It’s great to meet you. My name is Charlea, and I’m so glad you’re here—because if you are, chances are we share a common vision: to change the way we connect and to help build stronger, more compassionate communities.

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I’ve been a storyteller for as long as I can remember. I was often described as a “daydreamer” and a “natural entertainer”—which I like to think is a kind way of saying I’m unapologetically authentic, outgoing, and maybe just a little quirky. From a young age, I’ve loved bringing people together through laughter, imagination, and joyful moments. Today, I’m proud to introduce myself as the founder of InnovAgeless, where we celebrate creative expression through the transformative power of storytelling.

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My journey to InnovAgeless began in respite care, where I first discovered the many ways we can adapt everyday activities to be accessible and engaging for people living with diverse challenges. I went on to spend nearly five years working in recreation therapy, specifically in supportive living and memory care. It was there that I witnessed a pressing need: to reimagine how we engage with and care for our aging population. I saw individuals with rich histories and untold stories being met with routines instead of relationships—offered activities that filled time, rather than created meaning.

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With a professional background in therapeutic recreation and a lifelong passion for the creative arts, I felt called to do more. That spark became a fire after reading Creative Care by Anne Basting—a book that deeply shaped my approach and became a cornerstone of the Creative Connected Storytelling programs. Her work challenged me to consider what true connection could look like: creative, compassionate, and deeply human.

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InnovAgeless is the result of over a decade of learning, adapting, and rethinking how we engage people whose abilities and contributions are too often overlooked.

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But this mission is bigger than elder care. I envision a world where empathy, creativity, and storytelling connect people of all ages and abilities. I’ve seen the power of story to bridge generations, the way theatre opens hearts, and how creativity can truly heal.

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Today, I’m honored to lead programs that not only uplift older adults, but also welcome everyone—regardless of age or ability—into meaningful, creative experiences.
Because every person has a story.
And every story deserves to be heard.