The Wellness Forum

Fulfilling People

Virtually every retirement community today has an “activities program” that offers readymade events. While this traditional approach can fill people’s days, Touchmark believes that much more is needed to fulfill people.

In 2003, Touchmark invited Marge Coalman, EdD—a well-known innovator—to join the company and develop a new program: Touchmark Full Life Wellness & Life Enrichment program. This dynamic program encourages—and supports—residents to live happier, healthier lifestyles by becoming personally involved and engaged. Through partnering with Touchmark, residents take “ownership” of their own goals and wellbeing.

About Dr. MargeVice President, Wellness & Programs, Touchmark

Marge Coalman - Vice President, Wellness & Progrmas, Touchmark

Marge is responsible for developing and implementing programs that enrich people’s lives through individualized physical, intellectual, and spiritual activities. Additionally, she provides support and oversight for Touchmark’s assisted living and memory care programs.

Prior to joining Touchmark in 2003, Marge served as National Program Director for Regent Assisted Living, Inc. where she developed programs for 32 assisted living communities in nine states. She also had her own consulting business for senior living and providers and agencies.

In addition, she worked for 15 years at the Multnomah Athletic Club, where she created a wellness program for members 2 to 90 with special needs. She also was responsible for supervising and training instructors, personal trainers, aquatic personnel, and other staff.

Before that, Marge worked in special education for 15 years, first with the Columbia Education Service District and later at Portland State University.

She received her doctorate in Education from Oregon Health Sciences University. She also holds a master’s degree in Education from Portland State University and a bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Washington.

A specialist in exercise/physiology of the aging, Coalman is active in the community and served on the board of the Oregon Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association, chairing its Portland Leadership Council.

A guest professor for Oregon State University, Portland State University, and the Oregon Gerontological Association, Marge is sought internationally as a conference speaker. She also is a contributing journalist to the International Council on Active Aging as well as a course developer and master trainer for the Oregon Health Care Association.

Away from work, she enjoys walking and running with her dogs, hiking in the Columbia Gorge and at Cascade Head along the coast, biking, swimming, writing poetry and fiction, and spending time with her grandchildren.