Melanie Russell, ADC, co-teaches the MEPAP APC with Licensed Instructors Bryan Rife, ADC/EDU and Shane Elks, RBT. Melanie is an Activity Director who has been in the profession for over 20 years. In addition to her position at her skilled nursing facility, she serves on the Corporate Activity Board of her care community, assisting in improving policies and procedures for life enrichment.

Melanie serves as a mentor for fellow Activity Professionals beginning their career. She previously served on the Boards of NCCAP and COAP-NC, speaking on behalf of each across the nation, as well as for CCME in her home state of NC. She is a former instructor for the state-approved Activity Director Course and has been successful in writing a grant from CMS for enhancing the lives of her residents. A highligth of her career was leading a mission trip to nursing homes in Guatemala to share her passion for the profession with those across the globe.

As a Licensed Instructor, I am qualified to deliver the standardized curriculum the Activity Professional Certification (APC.)

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.