Amy Shaw, PA

"One of the most comforting things Amy does is listen. She dug deep to understand all of the complex issues we were struggling with and cared about our feelings, and kept us informed every step of the way."

Amy Shaw, PA-C, is a nationally recognized dementia care expert, author, and medical director dedicated to empowering family caregivers with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the dementia journey with confidence and compassion. With extensive experience in dementia care, hospice, and end-of-life decision-making, Amy is committed to preserving dignity and improving quality of life for both patients and their families.

Empowering caregivers with the knowledge and support to navigate dementia with confidence and compassion.

Amy's Story

Amy’s 30+ year journey to becoming a leading dementia care expert is built upon a diverse background in science, entrepreneurship, and healthcare. From studying primate cognition to guiding families through some of their most challenging moments, every step of her career has shaped her approach to dementia care. Key milestones include:

• Early Studies & Career: Studied primate behavior, cognition, and child development at Emory University, conducting research and traveling to Uganda and Puerto Rico to study primates. Developed an understanding of human behavior through this lens, which later influenced her approach to caregiving and patient advocacy.

• Entrepreneurial Journey: Before entering the medical field, Amy founded and ran a successful wedding photography business. Through this experience, she learned how to support families during high-stress life events, a skill that seamlessly translated into her work in dementia care.

• Becoming a Physician Assistant: Transitioning into healthcare, Amy trained as a PA, gaining expertise in chronic illness management, geriatrics, and patient-centered care.

• Specializing in Dementia Care: Recognizing the need for better caregiver education and support, Amy established the first comprehensive dementia care program in Wyoming, caring for more than 450 patients with dementia and their families.

• Launching AmyShaw.net: Recognizing the growing need for direct caregiver support, Amy founded AmyShaw.net to provide expert dementia consulting for families nationwide, as well as private medical care for patients with dementia in Wyoming and Illinois.

• Medical Director Role: Expanding her leadership in dementia care, Amy took on the role of Medical Director for the Cottonwood and Aspen Creeks dementia memory care facilities in Cheyenne, WY, and Troy and Sullivan, IL, where she ensures high-quality care and support for residents and their families.

• Authoring The Arc of Conversation: Identifying a gap in medical education, Amy authored The Arc of Conversation, the first textbook to teach medical professionals how to navigate end-of-life discussions, evaluate hospice eligibility, and communicate effectively with families facing advanced illness.

Caring for a loved one with dementia is overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Amy is here to guide you through the journey, providing the knowledge and support you need to navigate dementia caregiving with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.

My husband and I met Amy Shaw during a very difficult time when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Amy's patience, knowledge of dementia, regular check-ins, and compassion were a blessing. She guided us through rough spots and tough decisions and always made herself available to help. It was a blessing to have Amy come to our house when it was difficult to get my husband to the doctor and into town. Amy’s professionalism showed through and in no way dimmed her compassion. She understands the issues caregivers face and always gave me as much care and concern as she gave my husband. When it came time to consider hospice care, Amy was very supportive and explained everything, including how his body would start giving out with cascading failures. Amy’s education and support helped me feel better prepared and not taken by surprise at each step of the way.

Brenda, Family Caregiver

★★★★★