April Coval is the Life Enrichment Connections Coordinator at Laurel View Village, where she leads both a memory care unit and a personal care unit within the community’s continuing care model. With over 25 years of experience in the senior living field, April brings a unique blend of creativity, leadership, and compassion to her work in elder care.

Throughout her career, April has worked in skilled nursing, assisted living, personal care, and both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, giving her a broad and well-rounded perspective on person-centered care. Her background in a variety of activity department roles has equipped her with a deep respect for the contributions of every team member in enhancing residents’ quality of life.

She holds multiple professional certifications, including Activity Director Certified (ADC) through the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP) and Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP). April is also a Montessori Dementia Engagement Specialist, a Certified Dementia Support Group Facilitator, and serves as a board member for the Pennsylvania Activity Professional Association (PAPA).

April is the 2024 recipient of both the Doctor Julius Wayne Dudley Award and the Newton Universal Award, presented by the Socio Economic Development Foundation of Boston—recognitions that celebrate her exceptional service, advocacy, and innovation in the field of aging services.

She holds an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer Information and Communication Technology, which she uses to incorporate forward-thinking, tech-based solutions into daily care and programming.

In addition to her work in leadership and education, April is well-versed in music and plays several instruments, which she integrates into her person-centered interventions. Her passion for music-based engagement aligns with her training in Music & Memory, allowing her to design powerful therapeutic experiences that support cognitive function, emotional connection, and quality of life for individuals with dementia and other cognitive impairments.

April is a frequent conference speaker and presenter, sharing her expertise in dementia engagement, therapeutic programming, and life enrichment. Her mission is rooted in empathy, empowerment, and the belief that every senior deserves dignity, joy, and connection.

A passionate educator and mentor, April is known for supporting others through study groups, customized study guides, and accessible educational resources. Her commitment to helping professionals understand the “why behind what we do” led her to become an NCCAP Instructor, where she continues to train and inspire future activity professionals.

As a Licensed Instructor, I am qualified to deliver the standardized curriculum for Activity Director Certification (ADC.)

For over 30 years, NCCAP certification has been accepted for meeting the highest standard of CMS F680 and is the only certification accepted by NAAP for meeting the Professional Standards of Practice to be an Activity Professional.

The standardized curriculum is infused with the person-centered principles of the Pioneer Network as well as the Alzheimer’s Association Dementia Care Practice Recommendations. It is reviewed and updated regularly by an independent Clinical and Curriculum Advisory Board of geriatric experts and long-term care practitioners.

Like all Allied Healthcare credentials, NCCAP certification is based on a formal course of study, the standardized curriculum, and an independent final exam. NCCAP certification ensures you are competent to deliver person-centered care and life-enriching activity programs to enhance physical, cognitive and psychosocial well-being.