Dylan, (aka Gail Neustadt) who earned advanced degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from CWRU and the University of Michigan, specialized in new service delivery systems for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders. She was a nationally recognized speaker and invited member of the HCFA (CMS) Multi-State Case-Mix and Quality Demonstration Project which established the prospective payment system for long-term care as well as quality of care indicators used by surveyors. For ten years prior to retirement, Dylan was CFO and owner of two companies, GNI, a contract therapy company providing Physical, Occupational and Speech-Language Therapy services in long-term care; and G-Networks providing education and training to rehabilitation professionals throughout the country.

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In 2001, six years before her husband’s death, Dylan’s article, “Side by Side: Traveling the Road and Sharing the Load of Alzheimer’s Disease,” was published in the ASHA Leader (American Speech Language Hearing Association). The article received a prestigious award from SNAP (Society for National Association Publications) and was followed six years later by a second article, “Still Traveling the Road.” Dylan explains that it was the second article, along with a series of mystical experiences, that catapulted her onto a less traveled writing road. Noting parallels between mental degradation caused by her husband’s illness and environmental degradation caused by corporate pollution, Dylan began writing “Skunk Tales Trilogy.” All three books, “Norton’s Tale,” “Sebastian’s Tale” and “The Tale of Quinn’s Quill” use animal characters to depict the increasing dangers of a new gold rush … unconventional natural gas drilling. Both “Norton’s Tale” and “Sebastian’s Tale,” published by Red Engine Press are award winners and “The Tale of Quinn’s Quill” is currently being completed.

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In addition to her writing, Dylan walks her talk by sitting on several community boards and giving testimony at DEP, EPA and local public hearings. She is a member and supporter of many environmental organizations and writer for a local magazine. Although her motivation for environmental activism originated with her husband’s illness, it is now driven by the love she has for her grandchildren, Joey, Dylan, Samantha and Jordan; and all of our grandchildren and generations to come!