About Us
With its remarkable ability to shift unexpectedly between all
the colours in the spectrum with each small change of light, the opal is unique amongst all others.
We believe this embodies the extraordinary experience of our aging brains, where unexpected - and sometimes beautiful - changes are a part of life.
Meet our Chief Engagement Curator & Founder
For over 20 years, Catherine Livingstone has been working with cultural institutions and community groups across Canada.
In 2017, she pivoted into dementia care as a Recreation Coordinator at a Memory Care Unit, applying her unique skill set to complement clinical and social work staff.
Catherine has a Master's Degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of York in the UK, and is a Certified Dementia Care Provider™ and Positive Approach to Care® Certified Independent Consultant. In 2023, she was awarded a certification in Facilitating Older Adult Learning from the University of Manitoba.
Our Origin Story
Understanding the impact the impending demographic shift will have for Canadian families, Catherine is passionate about bringing the best in dementia education to communities and caregivers across the country.
In 2019, Catherine was awarded a grant from the Government of the Northwest Territories to establish her own social enterprise. She founded The Opal Season Company Ltd., to work with communities to make dementia-friendly experiences accessible and enjoyable.
She has worked with families, faith groups, arts organizations and private companies in British Columbia, Alberta, the Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland and New Brunswick - as well as collaborating with dementia advocates and researchers in the USA, Scotland, England, Australia and New Zealand.
Positive Approach to Care® Certified Independent Consultant
Catherine is proud to be a member of the organization founded by world-renowned dementia expert, Teepa Snow. Alongside input from a core team of people living with dementia, Catherine uses Teepa's methodology to inform her consulting and products.
Reimagining Dementia Creative Coalition Member
The Opal Season is a member of this international coalition of dementia activists and allies, working together to transform the broader culture that reproduces the stigma associated with aging and dementia.
Positive Approach to Care® Certified Independent Consultant
As a Certified Independent Consultant, Catherine has trained with renowned dementia expert Teepa Snow and her international team. She places the PAC values of engagement and understanding at the core of her practice with families and community partners.
Certified Dementia Care Provider™
A recognized Certification by the Government of Canada, the Certified Dementia Care Provider™ designation is afforded to dementia care professionals who excel in the field and strive to provide superior care under a strict Code of Ethics.
Former Alzheimer Society Dementia Ambassador
A Canadian first, the Ambassador program exists in the sub-Arctic and Arctic regions of the Northwest Territories to connect care partners with trained facilitators. Catherine was honoured to be invited to become an Ambassador and support this cause.