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BREAK Exchange membership map

ABOUT THE BREAK EXCHANGE

We currently have more than 215 members from 18 countries!

Who We Are
The Building Respite Evidence and Knowledge (BREAK) Exchange is an international group of researchers, respite providers, agencies, and individuals who are committed to building a culture of evidence-based respite.

What is Respite?
Respite is achieved through a short break from caregiving responsibilities that provides the caregiver a sense of relief, enhances family wellbeing, and strengthens the caring relationship. Respite can be achieved through a variety of planned or emergency services, break options, and supports based on the unique needs of the caregiver(s), individual(s) they support, and other family members. Respite breaks can provide the caregiver time away from the individual needing care or can be taken together.
 
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide members with opportunities to connect, collaborate, and learn from and with each other, in order to advance respite policy, practices, and research around the world.
 
Our Vision
We envision a world where high-quality, evidence-based, meaningful respite is easily accessible to everyone.
 
Our Motto
Everyone gets the break they need!

Our Values

Respite 

We value the importance of respite that meets the needs of caregivers, individuals they support, and their families in order to promote well-being.

 

Shared-Learning 

We desire to learn from and with caregivers, individuals they support, and the broader community to drive education and evidence-based respite.

 

Collaboration

We value and recognize the importance of collaboration with respite providers, programs, researchers, families, employers, communities, decision-makers, funders, and other stakeholders invested in improving respite.

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Person and Family Centeredness

Our person and family-centered approach means all voices matter and we acknowledge each individual’s needs, preferences, and expertise. We focus on support to families, as defined by the individual, and the outcomes that matter most to them, to guide our practice.

 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We value diversity and inclusion to ensure equitable, flexible, and accessible respite for all.

 

Excellence and Innovation 

We strive for excellence and embrace change as an opportunity to discover new and innovative ways to improve and transform respite.

THE BREAK EXCHANGE TEAM

KIM WHITMORE

BREAK Exchange Director

TYLER ENGEL

BREAK Exchange Staff

KATIE BAEZA

BREAK Exchange Staff

MARYJO CARUSO

Steering Committee Member

NIKKI DUNNE

Steering Committee Member

KEN GENEWICK

Steering Committee Member

PIOTR KUZNIAK

Steering Committee Member

CORY LUTZ

Steering Committee Member

EMMA MILLER

Steering Committee Member

DANIELLE ORTMANN

Steering Committee Member

DIANE SEDDON

Steering Committee Member

CATHARINE SHANAHAN

Steering Committee Member

REBECCA UTZ

Steering Committee Member

DON WILLIAMSON

Steering Committee Member

CASANDRA FIRMAN

Ad Hoc Member

SUSAN JANKO – SUMMERS

Ad Hoc Member

JILL KAGAN

Ad Hoc Member

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