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