Agenda

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Workshops

W01) Beyond Surviving: Advancing Dementia-Friendly Communities in Rural Areas

Focus Area: Building Livable and Dementia-Friendly Communities

Join this session to learn about innovative rural and culturally accessible, dementia-capable access to education, activities and supportive services to assist people with disabilities. Offering enhanced services that address complex care needs of dementia encourages early diagnosis and provides education and emergency support to promote safety and help to de-escalate behaviors. Presenters will discuss real-time and virtual collaboration for treatment plans, resources for social services, home care agencies, EMS, primary care, care partners and people with disabilities in diverse communities, as well as how to promote culturally appropriate communication with stakeholders, policy-makers and the community.

Presenters:

	Bethany Phenix-Osgood, Planning & Resource Director, Tribal Liaison and EMS Coordinator, Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington, Spokane, WA [biography] Bethany Phenix Osgood - 20+ years working in Health Care Administration, grant writing, public speaking and education, Medicaid Expansion, Managed Care, Tribal Liaison, EMS, and Issues on healthy aging policy.
	Kari Stevens, CLC Director, Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington, Spokane, WA [biography] CLC Director for ALTCEW

W02) Getting Back Out: Transportation Strategies to Support Independence and Equity

Focus Area: Enhancing Independent Living Through Transportation Innovations

A community with safe, affordable and accessible transportation for non-drivers helps ensure that older adults can stay connected to their communities, the services they need and the people they care about. Older adults often report that barriers to transportation include lack of knowledge of available transportation resources, fear of using the public transit system and cost. These challenges were heightened during COVID-19. As a result, older adults were especially vulnerable to social isolation and limited independence. In response, the County of San Diego is working closely with community partners on transportation strategies that spark community connections, prevent social isolation and remove barriers to access. This session looks at four feasible, impactful transportation strategies that inspire older adults to overcome barriers and reconnect with their communities.

Presenters:

	Jacob Carson, Graduate Student Worker, County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Aging & Independence Services, San Diego, CA [biography] Jacob is a Public Health PhD student at San Diego State University who has worked in research and public service sectors for the last 6 years. He is passionate about community capacity building and understanding how the built environment can be leveraged to improve the quality of our lives.
	Melissa Hernandez, Community Health Program Specialist, County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Aging & Independence Services, San Diego, CA [biography] Melissa is a Community Health Program Specialist with the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Aging & Independence Services. Melissa oversees the County’s Age Friendly initiative and progress of the Aging Roadmap, the County’s regional vision and framework for supporting healthy aging for people of all ages.
	Jana Schwartz, Transportation Equity and Livable Community Specialist, County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Aging & Independence Services, San Diego, CA [biography] Jana is a Transportation Equity and Livable Community Specialist with the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Aging & Independence Services. Jana assists with managing the Age Well San Diego initiative and oversees goals and strategies that relate to transportation and community connections for older adults.

W03) Vaccines: Your New Service Line

Focus Area: Best Practices in Healthy Aging

Presenters:

	Nicole Becerra, Aging Services Program Specialist, Administration on Aging, U.S Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC [biography] Nicole Becerra, MPH, CHES is an Aging Services Program Specialist and Program officer for the Administration for Community Living, Administration on Aging. Nicole has over 15 years of in network aging experience with a focus on community programming and policy.
	Duana Patton, CEO, Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc., Ontario, OH [biography] Duana Patton has been with the Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc. since 1994 where she started as Director of HR. In 2006, Ms. Patton became the Chief Executive Officer. Duana is a Certified Trainer and Executive Coach. She proudly serves on local, state and national boards.
	Deborah Stone-Walls, Chief, Programs and Services, USAging, Washington, DC [biography] Deborah Stone-Walls joined USAging in September 2021 in the role of Chief, Programs and Services. In this capacity, she oversees the association’s portfolio of programs that help its Area Agency on Aging and Title VI Native American Aging Program members support older adults and people with disabilities as they live independently in the communities of their choosing.
	Sara Maloney, Program Director, USAging, Washington, DC [biography] Sara has more than a decade of experience working in the field of aging. Before joining USAging as Commit to Connect's Program Manager, she coordinated and delivered Older Americans Act programs and services at the regional and local levels in North Carolina’s greater Charlotte region.

W04) Improving the Accessibility of Data-Driven Decision Making

Focus Area: Data, Information Exchange and Interoperability

provide an overview and demonstration of several new tools AAAs can use to identify community needs, assist with planning and evaluate the effectiveness of OAA programs. The team will also share the design, implementation and evaluation process used to conduct a survey that measures impact and satisfaction. They will share the infographics created from this data, as well as demographic heat maps overlayed with senior center service delivery to identify trends and gaps. Finally, the team will bring it all together by highlighting how these innovative tools are used to help strengthen the array of services and supports in the community.

Presenters:

	Andy Heft, Quality Improvement Coordinator, Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, Toledo, OH [biography] Andy Heft is Quality Improvement Coordinator with the Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio. He enjoys finding creative ways to blend qualitative and quantitative data and comes to this work after working in community mental health. He has BA degrees in Psychology and History from Ohio State University.
	Autumn Richards, Vice President, Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, Toledo, OH [biography] I am a registered dietitian and have been working at the Area Office on Aging for 18 years in nutrition, planning, provider relations and QI. I have a BS in Biology from the University of Norte Dame and a BS in Dietetics from BGSU.
	Emily Campbell, Chief Operating Officer, The Center for Community Solutions, Cleveland, OH [biography] Emily Campbell serves as the Chief Operating Officer for The Center for Community Solutions, a nonprofit non-partisan policy and research think tank with offices in Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. In this role, she oversees research, policy and administration related activities. Campbell previously worked for a U.S. Congressman, and she has consulted with numerous nonprofits, foundations and government agencies to provide data and public policy decision support. Campbell holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Master of Arts in Political Science from Case Western Reserve University.

W05) Paving the Way: Preparing Your Transportation Program for the Ever-Changing Road Ahead

Focus Area: Enhancing Independent Living Through Transportation Innovations

Find out how the Salt Lake Country AAA developed a robust fleet to meet mobility needs and how it use technology platforms and tools to operate its Rides for Wellness Program. Get an overview of the multiple types of vehicles used, specific mobility needs and learn about the supplemental partnerships used to support success. Join this session for a collaborative discussion to trade ideas, network and improve services for clients.

Presenters:

	Francisca Franco, Rides for Wellness Program Manager, Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services, Salt Lake, UT [biography] Francisca Franco is the Program Manager for the Rides for Wellness Program. Fran has been with Salt Lake County’s Aging & Adult Services Division for the past 10 years and has worked as the office coordinator and supervisor prior to her new role.
	Lance Service, Nutrition / Transportation Supervisor, Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services, Salt Lake, UT [biography] Lance has worked for Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services for just over 2 years. Lance has worked as a full time driver for all Independent Aging Programs and has been recently promoted to our Nutrition / Transportation Supervisor managing all of Independent Ageing's Fleet
	Melinda Cudney, Program Manager, Home-Delivered Meals, Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services, Salt Lake City, UT [biography] Melinda Cudney is the Program Manager for Home Delivered Meals with Salt Lake County, Aging & Adult Services. Melinda has worked for Aging Services over 16 years. Her experience includes senior center management, programming, and senior transportation. Melinda strives to establish efficiency and collaboration with commitment to continuous growth.
	Russell Stoddard, Section Manager Independent Aging, Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services, Salt Lake, UT [biography] Russ Stoddard is the Section Manager for Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services Independent Aging Section. In this role, he oversees the personnel and operations of the Meals on Wheels, Rides for Wellness, and Senior Congregate Meal programs.

W06) One Year Later: Three AAAs' Journey & DREI

Focus Area: Meeting the Needs of Diverse Aging Populations

Following the growth of the Black Lives Matter movement, the imperative for the Aging Network to increase our focus on diversity, racial, equity and inclusion (DREI) has grown stronger. Demographic projections show that older adults will continue to become more diverse. Three AAAs representing Detroit, Minneapolis and suburban Chicago have approached the challenges and opportunities to address DREI in unique ways. All three are using the new spotlight on racial equity to leverage a renewed effort to meet the needs of a diverse aging population in an equitable manner. You will learn about each AAA's efforts, their recent work—and how your agency can replicate these activities.

Presenters:

	Dawn Simonson, President and CEO, Trellis, Arden Hills, MN [biography] Dawn Simonson is the President and CEO of Trellis. Dawn champions organizational vision and provides strategic leadership resulting in services and programs that benefit older adults and their families in the Twin Cities region and throughout Minnesota. With deep experience in the field of aging, healthcare, and advocacy.
	Diane Slezak, President and CEO, AgeOptions, Oak Park, IL [biography] Diane Slezak is AgeOptions President and Chief Executive Officer. Diane has served with the agency since 1976. She is the Vice President of the Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging and the co-Chair of the Legislative Committee. She serves as an Alternate Board member for USAging.
	Ronald Taylor, President and CEO, Detroit Area Agency on Aging, Detroit, MI [biography] As President & CEO of Detroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA), Ronald S. Taylor has built key coalitions, partnerships, and community networks to empower older adults to age independently in their own homes. Taylor is a servant-leader who believes in meeting and exceeding the highest priority needs of others.

W07) AZDoesCare: Arizona's Direct Care Workforce Recruitment Efforts

Focus Area: Workforce and Volunteerism

The direct care workforce shortage has plagued AAAs for the past decade. Join this session for a walk through Arizona’s AAAs’ efforts to recruit and retain direct care workers. Learn how robust legislative efforts can lead to increased funding to support AAAs’ additional programming and recruitment efforts. Attendees will learn about a new recruitment campaign aimed at encouraging millennials and Generation Z to get excited and engaged in becoming direct care workers. Attendees will also learn about award-winning advocacy techniques and how to recruit a younger workforce into the aging sector, specifically targeting rural and indigenous communities. Together we will show AZDoesCare!

Presenters:

	Mary Beals Luedtka, Director, NACOG Aging, Flagstaff, AZ [biography] Mary Beals Luedtka is the Director of NACOG Aging and is the Chair of AZAging. With over 30 years of experience in the Aging network, Mary is the Chair of NANASP and is nationally recognized as a leader in aging services by USAging.
	W. Mark Clark, President and CEO, Pima Council on Aging, Tucson, AZ [biography] Mark Clark has more than 35 years of executive leadership experience in behavioral health, aging, human service, housing, and faith-based organizations. Mark holds a Masters in Social Work from Arizona State University and an undergraduate degree from Northern Arizona University.
	Maddy Bynes, Director, AZAging [biography] Maddy Bynes is the Director of AZAging, Arizona's Association of Area Agencies on Aging. Maddy has a decade of experience in public policy, advocacy, communications, and non-profit management. Maddy's undergraduate degree in political science is from the University of Arizona and she is currently pursing a Masters in Public Policy.

W08) Dementia and Brain Health: Resources and Tools

Focus Area: Title VI Native American Aging Programs: Unique Challenges and Solutions

Join us to discuss brain health and dementia in Indian Country as well as new resources that can be used by Title VI programs. We'll share work from the American Indian and Alaska Native Resource Center for Brain Health and other IA2 initiatives. Bring your community's successes and challenges and leave with new resources.

Presenters:

William Benson, Board President, International Association for Indigenous Aging (IA2), and Principal, Health Benefits ABCs, Chicago, MD [biography]

Molita Yazzie, Director of Tribal Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease Projects, International Association for Indigenous Aging (IA2), AZ [biography]

W09) Aligning Health and Social Care Through Community Care Hubs and Networks

Focus Area: Health Care Contracting and Integrated Care

Take a deep dive into the world of contracting networks and community care hubs (CCHs)! AAAs and CBOs are coming together to form networks to efficiently and effectively contract with health care entities and promote an equitable health and social care ecosystem. This interactive workshop will present findings from the latest qualitative research on networks and hubs, and share highlights resulting from the inaugural CCH National Learning Community launched by ACL and CDC. Learn how networks are formed, how relationships are built and maintained, how data is shared, how finances are managed, and how quality is assured. Attendees will learn about best practices and lessons learned from existing CCHs. This session will also highlight resources and tools for CCHs and network members.

Presenters:

	Abbe Lackmeyer, Project Manager, Scripps Gerontology Center, Miami University, Cincinnati, OH [biography] Abbe Lackmeyer, MGS, currently serves as a Project Associate with Scripps Gerontology Center. She has experience in both the academic and non-profit sectors related to programs and services for older adults. She currently works on a project evaluating the products, processes and outcomes of the Aging and Disability Business.
	Lauren Solkowski, Program Analyst, U.S. Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC [biography] Senior Program Analyst within the US Department of Health & Human Services. Has served as the lead for Business Acumen Technical Assistance Lead at ACL/CIP within the Office of Network Advancement for the last 10+ years. Manages and facilitates inter-agency workgroup focused on partnerships across healthcare and social services.
	Kathy Vesley, President and CEO, Bay Aging, Washington, VA [biography] President and CEO of Bay Aging. Experienced Chief Operating Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Government, Program Evaluation, Strategic Planning, and Public Speaking. Strong business development professional graduated from The College of William and Mary.
	AJ Diamontopoulos, Integrated Health Manager, Denver Regional Council of Governments, Area Agency on Aging, Denver, CO [biography] A skilled professional in SDOH, dedicated to health equity and improving the health of communities through the integration of clinical care and community-based services. Professional experience has brought me to the nexus of SDOH, clinical workflows, HCBS, and how to align services to meet organizational goals and improve health outcomes.

2:15 PM - 3:15 PM

2:15 PM - 3:15 PM Workshops

W11) Strategic Recruitment of Diverse Volunteers to Elevate Voices and Trust

Focus Area: Workforce and Volunteerism

Has your AAA lost volunteers during the pandemic? Is your AAA struggling to recruit volunteers that represent the voices of your community? Trellis is the AAA for the Twin Cities area and has set in place an aggressive plan to increase its reach in marginalized communities, specifically communities of color and poverty-impacted neighborhoods. Trellis will share its roadmap for engaging the community in authentic ways through its intentional work recruiting volunteers who speak languages other than English, hiring staff that looked like the community, developing new volunteer roles and using diverse media channels to better tell its story. Presenters will share our best practices for increasing the agency’s volunteer pool during the pandemic, which was a time when other agencies lost volunteers.

Presenters:

John Doan, Vice President for Operations and Equity, Trellis, Arden Hills, MN, MN [biography]

Jetta Wiedemeier Bower, Volunteer & Outreach Manager, Trellis, Minneapolis, MN [biography]

W12) Innovative Health Care Models Making Positive Change

Focus Area: Health Care Contracting and Integrated Care

Recipients of The John A. Hartford Foundation 2022 Business Innovation Award, Direction Home Aging & Disabilities, and runners-up, the Maryland Living Well Center of Excellence and Mid-America Regional Council, will discuss how they created and implemented their innovative programs with health care entities to positively impact historically marginalized, underserved and underinsured older adults and people with disabilities. These award winners will share the strategic planning, partnership building and evaluation processes they used to successfully improve the quality of life of vulnerable populations served by AAAs. Presenters will provide examples, outcomes and case studies with time allotted for audience questions and discussion.

Presenters:

	Kathie Garbe, Senior Program Manager, Aging and Disability Business Institute, USAging, DC [biography] Kathie C. Garbe is a Senior Program Manager of the Aging and Disability Business Institute at USAging, contributing to and managing projects related to the mission and impact of USAging and the Business Institute on community-based organizations. Kathie holds a Ph.D. in Health Studies from Texas Woman’s University.
	Erin Lippe, Director of Complex Care, Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities, Uniontown, OH [biography] Erin manages the team responsible for providing the Care Transition Intervention to Health Plan members and is the Director of Operations across all 88 counties in Ohio for the Transitional Care Program in partnership with Medical Mutual of Ohio. She has a BSN and Gerontology certificate from Kent State University.
	Leigh Ann Eagle, Chief Operations Officer, Maryland Living Well Center of Excellence - MAC, Inc., Salisbury, MD [biography] Leigh Ann Eagle is the Chief Operating Officer of the Living Well Center of Excellence (LWCE) at MAC, Inc., an Area Agency on Aging that oversees Maryland’s implementation of Healthy Aging Evidence Based Programs. Ms. Eagle is responsible for all aspects of program management for LWCE.
	Tane Lewis, Integrated Care Specialist, Mid-America Regional Council, Kansas City, MO [biography] Tane is the Mid-America Community Support Network Supervisor and Supervisor of the Evidence-Based Programs for the Mid-America Regional Council’s Aging and Adult Services. Tane is a Master Trainer and a Community Health Worker. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Kansas.
	Jane Carmody, Senior Program Officer, The John A. Hartford Foundation, New York, NY [biography] Jane Carmody, DNP, MBA, RN, FAAN is a Senior Program Officer at The John A. Hartford Foundation, a national private foundation dedicated to improving the care of older adults. As Senior Program Officer, Dr. Carmody works with Foundation leadership and staff to guide and support grant-funded initiatives in the United States in three priority areas: Age-Friendly Health Systems, Family Caregiving, and Serious Illness and End of Life. Her portfolio of grants includes programs to create age-friendly public health systems, strengthen community-based services for older adults, disseminate dementia care programs and resources, and further develop and promote standards and best practices in emergency, surgical, and home-based hospital care of older adults.

W13) Addressing Social Isolation in Illinois: What We Learned

Focus Area: Addressing Social Isolation Through Engagement

AAAs in Illinois offer a range of social isolation programs. However, the pandemic era required a shift from in-person to remote modes. Join this session to learn how these AAAs piloted surveys online and via text message to evaluate loneliness among older adults who received AAA programming during COVID-19 pandemic. Attendees will also learn how the state's AAAs analyzed loneliness data already collected by AAAs to examine any changes in older adult loneliness over time during the pandemic, as well how presenters addressed the challenges they faced in doing this research and what they ultimately learned!

Presenters:

	Louise Hawkley, Principal Research Scientist, NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL [biography] Dr. Louise Hawkley is a Principal Research Scientist in the Academic Research Centers, NORC at the University of Chicago. Her research predominantly addresses loneliness and health during aging. She is a co-investigator on the NIA-funded panel study, the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project (NSHAP).
	Susan Real, Executive Director, East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging, Bloomington, IL [biography] Susan C. Real, Executive Director, East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging. Susanu is recognized as a proven leader in the planning, development and implementation of Older Americans Act and Illinois General Revenue Fund programs serving over 23,000 older adults, caregivers, grandparents raising grandchildren, and persons with
	Diane Slezak, President and CEO, AgeOptions, Oak Park, IL [biography] Diane Slezak is AgeOptions President and Chief Executive Officer. Diane has served with the agency since 1976. She is the Vice President of the Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging and the co-Chair of the Legislative Committee. She serves as an Alternate Board member for USAging.

W14) Innovating Through IT Interoperability: Building on What You Have!

Focus Area: Running Your Agency: Strategies to Strengthen Systems and People

Using IT integration strategies and human-centered design principles, Region IV AAA will share its innovative approach to health informatics by extracting value from existing Office 365 applications across operations for data-informed service delivery, resource allocation, quality, process and performance improvement. Attendees will learn about the strategies the team used to leverage Office 365 applications across all-agency positions, which allows staff to do more with fewer clicks, fewer touches, improved quality, compliance, team satisfaction and engagement and, most importantly, exceptional individual and community outcomes. No external consultant needed. Learn to find value without increasing cost through integration of Office 365 applications with existing electronic health record platforms to create custom, actionable dashboards and lean, high-quality and person-centered workflows and processes. Leave with real-world, implementable strategies to tackle your team’s challenges and achieve their goals.

Presenters:

Theresa Uhrich, Chief Operating Officer, Region IV Area Agency on Aging, St. Joseph, MI [biography]

Stefanie Murphy, Care Management Director, Region IV Area Agency on Aging, MI [biography]

W15) Advancing Transportation Through the Accessible Transportation Resource Center (ATRC)

Focus Area: Enhancing Independent Living Through Transportation Innovations

This session will provide information about the ACL-funded Accessible Transportation Resource Center (ATRC). Following an overview of the Center’s activities, presenters will focus on one of NTAC’s primary components, the “National Accessible Transportation Accelerator Network,” and discuss ways to get involved in this broad network of transportation providers, stakeholders and advocates to identify workable strategies for making transportation services, apps, websites and program enrollment centers more accessible for all. NATAN will serve as a catalyst to facilitate adoption of accessible solutions to better meet the travel needs of older adults and people with disabilities across the county. Hear from a AAA and a CIL that participate in NATAN, as well.

Presenters:

	Virginia Dize, Director, Transportation, USAging, Washington, DC [biography] Virginia Dize is the Director of Transportation at USAging and Co-Director of the FTA-funded National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC). Ms. Dize also directs USAging’s work on the National Transportation Accessibility Center and Inclusive Coordinated Transportation Partnership Project, funded by the U.S. Administration for Community Living.

	Charles Rutkowski, Director of Technical Assistance Programs, Community Transportation Association of America, DC [biography] Charles Rutkowski is the Director of Technical Assistance Programs at the Community Transportation Association of America, where he has worked since 1991. He is involved in various programs aimed at enhancing mobility in rural and tribal communities across the United States, with a focus on involving local residents and stakeholders in developing and implementing transit projects. Before joining CTAA, Mr. Rutkowski worked in transportation management and planning roles in New York. He holds a B.A. degree in geography from Syracuse University and is married with a daughter, son-in-law, and two grandsons.

W16) Planning to Implementation: Three Examples of AAAs Driving Housing Solutions

Focus Area: Housing and Homelessness

Attendees will learn about three very different housing projects completed by AAAs in Indiana and a range of possible roles AAAs can play in developing and implementing local housing solutions. If you think AAAs don't have something to offer in the housing arena, you'll know differently after attending this session. From regional planning to incentivizing builders, to innovative planning and design to increase resident quality of life while reducing the cost of housing, to using the social determinants of health model to create a healthy living community, the presenters will show a variety of ways AAAs can be partners in creating local housing solutions.

Presenters:

	Mark Lindenlaub, Executive Director, Thrive Alliance, Columbus, IN [biography] ark Lindenlaub is the Executive Director of Thrive Alliance. Thrive Alliance was formed in 2011 by the merger of Housing Partnerships, Inc. and the local Area Agency on Aging, which gives the agency expertise in both affordable housing development/management and in-home support services. Mark is involved in various leadership roles at the local and state levels, where he strives to bring creativity and problem-solving skills that help find solutions to tough challenges.
	Anna Schoon, Vice President of Planning and Business Development, Northwest Indiana Community Action, Crown Pointe, IN [biography] Anna Schoon is an experienced nonprofit leader. She excels at innovation - envisioning and executing solutions for organizational and community problems. During her tenure at NWICA, she has conducted community needs assessments, facilitated strategic planning processes, and implemented numerous new initiatives to achieve organizational goals. NWICA is one of the largest combined Areas Agencies on Aging and Community Action organizations in the State.
	Ryan Keller, Executive Director, Thrive West Central, Terre Haute, IN [biography] Ryan Keller is the Executive Director of Thrive West Central. Thrive West Central serves west central Indiana as an Area Agency on Aging, an Economic Development District, and a Regional Planning Organization. Thrive West Central is an innovative regional driver focused on enhancing and maximizing community assets through strategic partnerships and data-driven solutions. Thrive offers over 50 unique programs and services focused on improving economic prosperity and quality of life for all.

W17) What’s in a Name? Rebranding your Area Agency on Aging

Focus Area: Running Your Agency: Strategies to Strengthen Systems and People

For more than 45 years, Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley was a respected, trusted and innovative community resource serving older adults in Massachusetts. ESMV provided traditional AAA home and community-based services and contracted with managed care, accountable care and other health care entities to address the social determinants of health across the lifespan. As its services expanded, and its geographic footprint grew when it took over another AAA's PSA, staff began an internal conversation about how this new agency should market itself not only to its new service area but to its current clients as well as those the agency hoped to serve in the future. Thus began the challenging yet fruitful process of organizational rebranding, which led to AgeSpan, a more welcoming and accessible agency for consumers, community partners and other stakeholders.

Presenters:

Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer, AgeSpan, Lawrence, MA [biography]

Jennifer Raymond, Chief Strategy Officer, AgeSpan, Lawrence, MA [biography]

W18) Capitalizing on Partnerships to Extend Reach of Kinship Navigator Programs

Focus Area: Supporting Caregivers

Join this session for a closer look at how the Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, Inc. capitalized on community partnerships to extend the reach of the Kinship Navigator Program. These additional partnerships provide opportunities it would not otherwise be able to offer. Partnerships include government agencies, nonprofits, for-profits and are contractual and in-kind. There are no age or income requirements associated with enrollment in the Kinship Navigator Program and all services are provided free of charge. Attendees will learn how to establish meaningful partnerships that benefit kinship families and can help meet their critical needs, how to establish and cultivate contractual and in-kind partnerships, how to develop outreach tools to increase awareness about kinship care and how to increase community engagement.

Presenters:

Arcelia Armstrong, Coordinator Caregiver Support and Kinship Navigator Programs, Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, Inc., Toledo, OH [biography]

Marsha Rose, Kinship Navigator Program Supervisor, Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, Inc., Toledo, OH [biography]

W19) Innovative Strategies to Address Agency Staffing Shortages

Focus Area: Workforce and Volunteerism

In 2021, Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio (COA) provided community-based services to 26,000+ individuals, added new lines of service and expanded services to meet community needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic including facilitating vaccinations and delivery of 7,000 personal supply boxes. In this session participants will learn how COA utilized a multi-pronged approach to meet the needs of clients, recruit/retain staff and expand services, all while managing costs and maintaining quality. COA will provide a roadmap for designing models of case management which increase the talent pool for agency staffing and share lessons learned. COA will outline advocacy approaches used with managed care plans and at the state level to change policies and allow AAAs to meet staffing challenges.

Presenters:

Billie Elliott, Manager, Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio, Blue Ash, OH [biography]

Terri Bunting, Vice President, Managed Care, Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio, OH [biography]

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

18th Annual Early Bird Walk

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Welcome Reception in the Tradeshow

Monday, July 17

6:30 AM - 7:30 AM

7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Registration and Information Desk Open

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

Networking Breakfast in the Tradeshow

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Networking Break in the Tradeshow

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Workshops

W21) Integrated Care Boot Camp, Part 1: How Health Plans Get Paid

Focus Area: Health Care Contracting and Integrated Care

Have you ever wondered how health plans get paid under Medicaid and Medicare or how they decide what they will pay for? Come to this session to learn how those decisions get made, and the key ingredients that impact plan financials—and contracting opportunities for your AAA.

Sponsored By: Humana

Presenters:

	Paul Cantrell, President, Clear View Strategies, LLC, Greenwood, VA [biography] Paul manages USAging’s Consulting Program, develops resource guides, provides training and technical assistance, and offers consulting services for AAAs and CBOs across the nation. Paul has more than 25 years of experience with a diverse group of healthcare-related and social care agencies. He also serves as Executive Director of Comprehensive Care Connections (C3), a non-profit Community Care Hub (CCH) supporting Pennsylvania’s AAAs in collaboration with their state association (P4A).
	Cheryl Phillips, Senior Program Consultant, The John A. Hartford Foundation, Washington, DC [biography] Robin brings two decades of health care policy experience in both the public and private sectors to BMA as Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer. She previously served as legislative analyst at U.S. Department of HHS, 16 years in U.S. House of Representatives, and recently Director of Healthcare Policy at the National Restaurant Association.
	Mary Kaschak, Chief Executive Officer, Long-Term Quality Alliance, Washington, DC [biography] Mary Kaschak is Chief Executive Officer of the Long-Term Quality Alliance (LTQA) and is the CEO of LTQA’s affiliated organization, the National MLTSS Health Plan Association in Washington, DC. She joined LTQA and the MLTSS Association in 2018 with more than ten years of experience in aging and health policy leading managed care organizations (MCOs) that have Medicaid managed care contracts with one or more states and take risk for long-term services and supports (LTSS) provided under Medicaid.
	Robin Goracke, Chief of Staff, COO, Better Medicare Alliance, Washington, DC [biography] Robin brings two decades of health care policy experience in both the public and private sectors to BMA as Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer. She previously served as legislative analyst at U.S. Department of HHS, 16 years in U.S. House of Representatives, and recently Director of Healthcare Policy.

W23) Strategies and Resources to Enhance Volunteer Engagement Opportunities

Focus Area: Addressing Social Isolation Through Engagement

Volunteers are critical to the work of the Aging Network. Volunteering benefits communities, volunteers themselves and program participants. For volunteers, their work can offer an opportunity for social connection and community engagement that can lead to better physical, mental and emotional health. During this workshop, you will learn about volunteer engagement resources and best practices from the USAging-administered engAGED: The National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults and Community Care Corps. You will also hear from two AAAs on innovative volunteer models they have developed to support their agency’s programs, improve the lives of the consumers they serve and help their older adult volunteers remain socially engaged in their communities.

Presenters:

	Randi Keesee, Vice President of Development, Peninsula Agency on Aging, Newport News, VA [biography] Randi Keesee, Vice President of Development for Peninsula Agency on Aging, is an advocate for aging issues and champion for ensuring people have the best supports to age well in their communities. Randi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an emphasis on Marketing from College of Saint Mary’s.
	Darya Rahbar, Program Manager, USAging, Washington, DC [biography] Darya Rahbar joined USAging in February 2021. In this role, Darya supports Dementia Friendly America, Community Care Corps and other critical initiatives. In her role, Darya coordinates webinars and learning collaboratives, maintains online program resources, supports the development of new resources and content and assists with evaluating project impact.
	Teresa Cooper, Volunteer Services Coordinator, JABA (Jefferson Area Board for Aging), Charlottesville, VA [biography] Teresa Cooper joined JABA as the Friends in Schools Helping Mentor Program Coordinator, and expanded her role to Volunteer Services Coordinator in 2022. She has three decades of diverse work experience in the non-profit sector, in management, human resources, communications, training and event planning, and in addition to her career, Teresa has a life-long history of volunteerism and service. She feels lucky to work with the FISH mentors, teachers, students and families, as they are a joy!
	Rebecca Levine, Senior Manager, Membership, USAging, Washington, DC [biography] Rebecca Levine joined USAging in July 2014 and currently serves as Senior Manager, Membership, and Senior Program Manager, engAGED: The National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults. Rebecca holds a Master of Social Work from George Mason University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh.

W24) Planning to Serve a Diversifying Older Population in Your Service Area

Focus Area: Meeting the Needs of Diverse Aging Populations

The Older Adults’ Equity Collaborate (OAEC) and ACL invite you to hear about practical tools for incorporating the OAA equity recommendations into your AAA’s strategic plan. Hear from an ACL representative about the opportunity of demonstration grants and the importance of planning for equity/serving diverse older adults in proposals. Presenters will review the current landscape of our increasingly diverse older adult population and attendees will hear tips for incorporating meaningful objectives and measures into their AAA plans that focus on meeting the needs of diverse older adult populations and those who have the greatest social need. Attendees will receive the OAEC-developed Planning for Equity Checklist to assist in evaluating inclusion efforts and identifying areas for improvement for future planning.

Presenters:

	Nicole Becerra, Aging Services Program Specialist, Administration on Aging, U.S Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC [biography] Nicole Becerra, MPH, CHES is an Aging Services Program Specialist and Program officer for the Administration for Community Living, Administration on Aging. Nicole has over 15 years of in network aging experience with a focus on community programming and policy.
	Rebecca Morgan, Project Coordinator, National Indian Council on Aging, Albuquerque, NM [biography] Rebecca Owl Morgan is a Project Coordinator at the National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA). Her work at NICOA has highlighted the strengths and proud history of Native people and the helpful tools elders can use to become powerful self-advocates for themselves and their tribe.
	Sherrill Wayland, Director of Special Initiatives, SAGE, Beaverton, MO [biography] Sherrill Wayland is the Director of Special Initiatives where she directs the operations of programs such as SAGECare and the National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging.

W25) A New Evidence-Based Program: The Home Hazard Removal Program

Focus Area: Best Practices in Healthy Aging

Are you thinking about expanding your AAA's evidence-based program offerings? This workshop will provide an overview of the Home Hazard Removal Program (HARP), a newly approved program for the Older Americans Act Title III D evidence-based program. HARP is a behavioral intervention delivered by occupational therapists in partnership with AAAs. The program targets fall-risk behaviors and home hazards for older adults at high risk of falling through minor home repair, adaptive equipment, task modification, and education and self-management strategies. Join this workshop to learn more about HARP, including its core components, costs, benefits to older adults, training and implementation best practices.

Presenters:

Susy Stark, Professor, Washington University, St. Louis, MO [biography]

Anneliese Stoever, Director, St. Louis Area Agency on Aging, St Louis, MO [biography]

W26) Access to Services for People with Dementia Aging at Home

Focus Area: Building Livable and Dementia-Friendly Communities

As dementia becomes a silent epidemic, defining and implementing measures that will help older adults with dementia-related conditions to age at home must be a priority for communities. However, providing the care and support needed by people living with dementia at home can be challenging. In this session, learn how a community-based aging services organization is using Dementia Friendly America's principles to scale efforts to spearhead the widespread adoption of such measures in its community. Presenters will share how specialized services meet the specific needs of their communities and describe the successes, challenges and surprises they encountered. Participants will brainstorm challenges their communities are facing in accommodating aging in place with dementia and envision possible solutions that ensure services for all.

Presenters:

	Elena Ionescu, Technical Specialist IV, Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, Ventura County, CA [biography] Elena’s dedication is in the aging arena. Her research focuses on inclusive practices in the psychosocial care for older adults, healthy aging, elder abuse, caregiving, dementia behavior, sexual health and sexual behavior among older adults, and geriatric mental health advocacy. Her passion is to promote optimal aging.
	Victoria Jump, Executive Director, Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, Ventura, CA [biography] Ms. Jump has been the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging executive director since 2004. Under her leadership the organization adapted programs based on the communities’ needs and developed additional programs to support the community as needed. Working within the older adults’ services arena, Ms. Jump’s efficacy as a leader
	Monique Nowlin, Deputy Director, Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, Ventura, CA [biography] Ms. Nowlin has been with Ventura County Area Agency on Aging since 2003. Currently, she is the Deputy Director of the organization. With a kin passion for public policy and administration, Ms. Nowlin understands the issues Ventura County’s community is facing and is able to envisions solutions for further implementation.

W27) Commit to Connect to Increase Social Connections

Focus Area: Addressing Social Isolation Through Engagement

At this session, the Commit to Connect Initiative, the Administration for Community Living and USAging will highlight the need for evidence-informed and evidence-based programming around social isolation and loneliness. Attendees will also hear about ways to further collaborate and the advance programs and strategies to increase social engagement and connection. Commit to Connect offers a new and unique connection tool for AAAs, Centers for Independent Living and community-based organizations: the Nationwide Network of Champions. This Network is an online community and hub that allows for the exchange of information, resources, events, ideas and engagement among Champions. The session will highlight the platform’s successes, learnings and future partnership opportunities promoting social connectedness.

Presenters:

	Katherine (Katie) Clark, Policy Analyst, U.S Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC [biography] Katie is a Policy Analyst at the Administration for Community Living and leads the Commit to Connect Initiative, a cross-sector initiative promoting social engagement and connection.
	Matthew Lee Smith, Associate Professor, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, TX [biography] Recognizing health status is influenced by a vast and interconnected set of determinants, Dr. Matthew Lee Smith has devoted his career to create synergistic partnerships and initiatives to encourage positive lifestyles and reduce rates of preventable morbidity and mortality. He has earned a national reputation as a falls expert and evaluator of evidence-based programs for older adults. His involvement in local, state, and national evaluation initiatives have been integral to foster understanding about the reach, adoption, implementation, effectiveness, and maintenance of different evidence-based programs targeting key populations in a variety of community, school, workplace, and healthcare sectors. Dr. Smith's evaluation efforts have been funded by organizations including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Administration on Aging (AoA), National Council on Aging (NCOA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
	Meredith Hanley, Director, Community Capacity Building, USAging, Washington, DC [biography] Meredith Hanley serves as USAging’s Director, Community Capacity Building. In this role, she oversees USAging's work on engAGED: The National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults, Commit to Connect and the Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network.

W28) Financial Security for Caregivers: Practical Steps and Policy Issues

Focus Area: Supporting Caregivers

In millions of households, an adult is providing full or part-time care to a family member or friend. Caregiving responsibilities are challenging and can also have serious financial consequences. This workshop will educate Aging Network professionals and advocates about ways to assist caregivers with key work decisions that may have a financial impact. Learn about Caregiver resources available for use in community settings from WISER’s Financial Caregiving Hub. Policies that may help protect women spending significant time as caregivers will be discussed, including possible changes in Social Security calculations plus current policies such as the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers.

Presenters:

	Maureen Kelly, President, Thanks Mom and Dad Fund, Lawrenceville, GA [biography] Maureen Kelly was the Business & Community Liaison for the Atlanta Regional Commission, Area Agency on Aging for the 10-county metropolitan Atlanta Region. She retired in 2015 and is now Director of the Thanks Mom & Dad Fund which supports programs and services for older adults.
	Linda Stone, Senior Pension Fellow, American Academy of Actuaries, Bryn Mawr, PA [biography] Linda K. Stone is an expert in retirement security issues and has worked to improve retirement solutions within the structure of employer sponsored plans as well as through education and advocacy. She is the Senior Pension Fellow at the American Academy of Actuaries and a WISER Senior Fellow.
	Lara Hinz, Director of Programs, Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement, DC [biography] Lara Hinz is the Director of Programs at WISER, the Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement. WISER is a nonprofit organization that works to help women, educators and policymakers understand the important issues surrounding women’s retirement income. In her role, Ms. Hinz oversees WISER’s national outreach and partnership activities, which focus on providing low- to moderate-income women with the financial tools and information they need to develop long-term financial security.

W29) Bridging Aging and Disability: A National Community of Practice

Focus Area: Workforce and Volunteerism

The number of people who are aging with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) is increasing rapidly. Through the Bridging Aging and Disability National Community of Practice, ten states are working to build capacity across and within their aging and disability networks to provide culturally competent services to people with I/DD (and their families) to support them in planning to address their individual needs, goals and preferences throughout their lifespan, including older age. You’ll hear about innovative approaches that can be replicated in your state and lessons learned, as well as how one state is bringing aging and disability programs together to address the direct care workforce crisis.

Presenters:

	Donna Meltzer, Executive Director, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, Washington, DC [biography] Donna Meltzer is CEO of the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, a non-profit that supports the nation’s 56 governor-appointed DD councils, which work to ensure communities fully include people with I/DD. She has worked in the disability field for 35 years and began her career on Capitol Hill.
	Andrew Morris, Consultant, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, Washington, DC [biography] Andrew Morris is a consultant working on disability and health care issues. Andrew spent 10 years with the Administration for Community Living, focusing on health reform and the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 programs. Andrew is a former HRSA LEND trainee and AUCD policy fellow.
	Sandy Markwood, CEO, USAging, Washington, DC [biography] As the CEO of USAging, Sandy Markwood is committed to ensuring that our society values and supports people across the lifespan. This commitment has taken many forms, including advocacy with multiple administrations and on Capitol Hill for the passage of legislation aimed at supporting older adults, including access to critical information, in-home services and caregiver support.

W30) Live from DC: A Federal Policy Update

Focus Area: Advancing Our Advocacy

Advocacy is a critical part of our shared mission to support older adults and caregivers. To support Aging Network advocates, USAging's policy staff will provide an in-depth, real-time update about aging and health care policy issues that will affect your agency and the consumers you serve. Get the latest updates, key advocacy messages and what you can do NOW to advance better federal aging policy! This session is appropriate for people with all levels of policy knowledge.

Presenters:

Amy Gotwals, Chief, Public Policy and External Affairs, USAging, Washington, DC [biography]

Olivia Umoren, Director, Public Policy and Advocacy, USAging, DC [biography]

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Hot Topics

HT01) Older Adult Nutrition Policy and Projects: What's New, What's Next?

Focus Area: Cutting-Edge OAA and Aging Programs

Last year’s White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health brought the issue of nutrition and its tie to health into the forefront of national policy. Aging advocates worked hard to get issues of older adult nutrition into the National Strategy released at the conference. This session will describe those policy initiatives as well as providing an overview of ongoing national nutrition projects in partnership with the Nutrition and Aging Resource Center, such as a report on congregate meal site reopening practices and their future and a malnutrition learning collaborative. Educational resources and information on how USAging members can be involved in national nutrition policy and programs will be provided.

Sponsored by:
Defeat Malnutrition Today

Presenters:

	Mary Beals Luedtka, Director, NACOG Aging, Flagstaff, AZ [biography] Mary Beals Luedtka is the Director of NACOG Aging and is the Chair of AZAging. With over 30 years of experience in the Aging network, Mary is the Chair of NANASP and is nationally recognized as a leader in aging services by USAging.
	Bob Blancato, Executive Director, Defeat Malnutrition Today/NANASP, DC [biography] Bob has long been recognized as a national advocate with policy expertise on behalf of older adults. Bob’s prior work history includes 17 years as a staffer in Congress and an appointment by President Clinton to be the Executive Director of the 1995 White House Conference on Aging, one of four he has participated in.
	Justin Barclay, Vice President, Consumer Insights & Analytics, Tivity [biography] Justin is a quantitative & qualitative consumer research and market research strategist, using data storytelling to drive value creation and accelerate enterprise strategy. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from Argosy University.
	Laura Borth, Policy Analyst, NANASP/Defeat Malnutrition Today, DC [biography] Laura is a policy associate at Matz, Blancato, and Associates and provides policy analysis and advocacy support for Defeat Malnutrition Today, the Elder Justice Coalition, and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs. Prior to this she worked as a nutrition researcher and a clinical dietitian.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Roundtables

RT01) Promoting Social Engagement with Rural Populations

Focus Area: Addressing Social Isolation Through Engagement

Join us for an engaging discussion centered on rural health and social engagement. Attendees will discuss social, financialand demographic factors that impact older adults living in rural areas. Share and learn about creative approaches to enhance social engagement! Facilitators will highlight innovative local and national programming that has helped reach those in rural communities. This roundtable discussion will cover challenges, impacts and strategies that attendees can take back to their home agencies.

Presenters:

	Jessica Machler, Senior Program Manager, Rural Health and Social Engagement, USAging, Washington, DC [biography] Jessica Machler joined USAging in January 2023. Prior to joining USAging, Jessica worked for the Area Agencies on Aging in Pennsylvania. Since 2015, she has served various roles to assist with building and scaling networks to increase the quality and geographic reach of care for older adults.
	Traci Wilson, Director, Research, USAging, Washington, DC [biography] Traci Wilson is USAging's Director of Research. Her primary responsibility is leading the Information and Planning Grant Program, which is funded by the U.S. Administration for Community Living and includes the administration of the National AAA and Title VI Program Surveys, topical polls, and analysis and dissemination of findings.
	Allison Fehlhaber, Program Associate, USAging, DC [biography] Ali Fehlhaber joined USAging in April 2022 as a Program Associate supporting USAging’s efforts related to addressing social isolation and loneliness and promoting social engagement. In this role, Ali supports activities related to engAGED: The National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults, including its webinars, newsletter and website activities. She also supports work aimed at fostering peer support across the Aging Network. Prior to joining USAging, Ali had worked in the health care field providing services to older adults for nearly five years. She spent one year interning with Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County, completing several projects to improve the understanding of needs of older adults in the Columbus, OH area. Ali completed her undergraduate degree in Health Sciences as well as her Master of Public Health at The Ohio State University.

11:45 AM - 1:00 PM

Networking Lunch in the Tradeshow

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Workshops

W31) Integrated Care Boot Camp, Part 2: The Impact of Plan Rates on AAA Services and Pricing

Focus Area: Health Care Contracting and Integrated Care

After learning how plans get paid in Boot Camp, Part 1, join this session for a hands-on workshop on how AAAs can construct value-based solutions that meet health plans' pain points, speak their language and meet their budgets.

Sponsored By: Humana

Presenters:

	Taib Dedic, Senior Director, Centene, St. Louis, MO [biography] Taib Dedic is a Senior Director with Centene's Business Development Team. Taib is responsible for business development of Centene's Long Term Services & Supports (LTSS) and Complex Care Populations. Centene Corporation is a leading multi-national healthcare enterprise committed to supporting older adults and persons with disabilities through transforming the health of the communities we serve, one person at a time.
	Alice Johnson, Product Director, Complex Populations, LTSS, Aetna, CT [biography] Alice Johnson currently serves as Product Director Complex Populations-Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) for Aetna Medicaid. In her role she develops, implements, and provides oversight of Aetna Medicaid’s LTSS strategies and programs nationally. Alice has worked in managed care for over 25 years to bring quality MLTSS programs throughout the country.
	Marcy Goodman, Senior Development Director, LTSS, Elevance Health, IN [biography] Marcy Goodman is a Senior Director with Elevance Health, a managed care organization serving people across their entire health journey and addressing their full range of needs with an integrated whole-health approach. In this role, Marcy is foundational to the development of HCBS programs and capabilities across states with MLTSS programs. As a former AAA Specialist within the Washington State Unit on Aging, she worked closely with the AAAs in her local area on initiatives funded by the Older Americans Act. Marcy lives in Washington State with her husband and five children.
	Courtney Baldridge, Business Strategy and Health Systems Integration Consultant, USAging, DC [biography] Courtney handles Business Strategy and Health Systems Integration for USAging. She both handles key stakeholder collaboration with industry and runs USAging’s corporate programs, and also works to integrate social care into the broader integrated care, data standards and interoperability landscape. Courtney is currently the Co-Chair of Direct Trust’s Information Exchange for Human Services and is Chair of their Social Care Work Group. Courtney also serves as one of the Co-Chairs of the HL7 Human and Social Services Work Group, and is a part of the Gravity Project and the Project Unify communities.

W33) Behavioral Health and Wellness in 2023: A Roadmap for Success!

Focus Area: Best Practices in Healthy Aging

This exciting workshop focuses on introducing clinical and paraprofessional staff to an inclusive and systematic, person-centered approach to performing comprehensive case conceptualizations which address behavioral health, resiliency and wellness. Attendees will be taken on a transformative journey to learn the value of collaborative team efforts, and will leave the workshop with tangible practices that they can easily embed into existing initiates to enhance and strengthen service outcomes for older adults. The workshop is facilitated by members of the San Bernardino County Department of Aging and Adult Services’Public Guardian Age Wise Program, a three-time national award-winning behavioral health program for the aging community. The diverse Age Wise interdisciplinary team provides outpatient wraparound services to treat the full scope of mental health diagnoses.

Presenters:

Ruben Robles, Mental Health Program Manager I, San Bernardino County Department of Aging and Adult Services, San Bernardino, CA [biography]

Krystle Rowe, Interim Deputy Director, San Bernardino County Department of Aging and Adult Services, San Bernardino, CA [biography]

W34) Age Well San Diego: Sharing Implementation, Outcomes and Lessons Learned

Focus Area: Building Livable and Dementia-Friendly Communities

As the population of older adults grows rapidly, agencies and organizations must address how they will plan communities and services to address this shifting demographic. In 2018, the County of San Diego embarked on a journey to become an age and dementia-friendly community through a regional action plan, Age Well San Diego. More than five years later, the action plan has been completed and the next phase of age-friendly efforts is underway. This session will address outcomes of Age Well San Diego, highlight lessons learned, and describe the development of the Aging Roadmap, a regional vision and framework for supporting healthy aging into the future. Participants will explore strategies to move age-friendly efforts forward and how to engage community partners for greater impact.

Presenters:

	Melissa Hernandez, Community Health Program Specialist, County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Aging & Independence Services, San Diego, CA [biography] Melissa is a Community Health Program Specialist with the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Aging & Independence Services. Melissa oversees the County’s Age Friendly initiative and progress of the Aging Roadmap, the County’s regional vision and framework for supporting healthy aging for people of all ages.
	Roberto Ramirez, Health Promotion Manager, County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Aging & Independence Services, San Diego, CA [biography] Roberto currently serves as the Health Promotion Manager at the County of San Diego, Aging & Independence Services (AIS). At AIS, Roberto oversees the planning and implementation of various health and wellness programs and initiatives which aim to help older adults live healthy, safe, and thriving lives.
	Jana Schwartz, Transportation Equity and Livable Community Specialist, County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Aging & Independence Services, San Diego, CA [biography] Jana is a Transportation Equity and Livable Community Specialist with the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Aging & Independence Services. Jana assists with managing the Age Well San Diego initiative and oversees goals and strategies that relate to transportation and community connections for older adults.

W35) Independence is Happiness: Innovations in Assistive Technology Solutions

Focus Area: Cutting-Edge OAA and Aging Programs

Whether low-tech or high-tech, assistive technology (AT) devices and services help make it possible for older adults and people with disabilities to live with dignity in their homes and communities. Come learn about the latest AT solutions and universal design strategies from AT Act programs! You’ll learn about the AT ACCESS Tool, as well as strategies and tips for developing AT toolkits, implementing effective training and creating AT labs within AAAs, ADRCs and Centers for Independent Living. You’ll also hear about partnerships that benefit consumers seeking services and supports, and how you can help improve access to AT through the core services of state AT Act programs.

Presenters:

	Carolyn Phillips, Director & Principal Investigator, Georgia Institute of Technology, Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation, Atlanta, GA [biography] Carolyn P. Phillips serves as the Director of Services and Professional Education at Georgia Tech’s Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation. She is also the Director and Principal Investigator of Tools for Life, Georgia’s State Assistive Technology Act Program.
	Melinda Dolezal, TRAID Director, New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs, Schenectady, NY [biography] Melinda has served as the Director of the Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities (TRAID) program since October 2018. She has worked for not-for-profit agencies in Buffalo, Oneonta, and the NY Capital District as a direct support staff, residential supervisor, self-directed broker, and Medicaid Service Coordinator.
	Bora Lee, Director, Utah Assistive Technology Program, Logan, UT [biography] Bora Lee earned her master's degree in M.A. in moderate to severe disabilities and her Ed.D in educational leadership from California State University, Los Angeles, focusing on transitioning to adulthood for minority students with disabilities. Her expertise includes transitioning to adulthood for youth with developmental disabilities, working with families from diverse backgrounds, self-determination, and assistive technology.

W36) Tackling Recurring Abuse and Neglect Through Technical and Systems Innovation

Focus Area: Elder Justice

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services recently engaged Missouri’s AAAs to be part of an Adult Protective Services/AAA Direct Services initiative. This innovative and collaborative effort was designed to address recurring abuse and exploitation of older adults, the need for a collaborative data system to effectively share referrals and care plans, and to track data on the services and interventions ultimately utilized. The project is also included as a demonstration pilot of the Missouri Aging Services Data Collaborative, a final winner of the ACL Social Care Referrals Challenge. The three-phase competition identified IT solutions to support health care systems and community-based organizations to facilitate social care referrals and information sharing between disparate systems.

Presenters:

	Margi Valleroy, Community Options and Services Manager, Aging Ahead, St Louis, MO [biography] Margi Valleroy is the Community Options and Services Manager with Aging Ahead, the Area Agency on Aging serving four-counties surrounding St. Louis. Margi coordinates the development and implementation of various collaborative programs delivered to community members by a team of social service staff.
	Tom Laba, President, Cumulus Care, Inc., Jericho, VT [biography] Tom Laba has worked directly with long term services and supports (LTSS) organizations specializing in home and community-based services since 1999. His responsibilities have spanned a broad range of roles related to technology, consulting, and services. Tom’s skills include software design, product management, requirements development, workflow design, documentation, and implementation. Tom is dedicated to the belief that technology should be a multiplier for his customer’s success and has worked directly with federal, state, and local stakeholders helping manage both regional and nation-wide technology deployments.
	Kristi Siler, Bureau Chief, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Jefferson City, MO [biography] Credentials: Kristi serves as the Bureau Chief for the Adult Protective Services Unit, comprising over 200 staff. She is responsible for the oversight and management of staff who directly respond to all reports of physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation concerning adults over the age of 60 and adults with disabilities. In fiscal year 2021, the Protective Service Unit investigated over 30,000 hotline reports. She and her team pride themselves in advocating for some of Missouri’s most vulnerable citizens. Kristi began her professional career with the Department of Health and Senior Services in 2002 as a Social Service Worker, promoted to Supervisor in 2013 and then to a Regional Manager in 2016 before promoting to her current position. Kristi earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Southeast Missouri State in 2001.

W37) Race: Let’s Talk About It

Focus Area: Running Your Agency: Strategies to Strengthen Systems and People

Why talk about race? The Seattle-King County AAA participates in Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative, which is based on the belief that we must lead with race due to disparities faced by people of color. By leading with race, we also reduce institutionalized sexism, heterosexism, ableism and other modes of oppression. Attendees will also examine ways in which the status quo is reinforced, discuss the concept of relational culture, demonstrate strategies to build interconnection, trust and collaboration, and learn how to use data to address racial equity. Learn steps AAAs can take to build internal cultural competence that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and better understanding of healthy aging throughout the lifespan.

Presenters:

	Mary Mitchell, Director, Aging and Disability Services, City of Seattle Human Services, Seattle, WA [biography] Mary Mitchell directs Aging and Disability Services, the Area Agency on Aging for Seattle-King County, a division of the Seattle Human Services Department. She has more than 30 years of experience in local government, leading race and social justice trainings and building relational culture.
	Irene Stewart, Communications Manager, Aging and Disability Services, City of Seattle Human Services, Seattle, WA [biography] Irene Stewart is an aging network communications professional with 19 years of experience in multiple roles that support Aging and Disability Services, the Area Agency on Aging for Seattle-King County.
	Lena Tebeau, Executive Assistant, Aging and Disability Services, City of Seattle Human Services, Seattle, WA [biography] Lena Tebeau is Executive Assistant to Mary Mitchell, director of Aging and Disability Services, the Area Agency on Aging for Seattle-King County. A new role this year, she previously worked for the Seattle City Council to support Age Friendly Seattle.

W38) Social Engagement for Seniors: Options for People to Address Loneliness

Focus Area: Addressing Social Isolation Through Engagement

Options for People to Address Loneliness (OPAL) is a free, evidence-informed program designed for older adults and adults with disabilities to address social isolation and loneliness during six in-home, virtual or telephonic sessions. OPAL helps embed participants into their local community to expand their safety net and reduce isolation. Using behavior activation, action planning and connection to resources, OPAL counselors provide support and encouragement for strategies to reduce clients’ stress, anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness and isolation. COVID-19 greatly impacted older adults’ access to increasingly limited resources, and the OPAL program is a unique way to assist older adults to reengage with desired resources, family, community and self. Since its 2020 launch, OPAL has been adapted for both urban and rural settings.

Presenters:

	Ellen Denninger, Behavioral Health Specialist, Rogue Valley Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging, Central Point, OR [biography] Ellen Denninger, Behavioral Health Specialist for Senior and Disability Services at Rogue Valley Council of Governments, has a master’s degree in Marital and Family Therapy (Clinical Art Therapy). Ellen has worked in the field of Mental Health and Social Work for 28 years supporting clients to access treatment and resources.
	Susan Jay Rounds, Older Adult Behavioral Health Specialist, Rogue Valley Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging, Central Point, OR [biography] Susan Jay Rounds has a master’s degree in Social Work and holds a Clinical Social Work Associate License in Oregon. She currently serves as an Older Adult Behavioral Health Specialist and led her AAA’s behavioral health team in developing and implementing Options for People to Address Loneliness (OPAL).
	Constance Wilkerson, Senior and Disability Services Director, Rogue Valley Council of Governments, Ashland, OR [biography] The Rev. Constance Wilkerson is a highly experienced leader with more than 2 decades of service to underserved and marginalized people, including those experiencing homelessness, members of BIPOC communities, and LGBTQIA2S+ populations. Connie currently serves as the Senior and Disability Services Director at Rogue Valley Council of Governments.

W39) Catalyzing State-Level Older Adult Housing Policy and Local Supports

Focus Area: Housing and Homelessness

Learn how the Indiana Association of Area Agencies on Aging (IAAAA) leveraged Indiana's transition to MLTSS into a $50,000 seed grant and conditional $150,000 implementation grant from a managed care entity to catalyze statewide older adult housing policy discussion and enhanced local supports. As part of the effort, IAAAA established a formal partnership with the Corporation for Supportive Housing that has enhanced AAA access to their supports. This session will provide a blueprint for other AAAs including likely funders for this type of work and the scope of work inclusive of a model "Housing Specialist" position description, staff training curriculum, statewide needs assessment and stakeholder convening on state housing policy for older adults.

Presenters:

	Kristen LaEace, CEO, Indiana Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Indianapolis, IN [biography] Kristen LaEace, MS, MBA, CAE, has been CEO of the Indiana Association of Area Agencies on Aging for 13 years. Her passion is supporting mission-based organizations in solving complex problems through engaging leadership, fostering collaboration, brokering resources, public policy advocacy and strengthening partner capacity at all levels.
	Marcella Maguire, Director, Health Systems Integration, Corporation for Supportive Housing, New York, NY [biography] Marcella Maguire, PhD, is CSH’s Director of Health Systems Integration. Her work focuses nationally on the intersection of the housing and healthcare sectors. She has engaged with multiple states on how to use Medicaid and health policy levers to build equity in communities and address community needs.
	Lori Phillips-Steele, Director, CSH Indiana, Corporation for Supportive Housing, Indianapolis, IN [biography] Ms. Phillips-Steele oversees CSH’s training, lending, technical assistance, and systems change work throughout Indiana. She sets the direction and annual goals for the Indiana Program, and directly provides training, technical support, and advisement to numerous supportive housing providers and public funding agencies. Lori holds a BA degree from Indiana University.

W40) Stronger Together: OAA Title III and Title VI Coordination

Focus Area: Title VI Native American Aging Programs: Unique Challenges and Solutions

The need for services for Indian elders is great and cannot be met with Older Americans Act (OAA) Title VI funding alone. Coordination between Title III and Title IV-funded entities supports and enhances the services that are offered to Indian elders and, in fact, is required in both titles of the OAA. Join this discussion on how best to coordinate Title III and Title VI funding to meet the unique needs of Indian elders. Explore ways for AAAs and Title VI programs to work more closely together and strategies and solutions to any barriers in doing so.

Presenters:

	Cynthia LaCounte, Director, Office of American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Programs, U.S. Administration for Community Living, DC
	Brenda House, Elder Service Director, Wyandotte Nation, OK

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Hot Topics

HT02) Increasing Food Security and SNAP Enrollment: Research and Strategies

Focus Area: Best Practices in Healthy Aging

With the historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health in September 2022, a new national strategy was unveiled to address hunger and diet-related diseases. AARP and AARP Foundation are committed to supporting this strategy by researching the under enrollment of older adults in SNAP, with a focus on the more than three million adults older than age 50 who are not enrolled but eligible for more than $200 per month in SNAP benefits. Join this interactive discussion to explore the latest research on SNAP enrollment and effective strategies to increase food security by increasing participation in the program.

Sponsored by:
AARP Foundation

Presenters:

	Bob Blancato, Executive Director, Defeat Malnutrition Today/NANASP, DC [biography] Bob has long been recognized as a national advocate with policy expertise on behalf of older adults. Bob’s prior work history includes 17 years as a staffer in Congress and an appointment by President Clinton to be the Executive Director of the 1995 White House Conference on Aging, one of four he has participated in.
	Gina Cornia, Executive Director, Utahns Against Hunger, UT [biography] Gina has been the Director of Utahns Against Hunger since 2001. Before joining the staff at UAH, Gina worked on welfare policy for 5 years at Utah Issues. Gina was introduced to the work of Utahns Against Hunger through the University of Utah while volunteering here through the Bennion Center. For 15 years, she has been working with state and federal elected officials on the issues of hunger and poverty.
	Deborah Stone-Walls, Chief, Programs and Services, USAging, Washington, DC [biography] Deborah Stone-Walls joined USAging in September 2021 in the role of Chief, Programs and Services. In this capacity, she oversees the association’s portfolio of programs that help its Area Agency on Aging and Title VI Native American Aging Program members support older adults and people with disabilities as they live independently in the communities of their choosing.
	Emily Allen, Senior Vice President of Programs, AARP Foundation [biography] Ms. Allen now leads a team of Foundation innovators and social entrepreneurs to develop effective solutions that address the social determinants of health and help vulnerable, low-income older adults secure the essentials. In this role, she oversees AARP Foundation’s longstanding national programs like SCSEP, Tax-Aide and Experience Corps, as well as new innovations designed to increase economic opportunity and social connections that help prevent and reduce senior poverty.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Networking Break in the Tradeshow

3:00 PM - 4:15 PM

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM Fast-Track Sessions

FT02) Successful Statewide Collaboratives for AAA Evidence-Based Program Delivery

Focus Area: Best Practices in Healthy Aging

When COVID-19 hit, many AAAs had to pivot in how they delivered their evidence-based chronic disease prevention programs. Switching to a virtual format presented an opportunity to partner and collaborate in new, more efficient ways. This workshop will review the history of a collaborative start-up in Michigan, including learning from what other states are doing, the evolution that led to partnering with the Michigan Bureau of Aging, Community Living, and Supports, and the advantages of continuing this method of operation, including co-branding, marketing, new streamlined data collection, and greater success filling and sustaining evidence-based chronic disease prevention and health promotion programs.

Presenters:

Martha York, Community Education Coordinator, WellWise Services Area Agency on Aging, Brooklyn, MI [biography]

Jenn Dubey, Operations Manager, AAA Association of Michigan, Lansing, MI [biography]

FT04) On the Go in Rural Iowa: Transit Solutions that Work

Focus Area: Enhancing Independent Living Through Transportation Innovations

In many rural areas, most older adults want to age in place and continue living in the community they know and love. Transportation can be a deciding factor in staying or moving. As older adults lose their ability to safely drive, they will need public transit options that allow them remain an active part of their communities. From volunteer drivers, to on-demand same-day service, to a service targeted at those with limited English proficiency, one transit agency is transforming transit in rural central Iowa. Those who don't work in transit still need to be part of solution—join this session to learn how!

Presenters:

Mildred Chihak, Volunteer Coordinator, Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency, Urbandale, IA [biography]

Danny Schnathorst, Mobility Outreach Coordinator, Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency, Urbandale, IA [biography]

FT05) Contracting with Primary Care to Reimburse Older Adult Non-Clinical Services

Focus Area: Health Care Contracting and Integrated Care

The Maryland Living Well Center of Excellence contracts with Primary Care Providers and Care Transitions Organizations to link high-risk, low-income, underserved and rural older adults to a wide array of programs and services utilizing HEART funds (Health Equity Advancement Resource and Transformation Payment). The Area Deprivation Index tool is used across the U.S. to identify rural and underserved populations that may need a wide array of non-clinical services and programs. Join this session to learn how a statewide effort led by a AAA is able to connect with primary care providers who utilize the HEART funds to refer and reimburse for non-clinical services.

Presenters:

Sue Lachenmayr, State Program Coordinator, Maryland Living Well Center of Excellence - MAC, Inc., EASTON, MD [biography]

Leigh Ann Eagle, Chief Operations Officer, Maryland Living Well Center of Excellence - MAC, Inc., Salisbury, MD [biography]

FT06) Building Cross-Sector Partnerships to Increase Services for Homeless Elders

Focus Area: Housing and Homelessness

The national affordable housing crisis is forcing an increasing number of older adults with age-related social determinants of health issues into homelessness. Increases in older adult homelessness are driven mostly by the growth in the number of adults age 65+. This trend compels AAAs to join missions and leverage efforts and resources with health care and homeless services providers to develop the cross-sector relationships needed to produce innovative solutions, supports and service linkage for this unique population. This session will inform participants of the emerging crisis of late-life homelessness, characteristics unique to this population, and the creation, maintenance, and challenges of partnerships across the traditionally siloed sectors of aging, health care and homeless services.

Presenter:

Charnitta Waters, Senior Director of Operations, Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia, VA [biography]

FT07) Ensuring Equity and Inclusion in SHIP, SMP and MIPPA Programs

Focus Area: Meeting the Needs of Diverse Aging Populations

ACL has a multi-year project to conduct program and equity assessments on the SHIP, SMP and MIPPA programs. The evaluations will focus on identifying barriers or challenges that people of color and others who have been historically underserved, marginalized and/or adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality may experience in accessing program services or Medicare benefits. The findings will be used to develop action plans to optimize program performance overall and ensure grantees are able to reach those in greatest need. Presenters will share an overview of the evaluations, including an overview of the work completed, insight into any findings identified to date and corresponding planned actions, how the lessons learned from this project could be used by other programs and agencies.

Presenters:

Rebecca Kinney, Director, Office of Healthcare Information and Counseling, U.S. Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC [biography]

Brandy Bauer, Director, National Center for Benefits Outreach and Enrollment, National Council on Aging, Washington, VA [biography]

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM Corporate Fast-Track Sessions

CF01) Collaborative Data Collection: Better Outcomes and New Sustainable Revenue

Focus Area: Cutting-Edge OAA and Aging Programs

To successfully secure and keep healthcare contracts agencies must drive data and outcomes. You know it, now show it! Whether an innovative CCH, AAA contracting partner, or new agency-we’re able to help meet those needs with the CCS Health platform. Learn how to achieve better outcomes with greater control using evidence-based processes within a single, integratable care management platform. The CCS Health solution supports leveraging collaborative data collection to create sustainable revenue and better health outcomes. This session will showcase solutions to own your data to tell your impact story and show your value. See visual dashboards. Watch revenue dollars generated by and for community organizations. And learn how this tool supports the workforce to assist consumers toward meaningful outcomes while meeting all partner requirements.

Presenters:

Richie Welton, Chief Operating Officer, CCS Health, CO [biography]

Michelle Comeau, Vice President, CareTransitions, Care Coordination Systems, OR [biography]

3:45 PM - 4:15 PM

3:45 PM - 4:15 PM Fast-Track Sessions

FT08) Healthy IDEAS: Supporting Older Adults with Depression and Social Isolation

Focus Area: Best Practices in Healthy Aging

Join this workshop for a discussion on depression, social isolation and loneliness among older adults. This presentation will also discuss the evidence-based program Healthy IDEAS, a 1:1 depression management program that can be conducted remotely with older adults to identify symptoms of depression and works with older adults to combat these symptoms and social isolation through behavioral activation.

Presenter:

Melissa Donegan, Director, Healthy Living Center of Excellence, AgeSpan, Lawrence, MA [biography]

FT09) Dementia Friendly America: Responding to New Trends with Enhanced Resources

Focus Area: Building Livable and Dementia-Friendly Communities

Dementia Friendly America (DFA), administered by USAging and launched in 2015 with six pilot communities, has grown to more than 350 communities across 41 states and territories. Join DFA staff and community leads to learn more about these trends and how DFA is responding with its new and enhanced resources and technical assistance. Collaboration abounds both within and beyond the DFA network as participants support efforts in public health related to dementia caregiving, early detection and diagnosis, brain health and risk reduction. Multi-sectoral action teams across the nation are committed to this important work and continue to join the DFA network. Attend this session to learn how DFA resources and technical assistance can support you in leading or engaging your community in dementia-friendly efforts.

Presenters:

Mary Ek, Director, Dementia Friendly America and Community Care Corps, USAging, Washington, DC [biography]

Darya Rahbar, Program Manager, USAging, Washington, DC [biography]

FT10) Tools to Support Inclusive AI/AN People with Disabilities

Focus Area: Meeting the Needs of Diverse Aging Populations

Join us for this workshop to learn about the National Indian Council on Aging’s multi-pronged approach to Native health regarding people with disabilities in this interactive workshop. Participants will discover culturally relevant health curricula, multimedia programming and wellness initiatives to support the dissemination of positive development programs and behavioral health prevention skills through the toolkit, Understanding Disabilities in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities. They will discuss social media trends and share strategies to engage people with disabilities in their own health and well-being using multimedia communication channels and skill-building tools. Participants will also learn about resources for parents and caring adults, community advocates and identify tools for Native people with disabilities to use in local communities to fill school and community health education gaps.

Presenter:

Desiree Lapahie, Data Analyst, National Indian Council on Aging, Albuquerque, NM [biography]

FT11) LGBTQ+ Aging 101 for the Aging Network

Focus Area: Meeting the Needs of Diverse Aging Populations

Join LGBTQ+ aging advocates from SAGE and AAAs to learn how the Aging Network can leverage new OAA language to better serve LGBTQ+ older adults. This session will include a deep-dive presentation on the needs of LGBTQ+ older adults and how to meet those needs by sharing of best practices from St. Louis Area Agency on Aging, which has been engaging with the LGBTQ+ community for many years. The second half of the workshop will focus on training and practice during an interactive activity that will jumpstart their attendees' outreach and build new engagement and outreach skills. No familiarity with the topic is required—we want to help you take the first steps!

Presenters:

Emma Bessire, Manager for Civic Engagement, SAGE, Brooklyn, NY [biography]

Anneliese Stoever, Director, St. Louis Area Agency on Aging, St Louis, MO [biography]

FT12) Legislative Aide Advocacy 101

Focus Area: Advancing Our Advocacy

While we all know that meeting with legislators is a critical component of advocacy, this workshop will help give you the skills to connect with the other most important but often overlooked person in the room—s the staffer. We’ll discuss the importance of building relationships with legislative staffers or aides and how to become an essential go-to resource for these key legislative players. You have knowledge, resources and access to constituents—all things that staffers find irresistible. How do you build this mutually beneficial relationship? Start with a legislative strategy that positions you as a subject-matter expert and critical resource. We'll teach you how! Learn to harness valuable relationships with staffers to advance your advocacy efforts and make an impact for older adults.

Presenters:

Leslie Edstrom, Director of Planning, Grants and Program Development, AgeGuide, Lombard, IL [biography]

Gretchen Knowlton, Manager of Advocacy, Planning and Program Development, AgeGuide, Northeastern Illinois, Lombard, IL [biography]

FT13) Partnerships to Address Homelessness Among Older Adults

Focus Area: Housing and Homelessness

Because homelessness and housing issues are leading reasons for calls to its 24-hour Senior HELP LINE, the Area Agency on Aging, Region One has creatively and increasingly partnered with homeless service providers to address the varied needs of older homeless adults. The AAA partners with the nonprofit, Justa Center, which serves homeless adults age 55 and older. Clients receive a noontime meal and snacks, showers and laundry service, and access to computers. Justa Center provides life-sustaining resources, services and support to assist homeless older adults on their path back to housing and continues with supportive services to help prevent a return to homelessness. Session participants will learn about programs, services, community partnerships and funding.

Presenters:

	Mary Lynn Kasunic, President and CEO, Area Agency on Aging, Region One, Phoenix, AZ [biography] Mary Lynn Kasunic has been the President & CEO of the Area Agency on Aging, Region One since 1990. Under her leadership, the Agency provides over 50 programs and services to more than 122,000 Maricopa County residents each year.
	Cindy Saverino, Vice-President of Planning and Program Development, Area Agency on Aging, Region One, Phoenix, AZ [biography] Cindy’s been in the field of Aging for 40+ years. She worked as a Senior Program Director for a non-profit organization. She then worked for the State of Arizona as the Aging and Disability Services Program Administrator in the State Unit on Aging for 13.5 years.

3:45 PM - 4:15 PM

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Dementia Friendly America Networking

4:30 PM - 5:00 PM

4:30 PM - 5:00 PM Fast-Track Sessions

FT14) That's a Falls Risk? Full Circle Fall Prevention Programming

Focus Area: Cutting-Edge OAA and Aging Programs

Fall prevention and awareness programming should be year-round and not just one week or day out of the year. AgeGuide has made fall prevention and awareness the lens under which OAA health and wellness programs were enhanced and adapted to incorporate year-round fall prevention programming, without labeling or broadcasting it. Three specific OAA services of health screenings and evaluations, education and recreation create full circle programming by identifying and addressing fall risks, providing evidence-based interventions and educational events, and providing additional physical and social activities to strengthen mind and body. Each service by itself provides benefits to older adults and benefits are maximized when the services feed into and reinforce each other.

Presenter:

Alaine Kvedaras, Health Promotions and Education Specialist, AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois, Lombard, IL [biography]

FT15) Engaging Your Advisory Council: Enhancing Agency Programs and DREI Initiatives

Focus Area: Running Your Agency: Strategies to Strengthen Systems and People

AgeOptions, the AAA for suburban Cook County, IL, has embarked on a multi-year initiative to infuse a culture in its operation, policies, programs and processes, as well as those of its grantee agencies, allowing programs and services to be delivered through a lens of social justice, sensitivity, awareness and inclusion, with a goal of no racial, ethnic or unconscious bias. In doing so, all staff, Board, Advisory Council, program and program participants, regardless of the service, feel welcome, comfortable and empowered to grow. Critical to this process is the engagement of our Advisory Council. Workshop will explore AgeOptions efforts to utilize our Advisory Council effectively and their participation in our diversity, racial equity and inclusion (DREI) initiative. Hear from staff and Council members who worked on this culture-change initiative.

Presenters:

	Audrey Klopp, Advisory Council Member, AgeOptions, Oak Park, IL [biography] Audrey Klopp holds a Ph.D., RN and NHA certification. Audrey is an Assistant Professor at Loyola University Chicago where she is Director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice and Adult Health/Gero Clinical Nurse Specialist Programs. She is an active member of the AgeOptions Advisory Council and lead for
	Jacqueline Jones, Advisory Council Member, AgeOptions, Oak Park, IL [biography] Jacqueline Jones is a graduate of Cornell University where she earned a B.S. and a M.B.A. in Engineering. After 35 years as an information technology risk management consultant, educator and trainer, Jacque began self-education to manage her personal mobility challenges by earning a B.S. in Exercise Science and M.S

FT16) Alternative Legal Service Models That Meet the Needs of Older Adults

Focus Area: Elder Justice

This session will illustrate the effectiveness of two distinct service models: a remote Elder Abuse Restraining Order Clinic that allows staff and volunteers to connect with elders throughout various Los Angeles County courthouses and a virtual Self Help Conservatorship Clinic that allows for individuals caring for an older loved one facing issues such as dementia to make their way through a complex legal process.

Presenters:

Agueda Covarrubias, Human Services Administrator, Los Angeles County Aging and Disabilities Department, Los Angeles, CA [biography]

Bertha Sanchez-Hayden, Directing Attorney, Bet Tzedek Legal Services , Los Angeles, CA [biography]

FT17) Conflict of Interest: What Your AAA Needs to Know

Focus Area: Health Care Contracting and Integrated Care

Conflicts of interest (COI), whether real or perceived, are a topic of concern for organizations that simultaneously receive OAA funding or operate State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) and are seeking health care contracts. A solid COI plan, including concrete policies and procedures, can help to mitigate risks and preserve the integrity of other AAA programs and funding. Come to this session to learn about a COI plan’s purpose and essential components, how to design an effective plan, and hear from a AAA engaged in health care contracting about how it avoids COI.

Presenters:

	Rebecca Kinney, Director, Office of Healthcare Information and Counseling, U.S. Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC [biography] As ACL’s OHIC Director, Rebecca manages the administration of the Medicare focused programs and activities managed by ACL including the SHIP, SMP, and MIPPA programs. In this role, she provides oversight and direction to the OHIC team, state grantees, contractors and national centers established to support the OHIC grantees.
	Christine Vanlandingham, Chief Executive Officer, Region IV Area Agency on Aging, Saint Joseph, MI [biography] Christine Vanlandingham is the Chief Executive Officer for Region IV Area Agency on Aging in Saint Joseph, MI. With more than 20 years in the field of aging, Vanlandingham is a leader in the social and clinical care integration and contracting space with multiple executed contracts with health care systems, physician groups and health plans. Vanlandingham is a well-known state and national presenter on innovations in aging services and serves on several Boards.
	Kathie Garbe, Senior Program Manager, Aging and Disability Business Institute, USAging, DC [biography] Kathie C. Garbe is a Senior Program Manager of the Aging and Disability Business Institute at USAging, contributing to and managing projects related to the mission and impact of USAging and the Business Institute on community-based organizations. Kathie holds a Ph.D. in Health Studies from Texas Woman’s University.

FT18) Reframing Aging: A New Tool to Advance Your Communications

Focus Area: Advancing Our Advocacy

Many advocates have found themselves working to increase stakeholder engagement on the topic of aging. Based on research from the Frameworks Institute, this barrier to engagement stems from messaging that elicits a different response from audiences than intended. This barrier is also known as implicit bias, which we can begin to address in our messaging with Reframing Aging principles. The National Center to Reframe Aging (NCRA) is the preeminent organization for strategies to effectively frame aging and promote a greater understanding of aging and implicit bias, ultimately guiding our nation’s approach to ensuring supportive policies and programs for all of us as we age. Join the NCRA in this session to learn more about Reframing Aging principles and practice applying these skills to your messaging.

Presenters:

Hannah Albers, Program Director, (National Center to Reframe Aging) Gerontological Society of America, Washington, DC [biography]

Beth Kowalczyk, Chief Policy Officer, Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Columbus, OH [biography]

FT19) Improving Quality of Life through Innovative Transportation Programming

Focus Area: Enhancing Independent Living Through Transportation Innovations

Access to transportation continues to be a challenge facing Ohio's older adults and people with disabilities. Learn how the Area Agency on Aging 3 Find A Ride program utilizes funding from the Ohio Department of Transportation's Office of Transit, federal Title III B funding and local match dollars to provide both medical and non-medical transportation. The AAA provides transportation to older adults and individuals with disabilities living in rural communities, at no cost to the individual when they have no other transportation options.

Presenter:

Stefanie Motter, Mobility Manager, Area Agency on Aging 3, Lima, OH [biography]

4:30 PM - 5:00 PM

4:30 PM - 5:00 PM Corporate Fast-Track Sessions

CF03) Caring for Communities with the Brain Bus: How to Build Partnerships and Improve Statewide Outreach for Persons with Dementia and Their Caregivers

Focus Area: Best Practices in Healthy Aging

In 2019, Florida became the only state to have Alzheimer's and Related Dementias (ADRD) its own separate priority on the State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP). This includes strengthening the capacity to address Alzheimer's in Florida and be a comprehensive resource guide with federal, state and local resources. In this session, Cyrena Baugh from Humana Healthy Horizons in Florida will provide a data snapshot of the benefits of the Brain Bus, a mobile unit that addresses the benefits of early detection, early diagnosis, brain health, and risk reduction. She will approach the conversation from the perspective of a community partner and showcase how Humana Healthy Horizons utilizes resources in Florida communities to find innovative solutions for members. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the Brain Bus and learn how to replicate similar practices to address Alzheimer’s in their own communities.

Presenters:

Cyrena Baugh, Community Engagement Lead, Humana Healthy Horizons, FL [biography]

Tuesday, July 18

7:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Registration and Information Desk Open

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

Continental Breakfast

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM General Sessions

GS03) Scaling for Change: The Future of Health Care Contracting for AAAs and AAA Networks

AAAs have made tremendous strides in health care contracting, with nearly half of AAAs reporting having such contracts in place, and 44 percent doing so as part of a network. As demand for social care services grows, how do we leverage our strengths and anticipate coming challenges as we scale for change and transform our network to secure these new opportunities? Join us for a provocative discussion of how we reach the tipping point for health and social care integration with AAAs at the heart of that movement.

Sponsored By: Aetna

Presenters:

	Rani Snyder, Vice President, Program, The John A. Hartford Foundation, New York, NY [biography] Rani E. Snyder, MPA, is Vice President, Program at The John A. Hartford Foundation. Ms. Snyder has over 25 years of experience working with preeminent health care institutions across the nation improving the care of older adults and maximizing resources to improve health care broadly.
	Paula Johnson, Bureau Chief, Harris County AAA, Houston, TX [biography] Paula Johnson is the Bureau Chief for the Harris County Area Agency on Aging with the Houston Health Department. Previous positions include Team Lead for the Ebola Policy Unit, Deputy Team Lead for Zika, and Acting Director for the Policy Unit with CDC. Paula earned her MPH from American Military University.
	Jason Smith, Vice President, Duals Markets, OH [biography] Jason currently serves as Vice Duals Markets for Aetna, overseeing product performance across the nation for Aetna’s duals product footprint and accountability for nearly $7 billion in revenue. Jason has over 25 years of experience in government programs and healthcare. Prior to joining Aetna, he worked with the Ohio Association of Health Plans, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Service (Medicaid), and the Ohio Department of Aging.
	Susan Rawlings Molina, Co-Founder, CEO, GroundGame.Health, FL [biography] Susan brings nearly four decades of progressive experience to GroundGame.Health. Prior to joining GroundGame.Health, Susan was President and CEO of HealthPlan Services, a subsidiary of Wipro. Her career has spanned nonprofit and for-profit sectors, with a focus in health and technology.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Workshops

W43) Recognizing the Value of a Strong State Association

Focus Area: Advancing Our Advocacy

Having a seat at the table is crucial for effective advocacy by AAAs but can be difficult if your state network is not organized. State associations with paid staff have been an effective force for advocacy on behalf of state aging networks and AAAs in particular. Learn more about the value a strong state association can bring to the AAA network in your state.

Presenters:

	Beth Kowalczyk, Chief Policy Officer, Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Columbus, OH [biography] Chief Policy Officer - Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging (o4a) and member of City Council in Worthington, Ohio. Bachelor of Arts, Kent State University. Juris Doctorate, New York University School of Law. Admitted to Ohio Bar in 1993.
	Duana Patton, CEO, Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc., Ontario, OH [biography] Duana Patton has been with the Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc. since 1994 where she started as Director of HR. In 2006, Ms. Patton became the Chief Executive Officer. Duana is a Certified Trainer and Executive Coach. She proudly serves on local, state and national boards.
	Cathy Knight, State Director, Washington Association of Area Agencies on Aging, WA [biography] Cathy Knight is the State Director for the Washington Association of Area Agencies on Aging (W4A), the collective voice for the thirteen Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in Washington State. She returned to that role after serving as the Director of the Division of Aging and Disability Services (ADS) in the City of Seattle Human Services Department (the AAA for King County) from 2017-2021. Cathy has a Ph.D. in Behavioral Disabilities from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and over 40 years of combined experience in the fields of aging and intellectual/developmental disabilities.
	Rebecca May-Cole, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Association of Area Agencies on Aging, PA [biography] Rebecca May-Cole has been the Executive Director of P4A since 2015. May-Cole holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration and a certificate in Public Budgeting and Financial Management from Penn State University. Before joining P4A, May-Cole served as the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Behavioral Health and Aging Coalition (PBHAC) for more than five years.

W45) The Life-Changing Impact of Community Health Workers

Focus Area: Cutting-Edge OAA and Aging Programs

Have you contemplated the role that a Community Health Worker (CHW) could play in your service delivery system? Are you curious about the value a CHW could bring to your agency and those you serve? If so, join us for an engaging conversation surrounding how CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions, the AAA for central Indiana, has successfully implemented the role of certified CHW to support its population. CHWs are providing ground-breaking work within the health care space and CICOA intends for that to include the AAA network now and in the future. With the support of experts from Purdue University’s Center for Health Equity and Innovation as well as University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Center for Innovation, CICOA is bringing this dream to life!

Presenters:

	Erica Seabaugh, Director of Flourish Care Management, CICOA Aging and In-Home Solutions, Indianapolis, IN [biography] Erica Seabaugh is the Director of Flourish Care Management and has been serving in a leadership role at CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions for 14 years. Erica was a key player in the development of the Community Health Worker role and is responsible for overseeing the implementation within her department.
	Kelsey Stinson, Director, Data and Research, CICOA Aging and In-Home Solutions, Indianapolis, IN [biography] Kelsey Stinson is the Director of Data and Research at CICOA. She leads CICOA’s data efforts to support and enhance reporting, program operations and evaluations, and research and innovation to better serve our clients and community. Kelsey also supports CICOA’s engagement with academic partners and institutions for research.
	Dayanita Medjesky, Community Health Worker, CICOA Aging and In-Home Solutions, Indianapolis, IN [biography] Associate\'s degree in Human Services, Bachelors of Sciences in Human Services (Gerontology), certified Community Health Worker (CHW)- experienced in caring and advocating for those who are unable to do so for themselves.

W46) Implementing the National Family Caregiving Strategy: The Aging Network’s Role

Focus Area: Advancing Our Advocacy

Caregiving policy is of paramount importance to the Aging Network given the critical role caregivers play in the lives of older adults and the AAAs’ support of those caregivers themselves, and now there’s momentum in DC and around the country to advance better policies In 2022, the first-ever RAISE National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers was released to the public. This spring, President Biden issued a set of executive orders to address some of the challenges family caregivers face. The National Strategy identifies actions that can be taken to provide relief to family caregivers. However, the National Strategy will not inherently provide the authority needed to establish new programs or funding mechanisms for implementation. The National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) launched a national campaign (Act on RAISE) to drive federal policymakers, program administrators and influencers on the national level to support and resource implementation actions outlined in the RAISE National Strategy, and NAC has subcontracted with Guidehouse to assist in the prioritization of those actions. This session will cover action-oriented strategies and opportunities to drive implementation of the national strategy among Aging Network stakeholders.

Presenters:

	Lance Robertson, Director (Health), Guidehouse Inc., Oklahoma City, OK [biography] Hon. Robertson is the former U.S. Assistant Secretary for Aging at the Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living and the former State Director for Aging Services at the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. His extensive experience includes initiating RAISE implementation in his prior position as Secretary, and as a current subcontractor to NAC assisting in an advisory role.
	Mike Wittke, Vice President, Policy & Advocacy, National Alliance for Caregiving, DC, DC [biography] Mike Wittke, VP of Policy & Advocacy, National Alliance for Caregiving. Mike leads NAC’s national engagement strategy working with Congressional offices, federal agencies, the White House, and key national organizations.
	Amy Gotwals, Chief, Public Policy and External Affairs, USAging, Washington, DC [biography] Amy E. Gotwals joined USAging in September 2005 and currently serves as Chief, Public Policy and External Affairs.Amy has 28 years of public policy, lobbying and grassroots organizing experience. Amy has a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Mount Holyoke College and earned a Master of Legislative Affairs from the George Washington University.
	Greg Link, Director, Office of Supportive and Caregiver Services, U.S. Administration for Community Living, DC [biography] Greg Link is the Director of the Office of Supportive and Caregiver Services with the Administration for Community Living/U.S. Administration on Aging, which oversees programs funded under the Older Americans Act (OAA), including Title III-B in-home supportive services, Title III-E National Family Caregiver Support Program as well as ACL’s Alzheimer’s disease programs. Most recently, Greg’s team, in collaboration with a range of stakeholders from across the public and private sectors developed and released the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers. The Strategy is intended to serve as a roadmap for the nation for better recognizing and supporting family and kinship caregivers.

W47) Partnering with Centers for Independent Living to Support Community Living

Focus Area: Running Your Agency: Strategies to Strengthen Systems and People

In 2021, CILs served more people age 60 and older than any other age group. Many CILs offer blind/low-vision programs, home-modification programs, loans of durable medical equipment, assistance moving out of nursing institutions, help with assistive technology, assistance accessing personal care assistance and transportation, peer-to-peer programs, and many more services that are critical to individual empowerment and community living. In this session, you’ll hear from AAAs and CILs that are working together to help older adults maintain their independence and self-determination. The session is also an opportunity to share with ACL barriers that can prevent these collaborations and how ACL can help to overcome them.

Presenters:

	Erica McFadden, Director, Office of Independent Living Programs, U.S. Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC
	Jenay Cottrell, AAA Manager, County of Marin Department of Health and Human Services, San Rafael, CA [biography] Jenay Cottrell serves as manager of Marin's AAA and its One Door connection with Marin CIL. She has over a decade of experience in the field of aging and is a graduate of the USAging Leadership Institute.
	Eli Gelardin, CEO, Marin Center for Independent Living, San Rafael, CA [biography] Under his leadership, this CIL has expanded to more than 30 staff serving over 2,000 individuals with disabilities each year. He previously served as a two-term governor's appointee to the California State Independent Living Council and currently serves as co-chair of California's ADRC Advisory Committee. Eli also has a disability.
	Peter Nye, Program Officer, U.S. Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC [biography] Peter Nye is an independent living program officer at ACL, overseeing IL grants for two regions for the Office of Independent Living Programs. He’s worked for several years on disability issues, including developing state plans for independent living, connecting people to disability resources, and promoting disability employment and housing.

W48) Double Dipping: Using QI and Analytics to Drive HCBS Change

Focus Area: Running Your Agency: Strategies to Strengthen Systems and People

How do you define and measure your organizational success? This session will take attendees on a deep dive into the use of data analytics to drive organizational change using the DMAIC approach to the LEAN Six Sigma methodology. Obtain insights on how to create a cornerstone quality committee in your organization that thrives on staff involvement and data-driven change. Leverage business intelligence and quality improvement techniques to stop flying blindly and start making data-informed decisions to create positive change and compounding growth. Join us and start your quality transformation today!

Presenters:

	Jessica Bader, Quality Improvement Manager, Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities, Uniontown, OH [biography] Mrs. Bader has been actively engaged in work with older adults since 2010. She has a wide range of experience within the aging network including quality improvement. Mrs. Bader is a licensed social worker, a graduate of the University of Akron, and alumni of The Ohio State University.
	Tracey Nauer, Vice President, Home & Community Based Services, Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities, Uniontown, OH [biography] Mrs. Nauer has been with Direction Home Akron Canton since 2018. She is an experienced professional with a strong healthcare background in clinical nursing and administration with a focus on operations management and performance improvement. She holds a master’s degree in nursing administration from The University of Akron.
	Denese Schneckenburger, Data Engineer/Decision Support Team Lead, Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities, Uniontown, OH [biography] Ms. Schneckenburger has been with Direction Home Akron Canton since 2013. Having arrived at the agency with an extensive business intelligence background, her influence as the Agency's Senior Data Engineer has advanced Direction Home’s BI program toward a solid results-driven approach for performance management and quality improvement excellence, year-after-year.

W49) Piloting Innovative Health Programs in Partnership with Senior Centers

Focus Area: Best Practices in Healthy Aging

Attend this session to learn about recent pilot efforts to engage AAAs and senior centers to deliver health-related innovations for older adults, including tools and resources for effective behavior change. Presenters will cover steps for a pain management intervention, peer-to-peer learning, personal goal setting, and community advocacy for quality care. Session leaders will share evaluation results and outcomes from the pilots will be shared, as well as a toolkit designed with an equity lens for leaders to help older adults make their voices heard on important and sometimes difficult health topics. Replicable elements such as pharmacy tours and community town halls will be discussed, as well as leader insights regarding program facilitation and long-term sustainability.

Presenters:

	Laura Plunkett, Program Specialist, Center for Healthy Aging, National Council on Aging, Arlington, VA [biography] Laura Plunkett is a Program Specialist at NCOA and works with chronic disease self-management education and falls prevention grantees providing information, support, and resources to strengthen, expand, and sustain delivery of evidence-based programs. Previously, Laura was at an Area Agency on Aging in North Carolina, conducting EBP in 12 counties.
	Dianne Stone, Associate Director, Network Development and Engagement, National Council on Aging, Arlington, VA [biography] Dianne Stone has over 24 years of experience of local, state, and national leadership with senior centers and aging, bringing deep understanding of senior center operations and networks to her role at NCOA with primary responsibility for the Modernizing Senior Centers Resource Center and the National Institute of Senior Centers.
	Dorothea Vafiadis, Director, Healthy Aging Partnerships and Strategic Engagement, National Council on Aging, Arlington, VA [biography] Ms. Vafiadis oversees health and wellness alliances for the National Council on Aging. Her focus is on achieving policy improvements, testing innovation, and driving social change that positively impacts community-based organizations. She's a results-driven, public health leader with more than 20 years experience in public health and non-profits.

W50) Preparing AAAs for Contracting Operational Readiness

Focus Area: Health Care Contracting and Integrated Care

Congratulations! You’ve negotiated a contract with a health care payer. Now what?! Come to this session to learn key operational readiness requirements most health care and managed care organizations (MCOs) will expect to be in place prior to sharing data with your AAA and before the project launch date. Presenters will share their experience working for AAAs, MCOs and other CBOs across the country. This session will help AAAs anticipate and prepare for key questions from and operational readiness expectations of MCOs.

Presenters:

	Kristen LaEace, CEO, Indiana Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Indianapolis, IN [biography] Kristen LaEace, MS, MBA, CAE, has been CEO of the Indiana Association of Area Agencies on Aging for 13 years. Her passion is supporting mission-based organizations in solving complex problems through engaging leadership, fostering collaboration, brokering resources, public policy advocacy and strengthening partner capacity at all levels.
	Abigail Morgan, Chief Operating Officer, Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities, Uniontown, OH [biography] Abigail Morgan is the Chief Operating Officer at Direction Home Akron Canton. Her team is responsible for strategic and operational planning, provider relations, project & performance management, development, quality improvement and new programs. She has worked with the Aging Network for the past 15 years and has the privilege of working with AAAs all over the country. Prior to working at Direction Home she held positions at n4a, ACL and CMS. Abby has a Masters in Social Services and a Masters in Law and Social Policy from Bryn Mawr College, and a Masters in Business Administration/Data Analytics from Ohio University.
	Paul Cantrell, President, Clear View Strategies, LLC, Greenwood, VA [biography] Paul manages USAging’s Consulting Program, develops resource guides, provides training and technical assistance, and offers consulting services for AAAs and CBOs across the nation. Paul has more than 25 years of experience with a diverse group of healthcare-related and social care agencies. He also serves as Executive Director of Comprehensive Care Connections (C3), a non-profit Community Care Hub (CCH) supporting Pennsylvania’s AAAs in collaboration with their state association (P4A).
	Sharon Williams, CEO, Williams Jaxon Consulting, LLC, MI [biography] Sharon Williams is USAging consultant and an enterprising leader in both the health care and community-based services (CBO) industries. Her broad experience provides a unique opportunity to leverage productive partnerships between these two diverse ecosystems. Sharon is committed to promoting integrated care initiatives and improved quality of care and quality of life for consumers.

W51) Addressing the Mobility Needs of Historically Marginalized and Underserved Communities

Focus Area: Enhancing Independent Living Through Transportation Innovations

Understanding the transportation challenges that older adults and people with disabilities from historically marginalized and underserved communities face can help shed light on transportation gaps experienced by many, if not all, older adults and people with disabilities. By focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, aging and disability programs have opportunities to reevaluate equitable service delivery and better support these communities. This session will provide an opportunity to explore the conversation around diversity, equity and inclusion and transportation, highlighting the importance of programs making efforts to provide equitable transportation in these communities—from doing the “internal” equity work at the agency level to active and meaningful inclusion and engagement of older adults and people with disabilities, communities of color and disadvantaged populations.

Presenters:

	William Massey, President and Chief Executive Officer, Peninsula Agency on Aging, Inc, Newport News, VA [biography] William Massey, President and Chief Executive Officer of Peninsula Agency on Aging, Inc. in Newport News, Virginia has served in this position since 1984 and has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 35 years. Mr. Massey is responsible for day-to-day operation of a multi-jurisdictional, multi-funded, non-profit Area Agency on
	Melissa Gray, Assistant Director, Transportation, USAging, Washington, DC [biography] As USAging's Assistant Director of Transportation, Melissa serves as a resource on accessible community transportation addressing the needs of older adults and people with disabilities. She provides program management, communications, and programmatic support to the NADTC leadership team and to internal/external partners.
	Kiana Parker, Transportation & Disability Advocate, Parker Consulting, Seattle, WA [biography] Kiana Parker is a community member who serves as a consultant for the City of Seattle on a variety of transportation projects. Kiana's areas of focus include transportation equity, accessibility, multimodal integration and preventing the displacement of Black and brown communities.

W52) American Indian and Alaska Native Elder Justice Issues and Opportunities

Focus Area: Elder Justice

Join this session to learn about what’s going on in elder justice and how advocates can ensure American Indian and Alaska Native communities are not left behind. The presenter will share highlights of current advocacy opportunities and advancements, including the Native American Elder Justice Initiative. Bring your questions, challenges and goals to this engaging session.

Presenters:

William Benson, Board President, International Association for Indigenous Aging (IA2), and Principal, Health Benefits ABCs, Chicago, MD [biography]

Peggy Jo Archer, Project Coordinator, International Association for Indigenous Aging (IA2), ND [biography]

W53) Creating A Workplace Culture of Caring

Focus Area: Supporting Caregivers

With estimates showing that as many as 45 percent of the workforce is providing care for a family member or friend, it is clear that our workplaces are filled with caregivers. This growing population is experiencing the burden of balancing jobs with caregiving. While traditional caregiver support programming has focused on in-home support, transforming workplace attitudes and culture are critical steps in meeting caregivers where they are. Working caregivers are more likely to experience stress and health issues, are at increased risk of quitting, and cost an estimated $33+ billion in lost productivity annually. Offering onsite caregiver support programming adds an enticing employee benefit that can help motivate employees to be engaged and innovative in their work—and can help improve employee retention and job satisfaction. Building trust and creating a caring culture requires support of employees’ responsibilities outside of workplace walls.

Presenters:

	Elizabeth Cozzi, Associate Vice President of Community Development, United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona, Tucson, AZ [biography] Elizabeth Cozzi, AuD has a background in healthcare, community outreach and education, program development and implementation, clinical supervision, patient advocacy and improving access to care. Liz holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders and Education, a Master of Science in Speech and Hearing, and Doctorate in Audiology.
	Harbhajan Khalsa, Dementia Capable Southern Arizona, Pima Council on Aging, Tucson, AZ [biography] Harbhajan Khalsa, Dementia Capable Southern Arizona Program Director, a Tucson native, has served her community in a professional capacity for over 8 years. While she began her career providing services to individuals in a behavioral health, she began working directly with older adults in 2018 when she joined Pima Council
	Rebekah McGee, VP Population Health Initiatives, Pima Council on Aging, Tucson, AZ [biography] Rebekah McGee has spent over 20 years with nonprofit human and social service organizations the last 15 years spent serving in an executive leadership capacity.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Hot Topics

HT03) Medicare Advantage Plans, AAAs and Supplemental Benefits: Updates, Opportunities and Challenges

Focus Area: Advancing Our Advocacy

Come to this session to learn about and discuss the growth of Medicare Advantage supplemental benefits, the opportunities they present for AAAs and CBOs, and how the federal policy changes that impact value-based care, partnerships at the local level and how beneficiaries’ social needs are met. The session aims to increase plan, service provider, policymaker, and AAA knowledge on of these community-based “LTSS-like” benefits that will likely continue to grow in the MA space.

Presenters:

	Marisa Scala-Foley, Director, Aging and Disability Business Institute, USAging, Washington, DC [biography] Marisa Scala-Foley serves as the Director of the Aging and Disability Business Institute at USAging, which provides community-based organizations with the tools and resources to successfully adapt to a changing health care environment, enhance their organizational capacity and capitalize on emerging opportunities to diversify funding.
	Tyler Cromer, Principal, ATI Advisory, Washington, DC [biography] Tyler Overstreet Cromer is a Principal at ATI Advisory, a research and advisory services firm focused on transforming delivery of care for the frail, elderly population. Ms. Cromer leads ATI’s Medicare Innovation practice, providing research, data analysis, and advisory services to diverse clients across the healthcare and aging services field.
	Christina Wu, Research and Policy Director, Long-Term Quality Alliance, Washington, DC [biography] Christina Wu is the Research and Policy Director of LTQA and its affiliated organization, the National MLTSS Health Plan Association, in Washington, DC. Ms. Wu develops and implements the organizations’ research and policy agendas to advance high-quality systems of integrated, person-centered long-term care for older adults and people with disabilities.
	Robin Goracke, Chief of Staff, COO, Better Medicare Alliance, Washington, DC [biography] Robin brings two decades of health care policy experience in both the public and private sectors to BMA as Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer. She previously served as legislative analyst at U.S. Department of HHS, 16 years in U.S. House of Representatives, and recently Director of Healthcare Policy.
	Mary Kaschak, Chief Executive Officer, Long-Term Quality Alliance, Washington, DC [biography] Mary Kaschak is Chief Executive Officer of the Long-Term Quality Alliance (LTQA) and is the CEO of LTQA’s affiliated organization, the National MLTSS Health Plan Association in Washington, DC. She joined LTQA and the MLTSS Association in 2018 with more than ten years of experience in aging and health policy leading managed care organizations (MCOs) that have Medicaid managed care contracts with one or more states and take risk for long-term services and supports (LTSS) provided under Medicaid.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Lunch on Your Own

Leadership Institute Alumni Luncheon (by invitation only)

Title VI Transportation for Elders in Indian Country (by invitation only)

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Concurrent Workshops

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Concurrent Workshops

W54) Ombudsman Program Management for Effective Advocacy

Focus Area: Elder Justice

This session will feature a panel presentation by the Administration for Community Living’s Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs, National Ombudsman Resource Center, and a AAA. Panelists will discuss the current experiences of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman programs, supported by data and examples of advocacy and program management practices. Attendees should bring their questions and successes related to hosting a local Ombudsman entity to share during this session for an engaging discussion, peer-to-peer support and in-person technical assistance from the panelists.

Sponsored By: Aetna

Presenters:

	Amity Overall-Laib, Director, National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center, The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, Washington, DC [biography] Prior to her current role she was a local long-term care ombudsman in Texas. She managed a program that served long-term care residents in twelve counties and was a member of the Board of Directors for the National Association of Local Long Term Care Ombudsmen.
	Beverley Laubert, National Ombudsman Program Coordinator, U.S Administration for Community Living, Washington , DC [biography] Beverley Laubert is the National Ombudsman Program Coordinator at ACL. She was an Ombudsman in Ohio for 33 years and Director of the Ohio Department of Aging. She holds a degree in Gerontology from Kent State University and a master’s in public policy from The Ohio State University.
	Carrie Schonlaw, Deputy Director, Aging & Human Services, Five County Association of Governments, St. George, UT [biography] Carrie has 25 years of experience in development and expansion of Aging services through innovative grants and programming. She has served on variety of boards, currently serving as legislative chair for the State Association. Carrie has a deep love and passion for improving the lives of older adults.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Hot Topics

HT04) Socialcare and Healthcare Integration: Assessments, Workflows and Data Exchange! Oh my!

Focus Area: Data, Information Exchange and Interoperability

Providing the best care for our clients includes sharing the care for them with health and post-acute clinicians. Appropriate assessments and referrals, proper workflows, and data exchange is critical to ensuring each clinician can provide the best care possible for their patient or client. What information do you need to exchange with health clinicians and how should that data be exchanged? This session will explain the emerging models around sharing care to drive the best outcomes for your clients.

Presenters:

	Courtney Baldridge, Business Strategy and Health Systems Integration Consultant, USAging, DC [biography] Courtney handles Business Strategy and Health Systems Integration for USAging. She both handles key stakeholder collaboration with industry and runs USAging’s corporate programs, and also works to integrate social care into the broader integrated care, data standards and interoperability landscape. Courtney is currently the Co-Chair of Direct Trust’s Information Exchange for Human Services and is Chair of their Social Care Work Group. Courtney also serves as one of the Co-Chairs of the HL7 Human and Social Services Work Group, and is a part of the Gravity Project and the Project Unify communities.
	Jennifer Raymond, Chief Strategy Officer, AgeSpan, Lawrence, MA [biography] Jennifer is an experienced strategic thinker, coalition builder, and change leader. Driven by the desire to create healthy communities for all, she takes pride in aligning social missions with business acumen, providing the best approaches to sustainability possible. As Chief Strategy Officer, she builds cross-sector partnerships, creates shared alignment around
	Corey Smith, Vice President, Information and Digital Products, American Medical Association, CO [biography] Corey has devoted his entire 23+ year career helping healthcare providers, payers, national governments, software vendors, medical specialty societies, and standards development organizations from around the world to make healthcare data useful and valuable. At the AMA, Corey and his team focus on improving patient health outcomes, reducing physician burden, and advancing health equity by empowering physicians with clinically valid data and software solutions that meet physician needs. Corey holds a BA in Psychology from Northwestern University and an MS in Computer Science from University of Chicago.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Workshops

W56) The Wisconsin Story to End Social Isolation and Loneliness

Focus Area: Addressing Social Isolation Through Engagement

The Wisconsin Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness uses a collective impact approach to bring together public and private entities, service providers and individuals to identify and deploy meaningful responses to the negative health impacts of social isolation and loneliness among older adults and adults with disabilities. The coalition's four work groups address public awareness, research, access and detection, and advocacy. Learn about the easily replicable pilot project incorporating the 3-Item UCLA Loneliness Scale into existing intake processes in the Aging Network across the state. In addition, attendees will learn about the process to connect participants into existing local, state and national resources.

Presenters:

Angie Sullivan, OAA Consultant, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources, Inc., Madison, WI [biography]

Sara Richie, Life Span Program Manager, Division of Extension, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI [biography]

W57) Speed Networking with Nutrition Innovation Grantees: Connect, Learn & Go!

Focus Area: Cutting-Edge OAA and Aging Programs

Curious about how to bring fresh new ideas to your nutrition program? Meet and connect with senior nutrition program leaders who are current ACL Innovation in Nutrition grantees! Featured innovations may include: starting a culturally competent and medically tailored meal program; working with local restaurants to modernize congregate nutrition programs; preparing the Aging Network to respond to catastrophic emergencies; utilizing technology to increase access to nutrition education and counseling; and empowering older adults to manage their mental and physical health. Join us for an interactive session where you can have candid conversations, gain insights via peer-to-peer learning and get your questions answered. Walk away with valuable replication tools and contacts. Your opportunities for innovation are endless!

Presenters:

Caroline McKinney, Nutrition Innovation Director, National Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging, Des Moines, IA [biography]

Elizabeth Fridley, Registered Dietitian, National Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging, Des Moines, IA [biography]

W58) Off the Couch! Reimagining Volunteerism via Civic Matchmaking

Focus Area: Workforce and Volunteerism

Retirees seek continued relevance and possess a wealth of experience, skills and connections that can valuably impact community challenges. Facing continued worker shortages, nonprofits need skilled volunteers who can do more than answer phones. Discover a volunteer model with a proven and powerful ability to meaningfully engage retirees with opportunities that match their skills and feed their passions. With an army of skilled baby boomers already retired, and another wave of boomers retiring over the next few decades, communities that implement effective volunteer matchmaking will be the ones that thrive and offer the best quality of life. The future health of our communities depends on it.

Presenters:

	Greg Burris, President/CEO United Way of the Ozarks, United Way of the Ozarks, Springfield, MO [biography] Greg Burris: United Way of the Ozarks President/CEO Greg Burris also serves as the Executive Director of Give 5 and is the former City Manager of Springfield Missouri.
	Julie Peetz, Executive Director, Missouri Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Jefferson City, MO [biography] Julie Peetz is the Executive Director of the Missouri Association of Area Agencies on Aging.
	Cora Scott, Director of Public Information & Civic Engagement, City of Springfield, Springfield, MO [biography] Give 5 Co-Creator Cora Scott is currently the Director of Public Information & Civic Engagement for the City of Springfield, Missouri, and assists with Give 5 installations.

W59) Empowering Older Adults in Your Community to Become Effective Advocates

Focus Area: Advancing Our Advocacy

A civic academy for older adults can propel change in both urban and rural communities. Boston’s Age Strong Commission developed the Senior Civic Academy in 2018, which received a USAging Aging Innovations Award in 2020. The Aroostook Agency on Aging which serves Maine’s largest rural county replicated the Boston program in 2022. Learn how both programs developed based on their unique community needs and assets, as well as how participants used their learning to advocate for change in their communities and at different levels of government. Join this conversation to explore how you can bring the civic academy model to your community and how participants can create change through ongoing advocacy.

Presenters:

	Alison Freeman, Area Agency on Aging Director/Project Manager, City of Boston Age Strong Commission, Boston, MA [biography] Alison is the Area Agency on Aging Director at the City of Boston. She also serves as Treasurer of the Massachusetts Gerontology Association, a statewide organization advancing the field of aging.
	Joy Barresi Saucier, Executive Director, Aroostook Agency on Aging, Presque Isle, ME [biography] Joy Barresi Saucier, RN, MHA, FACHE is the Executive Director of the Aroostook Agency on Aging, a non-profit serving Aroostook County, Maine. She also serves as the President of the Maine Association of Area Agencies on Aging (M4A).

W60) Access to Veterans Benefits, Services and Supports: Leveraging Critical Partnerships

Focus Area: Cutting-Edge OAA and Aging Programs

Is your AAA prepared to help veterans access benefits they have earned through their service to our country? Join your AAA counterparts who have leveraged partnerships with the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), Centers for Independent Living and others to support veterans in sometimes life-changing ways. Veteran Directed Care (VDC) is a program that offers a unique opportunity for nursing home eligible veterans to remain independent as they age. Hear how Bay Aging, a AAA in Virginia, has successfully brought VDC to life throughout several regions of its state. And find out how Utah’s COVER to COVER Program and Five County AAA have developed partnerships with the VA to help veterans access their benefits while filling service gaps, saving money and diverting veterans from public programs.

Presenters:

	Jennifer Morgan, Aging & Disability Program Manager, Utah State University Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice, Logan, UT [biography] Jen Morgan is the Aging & Disability Program Manager at Utah State Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice. She has collaborated with National organizations and the Utah Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) since 2011 through her role as the Utah ADRC Director and the COVER to COVER Program Manager.
	Janeil Esplin, Social Work Case Manager, Veteran Service Officer, Five County Association of Governments Area Agency on Aging, St. George, UT [biography] Janeil Esplin received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Southern Utah University. In 2016, she earned Veteran Service Officer (VSO) accreditation from the Veterans Administration. Currently, Janeil is a Social Work Case Manager and Veteran Service Officer at Five County AAA and part of the COVER to COVER team.
	Melissa Blake, Director, Veteran Directed Care, Bay Aging, Urbanna, VA [biography] Melissa Blake is the Director of Bay Aging’s Veteran Directed Care program. She has managed the Financial Management Services provided to veterans enrolled in the program since 2011 and was awarded the Excellence in Financial Management Services Award from Applied Self Direction in 2019.
	Jennifer Beck, Community Living Director, Bay Aging, Urbanna, VA [biography] Jennifer Beck is the Director of Community Living Programs for Bay Aging. She has over 15 years of experience working in the Health and Human Services field. Among other programming for Bay Aging, Jennifer oversees the Case Management Department which includes Person-Centered Counseling in the Veteran Directed Care Program.

W61) Combating Social Isolation Through Technology and Digital Inclusion

Focus Area: Addressing Social Isolation Through Engagement

Taking steps to bridge the digital divide helps older adults access affordable internet, device options and skills they can use to reduce social isolation. This workshop will showcase innovative approaches two Area AAAs are implementing to address barriers to technology access and use. The County of San Diego’s Aging & Independence Services will spotlight its Connections, Health, Aging & Technology program, which provides iPads, digital literacy training and technical support to vulnerable and underserved populations. The Howard County Office on Aging in Maryland and Independence will then highlight its efforts to reduce the digital divide and social isolation through education, increased access to affordable technology, development of key partnerships and creation of a Digital Inclusion Specialist.

Presenters:

	Jacob Carson, Graduate Student Worker, County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Aging & Independence Services, San Diego, CA [biography] Jacob is a Public Health PhD student at San Diego State University who has worked in research and public service sectors for the last 6 years. He is passionate about community capacity building and understanding how the built environment can be leveraged to improve the quality of our lives.
	Vilma Poroj, Community Health Promotion Specialist, County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Aging & Independence Services, San Diego, CA [biography] Vilma received her Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from the University of California, Riverside, and a Master’s in Public Health from San Diego State University. She is currently a Community Health Promotion Specialist with Aging & Independence Services working on advancing digital equity and inclusion for health.
	Malarie Burgess, Digital Inclusion Specialist, Howard County Office on Aging and Independence, Columbia, MD [biography] Malarie Burgess is the Digital Inclusion Specialist for Howard County’s Office on Aging and Independence.
	Ofelia Ott, Operations Manager, Howard County Office on Aging and Independence, Columbia, MD [biography] Ofelia has been with Howard County Office on Aging and Independence since 2000 with over 30 years of experience in the field of aging. She currently serves as the Operations Manager.

W62) Why Age-Friendly Communities Matter

Focus Area: Building Livable and Dementia-Friendly Communities

People of all ages benefit from the adoption of policies and programs that make neighborhoods walkable, feature transportation options, enable access to key services, provide opportunities to participate in community activities and support housing that is affordable and adaptable. Learn why age-friendly communities matter, how supporting age-friendly communities is within the mission of AAAs, and how Ohio’s AAAs have engaged with age-friendly communities.

Presenters:

	Beth Kowalczyk, Chief Policy Officer, Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Columbus, OH [biography] Chief Policy Officer - Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging (o4a) and member of City Council in Worthington, Ohio. Bachelor of Arts, Kent State University. Juris Doctorate, New York University School of Law. Admitted to Ohio Bar in 1993.
	Matt Reed, Senior Vice President-Community Engagement, Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities, Akron, OH [biography] Senior Vice President-Community Engagement, Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities _x000D_ Master of Business Administration, Ohio University _x000D_ Master in Public Administration, Management and Human Resources, Kent State University _x000D_ Bachelor in Communication, University of Akron
	Christine Happel, Assistant Director, Age-Friendly Innovation Center, OH [biography] MSW, LSW

W63) Improving Health Outcomes by Empowering Family Caregivers of Older Adults

Focus Area: Supporting Caregivers

Family caregivers of older adults are vital partners in the health care of their care recipients. Supporting their needs has positively impacted their own and their care recipients’ health outcomes. Based on the 4Ms of an Age-Friendly Health System, the Caring for Caregivers (C4C) model simultaneously focuses on achieving health system change by identifying and incorporating caregivers into standard care practices for older adults, and assisting caregivers with their own needs and preferences as they provide care. Both health care systems and AAAs are uniquely positioned to identify and support family caregivers with this model. Attendees will explore data demonstrating outcomes, participate in assessing their readiness and identify next steps for implementation in their settings.

Presenters:

Diane Mariani, Program Manager, Social Work and Community Health, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL [biography]

Diane Slezak, President and CEO, AgeOptions, Oak Park, IL [biography]

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Corporate Workshops

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Corporate Workshops

CW01) Addressing Senior Hunger: Leadership Perspectives From the Federal, State and Community Leaders

Focus Area: Cutting-Edge OAA and Aging Programs

As we prepare to support reauthorization of the Older Americans Act in 2024, we find ourselves at a crossroads during a very dynamic but opportunistic time. Hunger is perpetually devastating older adults, affecting their quality of life, independence, health and well-being. The White House Conference on Hunger, Health and Nutrition created considerable momentum in the health care sector to strengthen Medicaid and Medicare pathways supporting food and nutritional security. How can aging leaders better integrate across the health care modernization work? Can this integration be accomplished while ensuring shared interest of Aging Network and community-based contributions that are integral to senior hunger programs? Hear from industry experts and federal, state and community-based agencies on some of the initial health care pathways to address hunger.

Presenters:

	Tim Conroy, National VP, Government and Healthcare Partnerships, Mom's Meals, Ankeny, IA [biography] In his role as National Vice President, Government and Healthcare Partnerships for Mom’s Meals, Tim Conroy has responsibility for overseeing Long Term Services & Support (LTSS) waiver benefit programs, helping customers and clients access state benefit programs for home-delivered meals. He partners with executive management teams at the state government managed care, and local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), and Community Based Organizations (CBO) organizations to ensure the continuation of partnerships to support member services.
	Joe Rossi, Chief Executive Officer, Direction Home of Eastern Ohio, Inc., OK [biography] Joseph Rossi has been Chief Executive Officer of Direction Home of Eastern Ohio, Inc. (DHEO) serving Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning, and Trumbull County since 2010. He oversees the operations of a $38 million agency. He originally began his career at DHEO in 1990 as the Housing Coordinator overseeing housing programs in the four-county planning and service area. In 1993 he was named the Special Projects Director overseeing human resources, training and education, Senior Olympics, and housing programs. While Special Projects Director he assisted in the development of four area plans. In 2007 he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer and overseen the home and community-based programs and Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Mr. Rossi holds a bachelor's degree from Youngstown State University and a master's degree from The Ohio State University. Mr. Rossi has served as the President of the Board of the Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging and the President of Ohio Senior Olympics. He has been involved with the senior games' movement at the local, state, and national levels since the early 1990s. Mr. Rossi lives in Salem, Ohio with his wife Susan and daughter, Alexis. His wife Susan has a PhD in Higher Education Administration and is an Assistant Dean at Kent State University (Columbiana County). His daughter, Alexis is a senior at Loyola University Chicago.
	Alison K. Bernal, Livable Communities Section Manager, Division of Aging Services [biography] Allison Bernal has been working in field of Aging for 19 years. Her experience involves non-profit, private, and government sectors. She is currently the Livable Communities Section Manager for the Division of Aging Services and oversees a team who work to ensure older adults and those with disabilities can remain in the setting of their choosing for as long as possible. She is also a certified yoga teacher and has taught yoga for almost 20 years.
	Deborah Moore, Division Manager, Houston Health Department, Houston, TX [biography] Deborah Moore is responsible for leadership and oversite of the department projects. She assists in the administration of provision of assistance and services some of our communities most vulnerable citizens. Ms. Moore has an extensive background in human services dating back to her first position as a social worker with the Department of Public Welfare in 1973. She is a strong proponent of collaboration and works to ensure that funds are maximized and that human services are enhanced and expanded through community partnerships.

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Mobile Workshops

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Mobile Workshops

MW01) AAA Showcase: Tour of Government Center Industrial Kitchen

Pick-Up/Drop-Off: Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City, side entrance of hotel on SW Temple Street

Join the Salt Lake County AAA on an informative tour of its facilities across select areas of the Wasatch mountain range. Paul Leggett, director of Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services, and his team will guide attendees through the agency’s commercial-contracted kitchen, showcase vehicles used to support congregate senior center and meal route distribution, home-delivered meals, and Rides for Wellness vehicles, including wheelchair vans. Then experience the evolution of three different senior centers showcasing both in-person and virtual participant activities while promoting diversity and inclusion.

Presenter:

Paul Leggett, Division Director, Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services, Salt Lake City, UT [biography]

MW02) Travel Training Mobile Workshop: Utah Transit Authority

Attendees will meet the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) travel-training team at the Hyatt Regency in the lobby at 2:00 pm. The group will then take a three-minute walk to the TRAX train where attendees will be given passes to board the train. The travel-training session will take place during the train ride and will include a tour of UTA’s Mobility Center. Pre-registration was required for this session. Inquire at the USAging Registration Desk about being added to the waitlist.

Through travel training, or travel instruction, individuals can learn how to travel independently—from professionals. Travel training often focuses on fixed-route public transit, but it can include instruction on other modes of transportation, such as shared ride options, volunteer transportation and even pedestrian safety. Attend this session to see first-hand how travel training can empower older adults and people with disabilities with the skills and confidence to successfully navigate community transportation systems. Utah Transit Authority (UTA) staff will take participants through a travel-training exercise on its commuter rail train, simulating how UTA provides travel training to older adults and people with disabilities. The ride will include stops to tour different community transit hubs and UTA’s Mobility Center, where participants will learn how UTA supports riders from the disability and aging communities. UTA will provide workshop participants with a free five-day travel pass.

Presenters:

	Doraleen Taulanga, Community Engagement Specialist, Utah Transit Authority, Salt Lake City, UT
	Sean Mcquarter, Travel Trainer, Utah Transit Authority, UT [biography] As a social work tech, Seann has spent the last 18 years working with marginalized communities—people with disabilities, people of color, refugees, and people with background constraints.
	Erick Gomez, Travel Trainer, Utah Transit Authority, UT [biography] Erick has relied heavily on public transit in various states and countries throughout his life. At times being someone new to a country/state/language or just a new mode of transport. As a previous teacher being able to discuss, teach, show, explain his knowledge of public transportation to any and all interested has been a blessing.

2:15 PM - 3:15 PM

2:15 PM - 3:15 PM Workshops

W64) Intergenerational Connections: Tips for Engaging Older Adults and Youth

Focus Area: Addressing Social Isolation Through Engagement

Intergenerational connections bring people of different ages together in purposeful, mutually beneficial activities which can help to reduce social isolation and promote healthy aging. In this session, Generations United will share innovative examples and tips for creating programs and spaces that connect younger and older people. Presenters will share free resources and connections to the national network of intergenerational programs and practitioners, to help enhance current projects and develop new intergenerational programs. Come learn more about the opportunities of intergenerational work and troubleshoot challenges you may face.

Presenter:

Sheri Steinig, Director, Strategic Initiatives & Communications, Generations United, Washington, DC [biography]

W65) AAAs As Critical Partners in Delivering a Quality APS Program

Focus Area: Elder Justice

The roles AAAs play in delivering Adult Protective Services vary greatly from state to state. Attend this session to hear about the approaches several states have taken—and how critical AAAs are to community-based approaches to responding to elder and adult abuse. Learn how AAAs help to build and sustain relationships with law enforcement, legal services, guardianship, caregiver support, health care providers and others who are important to protecting victims of abuse and neglect.

Presenters:

	William Benson, Board President, International Association for Indigenous Aging (IA2), and Principal, Health Benefits ABCs, Chicago, MD [biography] Bill Benson is co-founder and President of the IA2, and President of the consulting firm, Health Benefits ABCs. He has worked in aging and health for over four decades. Bill has held senior leadership positions from the state to federal levels and is a nationally recognized advocate on elder justice and brain health.
	Tim Jackson, Adult Protective Services Section Administrator, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Jefferson City, MO [biography] Tim Jackson has worked for the Department of Health & Senior Services (as well as Division of Aging prior to DHSS) for 24+ years. In 2018, Tim was promoted to Section Administrator of the Section for Adult Protective Services.
	Diane Slezak, President and CEO, AgeOptions, Oak Park, IL [biography] Diane Slezak is AgeOptions President and Chief Executive Officer. Diane has served with the agency since 1976. She is the Vice President of the Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging and the co-Chair of the Legislative Committee. She serves as an Alternate Board member for USAging.

W66) Successes and Struggles in Implementing Healthy Aging Programs

Focus Area: Best Practices in Healthy Aging

Let’s be real! This workshop will focus on both the successes and struggles of Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services’ Health Promotion Program in implementing evidence-based programs and developing community partnerships to best serve the older adults in its community. This workshop will foster discussion about creative ways to recruit volunteers and engage and partner with local universities and health care systems to build a robust, evidence-based health promotion program for older adults.

Presenters:

	Marianne Christensen, Health Promotion Manager, Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services, Salt Lake city, UT [biography] As Health Promotion Manager for Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services she oversees four health educators and numerous volunteers who implement 11 evidence based programs in partnership with Salt Lake County's network of 15 senior centers.
	Paige Corley, Health Educator, Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services, Salt Lake City, UT [biography] Paige has been a Health Educator for Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services since 2019. Prior to that she led a successful career as a fitness professional managing group exercise and personal training programs in a variety of settings. Paige received her Master’s in Kinesiology in 2017.
	Erika Thompson, Health Educator, Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services, Salt Lake City, UT [biography] Erika recently graduated from the University of Utah with a Master's in Gerontology, while working as a Health Educator for the Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services. Erika coordinates evidence-based health education programs at the Salt Lake County Senior Centers. She also serves with the Living Well Coalition.

W67) The Role of AAAs in State Multi-Sector Plans for Aging

Focus Area: Advancing Our Advocacy

As states develop Multi-Sector Plans for Aging (MPAs), sometimes called Master Plans, it is important for AAAs to be engaged as key partners in their development and implementation. MPAs involve collaboration across multiple state agencies and diverse stakeholders to create a blueprint for future aging and disability services in the state. Attendees will learn about the benefits of MPAs for older adults and they will be introduced to tools to help establish buy in. They will also hear from AAAs and states in different phases of MPA development, including staff from Vermont Association of Area Agencies on Aging who will discuss its role as a leader in the state's MPA development; and a AAA leader from Ventura, CA, who will describe how their agency is implementing a local MPA that builds on the state’s master plan.

Presenters:

	Mary Hayden, Executive Director, Vermont Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Montpelier, VT [biography] Mary Hayden is the Executive Director of the Vermont Association of Area Agencies on Aging and serves on Vermont’s Action Plan on Aging Well Steering Committee. Prior to serving V4A, Mary was the Director of Communications and Development for one of Vermont’s area agencies on aging
	Amy Hoffmaster, Senior Program Officer, Center for Health Care Strategies, Philadelphia, PA [biography] Senior program officer leading the multi-state learning collaborative for advancing state multisector plans for aging.
	Victoria Jump, Executive Director, Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, Ventura, CA [biography] Ms. Jump has been the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging executive director since 2004. Under her leadership the organization adapted programs based on the communities’ needs and developed additional programs to support the community as needed. Working within the older adults’ services arena, Ms. Jump’s efficacy as a leader

W68) Multi-Level Strategies to Prevent Senior Homelessness: Lessons from San Diego County

Focus Area: Housing and Homelessness

As the number of older adults experiencing homelessness increases across the nation, innovative strategies to address this complex issue must be explored. The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency is leading the way in developing diverse strategies to tackle this crisis. This session will present three initiatives that aim to prevent homelessness, optimize services for those at risk and promote innovative affordable housing options. These initiatives include a first-of-its-kind training for homeless service providers in the region (Aging 101), a Shallow Rent Subsidy Program and community education on age-friendly housing solutions. Attendees will learn how these initiatives were developed, implementation of best practices, key considerations and lessons learned along the way.

Presenters:

	Brigit Cooper, Chief, Agency Operations, County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Department of Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities, San Diego, CA [biography] Brigit is a Chief, Agency Operations for the Department of Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities – Office of Homeless Solutions (OHS). She has oversight of the Direct Services team, which provides countywide outreach, connections to essential services, and case management to people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.
	Dalija Dragisic, Community Programs Manager, County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Aging & Independence Services, San Diego, CA [biography] Dalija is the Community Programs Manager, and she oversees programs that support the health and wellbeing of older adults in San Diego. Dalija holds a Master’s degree in counseling psychology and is also a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She has worked in older adult services for 18 years.
	Matthew Parcasio, Caregiver Programs Coordinator, County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Aging & Independence Services, San Diego, CA [biography] Matthew is the Caregiver Programs Coordinator at Aging & Independence Services, a division of the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency. Matthew is committed to advancing the Live Well San Diego vision of a region that is building better health, living safely, and thriving.

W69) Partnering with Multicultural Organizations to Ensure Access for Hard-to-Reach Populations

Focus Area: Meeting the Needs of Diverse Aging Populations

Access to internet and all that comes with it helps older adults stay connected to their communities and was of particular importance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing that low-income older adults may not have easy access to the internet, the Maryland Department of Aging contracted with Maryland Living Well Center of Excellence (LWCE) to identify low-income older adults in the state and provide 5G tablets to increase connectivity and reduce social isolation during the pandemic. To ensure the tablets reached those who needed it most, LWCE connected with 10 nonprofit multicultural and disability organizations to distribute 5G tablets. This collaboration improved our ability to reach these communities with tablets and other resources.

Presenters:

	Sue Lachenmayr, State Program Coordinator, Maryland Living Well Center of Excellence - MAC, Inc., EASTON, MD [biography] Sue Lachenmayr is the State Program Coordinator for the Maryland Living Well Center of Excellence - Division of MAC, Incorporated Area Agency on Aging. Her expertise includes training in diverse evidence-based programs and grant-writing.
	Leigh Ann Eagle, Chief Operations Officer, Maryland Living Well Center of Excellence - MAC, Inc., Salisbury, MD [biography] Leigh Ann Eagle is the Chief Operating Officer of the Living Well Center of Excellence (LWCE) at MAC, Inc., an Area Agency on Aging that oversees Maryland’s implementation of Healthy Aging Evidence Based Programs. Ms. Eagle is responsible for all aspects of program management for LWCE.
	Wendy Farthing, Health and Wellness Coordinator, Maryland Living Well Center of Excellence, Salisbury, MD [biography] Assists with marketing and recruitment; identifying training needs; ensuring data collection processes are followed; performing fidelity/quality assurance monitoring; assisting with provider referral processes; mentoring partners and regional coordinators; establishing county or regional workgroups focused on older adults and/or health/quality of life. Assists the Living Well Center of Excellence, DHMH and MDoA staff identify opportunities to leverage existing/new funds to embed Falls Prevention and CDSME within public health and health system services. Establishes formal agreements with new health system partners and coordinating scheduling of workshops to ensure system-wide coverage and organization goals.

W70) Supporting the Direct Care Workforce

Focus Area: Workforce and Volunteerism

Direct care workers provide critical support to millions of older adults and people with disabilities. Unfortunately, because these jobs are poor in quality, many workers struggle financially and eventually leave this field, exacerbating the staffing crisis in this sector. What else should states and AAAs and Title VI programs be doing to support and expand this workforce? How can the Aging Network play a direct role in improving these jobs and advocate for these essential workers that everyone relies on? This session will offer a range of learnings and tools that you can use to take your direct care worker advocacy to the next level.

Presenters:

	Emily Dieppa, Vice President of Workforce Innovations, PHI, Detroit, MI [biography] As the Vice President of Workforce Innovations, Emily leads PHI’s practice work focused on strengthening the direct care workforce within the long-term care system through developing innovative approaches to improving direct care job quality.
	Robert Espinoza, Executive Vice President of Policy, PHI, New York, NY [biography] Robert Espinoza is the Executive Vice President of Policy at PHI, where he oversees its national advocacy and public education division on the direct care workforce. He also serves on the board of directors for the American Society on Aging, the National Academy of Social Insurance, and FrameWorks Institute.

W71) Continuum of Care in Indian Country

Focus Area: Title VI Native American Aging Programs: Unique Challenges and Solutions

The National Indian Council on Aging has developed resources on the continuum of care in Indian Country. NICOA's goal is to provide training and technical assistance to tribes so they can develop and/or expand their home and community-based services to meet the needs of tribal elders and people with disabilities. To communicate their purpose with the Aging Network and tribal non-aging organizations, NICOA developed a website, videos and webinar trainings to convey the unique challenges facing Native elders, the communities that support them and the processes needed for a tribe to pull together to serve elders and receive adequate reimbursement for their services, as well as the range of services needed to ensure a satisfying and high quality of life as elders age.

Presenters:

Larry Curley, Executive Director, National Indian Council on Aging, Albuquerque, NM [biography]

Rebecca Morgan, Project Coordinator, National Indian Council on Aging, Albuquerque, NM [biography]

W72) Getting Dementia Supports into AAAs: Planning to Meet Community Needs

Focus Area: Building Livable and Dementia-Friendly Communities

Over the past two decades, a wide range of dementia-specific programs has been developed to help offset adverse effects of caregiving. Although many of these programs are ready for broader community implementation, availability in health and social services settings is limited. To find the program with the best fit, organizations should understand the internal and external factors driving community needs, as well as the breadth of programs that exist for supporting caregivers. Choosing the right programming to meet community needs requires tremendous effort up front. Attendees will learn components of the dementia caregiving landscape and ways to address the needs of caregivers and people living with dementia through dementia-capable supports and services.

Presenters:

Melissa Hunter, Research Public Health Analyst, RTI International, Raleigh, NC [biography]

Erin Long, Aging Services Program Specialist, U.S. Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC [biography]

2:15 PM - 3:15 PM

2:15 PM - 3:15 PM Hot Topics

HT05) The New Senior Consumer and Their Use of Supplemental Benefits

Focus Area: Health Care Contracting and Integrated Care

With COVID-19 issues seemingly under better control, and the remaining wave of baby boomers moving into Medicare, this session will shed light on this new older adult as a consumer of health care. This session will focus on their consumption of supplemental benefits, detailing perceived value and benefit demand, preferred means of communication during consumption, as well as more innovative applications such as flex cards and their impact on benefit uptake.

Sponsored by:
Tivity

Presenters:

	Justin Barclay, Vice President, Consumer Insights & Analytics, Tivity [biography] Justin is a quantitative & qualitative consumer research and market research strategist, using data storytelling to drive value creation and accelerate enterprise strategy. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from Argosy University.
	Vicki Shepard, Government and External Relations, Office of the CEO, Tivity, TN [biography] Vicki Shepard, ACSW, MPA, has extensive experience in the aging network, starting her career as an Area Agency on Aging Director in California. She has worked on a local, state and federal level and is now leading policy and industry relations for Tivity Health. She also chairs a Healthy Aging Coalition, comprised of over 70 stakeholders committed to policy, networking and advocacy to promote senior independence, dignity, and wellbeing.
	Robin Goracke, Chief of Staff, COO, Better Medicare Alliance, Washington, DC [biography] Robin brings two decades of health care policy experience in both the public and private sectors to BMA as Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer. She previously served as legislative analyst at U.S. Department of HHS, 16 years in U.S. House of Representatives, and recently Director of Healthcare Policy.

2:15 PM - 3:15 PM

2:15 PM - 3:15 PM Roundtables

RT05) How AAAs Meet the Needs of Underserved Populations

Focus Area: Meeting the Needs of Diverse Aging Populations

The OAA has charged AAAs with helping vulnerable older adults live with independence and dignity in their home and communities, and mandates that AAAs use the flexibility provided in the law to ensure the local service delivery system is tailored to the community. Join us for a round table discussion on how your Aging Network colleagues are fulfilling this charge, how they are reaching their unique populations, and how they define, find and serve an array of underserved older adults.

Presenters:

	Sara Tribe Clark, Director, Eldercare Locator and Disability Information and Access Line, USAging, Washington, DC [biography] Sara is the Director of the Eldercare Locator and DIAL at USAging, national call centers serving older adults and people with disabilities. Before joining USAging, she was a program manager at DC’s ADRC, and various Massachusetts AAAs, and the director of the National I&R Support Center at ADvancing States.
	Melissa Gray, Assistant Director, Transportation, USAging, Washington, DC [biography] As USAging's Assistant Director of Transportation, Melissa serves as a resource on accessible community transportation addressing the needs of older adults and people with disabilities. She provides program management, communications, and programmatic support to the NADTC leadership team and to internal/external partners.
	Joellen Leavelle, Director, Communications, USAging, Washington, DC [biography] In addition to being USAging's liaison with the media, Joellen is responsible for ensuring that all USAging publications, social media properties, websites and collateral materials reflect the organization’s mission to help older adults and people with disabilities live with optimal health, well-being, independence and dignity in their homes and communities.

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Mobile Workshops

3:30 PM - 4:45 PM

3:30 PM - 4:45 PM Workshops

W74) Meet your ACL Regional Administrator

Focus Area: Advancing Our Advocacy

ACL's 10 Regional Administrators provide technical assistance and support on Older Americans Act programs and work with regional federal HHS and other counterparts in their regions. After general introductions and updates, participants will join breakout groups by region to meet colleagues and discuss topics of federal and regional interest. Bring your questions, concerns and ideas!

Presenters:

	Amy Wiatr-Rodriguez, Director, Center for Regional Operations, U.S. Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC [biography] Amy Wiatr-Rodriguez has been with ACL since 2007. She serves as the Director for the Center for Regional Operations.
	Jennifer Throwe, Regional Administrator, Region I, U.S Administration for Community Living, Boston, MA [biography] Jennifer Throwe has been with ACL since 2013. She serves as the Regional Administrator for Region I.
	Rhonda Schwartz, Regional Administrator, Region II, U.S Administration for Community Living, New York City, NY [biography] Rhonda Schwartz has been with ACL since 2016. She serves as the Regional Administrator for Region II.
	Constantinos Miskis, Regional Administrator, Region IV, U.S Administration for Community Living, Atlanta, GA [biography] Constantinos "Costas" Miskis has been with ACL since 2005. He serves as the Regional Administrator for Region IV.
	Lacey Boven, Regional Administrator, Regions V & VII, Chicago, IL [biography] Lacey Boven has been with ACL since 2015. She serves as the Regional Administrator for Region V and interim for Region VII.
	Derek Lee, Regional Administrator, Region VI, U.S Administration for Community Living, Dallas, TX [biography] Derek Lee has been with ACL since 2003. He serves as the Regional Administrator for Region VI.
	Percy Devine, Regional Administrator, Region VIII, U.S Administration for Community Living, Denver, CO [biography] Percy Devine has been with ACL since 1992. He serves as the Regional Administrator for Region VIII.
	Fay Gordon, Regional Administrator, Region IX, U.S Administration for Community Living, San Francisco, CA [biography] Fay Gordon has been with ACL since 2020. She serves as the Regional Administrator for Region IX.
	Louise Ryan, Regional Administrator, Region X, U.S Administration for Community Living, Seattle, WA [biography] Louise Ryan has been with ACL since 2011. She serves as the Regional Administrator for Region X.
	Kathleen Votava, Team Lead, Center for Regional Operations, U.S Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC [biography] Kathleen Votava has been with ACL since 2008. She serves as Team Lead for Center for Regional Operations.

W75) Partnerships with Community Housing Nonprofits for Safe, Accessible Homes

Focus Area: Housing and Homelessness

Along with access to services and supports, many older adults and adults with disabilities need safe, accessible housing. Repairing or adapting a home to meet the needs of the individuals who live in them helps support independent living, caregivers, fall prevention, health and housing stability. Partnerships with community housing nonprofits and state Assistive Technology programs can extend the ways in which AAAs can address housing accessibility. National presenters will offer insights on trends and opportunities for partnerships to align and leverage resources. AAA presenters will share their partnership models with community housing organizations, including Habitat for Humanity affiliates. Attend this session to gain practical tips about steps to form and solidify partnerships, funding sources and best practices.

Presenters:

	Rowena Dagdag-Andaya, County Executive, Maui County Office on Aging, Wailuku, HI [biography] Rowena Dagdag-Andaya is the County Executive for the Maui County Office on Aging. She previously served as the Director and Deputy Director of Public Works for 11 years. Before joining the County of Maui, Rowena was a senior planner in an urban planning and governmental affairs firm and an educator.
	Lily Hoffman, Health & Housing Manager, Habitat for Humanity International, Atlanta, GA [biography] Lily Hoffman is the Health & Housing Manager at Habitat for Humanity International, in her role she supports the integration of health and housing initiatives, including older adult specific work, across the nationwide Habitat network. Lily has a master’s degree in public health and justice.
	Emily Nabors, Program Manager, Fall Prevention Center of Excellence at the University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, Los Angeles, CA [biography] Emily Nabors is the Program Manager of the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence at the University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. Her work aims to educate service providers and professionals on fall prevention and home modification to promote community living. She is director of the Executive Certificate in Home Modification Program and instructs a course about building home modification coalitions and increasing community awareness. At the Center since 2008, Emily develops resources for professionals and consumers, conducts applied research, provides technical assistance, and co-facilitates the National Home Safety and Home Modification Work Group. She has a Master of Science degree in Gerontology from the University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology and an undergraduate degree from Vassar College.
	Katie Howard, Director, River Valley Area Agency on Aging, Columbus, GA [biography] Katie Howard is the Director of the River Valley Area Agency on Aging located in Columbus, GA. She has been in aging for almost 20 years total with an additional 15 years in community and economic development. Katie is a proud graduate of Auburn University and Columbus State University.

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Corporate Fast-Track Sessions

CF04) Community Livability: What Factors Matter Most to Older Adults?

Focus Area: Building Livable and Dementia-Friendly Communities

Many aspects of community livability affect the ability of older adults to age in place—transportation, housing, health care and more. With limited resources, it is critical to focus on features of livability (and related government-funded services) that will improve older adult resident quality of life and successful aging. In this session, Sonya Wytinck, Polco’s COO, will share information compiled from a rich dataset of measures of older resident opinions on community livability and needs. Also, two AAA directors will discuss how they used data to produce meaningful results for their constituents.

Sponsored by:
Polco

Presenters:

	Erin Fisher, Director, Vintage Area Agency on Aging and Chair, Colorado Association of Area Agencies on Aging, CO [biography] Erin Fisher is the Director of Vintage Area Agency on Aging and the Chair of the Colorado Association of Area Agencies on Aging (c4a). Erin has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Berry College and a master’s degree in gerontology from Georgia State University. She enjoys xc skiing, fly fishing, hiking 14ers, traveling, and watching SEC college football when she is not working with older adults and their families.
	Tauhric Brown, President and CEO, CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions, Indianapolis, IN [biography] As President and CEO, Tauhric Brown uses his strategic vision and experience in the elderly and disability service industry to expand CICOA services and collaborative partnerships to better meet the needs of the vulnerable populations we serve. Before joining CICOA, Brown served as the chief operating officer for Senior Services, Inc. in Kalamazoo, Mich. His career started in the U.S. Army, and then he became a successful owner/operator for a multi-carrier wireless retail company. Inspired by his family and upbringing, he made the switch to the nonprofit world to fulfill his dream of improving the lives of others.
	Sonya Wytinck, COO, Polco, CO [biography] Sonya has a master’s degree in applied economics and 25 years’ experience conducting and leading teams to conduct survey research, needs assessments, project, program and policy evaluations and data analytics for local governments, special districts and state and federal agencies. She has experience using a wide variety of methods and tools to gather input and data from multiple sources to measure impacts in the fields such as governance, environment, public health, parks and open space, transportation and education. She has led multi-year, multi-jurisdictional, national and international research projects, ensuring all the complex pieces are planned and executed to ensure the final reports produce the outcomes that move her clients forward.

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Fast-Track Sessions

FT21) Addressing Gaps in Rural Areas with Mobile Services

Focus Area: Cutting-Edge OAA and Aging Programs

The pandemic further isolated and negatively impacted many in rural areas, especially those without reliable transportation. The problems have been exacerbated by rising costs, the closures of some rural services, and the lack of testing and vaccination sites in outlying areas, which have led to higher-than-average rates of unvaccinated individuals. This, in turn, puts additional strain on already-stressed EMS and health care resources. Mobile services can help address these gaps. This project delivers food, COVID-19 information and supplies, resource connection, and more to several outlying areas in one of the poorest counties in Washington state. This session will explain how partnerships were formed, how mobile services are funded and lessons learned.

Presenters:

Michelle Fogus, Contract Specialist, Olympic Area Agency on Aging, Aberdeen, WA [biography]

Jeff Moyer, Executive Director, North Beach Senior Center, Ocean Shores, WA [biography]

FT22) Your Clients Equal Your Data. Your Data Becomes Your Funding.

Focus Area: Data, Information Exchange and Interoperability

Why does your agency's data matter, and how do you go from the paper age up to 21st century data documentation? Does data and its policy implementation intimidate you? How can your agency adapt to an increasingly tech-driven world? The work we do with older adults can tell a compelling story to policymakers about our community’s needs. Thus, obtaining an effective and accurate data methodology is urgent. This session will cover why the data matters, what data is relevant, how to start your agency’s data journey, and how to utilize your data to inform policymakers of your success. If you’re interested in learning how Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services went about its data adventure, join this session.

Presenters:

Jeremy Hart, Associate Division Director, Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services, Salt Lake City, UT [biography]

Ethan Sellers, Process Improvement and Data Analyst, Salt Lake County, Salt Lake City, UT [biography]

FT23) HARTS: Developing a Multi-Faceted Approach to Case Managing Neglected Seniors

Focus Area: Elder Justice

Instances of hospital readmission within 30 days of initial discharge occur at a rate of up to 15 percent for adults age 65 and older. For our most vulnerable population of older and disabled adults—those who have been reported to Adult Protective Services (APS) as potential victims of abuse—the prevalence of self-neglect and the lack of medical follow-through heighten the probability of emergency readmission. In this session, the Riverside County Office on Aging will share how it developed its coordinated case management delivery system called Holistic Assessment, Resources, & Transitions for Seniors (HARTS) to increase positive health outcomes for hospitalized seniors with a history of abuse and reduce their likelihood of a subsequent hospital readmission or APS referral.

Presenters:

Maile Haynes, Deputy Director for Programs and Operations, Riverside County Office on Aging, Riverside, CA [biography]

Gary Robbins, Deputy Director for Administration, Riverside County Office on Aging, Riverside, CA [biography]

FT24) Advantaged Innovation: An Introduction to Curiosity and Invention

Focus Area: Running Your Agency: Strategies to Strengthen Systems and People

AAAs are uniquely positioned to respond to the challenges and opportunities facing older adults, those of any age with a disability, their caregivers and the organizations that serve them. In this session we offer a framework to produce tangible and scalable innovation to meet the needs of our communities. CICOA's Research Institute and Venture Studio have produced meaningful academic partnerships and new revenue generating startups.

Presenter:

Jonathan Haag, Vice President of Innovation, CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions, Indianapolis, IN [biography]

FT25) Helping Caregivers Manage the Behavioral Challenges of Dementia

Focus Area: Supporting Caregivers

AASC’s Caregiver Assistance & Relief Education Services Program (CARES) provides in-home counseling and support to caregivers to better manage behavioral challenges that accompany dementia. Counselors provide educational materials, follow-up communication and tools to manage effects, along with community resources to support the individual and caregiver in remaining healthy and happy at home. CARES utilizes a unique approach because the counselor meets with family in the home, affording an opportunity to better serve needs. The counselor helps the caregiver realize a community of services is available to maximize quality of life and prevent or delay the institutionalization of their loved one.

Presenter:

Eva Musick, Care Coordinator, Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens, Cedar Bluff, VA [biography]

FT27) Resources and ChORUS Tools: Achieving Safe Mobility for Older Adults

Focus Area: Enhancing Independent Living Through Transportation Innovations

Older adults tend to be safe drivers yet are more likely than other drivers to be injured or killed in motor vehicle crashes due to age-related vulnerabilities. Therefore, older adults, family members and caregivers should plan for safe mobility—taking steps for increased safety while driving and learning about alternate transportation options to maintain safe mobility and independence. The Clearinghouse for Older Road User Safety (ChORUS), funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, offers professionals and individuals resources to encourage and address safety among older drivers; including ways to identify unsafe driving behaviors and to help an older driver plan for safe mobility for life. Learn about these valuable tools and resources for you, and your colleagues, to share with those you serve.

Presenter:

Jane Rath, Vice President, New Editions Consulting, Inc., Milford, CT [biography]

FT28) Recruitment and Retention: Simple Strategies for Success!

Focus Area: Workforce and Volunteerism

Today, more than ever, organizations are competing for top talent. Organizations are adjusting to new norms after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is time to rethink strategies for recruitment and retention. In this session learn how organizational culture can impact both recruitment and retention. Take away easy to apply best practices that can be implemented without huge investment and watch recruitment, retention and the adjustment to new norms propel your team to a culture of excellence.

Presenter:

Duana Patton, CEO, Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc., Ontario, OH [biography]

4:15 PM - 4:45 PM

4:15 PM - 4:45 PM Fast-Track Sessions

FT30) Making Older Adults More CAPABLE: Implementing an Aging-in-Place Program

Focus Area: Cutting-Edge OAA and Aging Programs

Implementation of evidence-based programs for aging in place in real-world contexts can be challenging. This presentation highlights facilitators, barriers and strategies for success in implementing CAPABLE through a AAA. CAPABLE is a novel, low-cost preventative program for promoting safe and independent aging in place. Key elements of CAPABLE include occupational therapy, nursing and low-cost home modifications using a person-centered approach. Attendees will get an overview of the AAA implementation process and learn about barriers to successful implementation. Attendees will be introduced to specific effective implementation strategies AAAs should consider when implementing CAPABLE.

Presenters:

Shannah Tharp-Gilliam, Deputy Director, Area Agency on Aging, Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Pittsburgh, PA [biography]

Pamela Toto, Professor and Occupational Therapist, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA [biography]

FT31) Medicare Fraud Trends: Update from the Senior Medicare Patrol

Focus Area: Elder Justice

In this session, representatives from the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program will provide an in-depth look at the Medicare fraud trends occurring nationally, including a detailed look at genetic testing fraud and COVID-related scams. Detailed information regarding the scope and geographical spread (including unique hot spots) will be provided. A timeline of fraud scheme modifications, including the use of solicitations related to COVID-19 and new medical identity theft strategies will be discussed. The presentation will also include new products and processes created by the SMP for law enforcement, community partners and Medicare beneficiaries. Attendees will learn how to best educate and protect their clients from Medicare fraud and how to partner with the SMP.

Presenters:

Jennifer Trussell, Fraud Prevention Consultant, SMP Resource Center, Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging, Knoxville, IA [biography]

Marissa Whitehouse, SMP Program Manager, U.S. Administration for Community Living, DC [biography]

FT32) Pioneering New Pathways: AAA Involvement in Housing and Homeless Services

Focus Area: Housing and Homelessness

AAAs are forging new pathways in both housing and homeless services as more older adults and adults with disabilities struggle with affordable and accessible housing. Data from USAging’s 2022 National AAA Survey will provide insights on emerging trends in AAA efforts to help older adults, people with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness, including their housing and homelessness partnerships. Community Care Hubs (CCHs) provide a growing infrastructure that can support housing and services partnerships. The session will feature a CCH with a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Continuum of Care (CoC) partner, describe the AAA-CoC partnership and offer suggestions for participants to build collaborations. Through small group discussions, attendees will learn from peers about strategies and opportunities to expand efforts through partnerships with this sector.

Presenters:

Sherri Clark, Aging Services Program Specialist, Administration on Aging, U.S. Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC [biography]

Traci Wilson, Director, Research, USAging, Washington, DC [biography]

FT33) A Bold Path Forward: Challenges, Opportunities, Next Steps in Fundraising

Focus Area: Running Your Agency: Strategies to Strengthen Systems and People

With an estimated 10,000 people turning 65 every day, federal, state and local funding sources cannot keep pace with the growing needs of the older adult population. Also, with people living longer, securing more funds to support older adults opens up new and improved opportunities to age with dignity. The increased flexibility provided through private funding can also be critical in testing new programming strategies. Three AAAs representing suburban Chicago, southern Illinois and northwest Ohio have identified bold paths forward in fundraising. By identifying unmet needs, shortfalls in funding and innovative programs to support older adults, these agencies are applying donor-centered fundraising techniques to paint a positive picture of aging and hope for a bright future.

Presenters:

Joy Paeth, Chief Executive Officer, AgeSmart Community Resources, O'Fallon, IL [biography]

Mary Westphal, Chief Development Officer, Northwest Ohio Area Office on Aging Foundation, Toledo, OH [biography]

FT34) Supporting Family Caregivers Through Education, Outreach and Data Collection

Focus Area: Supporting Caregivers

The ever-changing role of family caregiving can negatively impact caregiver health and well-being. However, research shows that caregiver education and support can reduce stress, improve quality of life, and delay premature institutionalization for the care recipients. Unfortunately, many family caregivers underutilize services available to them. This session will examine the impact of the Fairfax Caregiver Alert Notification Program (FCANP), which sends information via text messages and emails to caregivers in Fairfax County and has increased caregiver participation in educational programs. This session will highlight the role of data collection in developing a comprehensive educational approach, including leveraging existing resources and building partnerships to implement innovative and sustainable programs. Participants will acquire knowledge to increase caregiver engagement within their agencies.

Presenter:

Giuliana Valencia, Supervisor, Caregiver Supportive Services Unit, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, Fairfax, VA [biography]

FT35) How to Build Frontline Leaders in 365 Days

Focus Area: Workforce and Volunteerism

Given today’s workforce and retention challenges, staff who are supervising others often find themselves focusing on management functions such as responding to staffing shortages and operationalizing programs. Lost in this is the value managers provide in leading their teams through change in a way that supports the overall vision of an agency. Investing in the leadership skills and abilities of our management staff is one of the most impactful things we can do as employers. Attendees will learn how one AAA built a robust, one-year leadership development program for frontline management staff and the tangible results it produced.

Presenter:

Shelley DeSimone, Chief Human Resources Officer, AgeSpan, Lawrence, MA [biography]

FT36) Farm to Senior Table: “We’re Not Granny’s Meal Program Anymore!”

Focus Area: Cutting-Edge OAA and Aging Programs

You will learn how one rural AAA used pandemic innovations and funding to spur an overall modernization of its nutrition services by collaborating with the Department of Health to provide Q packs of food to quarantined residents—and how this innovation inspired new ways to deliver and serve OAA home-delivered meals. Restaurant and congregate dining services integration of new technology also helped provide nutrition education as well as better tracking for improved reporting and accountability. New collaborations with farmers, farmers markets and community partners increased access to local fresh fruits and vegetables to people living in food deserts. Learn how this AAA modernized the look, feel and names of programs to attract new people and meet the needs of older adults through the lifespan.

Presenters:

Mary Ann Spanos, Director, Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services, NY [biography]

Lacey Wilson, Coordinator of Health Wellness & Nutrition, Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services, Mayville, NY [biography]

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM Fast-Track Sessions

FT38) Keepin’ it Country— Re-Establishing Rural Connections

Focus Area: Addressing Social Isolation Through Engagement

Social isolation and loneliness represent a serious health threat to older adults throughout the nation. Rural communities face unique challenges as they work towards increasing engagement of older adults and caregivers with communities and with health care. Scarce resources, transportation barriers and the rural setting itself pose barriers to motivating rural residents to re-engage. USAging and Elevance Health are supporting nine rural pilot sites to overcome obstacles and improve social connectedness and quality of life. Join this interactive discussion about how AAAs in rural settings are using community-centered interventions to ease social isolation and loneliness and improve overall health.

Presenters:

Deborah Stone-Walls, Chief, Programs and Services, USAging, Washington, DC [biography]

Jessica Machler, Senior Program Manager, Rural Health and Social Engagement, USAging, Washington, DC [biography]

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM Fast-Track Sessions

FT39) Ride the Wave: Getting your Staff to Embrace Participant Direction

Focus Area: Workforce and Volunteerism

The direct service workforce shortage affects the ability of the Aging Network to serve older adults. However, the pool of potential workers can be expanded by assisting individuals with identifying family members or other who can serve as caregivers. However, case managers can be skeptical of offering this option. They may fear the individual will be unsuccessful or the case manager may not feel competent in presenting and educating individuals about the option. Join us for a discussion of strategies used to help case management staff embrace this option and feel supported in serving individuals choosing to self-direct.

Presenters:

Deborah Danner-Gulley, Director of Case Management Services, Area Agency on Aging, District 7, Wheelersburg, OH [biography]

Becky Simon, LTC Program Manager, Area Agency on Aging, District 7, Wheelersburg, OH [biography]

FT40) Low-Income Seniors and Housing: Getting Housed, Staying Housed

Focus Area: Housing and Homelessness

Older adults in Salt Lake County face a shortage of affordable housing, and often are overwhelmed with navigating the maze that finding and applying for subsidized housing entails. For some older adults, issues with lease violations and struggles with staying housed are serious challenges. The Salt Lake County AAA has created a position to help two very disparate groups of older adults with their housing struggles: chronically homeless older adults, and those facing homelessness for the first time after retirement. As homelessness among older adults grows, helping them avoid homelessness is a challenge that many AAAs face. Learn how the Housing Liaison program aims to get older adults housed and keep them in their homes—and provides community partners with the tools to help reach this goal.

Presenter:

Kelly Roemer, Client Liaison, Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services, Salt Lake City, UT [biography]

FT41) How to Choose and Use Consultants Wisely

Focus Area: Running Your Agency: Strategies to Strengthen Systems and People

As the health and social care landscape continues to evolve, the need for consulting support from seasoned professionals who understand managed care and AAAs has never been greater. Engaging with a consultant can efficiently support your organization by offering objective insight, subject matter expertise, and experienced guidance on opportunities to leverage organizational strengths to meet the needs of potential new partners. Knowing how to choose the right consultants and work with them effectively can have a significant impact on your return on investment. Join this session to learn about key success factors to working with consultants to meet your organizational goals.

Presenters:

Paul Cantrell, President, Clear View Strategies, LLC, Greenwood, VA [biography]

Maya Op de Beke, Senior Program Manager, Aging and Disability Business Institute, USAging, Washington, DC [biography]

FT42) Caregiver Talking Points: Talking Individuals Into Managing Their Own Care

Focus Area: Supporting Caregivers

Case managers and intake workers talk to caregivers every day, but what is said and how it is delivered does not always have the desired impact and/or outcome. What if we could facilitate skill development in a way that allowed many caregivers to solve their own needs before they reached the top of a program wait list? Learn about the Caregiver Talking Points Program, a new tool that assists case managers and support group leads in skill building through the power of discussion. In an economy where service worker retention is challenging and every dollar counts, teaching a caregiver to solve their own concerns is more important than ever.

Presenters:

Charise Jensen, Program Manager, Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services, Salt Lake City, UT [biography]

Kathy Nelson, Training Specialist, Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services, Salt Lake City, UT [biography]

FT43) Overcoming the Workforce Crisis by Reimagining Traditional Models of Care

Focus Area: Workforce and Volunteerism

The national workforce shortage is having a serious impact on the Aging Network’s ability to deliver services that help older adults and people with disabilities remain independent in their homes and communities. Traditionally, most older adults receive home care services through one home health aide, employed by a home health agency. But these agencies have been unable to maintain staffing levels needed to keep up with the demand for services. This session will explore how one AAA reimagined the traditional model for home care services to give older adults more choice and control over who provides their care and how they receive it, decreasing reliance on a provider network experiencing severe capacity problems.

Presenters:

Jai'La Nored, Senior Innovation Designer, Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio, Blue Ash, OH [biography]

Felicia Domsher, Supervisor, Elderly Services Program, Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio, Blue Ash, OH [biography]

FT44) Inclusive Care: Integrating Caregivers as Co-Equal Members of Health Care Teams

Focus Area: Supporting Caregivers

The Campaign for Inclusive Care is a strategic joint initiative between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation that is fundamentally changing the U.S.’s largest integrated health care system’s approach to caregivers. Attend this session to learn about Inclusive Care, a system-wide approach to care that embraces, engages and empowers caregivers, clinicians and veterans throughout the care journey. It is team-based with care being a partnership among the clinical care team, caregiver and veteran. Caregivers are experts on their care recipient’s health and have valuable firsthand knowledge about their care recipient’s treatment response, symptomology and unresolved or emerging medical needs. The inclusion of caregivers on the care team is critical to patient health outcomes.

Presenters:

Lisell Perez-Rogers, Program Manager, Campaign for Inclusive Care, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Washington, DC [biography]

Rachael Barrett, Vice President, Strategy and Impact, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Washington, DC [biography]

FT45) Improving Behavioral Health Through Transportation

Focus Area: Enhancing Independent Living Through Transportation Innovations

Positive health outcomes are tied to access to care, and transportation funding sources such as Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) and Section 5310 emphasize the physical health needs of older adults and people with disabilities. Considering mental health needs and high suicide rates is essential for improving the overall health of these groups. The suicide rate for men age 85 and older is higher than that of any other age group. According to the Psychiatric Association for Older Adults, one in four older adults experiences a mental health problem such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia or dementia. Attendees will discover steps local transportation providers are taking for riders with behavioral health issues, such as partnerships, mobility management, driver training and more, enabling them to access appropriate and timely care.

Presenters:

David Somers, Senior Research Associate, National Aging and Disability Transportation Center, USAging, Washington, DC

Jody Barker, Director, Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging, Colorado Springs, CO [biography]

FT46) AAAs and Villages: Natural Partners in Serving Older Adults

Focus Area: Cutting-Edge OAA and Aging Programs

AAAs and aging-in-community Villages are discovering the distinct benefits of forming collaborations that leverage resources and enhance capabilities for both. This session will focus on the results of a 2022 research project that studied exemplary AAA-Village partnerships in urban, suburban and rural communities. Learn about the various types of collaborations, how they evolved and are managed, and the lessons learned that can be applied in any community.

Presenters:

	Barbara Sullivan, Executive Director, Village to Village Network, Ventnor, NJ [biography] Barbara has been advocating for older adults since 2001. In 2007 she became active in the growing Village Movement to help seniors stay in their homes. In 2018 she became the National Directror of Village to Village Network.
	Dana Corwin, Deputy Director, Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services, NY [biography] Deputy Director at the local AAA for 15 years. Dana is a registered nurse for 32 years working in geriatric services.

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Meet the USAging Consultants

Wednesday, July 19

7:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Registration and Information Desk Open

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

Continental Breakfast

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM