JoAnne Perry is an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing at the University of British Columbia, where she has been teaching since the late 70’s. Her undergraduate degree is from Adelphi University in New York, her MSN from UBC, and her PhD from the University of Washington.

Dr. Perry teaches care of older adults in nursing, as well as interdisciplinary courses in aging. It was through observations in the practice setting that the difficulties persons with dementia have with their families and professional caregivers became the focus of a research program. Research projects on this topic has focused on culture, personhood, and family relations and communication. Independent research and collaborative work has been funded by the Alzheimer’s Societies of BC and Canada, as well as the Canadian Institute for Health Research and the British Columbia Medical Research Foundation. Dr. Perry is also a member of the Center for Research on Personhood and Dementia,which is funded by the Michael Smith Foundation. Her work is published in nursing and interdisciplinary journals.

Dr. Perry has received a teaching prize from the Registered Nurses Association of British Columbia as well as a Killam teaching prize and has extensive experience in curriculum development at the undergraduate and graduate level.

Dr. Perry also serves on the board of the Association of Advocates for Care Reform in BC.