Driver Cognitive Assessment Center, LLC (known as DCAC) Owner and Founder Melanie Henry first learned about the DriveABLE Impirica impairment assessment technology in 2017 and immediately recognized the importance of bringing the service to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Arriving in the United States from Australia in 2007, Melanie experienced many adjustments, including driving on the ‘right’ side of the road. Because of her extensive work with senior citizens, she knew her vivid recollection of that transition would give her an additional sensitivity to clients who are facing a possible transition away from driving. 

Melanie’s professional career spans decades working in the field of social welfare, risk assessment, and case management in child protection and management of criminal child abuse investigations. She has worked as a privately employed caregiver for older adults. It was during her time as the Transportation Coordinator for a volunteer driver medical ride program for Tri- Valley seniors, that she became acutely aware of the driving challenges some seniors were facing and identified the need for an independent and objective cognitive driving assessment service in the Bay area. Melanie was already a licensed driving school instructor and this ideal blend of background and passion uniquely qualified her to make her dream a reality. She opened the doors of the DCAC in November 2019.   

Melanie is a driving evaluator who specializes in evaluating older drivers and their skillsets.  She is a Licensed Driving Instructor and Driver Rehabilitation Professional DRP).  Melanie is the author of the best-selling book Difficult Aging in Place Conversations and is a speaker on the topics of aging and driving. 

Melanie holds a B.A. in Welfare Studies from Western Sydney University in Australia. She is an active member of organizations such as ADED (Association Driver Rehabilitation Specialists), NMEDA (National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association), and NAIPC (National Aging In Place Council) where she formerly served as a Secretary/Board Member for the San Francisco Bay Chapter.

As part of her personal mission, Melanie provides education and awareness seminars for senior living communities, in-service sessions for senior care providers and healthcare professionals, and other community partners.  DCAC also engages in outreach activities for older adult communities throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Melanie also volunteers as an Event Coordinator and Trained Technician for the CARFiT program in the Bay Area. Please contact Melanie if you would like her to present to your community of residents or group or are interested in learning more about the CARFiT program.