2024 Conference and Tradeshow Sponsor

PRICING

• Member Pricing - $360
• Non-member Pricing -  $525
• To take advantage of the 10% group discount for signing 5 people up, please click here. 

• CEUs: CDAL, BORN, NASW, Activity Professional-Board Certified (AP-BC), Activity Director Certified (ADC) and NAB
  
• SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

• Room Block– Boston Marriott Newton Hotel
  2345 Commonwealth Ave, Newton, MA 02466
  Our room block is available for Wednesday, October 23 – Thursday, October 24
  • $249/room.
  • You must book your room by September 24 to secure this price. 
  • To book your room simply follow this link and select your room.      

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NEW THIS YEAR:  Executive Director Networking Social, 10 - 10:30am

If you’re new to the role of the Executive Director, please join us! Come meet your fellow new community leaders and Mass-ALA staff, grow your professional network and learn about professional development opportunities for the new ED.

🌟ENVISONING & ADVANCING TOGETHER

Join us at the upcoming conference for a dynamic experience featuring two engaging keynote speakers: Dr. Michael A. Cadore Sr., a former NFL player with over 30 years of community service, who will present “All Good Leadership Needs H.E.L.P.,” and Matt Thornhill, a futurist and expert on aging, offering insights into the future of assisted living with “Seeing What’s Ahead and How To Get There.”

Beyond these powerful keynotes, our breakout sessions will cover essential topics such as managing stress, diversity and inclusion, AI in assisted living, and cannabis use to reduce polypharmacy. You won’t want to miss Dr. Daniel Seichepine’s session on early Alzheimer’s detection, Veronica Santarelli’s insights on cannabis in senior care, and Kenny Rounds’ take on AI engagement. Other highlights include innovative technology for better care, creative arts for dementia, and strategies for navigating AI-related threats.

This conference is a must-attend event for anyone looking to stay ahead in the assisted living industry. Check out the full day’s lineup and secure your spot today!

Keynote Speakers:

Dr. Michael A. Cadore Sr. and Matt Thornhill. A former NFL player, Dr. Cadore has dedicated over three decades to his community through education, public safety, civic engagement and mentoring. Matt Thornhill, a leading expert on the mindsets of older adults, provides a fresh perspective on the future.

Dr. Cadore's keynote delivery will be “All Good Leadership Needs H.E.L.P. (Honor – Empower – Loyalty – Professionalism)", and Matt Thornhill's will be “Seeing What’s Ahead and How To Get There”. Watch their videos below for a preview of their presentations at the Conference & Tradeshow on October 24, 2024, at the Boston Marriott Newton.

• Michael's Keynote Preview
• Matt's Keynote Preview

Morning Keynote Delivery: Seeing What’s Next In Assisted Living And How To Get There

-- Matt Thornhill, Futurist, Boomer Expert, Senior Living Developer

Change isn’t coming to Assisted Living operators; it’s here. You face an uncertain future where staffing remains a top priority, regulations constantly require attention, competition is fierce, and the external environment is changing rapidly. What’s important, what’s critical, what’s the smart path forward?

In this engaging keynote, you’ll hear a compelling vision for the future of assisted living and senior care based on key external and internal forces impacting the sector. You’ll better understand what’s happening today, the consumer of tomorrow, and what’s on the horizon for AL organizations. Plus, you’ll get actionable insights you can implement immediately to ensure success going forward.

Breakout Sessions #1:

DEI- Exploring the Diverse Backgrounds of Residents

As our resident population continues to become more and more diverse, it is essential for us to ensure we are addressing the unique needs of specific populations within the assisted living community environment. During this program, we will explore the diverse population of residents in assisted living settings and create a plan for addressing each of their individual unique needs.

--Timothy W. Anderson, M.Ed., ACC/EDU, CMDCP, CDP, CADDCT, CMDCPT, CPC, CIPG, Owner - TMWC Education Services

Putting Your Best Face Forward

This session will help all team members in assisted living understand the importance of good-quality photography.

Some of the topics we will cover are as follows:

• Appropriate Lighting
• Posing/Angles/Backgrounds
• Verbal queuing
• Use appropriate image count and keep your descriptions professional but brief
• Devices to use for photos and how they differ from one another
• Timely social media posts
• Quantity of social media posts

--Jackie Nelson Owner of Jackie Nelson Photography

Alzheimer’s disease is a mid-life condition, and early identification is vital for effective intervention

Alzheimer’s disease is a large and rapidly growing public health problem.  Currently, about 7 million Americans are affected, and by 2050, this number is estimated to increase to about 13 million.  In the US, the cost of treatment is about 300 billion dollars a year and is expected to reach 1 trillion dollars by 2050.  Most of these costs are covered by Medicare.  Despite commonly receiving a diagnosis in one’s sixties, Alzheimer’s is fundamentally a mid-life disease, with brain changes beginning in ones 40’s and 50’s. Early in the course of the disease, amyloid-beta plaques build up in the brain, which are thought to be the ultimate catalyst for brain atrophy.  In 2023, the FDA provided the first full approval for a medication that reduces these plaques.  This is the first disease-modifying treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, as previous medications were only symptomatic.   However, for this medication to be most effective, it must be used early in the course of the disease.  This presentation will discuss the amyloid-beta hypothesis, the mechanism of action and effectiveness of new medications, and the importance of neuropsychological evaluations for early identification.

-- Dr. Daniel Seichepine, Clinical neuropsychologist with specialization in age-related neurological disorders; Founder of the Neuropsychology program and director of the Neuropsychology lab at the University of New Hampshire, Manchester

Navigating AI in Assisted Living: A Comprehensive Journey for Engagement, Productivity, and Security.

This comprehensive presentation is structured to guide assisted living communities through the understanding, implementation, and secure utilization of AI technologies, culminating in a resilient and responsive operational environment.

--Kenny Rounds CEO of Braver Technology Solutions and Group President for New Charter Technologies

Afternoon Keynote Delivery: All Good Leadership Needs H.E.L.P. (Honor – Empower – Loyalty – Professionalism)

-- Michael Cadore, President Magnus Solutions, Executive Director of Community Engagement for External Affairs at Eastern Florida State College.

This keynote message is to inspire, encourage and let leaders know that, all Good Leadership always needs H.E.L.P. (Honor – Empower – Loyalty – Professionalism). The message will provide insight and discussion regarding effective leadership for professionals in the assisted living profession.  It will allow attendees to participate in an interactive message, share experiences, and participate in discussing proactive ways to succeed and lead through crucial conversations regarding:  

• Honoring others and thyself regardless of race, ethnicity, and/or background
• Empowering through a high-level Emotional Intelligence
• Loyalty – Respect and Relationships
• Professionalism and Partnership in Leadership – Leadership is what Leadership does!

It will allow attendees to participate in an interactive message, share experiences, and participate in discussing proactive ways to succeed and lead through crucial conversations

Breakout Sessions #2:

Reducing Polypharmacy and Managing Chronic Health Symptoms with Cannabis

Cannabis was recently moved from Schedule I to Schedule III by the DEA and Biden Administration, due to proven medicinal efficacy. This will remove barriers to research. Grassp Health has been on the forefront of helping seniors use cannabis to reduce chronic health symptoms and the pervasive issue of polypharmacy for over a decade. Cannabis has been proven to reduce chronic pain, muscle spasms, anxiety, insomnia, side effects from cancer treatment, agitation from Alzheimer's, dyskinesia, chronic nausea, depression, wasting syndrome and more. Executive Directors have a responsibility to help their residents have the best quality of life possible and becoming educated on this topic has never been more urgent.

--Veronica Santarelli – CEO Grassp Health

De-Stressing: Taking the Stress Out of Stress

There is considerable evidence that the stress inherent in assisted living negatively impacts healthcare professionals. Stress can lead to increased depression, decreased job satisfaction, disrupted personal relationships, psychological distress; and even suicide.

Stress also may harm professional effectiveness: it decreases attention, reduces concentration, impinges on decision-making skills, and may reduce providers’ ability to establish strong patient relationships. Stress also may lead to increased burnout,

defined as a syndrome of depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, and a sense of low personal accomplishment. This program will look at stress management as a culture that should be implemented in every healthcare center. It will also discuss various techniques and approaches to get started.

--Anne M. Cabral, Assistant Administrator, Catholic Memorial Home

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Tools and Applications

Learn how CLA and its clients have developed and implemented strategies for digital transformation and data analytics. These experiences will include use cases for a variety of tools, which may include Microsoft Power BI, Azure AI, Copilot, and Alteryx Auto Insights. The intent is not to explain how to use these tools step-by-step, but to foster interest and appreciation for how artificial intelligence is and will continue to change business processes.

--Seth Wilson is a CPA and Principal on CLA's Data Analytics team (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP)

--Alisha L. Crowley, CPA, MPAc is a  Principal at Quincy CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP)

In Dementia Words Matter: Reducing the Stigma and Empowering Staff to Maximize Resident Joy and Independence

Imagine having a conversation with one of your favorite teachers. How did that person inspire you to do your best and succeed in your education? Now imagine being with someone who believes you can't accomplish or succeed in anything they present. How does that make you feel?

The way we communicate and interact with individuals living with dementia can not only determine their success but our own. Let's look at how the stigma of dementia holds everyone back from success and feelings of joy and independence.

--Laurie Gunter Mantz, OTR, CDP, CADDCT, CDCM, CDSGF, CFRDT, CMDCP;  Registered Occupational Therapist, Certified Dementia Care trainer, Certified First Responder trainer, Certified Care manager, Certified Montessori Dementia Care Practitioner;  she is the CEO and Founder of Dementia Training for Life and the non-profit RI Memory Cafes

Breakout Sessions #3

Defending Against AI-Related Threats in Assisted Living Environments

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, assisted living environments face unique challenges from AI-driven threats. Join us for an essential session presented by your local police department, where we’ll delve into the strategies for defending against AI-related risks and ensuring the safety and well-being of your residents.

Our expert-led discussion will cover:

• Understanding AI-Driven Threats: Learn about the latest AI technologies and their potential risks.
• Preventing Digital Exploits: Gain insights into safeguarding your facility from AI-based scams and cyber-attacks.
• Responding to Emerging Risks: Equip yourself with practical tools to manage and mitigate AI-related security issues.

--Officer Eric Rosenbaum at the Newton Police for 19 years

Hospital At Home For Assisted Living Residents: An Opportunity To Optimize The Care Continuum

The Hospital at Home model is offered by a number of hospitals in Massachusetts, providing acute hospital care at home for people with inpatient care needs, which can be served by the model's structure and capabilities.  Candidates for this model may reside in assisted living communities.  There are opportunities for community engagement, advanced operational planning, and partnerships to optimize this option for assisted living residents, where possible.

--Susan Stempek, MBA MMSc PA-C; is the VP, Hospital at Home (BILH)

--Jennifer Gizmunt, is the President of Beth Israel Lahey Health Continuing Care

Opening Minds through Art: Empowering and Inspiring Creativity Across Generations and Cognition

Learn how Goddard House engages staff, graduate students, and volunteers to promote creativity through the evidenced-based Opening Minds through Art (OMA) program for persons living with dementia in our assisted living community. Grounded in person-centered ethics and founded on the fact that people with dementia can express themselves creatively, the OMA program was developed by Dr. Elizabeth Lokon at the Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University in Ohio in 2007. Since 2016, OMA has been successfully implemented at Goddard House, providing supportive, structured opportunities for residents to engage their inner artist while enjoying the sense of discovery and accomplishment of creating a unique piece of abstract art. Join Meredith Griffiths, Goddard House’s Community Art Therapist and OMA Facilitator, and Lance Chapman, Assistant Executive Director, for a hands-on, creative adventure to explore the joy and connection of art-making and experience how art builds bridges and empowers individuals across cognitive barriers and generations. No art skills or experience required!

--Meredith Griffiths, LMHC, ATR, CDP, is the Art Therapist at the Goddard House Assisted Living community in Brookline, MA & Lance Chapman has been the Assistant Executive Director of Goddard House Assisted Living since 2011.

Innovative Technology and Physician Engagement

Physician practices serving ALRs can access and leverage innovative technology to assist communities in delivering better care and outcomes and better-supporting community staff with these efforts.  The technologies and associated services that this presentation will highlight include:

• Predictive Analytics

  Data from electronic medical record (EMR) systems are analyzed in order to identify patients at highest risk for hospitalization.  These tools ensure the provider team can streamline their clinical action plan to patients with the highest risk of being transferred to the hospital. 

• Remote Monitoring

  Cutting-edge technology, passive remote physiologic monitoring captures heart and respiratory rates via a contactless device, and wearable devices give insight into changing conditions and provide the provider team with valuable and actionable information.

• Electronic Health Record Integrations

  Data flows automatically between ALR EMR system and the provider’s electronic health record (EHR) system, improving safety and saving administrative time and providing alerts to providers to improve care. 

• Tele-Health, Virtual Night and Weekend Physician Coverage

  Providers manage night and weekend calls using an innovative telehealth platform.  Covering physicians are available for video calls at the click of a button, reducing transfers out to the hospital.

• Chronic Care Management Service

  Created by CMS to improve care for chronically ill patients and to contribute to a reduction in hospital transfers.  Team of Care Managers assist and support staff and provider team in crafting a care profile for each resident using data from the EMR.  The CCM reports detail individual clinical goals and provide clear recommendations.  CCM is a program designed to manage chronic illness and assist in identifying decline.  CCM program strategy is to provide a proactive scorecard to mitigate unnecessary risk for hospitalization.   

• Transitional Care Management

  Technology platform provides ADT (admission/discharge/transfer) feeds to alert the provider team in real time of transfers to and from the hospital and the ALR so the care team can take appropriate follow-up action including communicating with the hospital emergency department and providing timely follow-up care upon return to the ALR.

• Interoperability

  Technology platform that provides access to the medical records for previous physician and hospital visits improving transitions of care.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Technology platform that gives the physician the ability to summarize care received at the hospital with use of AI tool scanning a large volume of hospital records to ensure key components of care and follow-up are captured.

--Chris Wasel, is President, Marketing & Strategic Partnerships for Vantage Healthcare

Presenter Bios:

Anne M. Cabral, Assistant Administrator, Catholic Memorial Home

Ms. Cabral brings to Catholic Memorial Home over 30 years of experience in staff education, leadership experience, team building and  program development. At Catholic Memorial Home she is responsible for assisting with oversight of operations as well as person centered day to day interactions.  With a strong background in adult day, assisted living as well as long term care, Anne offers guidance and oversight in the areas of cross campus training as well as regulatory compliance. A seasoned educator, Ms. Cabral provides training in the areas of OSHA mandatory requirements, dementia training, Montessori training as well as many leadership, customer service and team member engagement topics.  Prior to joining Catholic Memorial Home, Ms. Cabral, a dual state licensed Long Term Care Administrator, worked in Massachusetts at a CCRC responsible for education of over 300 employees. She also worked in Rhode Island as both an assistant administrator as well as administrator of a long-term care facility for 8 years, while offering the CDP course for dementia practitioners, as well as other courses for various organizations.  Ms. Cabral’s past accomplishments come from her specialization in the startup and design of multiple Dementia Units and Activity Programs for Hillhaven, Beverly, Care Matrix and the Diocese of Fall River, as well as Landmark Health. She has earned a graduate certificate in Organizational Learning and Development from Harvard Business School, a Micro-MBA Certificate from Providence College, as well as a certificate to train those Dementia Practitioners with a specialty in Montessori. Anne has a Master of Creative Arts in Teaching, with a focus on Dementia as well as a Post-Graduate Degree (C.A.G.S.) in the Interdisciplinary Studies of Counseling Psychology and Dementia from Fitchburg State College. She was also accepted and completed coursework in the Doctoral Program at Salve Regina, studying Alzheimer Unit and Program Design. She completed a master’s  Level Certificate in Aging from Boston University, as well as a Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from UMASS Boston. She is Nationally Board Certified as an Activity Consultant as well as Nationally Certified as a Dementia Practitioner and Trainer as well as the very recent Certification and Training credentials for Montessori Approaches with those with Dementia. She uses her LSW credentials for person centered approaches and Family Support and Education groups in her community.  Ms. Cabral also provides consulting services and training in the areas of Therapeutic Recreation, Dementia Units and Behavior Management Programs, Engagement of Team members, Leadership Strategies as well as Wellness and Mindfulness as a Culture. She currently sits on the Board for MassCap, a professional group for Activity Professionals, overseeing the Policies and Procedures for the Organization.

Chris Wasel, is President, Marketing & Strategic Partnerships for Vantage Healthcare

Chris Wasel, is President, Marketing & Strategic Partnerships for Vantage Healthcare the largest physician practice of its type in New England providing services to skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities.  He has over 20 years’ experience in health care operations, business development, value-based payment consulting and network development, and information technology development for care coordination.  Prior to joining Vantage he was the Co-Managing Partner for Post-Acute Care Planning Services, an organization that provided post-acute care management and consulting for ACOs seeking to build and operate post-acute care provider networks.  He is the Co-Founder of AccountedCare, an information technology company that provides systems and services to physician practices and various organizations participating in value-based payment arrangements caring for an older adult patient population.

Dr. Daniel Seichepine

Clinical neuropsychologist with specialization in age-related neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's & Parkinson's diseases, and mild traumatic brain injury (also known as concussion).

Founder of the Neuropsychology program and director of the Neuropsychology lab at the University of New Hampshire, Manchester. Our B.S. degree in Neuropsychology launched in 2016 and quickly became one of the largest majors in the College. The majority of graduates go on to careers in the health professions (e.g. physician assistant, occupational therapist, nuclear medicine technologists, etc.) Recipient of UNH's 2018 Excellence in Teaching Award

Jackie Nelson Owner of Jackie Nelson Photography

Jackie brings more than 9 years of experience working as a Programs Professional in a healthcare setting. She has worked in several different healthcare systems throughout Rhode Island. Jackie transitioned into healthcare after running her own Portrait business for 21 years. There, she specialized in high school senior photography, sports, pets, family portraits and events. Jackie has been severing elders for 9 years where she says, she enjoys bringing joy to the residents and their families. “It’s truly an honor to be a part of our resident’s lives and be a part of their support team.” Jackie is creative and caring and that is reflected throughout her current community. When Jackie isn’t serving Residents, she enjoys spending time outdoors especially hiking or being by the water. Being surrounded by nature is her way of relaxing. Jackie is a busy Mom of two young children, Grayson and Carina.

Jennifer Gizmunt

As President of Beth Israel Lahey Health Continuing Care, Jennifer Gizmunt leads the strategy, direction and operations of a comprehensive network of homecare, hospice and palliative care services as well as the overall post-acute strategy for Beth Israel Lahey Health. She has always been passionate about delivering home health, remote patient monitoring and end of life care to patients in their homes and is particularly enthusiastic about the more recent trend and focus of bringing more health care into the home setting.  Jennifer joined the organization when BILH formed in 2019.  Prior to that she had been the CEO of Salter Healthcare, which operates three skilled nursing centers with 384 beds.  She previously held a number of senior leadership roles within Lahey Health, most recently as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Lahey Health Continuing Care, leading skilled nursing, rehabilitation and assisted living facilities, as well as a network of adult day health, homecare and hospice services. She has been with the organization for 22 out of the last 25 years. Jennifer received her undergraduate degree in finance from Merrimack College and her master’s degree in gerontology from the University of Massachusetts Boston.

Kenny Rounds: CEO of Braver Technology Solutions and Group President of New Charter Technologies.

Kenny Rounds is a distinguished business executive and technology expert, serving as the CEO of Braver Technology Solutions and Group President for New Charter Technologies.

With over three decades of experience in the technology industry, Kenny has become a leader in building and scaling businesses through innovative technology. Since 1989, Braver Technology Solutions has partnered with small- and mid-sized businesses in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, delivering agile, customized IT services and solutions.  Under Kenny's visionary leadership, Braver has earned a reputation as a trusted partner, transforming business operations through exceptional IT support and solutions with a proactive, customer-centric approach to technology growth and improvement.

Laurie Gunter Mantz, OTR, CDP, CADDCT, CDCM, CDSGF, CFRDT, CMDCP

Registered Occupational Therapist, Certified Dementia Care trainer, Certified First Responder trainer, Certified Care manager, Certified Montessori Dementia Care Practitioner. CEO and Founder of Dementia Training for Life and the non-profit RI Memory Cafes.

With over 30 years of clinical and educational experience, Laurie is an Occupational Therapist, an international lecturer, a published author, a clinical educator, a certified dementia care trainer, and an adjunct professor. Laurie has created professional development trainings for the University of RI Geriatric Education Center and RI College, is on the advisory board of Johnson & Wales University Doctorate of OT program, and on the Leadership Council for National Consumer Voice. She is a member of the RI State Advisory Committee for Alzheimer’s Disease and related disorders and chair of the workforce development sub-committee. She founded the non-profit RI Memory Cafés organization emphasizing the importance of social and intellectual stimulation, education, support, and fun for those living with dementia and their care partners. Laurie's leadership and influence in the field are evident in her advocacy for state and national plans to provide care for both those living with dementia and their care partners in NH, MA, RI, and Washington, DC. As an Executive Director of a 65 bed all memory care ALF, she was the first to introduce the Montessori Approach to dementia care.

Meredith Griffiths

Meredith Griffiths, LMHC, ATR, CDP, is the Art Therapist at the Goddard House Assisted Living community in Brookline, MA where she offers the residents a variety of art programs as well as opportunities for individual expression. It was at Goddard House where Meredith discovered her love for working with persons with dementia 20 years ago when she had an art therapy internship there through Lesley University’s master’s level Expressive Arts Therapy and Mental Health Counseling program. Since then, Meredith has spent her entire career working in senior living communities, bringing a person-centered approach to programming and supporting older adults of all ability levels in accessing their inherent creativity. Meredith has previously served as member of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston’s Access Advisory Board, and has provided education and encouragement to caregivers as a volunteer Support Group Leader for the Alzheimer’s Association for over a decade. Since becoming a certified Opening Minds through Art (OMA) Facilitator in 2021, Meredith has been proudly practicing OMA with Goddard House residents, and enjoys teaching OMA techniques to graduate level art therapy interns, as well as student volunteers from local colleges. Meredith is a strong advocate for the benefits of art-making and exploring creativity throughout the lifespan. She has witnessed first hand how the arts increase opportunities for persons living with dementia to experience joy andconnection.

Newton Police: Office Eric Rosenbaum

Officer Eric Rosenbaum was born and raised in Newton, and has been with the Newton Police for 19 years.  Before becoming a police officer Eric was a dispatcher for the Newton Police, who dispatch Police Fire and EMS for the City.  For the last 14 years as the Elder Affairs Officer, assigned out of the Community Services Bureau.  Following up on all matters relating to the elder population in Newton, which is approx. 20% of the total population.   In his off time, Eric enjoys spending time with his wife and son, at their family summer home, and saltwater fishing.

Seth Wilson

Seth Wilson is a CPA and Principal on CLA's Data Analytics team. He began his career at CLA more than 15 years ago performing financial statement audits while also obtaining his Masters of Taxation and CPA license. After gaining experience in compliance services, he transitioned to advisory services to assist clients with developing and implementing data and technology solutions. Experiences have varied from automating data preparation for reporting and analytics to designing and building data warehouses and business intelligence dashboards. Seth has also participated in numerous internal collaborations at CLA to transform the way they serve clients. Those collaborations have included adoption of low-code applications for analytics process automation and utilization of artificial intelligence for operational efficiency. This experience supported his ability to obtain certifications in Alteryx and Microsoft Power BI.

Timothy Anderson

Timothy Anderson has been working in the field of elder care since 2007, with a specialization in Adult Day and Assisted Living creative and expressive recreational programming. He is a certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners, and a licensed instructor of the Modular Education Program for Activity Professionals through the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals. He received the Activity Director’s Award of Excellence from the National Association of Activity Professionals in 2003 for advancing the profession and has spoken across the United States at both national and local activity professional associations. Timothy also serves on the board of directors for Pride in Aging Rhode Island, an organization that works to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ Elders through education and advocacy.

Timothy holds a master’s degree in education from the American College of Education with a focus on instructional design and technology and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island in Music Composition. He is a Certified Professional Life Coach through the Institute of Professional Excellence in Coaching, with a specialization in coaching life transitions. He is an Activity Consultant Certified through the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals, and an independent Reiki Master-Teacher. He is the proud owner of TMWC Educational Services, which provides education and professional services for Activity and other Healthcare Professionals to support the needs of older adults.

Veronica Santarelli

Veronica Santarelli is the CEO of Grassp Health, a Medical and Adult-Use Cannabis Delivery & Education service in Massachusetts and Arizona, which caters to Seniors and the Medical Community.  For over 10 years, she has worked directly with patients, providing science-based guidance and assistance in choosing the right cannabis products for health-related needs.  She helped start Grassp Health, to give patients and customers direct access to lab-tested cannabis products, effective dosing protocols and trusted delivery experiences.  She is passionate about how cannabis can safely manage a multitude of symptoms and has dedicated her career to serving seniors in long term and assisted care.  Her goal is to help cannabis become a normalized healthcare option and replace existing stigma with science.

2024 Corporate Sponsors

2024 Corporate Sponsors