-needed source of validation and support to the conflicting feelings associated with this enormous task. I am fortunate to have her as a part of our team“

Doreen Elias McGill, Director (retired), Anne Arundel County Department of Aging, NFCSP & RCRP Programs

“Over the past few years Mary Fridley has generously shared her time and expertise with our community. Through her support group for caregivers, Mary reaches out to those who care for their sick and elderly loved ones providing guidance and encouragement. With her gentle, caring manner and selfless giving, Mary is truly a blessing!”

S. Katherine O'Donnell, RSM

Pastoral Associate, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish

Crofton, Maryland

“Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your workshop series may very well have saved my sanity…and kudos for the presentation and resources. I feel like I’ve been through a Master’s Program and now know how to cope.”

Suzie Shannon, Family caregiver

“I am a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, the Naval War College, the Air University and George Washington University and have taught for over five years at the college level. I recite this only to establish that I qualify as one who could recognize quality teaching. The caregiver workshops Mary conducts are outstanding in every respect: visual aids have great clarity and are skillfully introduced as appropriate; her use of class participation is timely; and the substance of the material presented is extremely valid. As a caregiver, I have found her workshops to be of tremendous help.”

Val Holzapfel, Family Caregiver

“I just completed a caregiver community workshop titled The Truth and Nothing but the Truth: Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias. Ms. Fridley did an excellent job presenting her material and answering audience questions. I am the caregiver for my wife of fifty-years who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease about six years ago. She cannot be left alone and I was able to bring her along and Ms. Fridley treated us both very respectfully.”

Edgar H. Parker, Family Caregiver