Cara a Cara

We are raising awareness about dementia, caregiving, and essential community resources for families.

Join us for an empowering event designed to support family caregivers and professionals. You’ll gain essential knowledge on key topics like Medicare basics to help you choose the best plan, dementia care strategies for compassionate caregiving, and end-of-life planning to make informed decisions for your loved ones. Our expert speakers will also offer insights on self-care techniques to avoid caregiver burnout and guide you to community resources for ongoing support. Whether you’re new to caregiving or seeking more tools, this event connects you to valuable information and a supportive network. Come prepared to learn, share, and grow!

This event is free to join!

Resources

Keynote Speaker

Leslie Martinez-Ramirez
Latino Engagement Officer
Compassion & Choices

End of Life Care & Planning

Leslie Martínez’s distinguished career spans over 25 years of dedicated work, aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of vulnerable migrants in the United States. With a comprehensive understanding of health content, Leslie has occupied significant roles within Mexico’s diplomatic missions, leaving a lasting impact. She has played an important role at the Mexican Embassy in the United States, Mexican Embassy in Spain and during her tenure as the Consul of Community Affairs at the Mexican Consulate in Orlando, Leslie pioneered initiatives that built essential support networks within the Latino Community of Central and North Florida. Notably, she established the Health Window, enhancing healthcare accessibility for Latinos, and collaborated with financial institutions to improve financial literacy among Latinos.

As the National Coordinator of the Health Window at the Consulate General of Mexico in New York, Leslie oversaw a network of 51 Health Windows across the United States. Her role significantly improved healthcare resource provision and elevated the quality of training for health advocates on vital topics. Currently serving as the Latino Engagement Manager at Compassion & Choices, Leslie employs her extensive experience as a health content expert to spread knowledge about end-of-life decisions, palliative care, and hospice within Latino communities. Her academic journey includes a bachelor’s degree in international relations from the University of the Americas in Mexico City and a Master’s degree from Complutense University in Madrid, Spain.

Video as viewed from Cara a Cara in Corpus Christi, TX on October 17, 2024.
Video visto desde Cara a Cara en Corpus Christi, TX el 17 de octubre de 2024.

Speakers

Jose Diaz
Sr. Director, Growth & Broker Relations
WellMed Medical Management

Medicare Essentials & Updates for 2025

Jose Diaz was born in Sinton, TX, grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and moved to San Antonio in 1998. During his formative years, Jose attended the University of Wisconsin (Milwaukee) where he focused his studies in Administrative Leadership and Business Management.

Jose has over 30 years’ experience in the insurance industry and has held several management positions with some of the top healthcare carriers. Jose is an

Articulate, bi-lingual Sales Management Professional recognized for exhibiting fairness in all dealings. Jose enjoys working in environments where meeting challenging goals and fostering repeat business are valued. Jose has a passion for music and played with several bands in the Midwest throughout his younger years and currently playing Bass Guitar for the praise and worship band at Community Bible Church (Español) in San Antonio, TX.

Dr. Nestor Praderio, M.D.
Founder & President
Face to Face

Caregiver Interactive Session

Nestor H. Praderio, MD, has dedicated over 30 years of service to the Coastal Bend community, celebrating this milestone in August 2024. Born and raised in Argentina, he graduated from the University of La Plata and completed his psychiatry residency at Connecticut Valley Hospital, affiliated with Yale University.

His dedication extends to consulting long-term care facilities in South Texas and organizing impactful annual events such as the Family & Friends Caregiver Conference, Healthy Aging Forum, and the Coastal Bend Walk for Memory.

Dr. Praderio is profoundly committed to serving the Spanish-speaking and Latino community. This dedication is reflected in our bilingual programs and resources, including the annual Cara a Cara event, which celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and ensures that Spanish-speaking caregivers receive essential support.

Dr. Praderio’s leadership and vision have made a significant impact on the Coastal Bend community, and beyond. His unwavering commitment continues to inspire and improve the lives of those facing the challenges of dementia

Master of Ceremonies

Lisa Oliver
City of Corpus Christi, TX

Itinerary

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM	Continental Breakfast
8:45 AM – 9:00 AM	Opening Ceremonies
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM	Presentation by Jose Diaz: “Medicare Essentials & Updates for 2025”
9:45 AM – 9:55 AM	Break (MC Announcement, sponsors, raffle prize)
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM	Keynote Speech by Leslie Martinez-Ramirez on “End of Life Care & Planning”
10:45 AM – 10:55 AM	Break (MC Announcement, sponsors, raffle prize)
11:00 AM – 11:40 AM	Presentation by Dr. Nestor H Praderio, MD: Caregiver Interactive Session
11:40 AM – 12:00 PM	Interactive Session (Dr. Nestor Praderio, MD, Face to Face)
12:00 PM – 12:10 PM	Break (MC Announcement, sponsors, raffle prize)
12:10 PM – 12:30 PM	Lunch (Live audience only)
12:30 PM – 2:30 PM	Dance & Door Prizes (Live audience only)

Location

First United Methodist Church

900 S Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401

Google Maps directions

Important Information

Parking: Ample parking is available at the venue. Please arrive early to secure a spot.
Networking Opportunities: Take advantage of breaks to connect with fellow attendees and exhibitors.
Social Media: Follow us on and use the hashtag #CaraCara2024 to share your experience.