We would like to introduce you to the speakers that will be presenting the education sessions to attendees throughout the week. Please take some time to read about each speaker and be sure to thank them for their presentations.
Featured KeyNote Speakers
Opening General Session – Monday, August 25, 8:00 a.m.
National Keynote Speaker
The driving force behind the Unstoppable Momentum™ Movement, Kim Becking is changing the way we think about change and resilience in a rapidly changing world that never slows down. An engaging, high energy and impactful international keynote speaker, New York Times Bestselling Author, human behavior expert, cancer thriver, recovering attorney and change and resilience researcher, Kim’s strategic insights and practical solutions have been utilized by hundreds of organizations ranging from Fortune 50 companies to associations and organizations around the world. Kim’s expertise on reframing change and redefining resilience is regularly featured in media outlets such as the New York Times, People, Good Morning America, USA Today and Harvard Business Review. Her mission is to empower leaders and teams with the mindset, tools and framework they need to be more adaptable, more resilient, and better equipped to own what’s now and embrace what’s next with a deep breath and a big cup of Bring It On. After hearing Kim, leaders leave with the framework, mindset, and tools to revolutionize their approach to change, challenges, and obstacles, embrace the power of possibility, and use any change or challenge as rocket fuel for forward growth, transforming their lives, leadership, and your organization.
Closing Sessions – Wednesday, August 27, 8:00 AM
President & Chief Retention Officer at Magnet Culture
Cara Silletto is the founder of Magnet Culture and a leading generational expert, sought-after keynote speaker, and game-changer in workforce retention, equipping organizations to tackle turnover challenges head-on.
“I can honestly say that throughout my 30+ year career in senior living, the 4-hour retention training presented by Cara Silletto was by far the most effective, relatable, enjoyable, and meaningful training I have ever attended. […] I highly recommend Cara for not only those organizations who are challenged with recruitment and retention, but also for those employers who are thriving with employment initiatives and want to keep it that way.”
~Marc S. Penner, MHA
Education Presenters (in session order)
Charles (Chuck) Crecelius, MD, PhD, FACP, CMD
Dr. Crecelius retired May 2023 as the Medical Director for Post-Acute Care Services, BJC Medical Group and continues in semi-retirement as a Medical Director for Delmar Gardens and an Associate Professor of Geriatrics at Washington University School of Medicine where he continues to work part time mentoring geriatric fellows. His past research interests have included reduction in avoidable hospitalizations; deprescribing of polypharmacy; and advance care planning in community and nursing home residents. He helped found the St Louis Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Roundtable, which brings together nursing homes, hospital systems, academic centers and other stakeholders to improve the quality and transitions of care of nursing home residents in the Greater St Louis Area. He is a Past President of PALTMed – Post-Acute and Long-Term Medicine (previously AMDA), has served on their Pubic Policy Committee for over a decade and was their 2019 Medical Director of the Year and 2024 Educator of the Year.
Lisa Doerhman, Director of SNF Innovation & Transformation – CoreCare
Lisa is the Director of SNF Innovation & Transformation at CoreCare, bringing over 30 years of hands-on experience in long-term care. Lisa most recently served as a Software Implementation Consultant at PointClickCare, where she guided SNFs through successful EHR and billing system implementation, adoption, and optimization. She previously led operations process development at Creative Solutions in Healthcare, the fifth-largest SNF operator in the U.S., and served as Vice President of Accounts Receivable at Regency Integrated Health Services.
Katherine Preede, Vice President of Operations, NCAL
Preede ensures the efficient operation of NCAL, coordinating workflow, strategic planning and internal processes. In addition, Preede is responsible for membership growth, retention, and satisfaction.
Prior to joining NCAL in December 2012, Preede was on the Corporate Marketing & Communications team at Sunrise Senior Living where she managed marketing and communication initiatives. Previously, she served for more than four years as a public affairs manager for AHCA. In this role, she represented the association and its members with local, state and national media outlets as well as assisted state affiliate public relations professionals on numerous projects and special events.
Wendy Boren, RN, BSN – QIPMO
Wendy has been in nursing for 20 years, serving the long-term care community as a nurse on the floor, ADON, DON, wound nurse, MDS coordinator, Director of Assisted Living, and Director of Memory Care. She is currently serving as a clinical nurse educator with the Quality Improvement for Missouri (QIPMO) team and assists over 90 skilled nursing facilities in the southeast region of Missouri. Wendy is a well-known speaker for the state associations and enjoys teaching others in an interactive, hands-on manner. Wendy’s passion is to improve the quality of life for residents in long-term care. “Our job is to help people continue to live life to the best of their ability with happiness, joy, adventure, and purpose.”
Amanda Marsh, RDN, LD – Martin Bros. Distributing Co.
Amanda is the Missouri Nutrition and Dining Strategist at Martin Brothers Distributing Co., Inc. She received a Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics from Illinois State University and completed her dietetic internship at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. After graduating her internship, Amanda stayed in New York City and worked in preventative healthcare helping clients all over the world achieve their health and wellness goals. She then moved back to the Midwest taking a role as long-term care dietitian for over 10 years in the St. Louis area before transitioning into a marketing dietitian role, working with schools, health clinics, and the local media on behalf of the agricultural industry. Amanda has been with Martin Bros. for a little over 2 years supporting healthcare customers through menu development, education, and training.
Dr. Aaron Brown, DO
Dr. Brown is a Psychiatrist and Director of Medical Training Deer Oaks – The Behavioral Health Solution. Dr. Brown joined Deer Oaks Psychiatry and Deer Oaks Behavioral Health in June 2019. He is the Regional Medical Director for Dallas/Fort Worth and provides direct care in the DFW region. Dr. Brown attended college at Southern Methodist University and graduated with a BS in Biology. He attended medical school at University of North Texas Health Science Center. He completed his psychiatry residency at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth serving as chief resident. Dr. Brown has been specializing in psychiatric services in nursing homes and assisted living facilities for the past 6 years while also working as medical director for the Texoma Behavioral Health Center. His interest and commitment to serving the geriatric population and assisting these patients in maintaining the highest quality of life allows Deer Oaks Psychiatry to provide the highest quality of services.
Mark Francis, LNHA – QIPMO
Mark is the QIPMO leadership coach for parts of region 1, in addition to regions 3 and 4. . Mark has worked exclusively with the elderly for over 20 years. As an administrator, he built a team that worked together to receive multiple successful surveys. Mark is experienced in all aspects of LTC leadership, including building operations, financial performance, clinical outcomes, and team building. He greatly enjoys building up the staff who work in long-term care and helping them reach their full potential as caregivers. As a QIPMO leadership coach, Mark is committed to providing the training, tools, and encouragement for all staff – from frontline to leadership – to become their best.
Julie Karafa – Wipfli
Julie Karafa has over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry and brings a wealth of knowledge in revenue cycle management and healthcare compliance. With a strong track record of optimizing financial operations and ensuring compliance, Julie has successfully navigated complex healthcare environments to enhance efficiency and accuracy in the revenue cycle processes and provides qualitative and quantitative clinical assessments.
Jennifer Otte, LNHA – North Star Equity Group
Jennifer has worked in long-term care for 30 years. Throughout her career she has served as CNA, CMT, Social Service Designee, Business Office Manager and various other capacities before obtaining her Administrator’s license in 2014. Jennifer is currently serving as Regional Administrator for North Star Equity Group, assisting the leaders at 4 Skilled homes and 4 Residential homes in providing quality care in a homelike environment. She has a passion for providing person-centered care that enriches the quality of life of the residents she serves.
Brock Thornsbrough, LNHA – Daybreak Nursing Center
Brock Thornsbrough is a licensed Nursing Home Administrator at Daybreak Nursing Center in Sikeston, Missouri, a 70-bed skilled nursing facility specializing in behavioral health. Serving residents from ages 19 to 92, Daybreak provides comprehensive long-term care with a focus on individualized support for those with complex behavioral needs. Brock oversees the daily operations of the facility, ensuring high standards of care, regulatory compliance, and a compassionate environment for both residents and staff. Before transitioning into long-term care administration, Brock served as a hospice chaplain for four years, bringing a unique depth of empathy and understanding to his leadership role. He holds a business degree from Anderson University, which complements his clinical and pastoral background with a solid foundation in organizational management. Brock’s holistic approach to care emphasizes dignity, stability, and the well-being of every individual at Daybreak.
Stephen Taylor, Principal – CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)
Stephen serves as the leader of CLA’s Privately Held Senior Living and Care practice. He has more than 17 years of experience in public accounting with a specialized focus in serving and advising skilled nursing and senior living and care operators, owners and investors in strategic, financial and operational matters. Through deep industry insight, aligned with the strength of CLA’s extensive resources and solution capabilities; Stephen is passionate about creating opportunities to increase stakeholder value, expand industry advocacy, and helping clients thrive in a competitive health care climate. Stephen is also a frequent speaker with associations and has made contributions to a number of industry publications.
Liz Lafoe, RN – Husch Blackwell
An experienced attorney with Husch Blackwell and registered nurse, Liz is passionate about supporting and advocating for healthcare providers. With more than 10 years of clinical experience in the healthcare field, Liz has worked as a registered nurse in emergency medicine, intensive care, trauma, and forensics. Because of her background, she truly understands the ins and outs of healthcare, both clinically and operationally. This gives her an advantage as an advocate for healthcare providers facing a variety of legal challenges, including regulatory compliance issues, audits and overpayment demands, medical malpractice claims, professional license matters, and government investigations.
Lisa Luetkemeyer – Husch Blackwell
After serving in-house for two major healthcare organizations, Lisa offers a unique perspective on client needs. Her first firm role involved supporting a major healthcare organization that lacked its own legal department, where she quickly gained experience in operational matters, governance, contract negotiations, medical staff matters, and general regulatory compliance. She later expanded her capabilities to include pharmacy benefit management and post-acute care. Her deep understanding of complex organizational operations and firsthand experience managing budgets and timelines for outside counsel allow Lisa to craft customized strategies that align with client-specific needs and goals. After returning to Husch Blackwell in 2023, Lisa now assists clients in the healthcare industry with contracting, operations and governance issues, licensure questions, and regulatory compliance. A significant portion of her practice is dedicated to advising a major multinational managed healthcare and insurance company, where her background in commercial contracting and privacy compliance continues to be invaluable.
Renee Ridling, MS, LNHA – The Gingerbread House
Renee is the current Executive Director at Gingerbread House, Inc. Renee has been passionate about long-term care since she joined the industry in 1992. Renee has managed Residential Care, Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Facilities in her career. Renee also serves as an AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Senior (Silver) and Master (Gold) Examiner. Renee and one of her previous facilities achieved AHCA’s highest level of recognition by being the first facility in Missouri to receive the Gold-Excellence Quality Award several years ago. She has coached numerous facilities in achieving the Bronze and Silver Award.
Lou Ann Brubaker – Brubaker Consulting
For over three decades, Lou Ann has helped post- acute care organizations enhance their occupancy/mix, staff retention, customer service, and supervisory skill success. Lou Ann’s diverse professional experience ranges from administration of a senior citizen utility assistance program, the transition of an in-house advertising agency to a revenue-generating division, and the management of more than 35 satellite operations and 500 sales representatives within a services organization. Just before founding her own company, she directed the North American marketing for an organization that in three years grew to become the world’s largest provider of online medical, scientific, and technical information.
Nate Hamme – Ceca Foundation
Nate has worked with Ceca Foundation since its inception and currently serves as its President. Nate has extensive experience in both the for-profit and non-for-profit sectors, focusing on business strategy, development, relationship management, partnerships, operating scale and data analysis. In addition to his experience in mobile products and technology, Nate has been a consistent voice for the power of employee recognition to drive engagement and retention in the healthcare industry. As an industry leader in healthcare employee engagement, he has written and spoken extensively on staffing and retention issues facing healthcare communities, including features in McKnight’s Senior Living and Homecare Magazine, interviews on ABC News7, and presentations to AHCA state affiliates, and other national healthcare groups.
Julie Cones, AD, RN, LNHA, IP – QIPMO
Julie covers regions 1, 3, and 4 for the ICAR team. She has an extensive background in nursing homes, as prior to joining the team, she worked as a registered nurse for 29 years and a licensed nursing home administrator for over 20 years. Julie has primarily worked in skilled nursing and hospice areas of healthcare. During this time, she also educated others in the long-term industry on best practices for infection prevention, care transitions, and the RAI process. Julie graduated from Lincoln University with her associate’s degree in applied science in Nursing at Fort Leonard Wood. She’ll soon be working towards her CDC’s Infection Preventionist certification.
Joel VanEaton, BSN, RN, RAC_CT, MT – Broad River Rehab
Joel is the VP of Compliance and Regulatory Affairs with Broad River Rehab. Joel is one of a few AANAC certified Master Teaches and is at the forefront of understanding Medicare and Medicaid policymaking and how it will affect SNFs directly. Joel has also had several articles published in “McKnight’s Long-Term Care News”.
Eric Palm, Chief Growth Officer – Provider Partners Holding Co.
Chief Growth Officer at Provider Partners, a leader in advancing tech-enabled value-based care within the long-term care (LTC) industry. With over 15 years of experience, Eric brings a profound understanding of long-term care and innovative healthcare solutions that support patient-centered, outcome-focused models. In his role, he works closely with providers and facilities to design and implement strategies aligned with value-based care goals, ensuring enhanced patient outcomes and improved operational efficiencies for partner organizations.
Chris Brown, BS, LNHA, CEO – Shirkey Health Services
Chris has been the CEO of Shirkey Health Services, overseeing their SNF, AL and Hospice companies for over 10 years.
Brett Sharp, Co-Founder and CEO – SWA
A seasoned law enforcement professional with 26 years at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Brett has held diverse roles such as S.W.A.T. team member, Detective, Violent Crimes Task Force Sergeant, K-9 & Mounted Unit Commander, and Region 3 Domestic Security Task Force Commander. With extensive training in defensive tactics instruction, firearms instruction, counterterrorism, and executive protection, Brett has served as a tactical leader in over 500 narcotics search warrants and arrest warrants. He has demonstrated his leadership in successful operations, including hostage rescues and executive protection.
Joel Weeks, Co-Founder and President – SWA Protection
A 28-year veteran of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Joel has excelled in roles such as S.W.A.T. team member, task force sergeant, and field force executive officer. With a background as a master firearms instructor and high liability instructor, expertise in counter-terrorism, and experience as a tactical leader in over 500 narcotics search warrants, Joel has demonstrated his leadership in successful operations, including hostage rescues and executive protection. His collaboration with federal agencies underscores his prowess in law enforcement tactics and strategies.
Terri Milsop, Regional Compliance Coordinator – Arrow Senior Living
Terri has over 25 years of senior living experience and proudly boasts that she truly loves what she does. She started her long-term care career with skilled nursing and then started with Arrow Senior Living in 2018, moving her way up from Executive Director to Regional Compliance Coordinator of Operations.
Jim Staed, MHA, MBA, ARM, AINS – EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants
Jim is a seasoned insurance and risk management executive with a strong focus on senior living and healthcare services. He currently serves as Vice President at EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, where he leads strategic initiatives within the EPIC Senior Living division. Jim plays a pivotal role in delivering tailored insurance solutions and risk consulting to aging services organizations.
Emily Solum, Partner – Husch Blackwell
Emily is a partner with Husch Blackwell and helps long-term care providers navigate complex Medicaid and Medicare compliance and reimbursement laws. Emily guides clients through increasingly complex state and federal health care laws, including state license and certification requirements, Medicaid and Medicare participation, and reimbursement rules. She advises a broad array of healthcare practitioners, focusing on long-term and post-acute care providers, including skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, hospices and home health agencies. She also counsels behavioral health and Medicaid waiver providers on compliance matters unique to those areas.
Jill Kliethermes, MSN, RN, FNP, BC – MMDNA
Jill is the Chief Executive Officer of the Midwest Multistate Division (KS, MO, & NE) Nurses Association. She has been with the Association for almost 20 years.
Alisha Johnson, PhD, RN – University of Missouri, Sinclair School of Nursing.
Alisha Johnson is an Assistant Professor at the University of Missouri, Sinclair School of Nursing. Her research is focused on understanding the complex care of older adults and how nursing care models can improve the lives of an aging population. Using systems and team/organizational theories, she seeks to understand how the nursing profession can improve organizational environments such as long-term care settings as well as how nursing care models can improve the lives of aging adults to age in a place of their choosing.
Nancy Birtley, DNP, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, PMHNP-BC – University of Missouri, Sinclair School of Nursing
Associate Teaching Professor/PMHNP Area Coordinator, University of Missouri, Sinclair School of Nursing
Owner, Nancy M. Birtley, LLC Psychiatric Consultation Services – Dr. Nancy Birtley has over thirty years’ experience in the psychiatric/mental health field, first as an RN, and for more than 30 years as an advanced practice nurse. Since 2002, she has been self-employed in private practice as the owner of Nancy M. Birtley, LLC, Psychiatric Consultation Services, formerly Psychiatric Care and Wellness Specialists, where she provides psychiatric care to residents of over 20 St. Louis nursing homes. She has experience as a staff nurse, nurse manager, nurse liaison, and advanced practice nurse, along with academic positions teaching psychiatric/mental health courses at the University of Missouri, Columbia and St. Louis University. In addition to her practice, Dr. Birtley is an Associate Teaching Professor and Coordinator of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Area of Study at the University of Missouri, Columbia.
Juli Pascoe, CPA – Forvis Mazars
As a member of Forvis Mazars, she provides an array of audit and consulting services to senior living facilities. She assists senior living providers with strategic planning, preparation of operating budgets, Medicare and Medicaid cost report preparation, and review and development of strategies to enhance reimbursement and improve operating efficiencies and profitability. Juli also is responsible for overseeing the preparation of monthly financial statements and other accounting outsourcing services provided to senior living providers.
Sherri Robbins, RN, LNHA, RAC-CTA, CLNC – Forvis Mazars
Sherri is a member of Forvis Mazars and has more than 20 years of experience and focuses on long-term care. She provides clinical consulting for health care providers and educates providers about Medicare reimbursement strategies. She has trained numerous skilled nursing facilities as well as swing bed and skilled nursing units about proper minimum data set completion to manage the Medicare program. She also performs comprehensive follow-up reviews focused on patient-centered care and regulation compliance to help providers obtain appropriate Medicare reimbursement. Prior to joining Forvis Mazars, Sherri had 10 years of health care experience as a director of nursing and administrator in a skilled nursing facility and also worked as a licensed practical nurse and certified nurse assistant. She is a member of the Missouri League for Nursing and serves on the League’s Scholarship and Awards committee. She is also a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant (CLNC®), licensed nursing home administrator and Resident Assessment Coordinator – Certified (RAC-CT®). As a CLNC®, she assists attorneys representing health care providers.
Julie Bilyeu – Forvis Mazars
Julie is the director of Forvis Mazars’ long-term care billing services, which provides billing outsourcing to providers across the nation. She has more than 21 years of healthcare industry experience, focusing on the long-term care revenue cycle. Her areas of expertise include billing software consulting, accounts receivable recovery, and billing and compliance assessments. She also serves as a resource for complex revenue cycle issues. Julie routinely speaks to national and state industry associations and conducts webinars and training presentations regarding a variety of billing topics. She is a 2006 graduate of Cox College, Springfield, Missouri.
Valerie Kelsey – Forvis Mazars
Valerie is a member of Forvis Mazaars senior living billing services team, which provides billing outsourcing, recovery, training, and consulting to providers nationwide. Recognized for her technical expertise, she specializes in accounts receivable recovery, assisting clients with researching and resolving aged balances. Valerie works in multiple software systems and is one of the team leads in assisting clients with billing software setup issues, system updates, and training.
Meghan Travis Henderson, Executive Director – MHCA
Meghan is the MHCA Executive Director and leads the organization’s members and their residents in policy and advocacy matters impacting Missouri’s long-term care facilities. Before joining MHCA, Meghan served as Associate General Counsel of the Missouri Hospital Association, while also serving as the organization’s Vice President of Legislative Policy during the last three legislative sessions. In that capacity, Meghan led the organization’s drafting of legislation, fostered legislative relationships and coordinated strategy within the Capitol, and was considered a tireless advocate and the go-to expert on healthcare related issues by her peers and legislators. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri School of Law, Meghan began her career as a Legislative Analyst with the Missouri House of Representatives, wherein she advised on legal issues, drafted legislation, researched legal and policy issues, and staffed a number of committees, including Health and Mental Health Policy, Emerging Issues in Health Care, Government Oversight and Accountability, Health Insurance, and interim committees relating to health policy and Medicaid. Meghan and her husband, Michael, reside in Jefferson City with their two sons and their rambunctious boxer, Percy. In her free time, Meghan enjoys reading, golfing, and attempting to garden.
Gail Dereczyk, BNS, RN, CWOCN – Medline
Gail is an experienced and board-certified Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse with a strong background in clinical education and program development. She has a proven ability to lead national training initiatives and develop evidence-based clinical protocols. Passionate about improving patient outcomes through education, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Carolyn Gasser, MPH, BSN, RN, CIC, IP
Carolyn is currently covering regions 3 and 4. Prior to joining the team, she had various jobs in the Kansas City region, including Saint Luke’s Hospital, The Kansas City VA, and most recently, Research Medical Center. She has over 30 years of experience in infection prevention and is certified in her field and completed the CDC’s Nursing Home Infection Preventionist Training course in 2022. Carolyn graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Missouri State University in Springfield, MO and her masters from University of Kansas (KU) in 2002. She served in the Department of Air Force Reserve as a Flight Nurse for 20 years.
Shellie Goodin, RN, BSN, MSN, MBA, Director of Clinical & Quality Services – MHCA
Shellie is the Director of Clinical and Quality Services with Missouri Health Care Association. She has practiced nursing since 1994 and has worked in the areas of long-term care, rehabilitation, surgical, dialysis, and obstetrics. Before joining MHCA in 2023, Shellie spent 20 years as an instructor for Nichols Career Center in Jefferson City, MO, teaching both the LPN and Health Occupations program.
Cara Silletto, MBA, CSP, President & Chief Retention Officer – Magnet Culture
Cara is the founder of Magnet Culture and a leading generational expert, sought-after keynote speaker, and game-changer in workforce retention, equipping organizations to tackle turnover challenges head-on. Recognized by Recruiter.com as a “Top 10 Company Culture Expert to Watch”, her insights have benefited more than 30,000 leaders nationwide, solidifying her position as a trusted field expert. Workforce Magazine named her a ‘Game Changer’, and she has set herself apart with her groundbreaking solutions to workplace challenges. Holding an MBA, Cara uses her hands-on experience and keen business insight to highlight the benefits of proficient workforce management. Each year, she leads 50 -100 workshops and keynotes, offering tactical strategies to navigate the intricacies of today’s workforce. Her influence goes beyond the stage as she’s been featured in major publications like USA Today, Forbes, and Huffington Post. Cara authored Staying Power: Why Your Employees Leave and How to Keep Them Longer, providing real-world expertise and highlighting practical retention strategies. With her background as an association event planner and lifetime spent on stage, she knows how to captivate and educate audiences effectively.
Melissa Korsmeyer, Senior Regulatory Auditor and Exceptions – MO Department of Health & Senior Services, Section for Long-Term Care
Melissa is the Senior Regulatory Auditor and Exceptions & Second Business Committee Chairperson with the MO DHSS, Section for LTC Regulation. Melissa began her career with SLCR as a facility surveyor with Region 6 in 2015. She stepped away from the Section for a couple of years but returned in March 2021 to the SLCR Central Office as the Exceptions & Second Business Committee Chairperson. In this position, she has gained a thorough understanding of the intricate and complex processes of Exceptions and Second Business processes for Missouri’s long-term care facilities, in addition to the program’s rule promulgation.
Roy Pace, LNHA – Colonial Springs Healthcare Facility
For over 20 years, Roy Pace has been working and advocating for long-term care. Roy began his career in LTC as a CNA, moving on to LPN, RN and then a licensed nursing home administrator. He is currently the Nursing Home Administrator for Colonial Springs Health Care Center.