About Us
Our Story
In Central Iowa, older adults with dementia and their care partners face a critical shortage of specialty mental health services tailored to their unique needs. Barriers such as chronic health conditions, limited mobility, financial constraints, and lack of transportation make access even harder—especially in Iowa’s rural communities. As the older adult population grows at an unprecedented rate, the urgency to address these gaps in services has never been greater.
Dr. Kathleen Matthews founded Perennial Pathways to meet this need. With 15 years of service as a geropsychologist for the Department of Veterans Affairs, she brings nationally recognized expertise in dementia behavioral care, care partner support, and program innovation. Her leadership in developing and disseminating effective dementia care programs within VA has demonstrated the power of combining science, compassion, and teamwork to transform lives. Today, she is committed to opening new pathways for Central Iowans—because no one should walk the dementia journey alone.
Our Mission
We empower individuals living with dementia and their care partners through compassionate, evidence-based psychological care that eases burdens and strengthens resilience throughout the dementia journey. By partnering with professionals and communities, we build systems of care that honor the dignity of every person living with dementia—and those who walk beside them.
- Provide evidence-based, person-centered geropsychology services tailored to each individual and family
- Uphold dignity and respect at every stage of the dementia journey
- Equip care partners with practical skills, support, and hope
- Build community and collaboration to strengthen dementia care across Iowa
Our Vision
We envision Central Iowa as a community where individuals with dementia and their care partners are embraced with knowledge, skill, and compassion. Through education, collaboration, and person-centered care, we aim to create networks of support that transform how communities respond to aging and memory loss. Our vision is a future where science and humanity come together to ensure no one walks the dementia journey alone.
Our Founder
Dr. Kathleen Matthews
Dr. Kathleen Matthews is a licensed geropsychologist dedicated to supporting older adults and their care partners. For 15 years, she served at the Department of Veterans Affairs, where she became nationally recognized for her expertise in dementia behavioral care, care partner support, and program innovation.
She led the creation and dissemination of dementia care programs across local, regional, and national level—breaking down barriers, empowering care partners, and fostering compassionate, evidence-based dementia care nationwide.
Today, through Perennial Pathways, Dr. Matthews brings that same blend of science and compassion to Central Iowa, partnering with communities and professionals to open new pathways of support so that no one has to walk the dementia journey alone.
Professional Endorsement
“Dr. Kathleen Matthews is an exceptionally talented dementia-care clinician, consultant, educator, and program innovator. I counted Dr. Matthews among my most valued VHA colleagues, partnering with her for more than a decade on projects to support dementia behavioral care and care transitions. Her vision, commitment to evidence-based and team-based care, creativity, and compassion were inspiring. Her expertise, energy, and dedication to person-centered care for people with dementia and their care partners are certain to support excellence in dementia care in Central Iowa in the years ahead!”
Michele J. Karel, PhD, ABPP
Former/retired, National Mental Health Director, Geriatric Mental Health, Office of Mental Health, Veterans Health Administration
B.A., Psychology, Grinnell College
M.S., Clinical Psychology, Idaho State University
Clinical Internship, Ann Arbor VA Medical Center
Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Idaho State University
Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Hines VA Medical Center
Psychology Intern, Ann Arbor VA Medical Center (2010 – 2011)
Post Doctoral Fellow, Edward Hines Jr. VA Medical Center (2011–2012)
Geropsychologist, Community Living Center & BRO Team, VA Central Iowa Medical Center (2012–2020)
Caregiver Support Program Team Psychologist, VA Midwest Healthcare Network (2020–2025)
Geropsychologist & Founder, Perennial Pathways, West Des Moines, IA (November 2025 – Present)
In 2012, Dr. Matthews led the creation of the Behavioral Recovery Outreach (BRO) Team at VA Central Iowa—a novel, person-centered model of transitional care for Veterans with dementia-related distressed behaviors. Veterans supported by the BRO program experienced fewer behavioral symptoms, reduced hospitalizations, and less emergency care—leading to greater stability and quality of life in the community.
With its promising outcomes for Veterans, families, and care teams, BRO expanded under Dr. Matthews' leadership to seventeen VA facilities nationwide.
BRO Local Program Lead (VA Central Iowa, 2012–2020) – Led development of dementia behavioral programming and created the BRO transitional care model.
STAR VA National Training Consultant (VA Central Office, 2014–2018) – Served on the national leadership team, providing training and consultation to VA health care teams in this person-centered, team-based behavioral approach for understanding and managing dementia related behaviors.
BRO Regional Program Lead (VA Midwest Regional Network, 2016–2021) - Directed BRO expansion across five states and established the BRO Training & Resource Center.
BRO National Program Lead (VA Central Office, 2017–2025) - Guided national dissemination, training 17 new BRO Teams and contributing to program guidance and resources made available national-wide.