COURAGE

Ignited

June 11, 2024 | Annual Conference and exhibition

FOUR POINTS HOTEL BY SHERATON, NoRwood MA

Schedule of Events

Keynote Session:

Cracking the Culture Code:

Creating a work experience that

drives retention, connection, and engagement

Lou Bergholz, Founder | Edgework Consulting

In this keynote participants will examine the ​powerful role that team and organizational ​culture plays in the overall employee ​experience. We will consider current research ​and trends that are shaping workplace culture ​today and provide participants with a set of ​practical and applicable techniques and ​approaches to working even more intentionally ​on their workplace culture.

General Session:

Building the Future:

Perspectives on Mentorship, Leadership and

Growing the Aging Services Workforce

Steve Colwell Instructor | LeadingAge MA Leadership Academy

Roberto Muniz President & CEO | Parker Health Group

Robyn Stone Senior Vice President for Research | LeadingAge

Discover how leadership, mentorship, and innovation can shape ​the future of the aging services workfoce in this panel discussion. ​Gain valuable insights from leaders on cultivating talent, fostering ​mentorship relationships, and embracing innovation. Gain ​actionable insights to empower your team and drive positive ​change in the field of aging services.

Breakout SessionS

1:30PM to 2:30PM

Creating Impact: Start with DEI Assessment & Measurement

Dr. Jodi Detjen, Co-Founder & Managing Partner | Orange Grove Consulting

Many organizations struggle to create DEI initiatives that are impactful and sustainable. In this presentation, Dr. Jodi Detjen, Managing ​Partner at Orange Grove Consulting, will provide concrete ideas to assess organizational DEI and establish measurement of key inclusive ​priorities so that your organization can become more inclusive AND more effective. Using an operational approach to inclusion, she will ​outline the process to assess current state, including data collection. Finally, Jodi will share how organizations can use the current state ​assessment to select impactful DEI initiatives that will move the needle towards change.

Playing to Your Team's Strengths: Leadership Development through CliftonStrengths

Kathy Martin, President & CEO | Glenmeadow

Making a staff into a leadership team takes focus, intention, and commitment. Glenmeadow introduced CliftonStrengths (formerly known ​as Strengths Finder) as a tool to help the Management Team enhance collaboration and cooperation by understanding each individual's ​unique strengths. Knowing the strengths of each team member creates a shared narrative and empowers the team toward greater ​appreciation for what each brings to the team. This session will cover background on CliftonStrengths, the benefits of using it in leadership ​development, and suggestions for getting started.

Embracing the Digital Age: AI Use Cases and A Roadmap for Transformational Change

Ryan Bjerke, MBA Director of Strategic Initiatives, Partnerships & Digital transformation | CLA

Sean Morrision, CPA Principal | CLA

This presentation will delve into AI use cases and the effective use of digital tools to optimize operational performance, harness business ​intelligence, and drive efficiency, sustainability, and long-term success in long-term care and assisted living organizations. It will explore how ​leveraging digital technologies can enhance decision-making, resource allocation, and overall organizational performance. The content will ​cover key aspects such as the evolution of AI, the significance on operational performance, business intelligence reporting tools, ​implementation strategies, best practices, and audience interactive polling.

How “Internalized Ageism” Impacts Sales & Census

Derek Dujardin Vice President, Creative Director | Creating Results

Cynthia Thurlow-Cruver Founder, Principal and President | 3rdPlus

We all know that 92-year-old who tours a community, says, “I can’t live with all these old people!” and leaves. That biased mindset is part of ​a deeply rooted psychological construct known as “internalized ageism,” and it presents a considerable hurdle when marketing to the ​mature market. In this eye-opening presentation, 3rdThird Marketing (a division of 3rdPlus) will help you better understand the ​psychological triggers behind internalized ageism and how it shapes perceptions. Videos of senior living prospects in focused groups ​demonstrate their gut-level reactions to different kinds of ads and appeals that are common to senior living marketing.

The Staffing Ratio Crisis: Ignite and recharge with resources aligned to maximize value-based care

Matt Nash, PT, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development | Preferred Therapy Solutions

Alyssa Lovelace, Consultant | Hill Gosdeck, McGraw & Nemeth

Bob Eisenstein, LNHA, LICSW, Founding Partner | EF & Associates, LLC

Jim MacManus, Director of Business Development | Preferred Therapy Solutions

This session will focus on the staffing healthcare crisis and how to nourish your facility with action-based resources and a triumphant ​mindset to inspire, thrive, and develop a resilient workforce model. Attendees will hear from industry leaders in Rehab Management, ​Government and state sectors, and Skilled Nursing Providers, all of whom have extensive experience in strategy development and ​reconceptualization with solution-based initiatives addressing staffing shortages.

How to Leverage Automation and AI to Improve Your Sales and Marketing Results

Jamie Ross, Vice President Account Services | Creating Results

Avery Lampher, Account Manager | Creating Results

In an era where technology is rapidly evolving, the willingness to embrace change and innovation is paramount. This session, titled “How to ​Leverage Automation and AI to Improve Your Sales and Marketing Results,” aims to empower leaders in the senior living industry to step into ​the future of marketing automation and AI. Backed by comprehensive research on the 50+ consumers this session showcases how marketing ​automation helps sales teams become more efficient and effective when communicating with their prospects. This session will delve into the ​world of marketing automation and AI, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of its role and benefits in the senior living ​industry. We will share practical strategies for implementing marketing automation, ensuring the content is relevant and applicable to a broad ​audience. Attendees will learn how to leverage these insights to make informed decisions about their marketing efforts.

Deep Dive: Aligning People, Process & Systems to Accelerate Improvement

Adam Berman, President & CEO | Legacy Lifecare

Betsy Mullen, Chief Operating Officer | Legacy Lifecare

Senior care leaders today face an unprecedented level of challenges to provide high quality care while maintaining financial viability. During ​this interactive session, participants will learn about the Deep Dive process, a continuous improvement approach that Legacy Lifecare uses to ​connect our mission, values, and strategy to the daily operations. This process involves a 4-phase cycle – Assess, Analyze, Plan, and Execute. It ​has allowed us to critically analyze how we do our work, find new ways to collaborate, and adapt to a rapidly changing environment. Lastly, ​specific tips and guidelines will be shared on how to engage different stakeholders to tackle problems and accelerate improvement.

Employee Benefits: Trends, Benchmarking & Financing Strategies

Kirsti Karpawich, Vice President | Borislow

In this session attendees will unlock invaluable insights into the drivers of healthcare cost increases during this must-attend session, focusing ​on Massachusetts and nationwide trends. This session will explore upcoming trends in the benefits landscape and help you strategically ​position your organization for success. Join us to measure your benefits plan against national and state benchmarks to assess performance ​and identify opportunities for optimization, and learn about five unique financing strategies, spanning from fully insured to self-insured ​models.

Voices of Experience: Resident Engagement in Aging Services Communities

LeadingAge MA Member Resident Panel

In this session, residents will share their perspectives on resident engagement and offer insights into how organizations can better connect ​with and involve their residents. Panelists will discuss what truly matters to them and how organizations can create environments that foster ​active participation and fulfillment. Attendees will gain knowledge from those who call these communities home and discover new strategies ​for enhancing resident engagement in your organization.

Aspiring for Solutions to the Workforce Crisis

Charly Adler, Chief Learning Officer | Cinematic Health

Robyn Stone, Senior Vice President for Research | LeadingAge

Workforce challenges - we all know what they are: pipeline, recruitment, and retention - not only of front direct care professionals but also ​quality supervisors and leaders. This session will focus on some solutions to these challenges, including what LeadingAge (national) is ​doing to help address the short-term and more term investments and support for a quality, sustainable workforce. Participants will learn ​the value of quality training for both front line workers and supervisors in creating a healthy workplace culture and giving star skills and ​knowledge they need to do exceptional work.

Speaker Bios

Charly Adler

Company: Cinematic Health

Title: Chief Learning Officer

Charly was involved in the development of the ReadyCNA program and is leading the team in creating courses for home health caregivers. ​His courses are intended to go beyond preparing students for the certification exams. Through the use of narrative stories, these courses ​engage the learner on an emotional level and provide the framework and a level of relevance for all the content-based lessons. He has four ​decades of experience as a teacher, principal, and consultant/coach to teachers, principals, and school districts. In every curriculum that he ​has developed, mentor training has been a key element. He has started up schools on four continents which featured personalized project-​based learning for each student. Growing up in Brooklyn, NY, his immigrant parents instilled in him the belief that education was the key ​to advancement. He feels that education can be defined as “organized curiosity” and that engaging programs such as ReadyCNA stimulate ​the learner’s curiosity and spark their thirst for learning.

Lou Bergholz

Company: Edgework Consulting

Title: Founder

With over two decades at the helm of Edgework Consulting, Lou Bergholz has dedicated himself to transforming cutting-edge research ​into impactful tools and programs. Armed with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Cornell University, Lou has ​honed his expertise through diverse experiences, from implementing after-school programs in Israel to teaching relationship classes in ​Maine. Settling in Boston in 1998, he delved into freelance facilitating, crafting inclusive and engaging environments that span from Wall ​Street to Gaza. Lou's passion lies in marrying deep client relationships with innovative program design, driven by a commitment to ​research-guided practice. Through research, design, facilitation, and writing, he strives to navigate the complexity of human experience, ​seeking meaningful avenues to make a difference.

Adam Berman

Company: Legacy Lifecare

Title: President & CEO

Adam Berman is the President and CEO of Legacy Lifecare, a network of Massachusetts-based not-for-profit post-acute, long-term care, ​and ancillary healthcare service organizations that have joined together to share common management and other resources while ​retaining their distinct missions and identities. Affiliates of Legacy Lifecare include founding members Chelsea Jewish Lifecare of Chelsea ​and Peabody and JGS Lifecare of Longmeadow, as well as Deutsches Altenheim of West Roxbury, the Elizabeth Seton and Marillac ​Residences in Wellesley, the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Jamaica Plain, the Stone Rehabilitation & Senior Living in ​Newton Upper Falls, and St. Joseph Living Center in Windham, CT. Legacy Lifecare and its affiliates employ over 1800 people and own and ​operate nine nursing homes, four assisted living residences, and several home and community-based care agencies. Adam received his ​undergraduate degree from Roger Williams University and has an MBA from MIT’s Sloan School of Management. He serves as Vice Chair ​and Director of the Massachusetts Senior Care Association and is a past member of the Board of Trustees of LeadingAge Massachusetts. In ​his spare time, Adam enjoys reading, watching television, and most of all spending time with his wife Sondria and his two daughters, Sasha ​and Kira. He and his family reside in Lynnfield, MA.

Ryan Bjerke

Company: CLA

Title: Digital Growth Manager

Ryan joined CLA in October 2022 as Director of Strategic Initiatives, Partnerships and Digital Integration. Prior to joining CLA, Ryan served ​in executive positions within large and mid-size health systems. Ryan led operations in a wide variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, ​ancillary, and corporate development where he earned significant experience executing mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. Ryan's ​professional passion is to impact hospitals, provider practices, healthcare organizations and life science by aligning the evolution of digital ​solutions to maximizing efficiency and effective operational performance and strategic execution.

Jodi Detjen

Company: Orange Grove Consulting

Title: Co-Founder and Managing Partner

Jodi is an organizational consultant and educator. Her mission is to help realize inclusion in the workplace as soon as possible. In addition to ​being Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Orange Grove Consulting, Jodi is Associate Dean of Innovative Education and Programs at ​Suffolk University. She has spent her career transforming the way people work. She has consulted and run workshops for clients such as ​Accenture, Microsoft Partners, and Oracle. She is co-author of two books, The Orange Line: A Woman’s Guide to Integrating Career, Family, ​and Life and The Next Smart Step: How to Overcome Gender Stereotypes and Build a Stronger Organization. Jodi earned her B.Sc. from ​Virginia Tech, her MA from Duke University, and her Doctorate from Temple University.

Derek Dujardin

Company: 3rd Third Marketing

Title: Vice President & Creative Director

Before joining 3rdPlus, Derek developed brands, concepts, and messaging for a wide range of clients, including Nike, Starbucks, T-Mobile, ​Microsoft, F5, and Evergreen Health. He believes, “People buy stories, not products. In a crowded environment with multiple competing ​narratives, the best story usually wins.” He knows a little about winning with more than 30 professional awards, ranging from Addys to ​Tellys, and even an Emmy. Furthermore, Derek is the creator of The Mending Monologues, a theatrical show devoted to ending gender ​violence. And he also directs an improv comedy troupe in Sedona, Arizona.

Steve Colwell

Company: LeadingAge MA

Title: Leadership Academy Instructor

Steve Colwell comes to the work of developing great leaders from a place of deep passion. Following a successful career in Hospitality, Steve ​made the leap to Senior Living where he lead Hebrew SeniorLife's NewBridge on the Charles for nearly 14 years. During his tenure there, ​Steve had the opportunity to hone his own leadership style and to help his staff grow within the organization. In addition to his wealth of ​knowledge in business operations and the field of aging services, Steve brings with him an incredible ability to help those around him to ​step into their fullest potential. Steve is an educator at heart and his passion for leadership development is evident in how he shows up to ​every interaction.

Bob Eisenstein

Company: EF & Associates

Title: Founder, Principal, and President

As a licensed Nursing Home Administrator as well as holding master’s degrees from Columbia University in Social Work and Public Health, ​Bob has spent his career caring for the physical and mental well-being of others. Bob has experience in a variety of settings including ​mental health centers, acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and senior living communities. He was recognized as the MASS-ALA ​“Executive Director of the Year” and serves on the Board of the Long-Term Care Finance Association. Bob also has a passion for teaching, ​serving as an adjunct professor at both Fisher College and Quincy College.

Kirsti Karpawich

Company: Borislow

Title: Vice President

Kirsti has been a Benefits Consultant in the New England market for over 20 years with a focus on helping large nonprofits maximize ​benefits and manage complexity. She is a graduate of Dartmouth College, has an MBA from Babson College, and a CEBS Designation from ​the Wharton School of Business. Kirsti is on the Point 32 Health Broker Advisory Board and the NH Long Term Care Foundation Board.

Avery Lamphere

Company: Creating Results, Inc.

Title: Account Manager

As Account Manager, Avery is responsible for the execution and management of our clients’ marketing plans. He brings youthful innovation ​and a technology expertise to the team and keeps our clients up to date with the latest trends in marketing. He joined the team in mid-2021 ​and has been creating results for clients ever since. Avery resides in Boston, Massachusetts where he enjoys cooking food for friends, being ​in the great outdoors, and listening to his record player. A travel enthusiast, one of his life goals is to travel to all seven continents.

Alyssa Lovelace

Company: Hill Gosdeck, McGraw & Nemeth

Title: Consultant

Alyssa Lovelace has served in multiple government relations and public policy roles in the long-term care sector, where she represented ​organizations' legislative and policy initiatives before state, federal and local lawmakers, and regulators. Lovelace has developed and ​implemented annual legislative and regulatory strategies, and executed hundreds of grassroots advocacy campaigns, bringing together ​thousands of advocates on behalf of the state's most vulnerable. Her knowledge of regional private foundation funders is extensive, having ​successfully won and managed private investment in health care solutions for a variety of providers.

Jim MacManus

Company: Preferred Therapy Solutions

Title: Director of Business Development

Jim is an experienced professional who is RAC-CT certified and is an expert in various payment model systems, including PDPM, CMI, and ​ISNPs. He is innately skilled at identifying areas of opportunity in strategic planning and developing systems that enhance clinical ​reimbursement. Jim provides leadership and mentoring to both rehab directors and the regional teams. Jim has thorough knowledge and ​expertise in Operational Management, Clinical Decision Making, VBM, BPCI, and Functional Outcomes. Jim is an accomplished professional ​who is highly regarded among his peers. He is a member of ANNAC and NYSOTA.

Dr. Kathy Martin

Company: Glenmeadow

Title: President & CEO

Dr. Kathy Martin is President and CEO of Glenmeadow, a senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, respite care, ​and home care. Kathy came to Glenmeadow in October 2022 with more than two decades of nonprofit leadership experience, primarily in ​higher education. She has served in senior leadership roles at institutions of varying size and complexity, including UMass Amherst, ​Springfield College, Bay Path University, Bucknell University, and Susquehanna University. Her volunteer leadership experience includes ​membership on the Link to Libraries Board of Directors. She is also a corporator of Square One and the Springfield Museums. Dr. Martin ​earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education (Sport Management) from Keene State College and her Master of Science in ​Physical Education (Athletics Administration) and Doctor of Physical Education degree (with a Specialization in Sport Psychology) from ​Springfield College. She lives in West Springfield, MA with her wife, Dr. Andrea Hickson-Martin, and their two Golden Retrievers, Piper, a ​certified therapy dog, and Cagney. In her spare time, she is an athlete, an avid reader, and an adventure seeker. She and her wife, Dr. Andrea ​Hickson-Martin, enjoy the theatre, supporting local community organizations, and finding new adventures near and far.

Sean Morrison

Company: CLA

Title: Prinicpal

Sean is a Principal within CLA's health care team, with a focus primarily on serving nonprofit senior living and care organizations. He ​provides assurance, consulting, and reimbursement services, working with health care organizations to help them navigate a constantly ​evolving aging-services environment, payment reform, and to realize their strategic dreams. Sean is also a frequent speaker at health care ​association events throughout the Northeast.

Betsy Mullen

Company: Legacy Lifecare

Title: Chief Operating Officer

Betsy Mullen, RN, MS, LNHA, serves as Chief Operating Officer at Legacy Lifecare. She has over 47 years of experience in the health care ​industry working in settings across the health care continuum. Ms. Mullen also oversees the day-to-day operations at Legacy Lifecare. Betsy ​joined Chelsea Jewish Lifecare (CJL), an affiliated organization of Legacy Lifecare 40 years ago when the organization was a single, stand-​alone nursing home as the Director of Nursing. Additionally, she has held the positions of Executive Director at all the skilled nursing ​facilities and the assisted living facilities, Executive Vice President of Clinical Operations and Chief Clinical Officer during her tenure at CJL. ​A proven leader in the culture change movement in Massachusetts, Betsy helped to develop, open and operate the first urban model Green ​House facility in the United States, an innovative and radical departure for delivering long-term care, post-acute and specialty care to elders ​and the young disabled population. As a member of the Peer Network Board for the Green House Project, she remains active in the culture ​change movement across the United States. Currently, she serves on the Board of Trustees for LeadingAge Massachusetts Ms. Mullen is the ​recipient of many Mass Aging prestigious awards such as the Program Innovation of the Year Award for Barry & Betsy’s – A Different Store ​for People Who Make a Difference; the Program Innovation of the Year Award for European Day Spa; the Program Innovation of the Year ​Award for Travel the World Program, as well as, the 2023 McNights Setting the Standards Award. Betsy received her Bachelor of Science in ​Nursing from Boston College and a Master of Science in Nursing from Boston University. In addition, she holds a Licensed Nursing Home ​Administrator License. A resident of Byfield, MA, Betsy enjoys spending time with her family, including her two grandchildren. Betsy enjoys ​hiking, kayaking, and spending time with her family, including her grandson Stephen and granddaughter Emily. Betsy’s personal and ​professional development are often guided by the words of Maya Angelou “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will ​forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Roberto Muñiz

Company: Parker Health Group

Title: President & CEO

Roberto Muñiz, MPA, LNHA, FACHCA, is the President and CEO of Parker Health Group, Inc., a leading non-profit healthcare organization in ​New Jersey. With over 25 years of leadership, he has expanded Parker's services to thousands of seniors statewide. Roberto's collaborative ​approach led to initiatives like the Parker Advanced Care Institute and partnerships with Rutgers University to improve geriatric care. As ​Board Chair for LeadingAge and a member of several advisory boards, he advocates for aging services. Roberto's commitment to education ​is evident through his teaching roles at Rutgers University. Holding degrees in Public Health Administration and Public Administration from ​Rutgers, Roberto is dedicated to advancing healthcare, particularly in aging services.

Matt Nash

Company: Preferred Therapy Solutions

Title: VP of Strategy & Business

With over 20 years of leadership experience in the post-acute healthcare industry, Matt combines his clinical and operations backgrounds ​with a data-driven analytical approach to help PTS and its partners position themselves for success in the ever-changing healthcare ​landscape. As VP of Strategy, Matt focuses on the impact of regulatory and reimbursement changes, meaningful use of therapy ​outcomes/quality measures, and strategic planning initiatives.

Jamie Ross

Company: Creating Results, Inc.

Title: Vice President, Account Services

Jamie oversees the Account Services department, dedicated to creating results while building a foundation of trust, collaboration, and ​strategic guidance for all of our clients. As a client marketing leader for over 20 years, Jamie has managed and grown account service ​teams spanning a variety of business industries and verticals, covering both B2B and B2C. From telecom to retail, travel/hospitality to real ​estate, Jamie’s commitment and desire to understand his client’s business challenges enable him to craft and produce effective ​campaigns and programs with successful results. Originally hailing from New York City and Newport, RI, Jamie now resides in Falmouth, ​Maine with his wife Sarah and their two kids. He is an avid sports fan, and while his journey north has proven to be a cold one, it has ​provided him the opportunity to ski regularly with his family.

Robyn Stone

Company: LeadingAge

Title: Senior Vice President for Research

Robyn I. Stone, DrPH, is senior vice president for research at LeadingAge and co-director of the LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston, ​a research center with offices in Washington, DC, and Boston, MA. A noted researcher and internationally recognized authority on aging ​services, Robyn has been engaged in policy development, program evaluation, large-scale demonstration projects, and other applied ​research activities for more than 40 years. She was a political appointee in the Clinton Administration, serving in the U.S. Department of ​Health and Human Services as deputy assistant secretary for disability.