Jennifer Stelter, Psy.D., DCS, DCSCT
Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Creator of the Dementia Connection Model©, and Senior Living & Dementia Care Consultant
Dr. Jennifer Stelter, also known as the Oil Doctor, Psy.D., is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Senior Living and Dementia Care Consultant, Johns Hopkins University Press author and national speaker, and the creator of the Dementia Connection Model©. She has 30 years experience in the healthcare field and over 15 years in the senior living industry.
Dr. Stelter is the founder and CEO of the Dementia Connection Institute by the Oil Doctor, Psy.D., LLC, providing education, training, consultation, and clinical services to healthcare organizations and family caregivers. She is the developer and Master Trainer for the nationally and internationally accredited Dementia Connection Specialist (DCS/DCSCT) Certification Program. Also, Dr. Stelter is the author of the Johns Hopkins Press publication "The Busy Caregiver's Guide to Advanced Alzheimer Disease".
She has been featured in a number of podcasts, blogs, and publications, including Bridge the Gap, USA Global TV & Radio, Chicago Tribune, and McKnight’s Long-Term Care News and local to the midwest in Sun Day News, Daily Herald, Northwest Herald, and Quintessential Barrington’s Medical Guide.
After her own mental health journey, Dr. Stelter quickly realized the power of non-pharmacological tools, and therefore, dedicated her career to educating others on the power of having these tools in their hands. She spent the first half of her career helping those with mental health concerns. During this next part of her career, Dr. Stelter dedicated the last 12 years exploring, researching, creating, and trialing innovative dementia care techniques to bring professionals and caregivers the latest tools to equip them for success. She then opened NeuroEssence, LLC with her business partner, and they launched the Dementia Connection Institute in 2022. The Oil Doctor, PsyD LLC then resumed management of the Dementia Connection Institute in 2024.
Dr. Stelter’s self-care regimen consists of exercise, oiling, meditation, and laughing with her husband and children. She also loves to get on the floor and play with her Rhodesian Ridgeback. In addition, she takes time for herself on bike rides, sipping coffee in nature, and listening to music.
Nancy C. Hammer, BS, DCS
Executive Business Development Manager
Nancy is an accomplished sales executive with extensive experience in business development, strategic partnerships, and customer relationship management. She brings expertise in sales leadership, business planning, and partner engagement, with a proven ability to build lasting relationships and drive organizational growth. Nancy earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Marketing from Roosevelt University, combining technical knowledge with strong business acumen to deliver innovative, client-focused solutions.
CLINICAL TEAM
CLINICAL TEAM
James C. Merritt Jr., APRN, MSN PMHNP-BC, MBA
Staff Neuro-Specialist and Nurse Practitioner
James C. Merritt Jr., APRN, MSN PMHNP-BC, MBA is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience in behavioral health across inpatient and outpatient settings. His clinical focus includes comprehensive, evidence-based psychiatric and neuropsychiatric assessment of adults and older adults experiencing dementia, cognitive changes, mood and behavioral disturbances, and other conditions affecting mental and neurological functioning. James utilizes clinical interviewing, mental status and cognitive assessment, medication review, and validated screening tools to support differential diagnosis and individualized treatment planning.
His approach emphasizes distinguishing psychiatric symptoms from cognitive and neurological conditions while considering medical, medication-related, psychosocial, and functional contributors. He is committed to collaborative, person-centered care that supports patients, families, and caregivers throughout the assessment and
treatment process.
James’s self-care regimen includes relaxing massages, playing golf, and spending quality time with his children. Whether enjoying a peaceful day on the golf course or creating meaningful memories with his family, he values activities that help him recharge, stay grounded, and maintain balance in his life.
Micheala Cantu, LCSW
Michaela Cantu is a licensed clinical social worker. She obtained a bachelor's degree in psychology from Creighton University in 2017 and a master of social work from the University of Nebraska Omaha in 2020. Michaela's professional experience began in Lincoln, NE, as a residential substance use counselor. She then moved to Portland, OR, where she worked for several years as a forensic social worker to support justice-involved individuals seeking mental healthcare. Now back in her home state of Illinois, she strives to synthesize formal post-graduate training in DBT and IPT with her core holistic and humanistic values.
Outside of the therapy office, Michaela spends most of her time with her rescue Yorkie mix, Admiral. Her self-care usually looks like birdwatching, sewing, or listening to loud music.