Meet Margaret Christenson, LifeaseŽ, Inc. President

Ms. Christenson's interests in finding the best solutions for people to live independently are closely intertwined with her own journey. During the time Lifease was beginning, her husband developed a neurological problem that limited his standing and walking. As the couple planned there move to a new home, they decided to plan for possible future concerns. Thus, the home is built incorporating the principles of Universal Design. As they were building the home, she found that her background in occupational therapy served as a strategic guide for the necessary modifications in her own home.

There are two aspects to occupational therapy's goal of helping individuals reach the maximum of their potential. The more common understanding is that of treating or working directly with an individual. However, the second, equally as important, is adapting the environment. This latter aspect of the profession is where Mrs. Christenson has focused her career. She is passionate about making the spaces we live in comfortable and functional, no matter what our age or physical abilities.

From her professional background, experiences with clients and application of what she has learned to compensate for her husbands disability, she knows that there are often solutions which make the doing of tasks not only easier but in some cases making the impossible - possible. Her 40-year career in the field of occupational therapy has convinced her that environment is just as critical as health in maintaining a comfortable and independent lifestyle.

Ms. Christenson received her Baccalaureate in Occupational Therapy and her Master's of Public Health degrees from the University of Minnesota. She is a fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association and several years ago was honored as Minnesota Occupational Therapist of the Year.

She consults with architects, interior designers, businesses, home owners and has written two books and numerous articles on universal design, assistive technology, and adaptations of the living environment. As a seminar leader, she has spoken to hundreds of groups on these topics as well as the operations of the LifeaseŽ software products.

It is her desire, and that of the entire Lifease organization, that you or the clients you are concerned about may live as long as desired in the chosen home setting by conquering the challenges that exist to living independently.

"May Lifease assist you in your search to: . . . turn darkness into light . . . and make the rough places smooth." Isaiah: 42:16b