Mental Health Researcher, Teacher, Consultant

RELATED POSITIONS, EXPERIENCE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Health Education Network, Wisconsin, 2010 – current
• Provides continuing education training for health care professionals on How to Reduce the Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Cognitive Decline. And New Pathways to Emotional Health and Reduced Drug Dependency
• Presented more than 70 seminars in more then 45 states throughout the US

Research Site Manager for University of Massachusetts-Lowell 2011-2012
• Site Investigator (manager) in Utah for a double blind placebo controlled study of a Nutraceutical Formulation developed at the University of Massachusetts, and funded by the Alzheimer’s Assoc. Our arm included with 54 participants. .
• Selected participants, conducted quarterly assessments, tabulated results.

Onsite Lead Investigator – Foster Health of Canada
• Investigated the efficacy of an innovative nutritional formulation designed to arrest Alzheimer’s Disease. (Open label pilot study)
• Screened and selected participants, set up protocols, conducted pre- post assessments, and analysis

Grant Services Manager/ Trainer Alzheimer’s Assoc Utah Chapter -2007-2009
• Manage participant recruiting assessments and consultations for a federal grant focused on early interventions to prevent or slow the development of dementias.
• As the Master Trainer for the Maintain Your Brain program, provided training on this topic, to more than 40 organizations, throughout Utah.

Freelance Author and Instructor on Health Related Topics, UT, 2005-Present

• Provide Training for Home Health Agencies, Assisting Living and Retirement Communities on mental health and dementia prevention
• Provide a monthly newsletter on Brain Health for more than 3,000 health care professionals, subscribers throughout the US.
• Columnist for 2 Senior Newspapers on Brain Healthy Topics.
• Recently coauthored a book and workbook on how to prevent Alzheimer’s and related dementias
• Teach classes for school districts senior centers, the Alzheimer’s Assoc of Utah, Weber State University, AARP and others on How to Overcome Depression and Prevent Age-Related Cognitive Decline.
• Presented classes throughout the US, Great Britain, Argentina, and Norway
• Author of 4 books and more than 120 published articles on various aspects of physical and mental health. Website: www.4abettermemory.com

Director of Organization Health and Consulting Hill Air Force Base, UT 2000-2005.
• Developed and directed an award winning organizational health and consulting office for the largest employer in Utah
• Directed one of the most effective suicide prevention programs in the Air Force.
• Developed a Health Risk Appraisal to improve individual and organizational health. Coached employees on methods to reduce risk and improve their health.
• Worked with base occupational health office and doctors to prevent incidents of work related injuries, ailments and terminations due to health related issues.
• Conducted assessments and focus groups with management, union, employees and doctors to identify ways to improve environmental health and safety.
• Taught organic courses for supervisors, in conjunction with a University curriculum in stress and anger management, and how to develop healthier more productive working relationships, cultures and environments.
• Recipient of a Utah APA honorable mention for organizational health promotion
• 7 years of experience in teaching or providing management training in:

o Eliminating self-defeating behaviors
o Humor, attitude and stress management
o Listening, communication and problem solving skills
o Team building and organizational development
o Collaborative and participatory decision making
o How to confront without conflict or resentment
o Dealing with difficult employees or customers
Family Life Programs Manager Hill AFB, 1986-‘91 and ‘94-2000
• 8 years experience in Family and Lifestyle Education developing, publicizing, coordinating and teaching classes in:

o Marriage and Family Relations
o Preventing child and spouse abuse
o Fostering early child development and safety
o Making and Keeping New Years Resolutions – behavior modification
o Managing Frustrations and Smoking Cessation
o Couples communication and problem solving skills
o Active listening and Win Win negotiation skills
o 4 different parent education courses
o Why we forget and how to remember

Chaplain Heritage Park Senior Care Center 1996-1998 Part-time
Chaplain, LCDR US Navy & Marine Corps 1982-1986
• Hospital Chaplain for the Navy and Marine Corps 29 Palms, CA.
• Assisted with AA – 12 step, and other substance abuse prevention and treatment programs.
• Served as hospital chaplain in two other hospitals and a senior care facility.

EDUCATION
Maintain Your Brain Master Trainer Course
Alzheimer’s Association March 2009
Organizational Consulting and Change Management Course
for Behavioral Health Professionals
Global Consulting & Training – May 2004-Feb 2005
M.S. Family & Human Development
Utah State University 1991
M.S. Equivalency in Counseling Psychology, Brigham Young University 1982

B.A. Psychology / minor in Education and Communication
Completed coursework for teacher’s certification
University of Utah 1976
Special Related Experience of David R. Larsen
• Conducted more than 60 organizational evaluations each with an oral component, followed by consultations with management and employees on:
o Synergistic group problem solving and team building
o Tailored methods for measuring & increasing organizational effectiveness
o Methods for increasing buy-in and commitment to change through active listening, and response feedback loops

• Selected as one of “top 3 favorite” instructors at Federal Women’s Week
• Air Force Trained mediator with an 80+% resolution rate
• Practicum supervisor for Weber State students in Family Life
• Certified in Critical Incident Stress Management
• Developed a system for dramatically improving retention and implementation of training or instruction received. (Can improve retention by at least 60%)
• Author of two books on memory enhancement and learning strategies.
Written more than 80 published newspaper articles on above topics.
• Actively seeking certification as a Health Education Specialist.
• Involved in online study course in grant writing.
• Able to converse in Spanish
Class Critique Samples

The following are samples of students comments from classes critiques conducted in 2010 – 2011

“This COURSE WAS FANTASTIC! Loved it! It was very educational and contained a lot of practical, applicable information.”
Alyssa S., Speech-Language Pathologist. WA

“The BEST CEU I’ve ever attended. SPEAKER TREMENDOUSLY KNOWLEDGEABLE and very entertaining. So easy to absorb the information.”
J. Ratner , Social Worker, NC

“This is a great class for dietitians! Lots of practical cutting edge insights on foods and nutrition to prevent decline in seniors. Wish I’d known this years ago.”
Linda M., Dietitian, MO

“This class was wonderful, practical and insightful! One of the best classes I’ve ever attended for Nurses.” National CEU course evaluator for Nurses – Delaware

“The information provided will be beneficial in educating families of skilled nursing patients in the nursing home.”
Maria L., Rehab Manager/Speech Therapist, CA

“Excellent seminar. PREVENTION INFORMATION EXTREMELY HELPFUL.”
David V., LCSW-C, TX

“This is the best continuing ed course I’ve taken in years”
Stephen J, Psychologist, DE

“GREAT presenter who presented PRICELESS information!”
Lisa C., Physical Therapist, AK

“EXCELLENT COURSE! Very BENEFICIAL and worthwhile.”
Anita C., Occupational Therapist, IL

VERY PRACTICAL AND INSIGHTFUL. This is information that every family and health care professional needs to hear! Alzheimer’s can be prevented! People need to know this! Carol O., WV

“I REALLY ENJOYED David’s presentation and friendliness!! Thank you so much for such a WONDERFUL workshop.” Linda C., LMFT, WA

Great class! Dave Larsen really knows his stuff! Judy F. Knoxville, TN LCSW