AGENDA
PDF Agenda Available Soon
- 11:30AM-12:00PM
- African West Registration
Registration + Lunch
Lunch will be available to attendees registered for the pre-event, served outside of African 50.
Please pick up your name badge at registration before heading to African 50.
Thank you to our Sponsor:
- 12:00PM-4:30PM
- African 50
Pre-Event
Addition by Subtraction: Letting Go of What's Holding You Back in Leadership
Kick off the event with this powerful, interactive workshop led by Bethany Clemenson, leadership coach and healthcare executive, as she leads us through a 4-hour workshop intensive on Addition by Subtraction. Discover how Creating MORE Success isn't about adding more -- it's about letting go. Learn how to release outdated habits, unnecessary responsibilities, and limiting beliefs, and walk away with a personalized 90-day Leadership Detox Plan for more clarity, energy, and impact.
Thank you to our Sponsor:
- 5:00-8:00PM
- African Ballroom
Opening Evening Reception
Trivia Hub - Pub Style Trivia
Join us for networking and an opportunity to participate in pub style trivia. Whether you prefer to play individually, create a team, or simply enjoy the atmosphere -- this is a great opportunity to kick off the event with a casual networking experience.
Dinner, Networking + Entertainment!
Thank you to our Sponsor:
- 7:30AM-8:15AM
- African Ballroom
Registration, Breakfast + Exhibit Hall Open
Pick up your name badge at the registration desk, then head into the ballroom for breakfast and to connect with our exhibitors as we kick off the day!
Thank you to our Breakfast Sponsor: 
- 8:15AM-9:00AM
- African Ballroom
Opening Remarks
Join President and CEO, Mike Pochowski, as he officially kicks off the event with a warm welcome and opening remarks. He’ll be joined by Board Chair, Jill Kreider, to share key updates and highlight what’s ahead for WALA. Robert Grammatica from Where You Live Matters.org, will also be joining the stage to highlight a partnership with WALA that will drive consumers directly to communities, bypassing third-party referral agencies.
- 9:00AM-10:00AM
- African Ballroom
Opening Keynote with Gregory Offner
The Encore Experience
When was the last time you went to a concert that was so good, you found yourself cheering “one more song” at the end? THAT is an Encore experience. Why doesn’t this exist in the workplace?
Imagine a workplace where:
- Your people take personal responsibility for their performance each day;
- Work feels fun again;
- Positive results are accelerating; and,
- Your culture is so good, everyone wants to work there.
Your people are the center of the action. Creating an encore experience with your teams builds a culture that has them excited about coming back every day. Creating an encore experience with your team is the foundation for Creating More Success. Are YOU ready for an encore?
Thank you to our sponsor: 
- 10:00-11:00AM
- African Ballroom
Exhibit Hall Open
Our event wouldn't be possible without the support of our exhibitors! Take this opportunity to connect with them, say thank you, and explore the tools, insights, and resources they offer to help you Create MORE Success.
- 11:00AM-12:00PM
- African 10-80
Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Click below to view the session opportunities, the location of each, and access any speaker handouts provided.
Speaker: Brittany Meoska, Owner & Founder: Brittany Meoska Coaching, LLC
Do you feel like you’re always busy, constantly reacting to urgent demands while the bigger priorities—at work and in life—get pushed aside? This session introduces the “Big Rocks” framework—a powerful way to refocus your time and energy on what truly matters, instead of constantly spinning your wheels with tasks that leave you feeling depleted. Using the “Big Rocks” concept, you’ll identify where your time is currently going, what truly matters, and how to realign your energy toward what fills you up instead of drains you. You’ll leave with tools—and a simple framework—you can use immediately to feel more in control, more fulfilled, and less overwhelmed by the daily grind.
African 10
Speaker: Gary Czaplewski, President: Capitoline Intel
How compliance, efficiency, and technology safeguard your organization—and your residents. This presentation explores how modern, well-managed screening practices can transform your HR process from a burden into a strategic advantage. Simple technology platform can simplify compliance and streamlines operations through online BID forms, automated annual caregiver renewals, and FBI background checks when required by state or federal regulations. Attendees will discover how to build a compliant, technology-driven screening program that reduces administrative load and strengthens trust.
Speaker: Mary Kate Friess, DNP, Director of Clinical Services; Sequoia Integrative Medical Services and Jodi Navis, RN, BSN, COO; Bay Harbor Assisted Living
This session provides a concise overview of the RN and LPN roles within Wisconsin assisted living settings, highlighting scope of practice, regulatory expectations, and how nursing responsibilities vary across available assisted living models. Attendees will gain practical clarity on appropriate nurse utilization to support resident care, compliance, and quality outcomes.
African 30
Speakers: Thomas Hermann, Career and Technical Education Coordinator: Southwest Milwaukee Consortium, Andrew Thompson, Community Experience Coordinator: Franklin Public Schools, and Emily Jasculca, Executive Director: Heritage Senior Living
Across industries, workforce shortages are growing-especially in healthcare. Youth Apprenticeship (YA) has existed in Wisconsin since 1991 and is a proven way to fill these gaps by connecting young talent with real world experience. Employers gain motivated, trainable workers who are invested in the organization's success. Students gain skills, experience and confidence in their chosen field. Come be a part of this interactive presentation and walk away with the action steps to add YA to onboard energetic staff, change your culture and ease your hiring and retention needs.
Speakers: Loren Odom, National Sales Consultant: ECP & Pam Gaurkee, Director of Clinical Operations: Capri Communities
In this session, ECP hosts senior living operators for a candid discussion on how collaboration between sales, marketing, and clinical teams transforms the resident experience. Panelists will share how the right tools, especially intake and CRM systems, help teams stay aligned, improve move-in transitions, and drive stronger outcomes. Attendees will leave with real-world insights on what worked before CRM adoption, what’s working now, and how alignment fuels both resident satisfaction and organizational performance.
Speakers: Lanna Luzar, Member: WRAP, Cindy Tewalt, Hotel Chair, Webmaster, NAAP Financial Director: WRAP & Deborah Smith, Community Life Director: WRAP
During a “cracker-barrel” style meeting - casual, collaborative, and driven by everyone in the room and instead of a traditional presentation, this session creates a space for open conversation. All attendees, Activity Professionals and Administrators are encouraged to contribute, learn from each other, and connect through real experiences. Whether you're hoping to exchange best practices, discuss challenges you’ve faced in the field, or gain fresh perspectives on activity programming, this is the session for you. We'll cover topics relevant to activity professionals with an emphasis on practical tips, success stories, and lessons learned. Everyone's voice is valued, and it is our hope that all in attendance will not only walk away with new knowledge but with new connections and a sense of camaraderie with the Wisconsin Representatives of Activity Professionals. We're also excited to introduce a new opportunity for Activity Professionals working in
Assisted Living Settings: The Assisted Living Enrichment Certification Course! Learn how this exciting new certification can support professional development, elevate engagement, and enhance enrichment programming in Assisted Living Communities.
Assisted Living Settings: The Assisted Living Enrichment Certification Course! Learn how this exciting new certification can support professional development, elevate engagement, and enhance enrichment programming in Assisted Living Communities.
Speaker: Robert Rogers, Regional Director of Business Development: Lifespark Senior Living
In this engaging session, we’ll explore six key principles of influence and how they can be applied within senior living communities to inspire genuine buy-in from staff, families, and prospects. Drawing from behavioral psychology and real-world experience, this presentation will provide practical strategies to strengthen leadership effectiveness, enhance team participation, and foster trust and collaboration. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to positively guide others toward shared goals.
Speaker: Robert Lightfoot, RN, Shareholder, Health Care & Corporate Practice Groups: Reinhart Van Deuren S.C.
Will present regulatory update including information on "Top 10 Citations" for each licensed category of assisted living, regulatory appeal information, Video recording memo information, licensing information and updates, Medicaid information and updates, assisted living case law and updates, legislative updates as may be pertinent
- 12:00-1:30PM
- African Ballroom
Lunch, HERO Awards + Exhibit Hall
Grab a delicious lunch and settle in as we celebrate the 2026 HERO Awards! After the awards, take some time to reconnect with exhibitors you may have missed during breakfast and explore all the tools and insights they have to offer.
Thank you to our sponsor: 
- 1:30-2:30PM
- African 10-70
Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Click below to view the session opportunities, the location of each, and access any speaker handouts provided.
Speakers: Jill Kreider, President: Azura Memory Care and Nancy Berley, MD: Tembo Health
As the number of residents living with dementia continues to grow, senior living operators face increasing pressure to deliver comprehensive care while managing limited clinical resources. This session will explore how Wisconsin-based Azura Memory Care partnered with Tembo Health to implement the GUIDE Dementia Program, a federally supported model designed to enhance dementia care access for residents on Traditional Medicare. Attendees will gain practical insights into how the GUIDE program: Expands access to dementia care at no cost to residents or communities. Integrates virtual wraparound clinical support and 24/7 urgent care within assisted living workflows. Empowers family caregivers through education, respite benefits, and social determinant screening tools (PRAPARE, PROMIS, and Caregiver Burden). Reduces emergency room utilization by up to 75% and improves care documentation and coordination. Through real-world results from Azura communities, participants will learn how to operationalize GUIDE in their own organizations—covering staff training, data sharing, and resident eligibility workflows—while aligning with their mission to deliver exceptional, person-centered dementia care.
From "Just a Job" to "I Belong Here": Using Belonging in Onboarding to Stop Ghosting and Strengthen Retention
Speaker: Beth Ridley, Founder and CEO: Ridley Consulting Group
New-hire ghosting is costly and disruptive. While it happens for many reasons, one of the strongest predictors of whether employees stay is whether they feel a sense of belonging early on. Ghosting often isn’t about the job itself — it’s about not feeling valued or connected from the start. When new hires experience belonging from day one, they build confidence, purpose, and motivation to stay. Without it, the work feels transactional and easier to leave. This session shares case studies from organizations that wove belonging into onboarding—from offer acceptance through day 90—and saw clear retention gains. You’ll leave with simple, low-cost practices you can apply immediately to make onboarding a stronger driver of long-term loyalty.
Speaker: Christy Edwards, Nutrition & Dining Strategists: Martin Bros Distributing
Ready to streamline your transition to IDDSI guidelines? This session will equip you with actionable training methods and showcase essential products and resources that empower your team to confidently implement and elevate texture-modified diets within your community.
- Understand the IDDSI framework and the driving factors behind standardized dysphagia diets.
- Learn strategies for implementing standardized diet textures while involving ALL staff.
- Identify key resources and specialized products to consistently serve IDDSI diet textures.
African 30
Speakers: Brian Bock, Director of Clinical Services: Hayat LTC Pharmacy & Chad Zuehlke, LTC Facility Manager: Hayat LTC Pharmacy
Medication-management deficiencies remain among the most common citations in assisted-living surveys, with errors in labeling, MAR documentation, temperature monitoring, and controlled-substance handling placing residents at risk and threatening facility licensure. The Med Cart Mystery Escape Room - Pharmacy & Medication Cart Compliance addresses these challenges through a highly interactive, scenario-based training that transforms complex pharmacy and medication-cart requirements into an engaging, hands-on learning experience. Participants navigate realistic situations modeled after Wisconsin DHS 83, 88, and 89 regulations, working collaboratively to identify, correct, and prevent compliance issues. This session keeps attendees actively involved while reinforcing the practical skills essential for safe medication practices and strong regulatory readiness.
Speaker: Michael Gillette, PhD, Ethicist: Bioethical Services of Virginia, Inc.
Part 1 of this highly interactive and case-based discussion will examine the interplay of personal autonomy and the duty to protect individuals from harm. We will begin by reviewing core ethical values concerning autonomy and protection from harm, and then move on to discuss appropriate and inappropriate interventions to mitigate risk. We will consider topics such as autonomy and the dignity or risk, protection of harm to self, protection of harm to others, and the safety and well-being of providers.
Speakers: Sara Kekula, Director of Senior Living & Social Services Practices and Partner; M3 Insurance & Taylor Goodland, Client Executive; M3 Insurance
The purpose of this session is to equip assisted living leaders with actionable strategies to strengthen Quality Assurance (QA) programs and reduce operational risk. The presentation will align with Wisconsin regulatory expectations and industry best practices, helping organizations proactively manage liability while improving resident outcomes. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of the components of a strong QA program, how to identify high-risk operational areas in assisted living, how to implement risk mitigation strategies, and how to align documentation and practices with DHS and survey expectations.
Thank you to our sponsor: ServPro
Speaker: Kate Bertram, Author
The senior living field is facing unprecedented workforce disruption—from frontline burnout and leadership turnover to intense competition for talent. This 60-minute session explores how organizations can respond not with quick fixes, but with lasting cultural transformation. Based on insights from the book Creating Stickiness, this session offers a practical roadmap to building an organizational culture that people don't want to leave. Attendees will explore the five foundational elements of "stickiness"—purpose, trust, belonging, growth, and recognition—and how to embed these into day-to-day operations, leadership practices, and employee experiences. Real-world case studies from senior living communities will be shared, alongside actionable tools that leaders can implement immediately. Whether you're facing staffing instability or seeking to re-energize your teams, this session equips you to turn culture into a competitive advantage.
- 2:30-3:30PM
- African Ballroom
Break in Exhibit Hall
Have you visited all of our exhibitors yet? If not, now’s your chance! Stop by to say hello, explore what they have to offer, and grab a tasty afternoon snack.
- 3:30-4:30PM
- African 10-80
Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Click below to view the session opportunities, the location of each, and access any speaker handouts provided.
Speaker: Jeff Crain, Founder & Principal Consultant: Kairos Consulting
Discover why one of today’s fastest-growing workplace assessments is helping leaders turn everyday work into meaningful, energized collaboration. In this breakout, you’ll learn a simple yet powerful framework that reveals where each person’s strengths and energy come alive. Unlike traditional personality tests, Working Genius is a practical tool that boosts engagement, strengthens projects, improves hiring, and even transforms meetings. Through real-world examples and light, interactive exercises, you’ll explore how the six “geniuses” of work—Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity—shape momentum, collaboration, and results. You’ll leave with clear insights and practical tools you can use immediately to help your team thrive.
Speaker: Robert Grammatica, Founder: Longevity Point Advisors, LLC
We are thrilled to have Robert Grammatica at our conference this year to discuss a partnership with WALA and the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA) to launch a new digital marketing campaign in 2026 built on the success of whereyoulivematters.org. Whereyoulivematters.org (WYLM) is a non-profit website that utilizes digital marketing direct to consumers to drive traffic directly to communities, bypassing third-party referral agencies such as A Place for Mom, CarePatrol, Oasis, etc. In addition, these efforts will educate both consumers and healthcare providers such as hospitals about the use of third-party referral agencies that solely focus on for-profit referrals.
Robert will explain how you can help with the success of this partnership and answer any questions you may have.
Not eligible for NAB credits
Speaker: Martin Schreiber, Author: "My Two Elaine's"
Elaine Schreiber, Marty's late wife, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's more than 20 years ago. He took care of her himself for more than 10 years until she needed the care available in a memory care community, where she lived until her death three years ago. In 2016, he wrote a book, "My Two Elaines", that details his struggles in caring for her as the disease progressed. Ultimately, he realized that he could cope and survive only after recognizing he had to let go of the Elaine he knew and accept the new person she had become. Marty's primary message is that if Alzheimer's is bad, ignorance of the disease is even worse. The main reason he wrote his book was because he wished someone had told him what to expect and how to deal with the challenges he and Elaine faced. To date, he has spoken at more than 800 events in Wisconsin and throughout the U.S. and has sold or given away more than 30,000 books. Based on the response he receives from his speaking events, Marty's message and advice for those dealing with Alzheimer's is spot on. People tell us how helpful his book has been for them and their loved ones and how much they appreciate his willingness to share his experiences as a caregiver, including his mistakes, so openly. With nearly 7 million Americans age 65 and older living with Alzheimer's today, many of them cared for at home by a spouse or other loved one, Marty is tireless in his efforts to build awareness around Alzheimer's and its impact nationwide and to provide hope to caregivers.
Speaker: Colleen Toebe, VP of Clinical Services: Pathway Health
Caring for individuals in assisted living facilities is becoming increasingly challenging. It is estimated that approximately 35% of residents experience depression, anxiety, severe cognitive impairment, substance use disorder or serious mental illness. Supporting mental health in assisted living facilities requires training licensed nurses and care providers to recognize, manage, and understand mental health conditions. Make it a priority to join and discover effective approaches for training staff in providing care for individuals with mental health conditions.
Thank you to our sponsor: R&R Insurance
Speaker: Michael Gillette, PhD, Ethicist: Bioethical Services of Virginia, Inc.
Part 2 of this highly interactive and case-based discussion will examine the interplay of personal autonomy and the duty to protect individuals from harm. We will begin by reviewing core ethical values concerning autonomy and protection from harm, and then move on to discuss appropriate and inappropriate interventions to mitigate risk. We will consider topics such as autonomy and the dignity or risk, protection of harm to self, protection of harm to others, and the safety and well-being of providers.
Speakers: Sara Kekula, Director of Senior Living & Social Services Practices and Partner; M3 Insurance & Taylor Goodland, Client Executive; M3 Insurance
The purpose of this session is to equip assisted living leaders with actionable strategies to strengthen Quality Assurance (QA) programs and reduce operational risk. The presentation will align with Wisconsin regulatory expectations and industry best practices, helping organizations proactively manage liability while improving resident outcomes. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of the components of a strong QA program, how to identify high-risk operational areas in assisted living, how to implement risk mitigation strategies, and how to align documentation and practices with DHS and survey expectations.
Speakers: Sarah Robertson, National Director of Training & Customer Service: Aegis Therapies & Airianna Culler
Discover the Power of Creative Engagement to Transform Workplace Culture. Explore how integrating creative challenges and exercises—such as incentive programs, contests, “get-to-know-you” activities, and team-building initiatives—can reignite purpose and joy among staff. These strategies not only reduce turnover but also empower employees to cultivate a strong sense of community within their work environment, positively influencing both staff and resident retention. Attendees will leave with a comprehensive 12-month calendar of staff engagement activity ideas, plus one fully developed, ready-to-launch challenge for each quarter—providing a practical and inspiring roadmap to kickstart your staff engagement journey.
Speakers: Tristan Dollinger, Shareholder: von Briesen & Roper, S.C, Aaron Klug, Production Manager: Community Living Solutions LLC, a division of DBS Group, & Larry Schneider, Studio Leader: Plunkett Raysich Architects, LLP
This multidisciplinary panel brings together architecture, engineering, and legal experts to provide a comprehensive look at the development of modern assisted living facilities, whether new builds, renovations, SNF conversions, or licensing existing structures. As demand for high-quality senior living environments grows, successful projects require coordinated planning across regulatory, design, and technical domains. Panelists will discuss the Office of Plan Review and Inspection plan review process, legal and regulatory considerations and updates, best practices, current trends, and recent changes to the plan review and licensing processes. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with developing assisted living facilities, along with practical guidance for navigating the complex interdisciplinary coordination required for project success.
- 5:00-7:00PM
- Front Foyer
Prize Drawing Reception + Cornhole Tournament
As we wrap up the day, stick around for one last burst of networking and FUN! We’ll announce the winners of our exhibitor prize drawing and kick off the 4th Annual Cornhole Tournament, where everyone in attendance has a chance to win prizes. Cheer on your favorite teams, join in additional games, and end the day on a high note—sign up to play and be part of the excitement!
Thanks to our sponsor: 
- 8:30AM-9:00AM
- Front Foyer
Registration + Light Breakfast
As we begin our final day, join us for a light breakfast in the foyer before breakout sessions begin.
Thanks to our sponsor: 
- 9:00AM-10:00AM
- African 10-70
Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Click below to view the session opportunities, the location of each, and access any speaker handouts provided.
Speaker: Doug Englebert, Pharmacy Practice Consultant: Bureau of Technology, Licensing and Education
As consultants and advocates for your residents, you have a lot of responsibility for the day-to-day clinical process in your community. Attending this yearly favorite session allows for open Q&A with the pharmacy practice consultant of Wisconsin. You will receive answers about medications and processes along with any other pharmacy-related questions you may have.
Speaker: Jenna Hilmenski, State Long Term Care Ombudsman: Board on Aging and Long Term Care
Electronic monitoring can enhance safety - but it can also compromise privacy and trust. This session explores the use of cameras, audio recorders, and other devices in assisted living through the lens of resident rights. Learn practical approaches for balancing protection with dignity, addressing consent and roommate issues, and creating thoughtful policies that support residents while reducing legal and ethical risks.
Speaker: Dave Molenda, Founder: Positive Polarity
Caregivers give so much of themselves every day, yet their dedication often comes with stress, burnout, and overlooked needs. Creating More Success by Caring for the Caregivers shines a light on the vital connection between supporting caregivers and achieving organizational excellence. This session will explore practical strategies to nurture, empower, and sustain those who give their all—because when caregivers thrive, everyone benefits.
Speaker: Patrice Flanagan-Morris, LCSW, Psychotherapist, Community Educator, Brainspotting Consultant: Empowerment Within LLC
In the helping professions, compassion is at the heart of the work — but even the most dedicated teams can run on empty. As a leader, it can be challenging to balance organizational demands with supporting the emotional well-being of your staff. This presentation helps leaders identify the early signs of burnout, understand its impact on performance and morale, and learn practical ways to respond with empathy and effectiveness. Through a blend of education and reflection, participants will explore the difference between stress, compassion fatigue, and burnout; learn how workplace culture and leadership styles can either fuel or reduce exhaustion; and leave with actionable tools to foster a healthier, more sustainable environment for themselves and their teams.
Speaker: Robert Lightfoot, RN, Shareholder, Health Care & Corporate Practice Groups: Reinhart Van Deuren, S.C.
The appeals process for CBRFs and RCACs can be daunting and mystical. Attorney Bob Lightfoot will take the "daunt" and "mystery" out of the process for you. Learn how to appeal a citation, a No Admit Order or even a Revocation in this exciting and dynamic session.
Speakers: Isaac Wallace, Market Sector Leader: ERDMAN, Andy Fetzer
In this panel, we will explore how “artificial intelligence” (AI) is revolutionizing design, construction, and operations within the senior living sector. Attendees will gain insights into AI's role in optimizing design processes, improving construction efficiency, and enhancing operational outcomes. Key points include practical AI applications, case studies showcasing successful implementations, and future trends. Participants will take away actionable strategies for leveraging AI to drive innovation, efficiency, and improved resident experiences in senior living communities.
- 10:15AM-11:15AM
- African 10-70
Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Click below to view the session opportunities, the location of each, and access any speaker handouts provided.
Speaker: Forbes McIntosh, Government Relations Consultant: Government Policy Solutions
We are fortunate to have Forbes join us year after year to shed some light on up to date legislative initiatives and changes. Forbes will discuss legislative updates and regulatory changes, as well as the effect the budget will have on assisted living. Attendees will also learn what they can do to help the legislative process and how they can be more involved.
Thanks to our sponsor: von Briesen & Roper S.C.
Speaker: Andrew Steward, PhD, LCSW, Assistant Professor of Social Work: UW-Milwaukee
This interactive session will start with an overview of what ageism is, including several types of ageism with examples (such as internalized, interpersonal, and institutional ageism). We will cover the ways ageism is internalized and affects physical and mental health across the life course. Did you know that embracing positive views of aging is associated with increased longevity of about 7.5 years and a 49.8% reduced likelihood of developing dementia? Strategies for reframing internalized ageism and responding to interpersonal ageism will be provided, and participants will have the opportunity to practice applying these strategies through role-plays. We will cover the latest research on effective interventions to reduce ageism, and explore a new approach for providing education and storytelling through peer support groups facilitated by trained older adults. This session will emphasize the importance of building networks of peer groups led by older adults themselves to build a sense of collective self-efficacy in efforts to reframe aging.
Speaker: Shelly Dretzka, Owner: aHRow, LLC
This interactive session explores the power of actively engaging employees through meaningful feedback conversations. Participants will learn how to ask the right questions, listen with intent, and transform employee voices into actionable strategies that drive higher engagement, stronger retention, and increased trust across the organization. Through real-world examples, practical exercises, and group discussions, attendees will: Discover the benefits of regular feedback and stay conversations for both employees and leaders. Learn best practices for asking questions that elicit honest, actionable insights. Explore techniques for analyzing feedback and turning it into tangible workplace improvements. Build skills to follow up and close the loop, ensuring employees feel heard, valued, and motivated. By the end of the session, participants will leave with concrete tools and strategies to create a culture where feedback drives action, engagement flourishes, and employees choose to stay.
Speaker: Lauren Davis, RN, Owner: Davis Clinical Consulting
This presentation focuses on shifting from a reactive to a proactive approach in handling grievances with assisted living communities. By fostering open communication, trust, and early intervention, we can identify and address concerns before they escalate.
Speaker: Michael Sherer, Income Shareholder: von Briesen & Roper, S.C.
This presentation will equip long term care providers with practical tools to investigate, defend, and proactively avoid common employment claims unique to the industry’s 24/7, highly regulated environment. The presentation will address discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, leave interference/retaliation (FMLA/ADA interplay), whistleblower and patient safety complaints, emphasizing early case assessment, preservation of ESI and timekeeping data, targeted witness interviews, root cause analysis, and defense themes tailored to staffing and acuity realities. A dedicated segment will focus on class and collective wage and hour exposures under the Fair Labor Standards Act, including misclassification of nurses and department leads, off the clock work, meal/rest break compliance, rounding, shift differentials, on call, and donning/doffing issues, with coverage of certification/conditional certification strategies, damages modeling, and settlement frameworks. We will translate lessons learned into actionable compliance and risk management steps—policy auditing, lawful scheduling and timekeeping design, supervisor training, complaint intake and anti retaliation protocols, leave coordination workflows, and internal pay practice self audits—positioning attendees to reduce claim frequency and severity while strengthening defensibility when litigation arises.
African 60
Speakers: Andrew Saether, RphD: Streuss Pharmacy
Complete the every 3 month Psychotropic Medication Review DHS standard with confidence. We will review what is included in a psychotropic med review, how to perform a psych assessment, side effects of psychotropic medications, and tips on when to make changes and possible changes. We are hoping to answer your questions on this topic and make your Quarterly Psychotropic Medication Reviews easier and more indepth.
- 11:30AM-12:45PM
- African West
Closing Session, Lunch + PAC Raffle Prizes
Updates with BAL Director Ken Brotheridge
Join us for lunch as we wrap up the event with a general session led by Ken Brotheridge, Director of the Department of Health Services Bureau of Assisted Living. Ken will share the latest updates and answer common questions across all assisted living communities. To finish on a high note, we’ll announce the winners of WALA’s PAC Raffle—don’t miss your chance to celebrate and go home a winner!
Not eligible for NAB credits