Mary Ellen Geist Biography

Mary Ellen Geist grew up in the country outside of Detroit, Michigan, in a farmhouse. She earned a bachelor's degree in English/Creative Writing from Kalamazoo College and studied in Sierra Leone, West Africa. She also attended the University of Michigan for graduate writing classes. She worked for ABC and CBS radio stations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York for more than 20 years as a broadcast journalist. National and regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for best newscast and investigative reporting, as well as Associated Press Awards for best broadcast, live coverage, investigative reporting, and Reporter of the Year, are among her numerous accolades. On Thanksgiving Day, 2005, the New York Times published a front-page story on Mary Ellen's choice to leave her work as an anchor at WCBS Radio in New York to care for her father. "Measure of the Heart," her memoir of dealing with her father's Alzheimer's disease, was published in August 2008. Her first interview on the book was on NBC's Today Show, followed by an appearance on NPR's Diane Rehm Show. She's been interviewed by newspapers, magazines, and radio and television stations all across the country since then. In July of 2008, Mary Ellen and her book were featured on the cover of Caring Today magazine. In August of 2007, Mary Ellen was interviewed for a Reader's Digest piece titled "Home Front: A Reporter Takes on Her Toughest Assignment: Caring for Dad" about her choice to leave her work and return home to assist care for her father. Dr. Oliver Sack's latest book "Musicophilia" includes a chapter about her father, Woody's, musical talent while suffering Alzheimer's for over sixteen years. In 2009, Mary Ellen was named one of the top twenty Michigan Notable Authors, and she went on a book tour of libraries around the state. "Measure of the Heart" was named one of the Best Books for Caregivers by the website Beliefnet.com. Dick Estell was also chosen to read the novel for the nationwide Public Radio program "Radio Reader." AARP's "Best Book List" also included "Measure of the Heart." Since the publication of the book, Mary Ellen has been giving talks about the benefits of staying at home to care for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, as well as the particular bond that music can foster between carers and Alzheimer's patients. As a result of the book, acapella singing groups throughout the country have started making regular trips to residential institutions for persons with Alzheimer's disease and nursing homes. Mary Ellen's viewpoint on the positive influence of music on persons with Alzheimer's disease is the subject of an article she wrote for Prevention Magazine (April 2009). Mary Ellen is a resident of Northern Michigan's Walloon Lake.

As a renowned expert and highly sought-after speaker, Mary Ellen Geist's expertise is in high demand. To book Mary Ellen Geist for your next event, conference, or workshop, please contact our speaker booking agency. Our experienced team will work closely with you to understand your specific needs and help secure Mary Ellen Geist's participation. With our professional guidance and seamless booking process, you can ensure a memorable and impactful experience for your audience. Don't miss the opportunity to engage your audience with Mary Ellen Geist's compelling insights and inspire positive change within your organization. Fill out the booking request form to take the first step in securing Mary Ellen Geist for your next speaking engagement.