Ann Choryan Bilbrey​, PhD

CEO & Founding Member

Ann is the CEO of the Optimal Aging Center.  She is the developer of the Coping with Caregiving Suite 2.0 Workshop Series along with Dr. Gallagher Thompson whose research much of the workshop is based on. She received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University and completed her postdoctoral training at Stanford University’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Her emphasis in her doctoral program was in the Clinical Neuroscience of Women’s Health and was completed at Stanford University’s School of Medicine. Her dissertation examined the effects of rapid withdrawal from hormone therapy on postmenopausal women. 

Ann is a published author both in peer-reviewed journals and in books. Her interests are in geropsychology and health psychology, specifically ways to encourage and promote healthy aging.  She has designed and conducted many psychoeducational presentations to community, developed cultural-sensitive flyers and other informational materials for Latino dementia outreach.  She has designed and led a Dementia Awareness Campaign in Santa Clara and San Mateo County.  

Email:  ann@optimalagingcenter.com

PUBLICATIONS

ARTICLES

  1. Gallagher-Thompson, D. , Laidlaw, K., Bilbrey, A. C., Cassidy-Eagle, E., & Thompson, L. W. (2020). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Late Life Depression: Evidence, issues, and recommendations. Cognitive & Behavioral Practice.
  2. Gallagher-Thompson, D., Bilbrey, A. C., Apesoa-Varano, E. C., Ghatak, R., Kim, K. K., & Cothran, F. (2020). Conceptual Framework to Guide Intervention Research Across the Trajectory of Dementia Caregiving. The Gerontologist, 60(Supplement_1), S29-S40.
  3. Bilbrey, A. C., Angel, J.L., Humber, M. B., Chennapragada, L., Garcia-Ruiz, I., Kajiyama, B. & Gallagher-Thompson, D. (2019). Working with Mexican American Families. In G. Yeo, & D. Gallagher-Thompson, Editors. Ethnicity and the dementias third edition. Routledge.
  4. Clark, J. L., Phoenix, S., Bilbrey, A. C., McManis, T., Escal, K. A., Arulanantham, R., … & Ghatak, R. (2018). Cultural competency in dementia care: An African American case study. Clinical Gerontologist, 1-6.
  5. Askari, N., Bilbrey, A. C., Garcia Ruiz, I., Humber, M. B., & Gallagher-Thompson, D. (2018). Dementia awareness campaign in the Latino community: A novel community engagement pilot training program with Promotoras. Clinical Gerontologist, 1-9.
  6. Bilbrey, A. C., Humber, M. B., Plowey, E. D., Garcia, I., Chennapragada, L., Desai, K., … & Gallagher-Thompson, D. (2018). The impact of Latino values and cultural beliefs on brain donation: results of a pilot study to develop culturally appropriate materials and methods to increase rates of brain donation in this under-studied patient group. Clinical gerontologist, 41(3), 237-248.
  7. Bilbrey, A. C., Bockmann, F. T., Askari, N., & Gallagher-Thompson, D. (2017). Of Sound Mind: Using public access TV for community outreach and to raise dementia awareness. Innovation in aging, 1(Suppl 1), 345.
  8. Askari, N., Bilbrey, A. C., Humber, M. B., Hertel, P., Schier-Anzelmo, N. A., Hartman, J., & Gallagher-Thompson, D. (2017). Equine guided support project: Workshops for people living with early stage dementia and care partners. Innovation in aging, 1(Suppl 1), 163.
  9. Clark, J. L., Ghatak, R., McManis, T., Bilbrey, A. C., & Gallagher-Thompson, D. (2017). Effectiveness of a Collaborative Continuum of Care Model for Patients and Families with Dementia. Innovation in aging, 1(Suppl 1), 162.
  10. Marquett, R. M., Thompson, L. W., Reiser, R. P., Holland, J. M., O’Hara, R. M., Kesler, S. R., Stepanenko, A., Bilbrey, A. C., Nevarez, J. N., Majoros, A. & Gallagher-Thompson, D. (2013). Psychosocial predictors of treatment response to cognitive-behavior therapy for late-life depression: An exploratory study.  Aging & Mental Health, 1-10

BOOKS & BOOK CHAPTERS

  1. Steffen, A. M., Dick-Siskin, L. P., Bilbrey, A. C., Thompson, L. W., and Gallagher-Thompson, D. (2021). Treating Later-Life Depression. A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Approach, Workbook (Treatments That Work).  Oxford University Press.
  2. Bilbrey, A. C. & Gallagher-Thompson, D. (2019). Working with Depressed Caregivers: Behavioral Activation.
  3. Gallagher-Thompson, D. & Bilbrey, A. C. (2019). Late Life Depression: Triggers, Treatments, and Resources. In L. Dunn & E. Cassidy-Eagle (Eds.), Practical Strategies in Geriatric Mental Health. American Psychiatric Association Publishing.
  4. Bilbrey, A. C., Angel, J.L., Humber, M. B., Chennapragada, L., Garcia-Ruiz, I., Kajiyama, B. & Gallagher-Thompson, D. (2019). Working with Mexican American Families. In G. Yeo, & D. Gallagher-Thompson, Editors. Ethnicity and the dementias third edition. Routledge

Clinical & Research Manuals

  1. Bilbrey, A. C., Strong, M., & Gallagher-Thompson, D. (2017). Dementia Awareness Guide. Stanford Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Stanford, CA
  2. Bilbrey, A. C., Askari, N., Ceja, A., Garcia, J., Garcia-Ruiz, I., Larios, A., Andrade, A., & Gallagher-Thompson, D. (2016) Dementia Awareness in the Latino Community: Trainee Manual 2016. Stanford Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Stanford, CA
  3. Bilbrey, A. C., Askari, N., Ceja, A., Garcia, J., Garcia-Ruiz, I., Larios, A., Andrade, A., & Gallagher-Thompson, D. (2016) Dementia Awareness in the Latino Community: Trainer Manual 2016. Stanford Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Stanford, CA
  4. Bilbrey, A. C., Gallagher-Thompson, D., & Chinn, M. B. (2016) Our Family Journey: For caregivers of loved ones with memory problems – Facilitator Manual. (Revision based on 2015 version) Stanford University School of Medicine, Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford, CA
  5. Bilbrey, A. C., Gallagher-Thompson, D., & Chinn, M. B. (2016) Our Family Journey: For caregivers of loved ones with memory problems – Participant Manual. (Revision based on 2015 version) Stanford University School of Medicine, Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford, CA
  6. Bilbrey, A. C. (2014). Effects of Hormone Therapy Withdrawal on Depression and Subjective Memory Complaints in Postmenopausal Women. (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Palo Alto University, Palo Alto.
  7. Bilbrey, A. C. (2012). WBRC Assessment Manual. Western Blind Rehabilitation Center, Veteran Affairs Palo Alto, Menlo Park, CA.
  8. Upah, R., & Bilbrey, A. (2009). Pulling the L Out of LGB Health and Mental Health: Working with Lesbians. Center for LGBTQ Evidence-based Applied Research, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA.

Presentations

  1. Bilbrey, A. C. (2019). 6 part Health Brain Lecture Series. Avenidas, Palo Alto CA
  2. Bilbrey, A. C. (2019). 6 part Health Brain Lecture Series. Sunnyvale Senior Center, Sunnyvale CA
  3. Bilbrey, A. C. (2018). 6 part Health Brain Lecture Series. Sunnyvale Senior Center, Sunnyvale CA
  4. Bilbrey, A. C. & Gallagher-Thompson, D. (2017). Talking to clients about memory loss and healthy cognitive aging. IHSS Training, San Mateo, CA.
  5. Bilbrey, A. C., Bockmann, F. T., Askari, N. & Gallagher-Thompson. (2017). Of Sound Mind: Using public access TV for community outreach and to raise dementia awareness. Innovation in Aging, 1(suppl_1), 345-346.
  6. Askari, N., Bilbrey, A. C., Humber, M. B., Hertel, P., Schier-Anzelmo, N. A., Hartman, J., & Gallagher-Thompson, D. (2017). Equine guided support project: Workshops for people living with early stage dementia and care partners. Innovation in Aging, 1(suppl_1), 163-164.
  7. Clark, J. L., Ghatake, R., McManis, T., Bilbrey, A. C., & Gallagher-Thompson, D. (2017). Effectiveness of a collaborative continuum of care model for patients and families with dementia. Innovation in Aging, 1(suppl_1), 162.
  8. Bilbrey, A. C. (2017). Healthy Aging and Your Brain. Presentation. Dance to Remember, San Jose, CA.
  9. Gallagher-Thompson, D. & Bilbrey, A. C. (2017). Dementia in the Latino Community. Latino Coalition Presentation. San Mateo Medical Provider’s Training, Redwood City, CA.
  10. Bilbrey, A. C. (2017). Healthy Aging and Your Brain. Presentation. Peninsula Jewish Community Center, Foster City CA.
  11. Bilbrey, A. C., Bockmann, F. T., Askari, N. & Gallagher-Thompson. (2017). Of Sound Mind: Using public access TV for community outreach and to raise dementia awareness. Poster session presented at the 15th Annual Community Health Symposium, Stanford, CA.
  12. Garcia-Ruiz, I., Bilbrey, A. C., Ceja, A., Askari, N., Garcia, J., & Gallagher-Thompson, D. (2017). Raising dementia awareness from within the Latino community: Engaging community through promotoras. Poster session presented at the 15th Annual Community Health Symposium, Stanford, CA.
  13. Bilbrey, A. C., Chinn, M. B., Thompson, L., & Gallagher-Thompson, D. (2016) Sticking with It: Use of Skills Taught in CBT-based Intervention at 12 & 18 Months Post Intervention. Poster session presented at the Gerontological Society of America Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA.
  14. Gallagher-Thompson, D. & Bilbrey, A. C. (2016). Brain Donation. Presentation. Avenidas, Palo Alto, CA.
  15. Askari, N., Bilbrey, A. C., Hartman, J., Landsverk, E., Hertel, P., Schier-Anzemol, N., Tekin, E. & Gallagher-Thompson, D. (2016) The connected horse: Equine guides support research project for people living with early stage dementia and their care partners. Poster session presented at the Gerontological Society of America Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA. Blue ribbon winner.
  16. Chinn, M. B., Bilbrey, A. C., Thompson, L., & Gallagher-Thompson, D. (2016) Then and Now: Examining Anxiety, Depression, and Stress 18 Months After a CBT-Based Intervention. Poster session presented at the Gerontological Society of America Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA.
  17. Clark, J. L., Ghatak, R., Bilbrey, A., McManis, T., & Gallagher-Thompson, D. (2016) Effectiveness of a Collaborative Continuum of Care Model for Patients and Families with Dementia. Poster session presented at the Gerontological Society of America Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA.
  18. Bilbrey, A. C., Stepanenko, A., Rengifo, J., Marquett, R., & Gallagher-Thompson, D. (2013). Symptom Change in Depression after CBT in Older Adult Women. Poster session presented at the 121st Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, Honolulu, HI.
  19. Bilbrey, A. C., Rengifo, J., Stepanenko, A., Marquett, R., & Gallagher-Thompson, D. (2012). Gender Differences in Reported Symptoms of Depression in Older Adults. Poster session presented at the Gerontological Society of America Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA.
  20. Stepanenko, A., Bilbrey, A. C., Rengifo, J., Marquett, R., & Gallagher-Thompson, D. (2012). Impact of Exercise on Depression Treatment for Older Adults. Poster session presented at the Gerontological Society of America Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA.
  21. Rengifo, J., Stepanenko, A., Bilbrey, A. C., Marquett, R., & Gallagher-Thompson, D. (2012). CBT Intervention effective for treating depression in ethnically diverse older adults. Poster session presented at the Gerontological Society of America Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA.
  22. Bilbrey, A. C. (2009). Perceptions of Tomboys. Poster session presented at the Pacific Research Forum, Redwood City, CA.
  23. Bilbrey, A. C. & Chou, L. J. (2008). Tomboys as a nonconforming gender. Poster session presented at the 2008 Spring meeting of the Western Psychological Association, Irvine, CA.

Last updated:  9/18/21

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