Judah L. Ronch, PhD

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Professor of Practice Judah Ronch is undergraduate academic program chair at the Erickson School and a nationally-renowned expert on improving the treatment and mental well-being of elders. He is responsible for the academic integrity and day-to-day oversight of the Management of Aging Services undergraduate major.

Ronch has researched and written extensively on the debilitating effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease and has pioneered major reforms in the long term care industry to improve the mental health of older adults and the working conditions of those who care for them. He most recently served as vice president of Mental Health and Wellness for Erickson Retirement Communities in Baltimore, where he was responsible for developing person-centered strengths based approaches that serve the mental wellness needs of Erickson’s over 20,000 residents on 18 campuses.  Chief among his responsibilities was to develop resident services and staff education programs to optimize memory ability, dementia care, and mental wellness resources of persons with adjustment difficulties, depression and anxiety.

Prior to coming to Erickson in 2004, Dr. Ronch was the founder and Executive Director of LifeSpan DevelopMental Systems, which for over 25 years created numerous innovative programs of clinical service, research, staff development systems consultation and organizational development to meet the mental health needs of the aging in various parts of the United States. He was principal content consultant for EDGE. 

He is the former Executive Director of the Brookdale Center on Aging of Hunter College, and has been on the faculties of Vassar College, The University of Miami, and Dutchess Community College. 

Dr. Ronch’s numerous publications include the critically acclaimed "Alzheimer’s Disease: A practical guide for families and other helpers" and "The Counseling Sourcebook: A practical reference on contemporary issues," winner of the 1995 Catholic Press Association of the United States Book Award. He is co-editor of, Mental Wellness in Aging: Strength Based Approaches and Culture Change in Long-Term Care. His numerous journal articles and professional presentations include contributions in psychotherapy and counseling with the aged, care of persons with Alzheimer’s Disease and related disorders, caregiver issues, staff training and service delivery issues in geriatric care. He is a sought-after speaker for professional and lay audiences interested in these issues.