Activities & Life Enrichment Conference - 2026presenting sponsor - ViaQuest Psychiatric & Behavioral SolutionsWhy Attend the Conference on February 9-11, 2026?Transformative Learning Opportunities:Join us for an enriching experience designed for activity professionals, caregivers, and leaders in elder care. Over three days, you'll gain valuable insights and practical skills to enhance the quality of life for seniors in your care.
Don't Miss Out!This is your chance to invest in your professional development, expand your knowledge, and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for enhancing the lives of seniors. Join us for an inspiring experience that will transform your approach to elder care!
RAP in Ohio AwardsWe are pleased to celebrate RAP in Ohio's Awards program as part of this years Conference during the luncheon on day 2. Read more about the awards
here Nominations are due January 1,
use this nomination form to submit. We look forward to seeing you there!
Location:Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel
409 Altair Parkway
Westerville, OH 43082
(614) 882-6800
A limited number of rooms have been blocked at the OHCA rate. The hotel may have additional rooms available once all of the OHCA rooms are gone, but they may not be at the special rate, even if you contact them prior to the cut off date. It is unlikely that they will be able to extend the cutoff date of January 19 due to the busy nature of their hotel and since rooms go quickly, there may not be any available rooms left at that point.
To make a reservation, call the hotel directly at 833-427-0292 and ask for Reservations. Mention you are attending the Activity Conference. The group rate is $172
Click here to reserve a room now Should the Renaissance not have availability, OHCA has arranged for additional rooms available at the hotel below:
HYATT PLACE COLUMBUS POLARIS
2006 Polaris Parkway, Columbus, OH 43240, USA
T +1 614 396 8900
Mention OHCA for the discounted rate.
We can't wait to see you!
Conference Agenda Summary
Day 1: February 9, 2026
Optional Pre-Conference Leadership Session
11:00 am - 12:15 pm - Finding Your Voice: Advocating for Yourself, Your Department, and Your Residents
Activity professionals are essential to resident quality of life, but their contributions may sometimes be underrepresented in leadership discussions. This interactive session will help you build the confidence, knowledge, and strategies to advocate effectively-for yourself, your department, and the residents you serve. You'll explore how to use regulatory guidance to support your requests, communicate with leaders and surveyors with confidence, and adopt a 'yes-first' approach to resident-centered care. We'll also highlight pathways for professional growth through association involvement, continuing education, and leadership opportunities. Leave empowered to claim your seat at the table and position your department as an indispensable part of the care team.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Recognize the role of advocacy in elevating the activity department as part of the IDT.
2. Identify sources of regulatory guidance to support advocacy efforts, budget requests, and resident-centered decision-making.
3. Apply confidence-building strategies when communicating with leadership, surveyors, and peers.
4. Develop approaches to gain autonomy over resources and influence organizational decisions.
5. Explore opportunities for growth through association involvement, continuing education, and leadership roles.
6. Demonstrate techniques to 'lead with yes' in responding to resident requests, balancing creativity with compliance.
➡️ Bonus Opportunity: The final part of this session will transition into the OHCA Activity Council Meeting, giving you the chance to connect with peers, share ideas, and engage directly with council leadership.
12:30 pm: Conference Check-In
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm: Turning Activity 'Dreams' into Themes
Feeling stuck in a planning rut? Whether you're working solo in a small-town home or leading a larger team across a campus, this session offers practical, real-life strategies for theme-based programming. Life Enrichment and Activity Directors will learn a simple system to build monthly themes that boost resident engagement, spark staff and community involvement, and make calendar planning easier. Participants will engage in small-group exercises to develop theme ideas that work for residents of all levels and explore ideas tailored to Ohio's rich cultures, seasons, and community spirit.
By completion of this seminar, the learner will be able to:
1. Describe a theme-based approach to activity planning, including practical steps to plan, organize, and implement monthly themes.
2. Identify at least three key benefits of theme-based programming, including increased resident engagement, simplified planning, increased team morale, and expanded community connections.
3. Develop a take-home theme programming plan that can be adapted for residents across a wide range of cognitive and physical abilities.
Presented by: Erin M. Bonitto, M.S., A.D.C., Founder & Lead Coach, Gemini Consulting
2:30 pm - 2:45 pm: Break
2:45 pm - 4:15 pm - Creating a Culture of All-Team Coaching in Memory Care
What does it look like when all-team coaching becomes part of the daily routine in memory care? This session shares real-world examples of teams using skill coaching to reduce challenging behavioral symptoms, strengthen interdisciplinary teamwork, and build a culture that supports around-the-clock, meaningful engagement. Participants will review a series of 'snapshots' of teams making this coaching culture a reality, with each example paired with a take-home assignment or idea they can adapt to their own setting -whether memory care or a mixed setting. Life Enrichment and Activity Directors will also explore how coaching can thrive in multilingual and multicultural teams, how it works when time is short, and how it inspires team members from all departments to facilitate resident engagement opportunities.
By completion of this seminar, the learner will be able to:
1. Describe what a culture of coaching looks like in memory care settings, and the strategies that bring it to life.
2. Identify coaching outcomes related to behavioral symptoms, team member satisfaction, and culture transformation.
3. Discuss how Activity and Life Enrichment Directors can involve interdisciplinary team members in resident engagement, with attention to the strengths of culturally and linguistically diverse teams.
Presented by: Erin M. Bonitto, M.S., A.D.C., Founder & Lead Coach, Gemini Consulting
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm: Speed Networking: Sharing Solutions to Common Challenges
Wrap up Day 1 with a fun and fast-paced networking experience designed just for activity and life enrichment professionals! During this 'speed networking' session, you'll rotate between tables focused on common challenges in the field - everything from staffing and resident engagement to volunteer coordination, documentation, and creative programming ideas.
At each table, you'll connect with new peers, exchange insights, and gather practical solutions you can take back to your community. Enjoy light snacks, beverages, and great conversation as you build your professional network and leave with fresh ideas and renewed energy for your work!
Why You'll Love It:
Meet and mingle with professionals from across Ohio
Share ideas and challenges in a relaxed, social setting
Take home new strategies and connections you can use right away
5:30 PM: Adjourn
Day 2: February 10, 2026
8:00 am: Conference Check-In
8:30 am - 9:30 am: Making Technology Work for You, Today and In the Future
Technology is evolving quickly, and keeping up can feel overwhelming. This session will break down what's available today, key trends shaping the future, and practical ways to stay ahead as an activity professional. From digital communication tools and activity calendars to artificial intelligence (AI), telehealth, and virtual reality (VR), attendees will explore how technology can help Activity and Life Enrichment professionals save time, enhance engagement, and improve efficiency - without adding more to your plate.
Presented by: Darcy McHale, Carefeed
9:30 am - 9:45 am: Networking Break
9:45 am - 11:15 am: Managing Time, Space, and People in Activity Programming
In today's fast-paced and information-saturated environment, effective organization is essential to the success of activity and recreation programs. The key to preparing for the future lies in understanding and optimizing the resources we have now - our time, our space, and our people.
This session will guide participants through strategies for streamlining operations, enhancing productivity, and creating sustainable organizational systems. From planning and prioritizing to managing physical environments and team dynamics, attendees will learn how small adjustments can lead to big improvements in efficiency and program quality.
Session Objectives
1. Evaluate their current organizational habits and identify strengths and weaknesses
2. Pinpoint areas for improvement in managing time, space, and personnel within the activity department
3. Apply practical techniques
Presented by: Julie Reginek MS, ACC, EDU, MC, CADDCT
MEPAP and Activity Director Program Instructor
Certified Alzheimer's & Dementia Care Trainer
11:15 am - 11:45 am - RAP In Ohio Awards Celebration
11:45 am - 12:30 pm: Luncheon (included)
12:30 pm - 1:45 pm: Mastering Activity Department Management: Essential Responsibilities and Best Practices
Join us for an in-depth session designed to empower activity professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to excel in their roles. We will cover ten top areas for activity departments looking to enhance their skills and ensure their department runs smoothly and efficiently. Don't miss this opportunity to learn best practices and network with peers!
Session Objectives
1. Identifying the core duties of the activity department and how they contribute to overall facility operations.
2. Identify the essential areas that need regular updates, including state and federal regulations, and how to maintain compliance.
3. Develop a comprehensive checklist for assessing your department's performance and ensuring all critical areas are addressed.
Presented by: Julie Reginek MS, ACC, EDU, MC, CADDCT
MEPAP and Activity Director Program Instructor
Certified Alzheimer's & Dementia Care Trainer
1:45pm - 2:00 pm - Networking Break
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm: Moments That Matter: Innovative Dementia Activities That Work
Every moment with a person living with dementia is an opportunity for connection, meaning, and joy. As activity directors, you have the power to turn ordinary activities into extraordinary experiences that truly matter. In this interactive session, you'll discover innovative approaches to dementia-friendly programming, explore ways to transform everyday tasks into purposeful engagement, and practice strategies that overcome common participation challenges. Walk away inspired and equipped with fresh ideas to build activity programs that not only work, but create lasting moments of connection for residents, families, and staff.
Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Recognize the difference between diversionary and therapeutic activities, and adapt common programs to create more meaningful engagement.
2. Design a well-rounded dementia activity program that balances movement, creativity, reminiscence, sensory experiences, and community connections.
3. Apply practical techniques to increase participation, even among residents who resist traditional activities.
4. Incorporate innovative, low-cost ideas that turn daily routines into moments that matter.
5. Evaluate current calendars with a fresh lens and identify opportunities to elevate them with purpose-driven programming.
Presented by: Joanna LaFleur, CTRS, Dementia Expert & Author
3:30 pm - 3:45 pm: Networking Break
3:45 pm - 4:45 pm: Music, Memory & Connection: The Memory Disco Experience
Join the Day By Day Project for an interactive session that combines science, music, and movement. Discover how the Memory Disco Program uses synchronized group headphone technology and neuroscience-based engagement techniques to improve mood, behavior, and caregiver satisfaction. Then step into your own Memory Disco, experiencing firsthand how music can spark joy, movement, and social connection. You'll leave with inspiration and practical strategies to bring back to your community or program.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Understand the neuroscience of music and memory, including why music uniquely supports attention, mood, and cognitive processing in dementia care.
2. Describe how silent disco technology can be adapted to make music accessible, personal, and engaging for diverse care settings.
3. Recognize the evidence-based outcomes of the Memory Disco? Program, including improved resident behavior, enhanced mood, and increased caregiver satisfaction.
4. Reflect on their own participation in a live Memory Disco? experience and identify ways music-based programming can be meaningfully integrated into daily routines.
5. Evaluate the role of music as a non-pharmacological intervention to enhance quality of life and support both residents and care partners.
Presented by: Kaylie Glenn, B.S. Neuroscience
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm - The Great Escape!
Optional Evening Session
Put your problem-solving skills to the test in this interactive escape room-style challenge! You'll be teamed up with fellow activity and life enrichment professionals to crack codes, solve puzzles, and uncover clues before time runs out.
It's a fun, fast-paced way to collaborate, laugh, and get to know your peers while flexing your creative thinking muscles. Whether you're competitive or just in it for the fun, this session guarantees an entertaining and memorable end to the day!
Why You'll Love It:
Work together to solve clues and 'escape' before time runs out
Network and bond with other attendees in a relaxed setting
Enjoy pizza, drinks, and plenty of laughs along the way
Day 3: February 11, 2026
7:30 AM: Conference Check-In
8:00 am - 9:00 am - Navigating HIPAA Compliance: Marketing and Photography Requirements in Healthcare
Capturing and sharing photos or stories of residents can be a wonderful way to showcase life in your community?but it also raises important privacy considerations. This session will help activity and life enrichment professionals navigate the complexities of HIPAA as it applies to marketing, photography, and communication.
Through real-world examples and recent HIPAA breach cases, you'll gain a clearer understanding of what is and isn't allowed when it comes to using resident images, stories, and information. Sydney Pahren will walk you through the authorization and release requirements you must follow, helping you protect residents' privacy while still promoting your community with confidence.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the basic concepts and applicability of HIPAA in your setting
Identify specific requirements for marketing and photography under HIPAA
Recognize common examples of non-compliance through recent enforcement actions
Learn how to properly obtain and document authorization and release forms
Presented by: Sydney Pahren, Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease LLP
9:00 am - 9:15 am - Networking Break
9:15 am - 10:15 am - Engagement with Intention: Partnering with Behavioral Health to Reach and Support All Residents
Activity teams are masters of creativity, yet many face the same challenge, engaging the residents who rarely leave their rooms, refuse group programming, or struggle emotionally in social settings. This session explores how collaboration between Behavioral Health and Activity Departments can transform engagement across all levels of readiness.
Through the combined lens of behavioral intervention and creative programming, participants will learn how to identify internal and environmental barriers to participation, create more inclusive and sensory-friendly activities, and respond effectively when emotional or behavioral escalations occur during group events.
Our Behavioral Health and Development teams will share practical strategies that help staff meet residents where they are, foster social readiness through 1:1 support, and make engagement attainable for every individual, especially those most often left out.
By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:
1. Identify common behavioral, emotional, and environmental barriers that prevent residents from engaging in activities.
2. Describe how Behavioral Health teams (Therapists, Therapeutic Behavioral Support, Psych NPs, and Mental Health Nurses) collaborate with Activity staff to support social readiness and participation.
3. Apply at least three practical techniques for adapting activities to be more inclusive and sensory-friendly.
4. Recognize common triggers that may lead to escalation during group activities and implement supportive de-escalation strategies without disrupting the group.
5. Develop a collaborative communication plan between Activity and Behavioral Health teams to promote shared engagement goals.
Presented by: Ann Nash, MA, LPCC-S, Vice President of Behavioral Health, ViaQuest Psychiatric & Behavioral Solutions
Taylor Dickerson, Behavioral Health Development Supervisor, ViaQuest Psychiatric & Behavioral Solutions
10:30 am - 10:45 am - Networking Break
10:45 am - 11:45 am -Overview of Activity Documentation
Paperwork doesn't have to be overwhelming! Join us for a practical, step-by-step look at the documentation every activity professional needs to know. We'll cover where to start, what's required, and when it all needs to be completed - with real tips to make the process easier and more manageable. Walk away with strategies to stay organized, confident, and ready to keep your program running smoothly while meeting compliance standards.
You'll learn how to:
1. Cut through the confusion and know exactly where to begin.
2. Identify the essential forms and information you're responsible for.
3. Stay on top of deadlines with simple strategies that work.
Presented by: Tammy Point, BS, ACC/EDU, CDP, CADDCT, CMDCP
11:45 am - 12:30 pm - Networking Lunch
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm - Completing a Detailed Activity Assessment
Behind every meaningful activity program is a powerful assessment! This session will show you how to move beyond the basics and truly uncover what makes each resident light up. Learn where to find the details that matter most - from personal histories to hidden talents and why a thorough assessment is the key to creating programs that engage, excite, and enrich lives. You'll leave with fresh ideas and practical tools to turn assessment data into resident-centered action.
You'll walk away able to:
1. Recognize what makes an activity assessment meaningful (not just paperwork!).
2. Discover new ways to gather valuable insights from residents and families.
3. Transform assessment details into dynamic, individualized programming.
Presented by: Tammy Point, BS, ACC/EDU, CDP, CADDCT, CMDCP
1:30 pm - 1:45 pm - Networking Break
1:45 pm - 3:30 pm - Regulatory BINGO
This interactive session will explore the various regulatory requirements, both state and federal, associated with the provision of services to residents. Presenters will discuss what's involved with providing an ongoing program of activities and what impact it has on the resident's function, mood, and cognition. The clinical implications and the required skills and qualifications for staff will also be discussed. Attendees will BINGO through these topics, having fun while expanding their knowledge.
Presented by: Tammy Cassidy, OHCA Regulatory Director
3:30 PM: Conference Concludes
Erin Bonitto, M.S., A.D.C.
Founder & Lead Coach - Gemini Consulting, Inc.
Erin Bonitto is a nationally recognized dementia communication coach, gerontologist, and the founder of Gemini Consulting. For more than 25 years, Erin has partnered with assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing teams across the country, helping them build practical and sustainable systems for dementia communication coaching and behavioral detective work that reduce frustration and prevent behavioral symptoms. Erin's hands-on coaching model has been linked to measurable reductions in off-label antipsychotic use, behavioral incidents, and staff injuries, while also improving family and team member satisfaction. Her work often extending to individuals with psychiatric diagnoses and other cognitive differences - has been grant-funded, award-winning, and implemented across a wide range of communities, from large multi-site systems to deeply rural providers. Erin also works with organizations to
build robust, interdisciplinary programming systems that provide pleasure, purpose, and peace to people living with dementia. Her real-world approaches to coaching and system-building have been described as the missing link to culture transformation in aging services.
Tammy Cassidy, RN, BSN, BC, LNHA, RAC-MT
Ms. Cassidy has over 29 years of long term care management experience including Charge Nurse, Care Team Manager, Director of Nursing, MDS Coordinator, Corporate Clinical Compliance, Corporate Risk Manager, and Vice President of Clinical Quality. She is also a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator in the State of Ohio, and has worked with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, specializing in MDS, as a DAVE2 surveyor. She is certified in Gerontological Nursing and MDS, is a Master Trainer for the AAPACN Resident Assessment Coordinator certification, and serves on the AAPACN Expert Advisory Panel. She is the past president of OANAC (Ohio Association of Nurse Assessment Coordinators), and the proud recipient of the American College of Health Care Administrators, Ohio Chapter, Education Award in 2017.
Taylor Dickerson, BS, Behavioral Health Development Supervisor
Taylor Dickerson serves as the Development Supervisor for ViaQuest Psychiatric & Behavioral Solutions, leading a statewide team focused on marketing, outreach, and facility partnerships. In her role, she helps bridge collaboration between ViaQuest?s Psychiatric and Hospice divisions strengthening relationships, supporting creative engagement, and expanding access to behavioral health services in long-term care communities.
Before moving into leadership, Taylor worked hands-on in direct care as a Mental Health Technician at Sun Behavioral and as an Activities Director Assistant during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. These experiences shaped her passion for purposeful connection, empathy, and creativity in resident care, values that continue to guide her work today.
A graduate of the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Taylor has been with ViaQuest for nearly five years and is proud to represent an organization that is locally grown, veteran-owned, and built on CHOICE values: Customer Service, Humor, Ownership, Integrity, Creativity, and Excellence.
Kaylie Glenn, B.S. Neuroscience
Kaylie Glenn is the founder of The Day By Day Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit she launched at just 14 years old to support individuals living with dementia. She is the inventor of the Memory Disco Program, a multi-sensory music experience that transforms senior living and memory care by prioritizing preserved brain functions and fostering joy, connection, and purpose. Her innovative work has been featured in UK Neuro Times, Alzheimer's Today Magazine by the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, and TEDx.
Joanna LaFleur, CTRS, Dementia Expert & Author
Joanna LaFleur is a Recreational Therapist with 20 years of experience creating and leading dementia-friendly activities. She is the author of Bringing Joy Every Day: A Year of Dementia-Friendly Activities and the founder of Memory Lane Foundation. Through training, speaking, and hands-on programs, Joanna equips caregivers and activity professionals with practical, engaging strategies that spark joy and improve quality of life for people living with dementia.
Darcy MacHale is a health care technology leader with more than 20 years of experience working alongside long-term care and senior living providers. As vice president of sales at Carefeed, he focuses on building practical partnerships with communities that want technology to make everyday work easier.
Before Carefeed, Darcy served as chief revenue officer at Reside Admissions, where he led enterprise growth efforts across the long-term care sector. He later held leadership roles at Cliniconex, helping providers expand adoption through direct and partner-led approaches.
Darcy is known for his approachable style and deep understanding of provider challenges. He works closely with teams to identify solutions that support staff, strengthen family communication, and create better experiences for residents, without adding complexity to already busy days.
Ann Nash, MA, LPCC-S, Vice President of Behavioral Health
Ann Nash is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a Supervision designation. As the Vice President for Psychiatric and Behavioral Solutions, Ann is responsible for the overall organization, development, and day-to-day operations in all our psychiatric and behavioral solution regions throughout Ohio. Ann has been in the behavioral health field for over 25 years. Her experiences range from vocational and learning capacity assessments, career counseling, diagnostic assessments, mental health counseling, mental health education, crisis counseling, and clinical supervision. Ann supports a strength-based, person-centered approach to supervision and clinical work. Ann specializes in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Trauma-Informed Care, focusing on serving veterans, the geriatric population, and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Ann completed a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from Wright State University.
Sydney N. Pahren, Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
Sydney is an associate in the Vorys Columbus office and a member of the health care group. She focuses her practice on health care law including, transactional, regulatory and compliance matters. Sydney has significant experience counseling clients on fraud and abuse issues, federal and state anti-kickback statutes, administrative appeals before government agencies, preparing for and responding to payor audits for Medicaid and Medicare, and privacy matters such as HIPAA compliance. Additionally, she counsels clients in the cannabis and medical marijuana industry.
Sydney has considerable experience representing behavioral health providers and long-term care providers?including nursing homes, assisted living facilities and in-home providers as well as counseling physicians on compliance matters.
Sydney has extensive experience in preparing employment agreements and negotiating and preparing transaction documents.
Tammy Point, BS, ACC/EDU, CDP, CADDCT, CMDCP
Tammy Point has dedicated more than 30 years to advancing activity services and dementia care across a variety of settings, including Alzheimer's units, skilled nursing, assisted living, and independent living. She began her career as an STNA at age 16, later served five and a half years in the U.S. Navy, and went on to earn her BS in Gerontology from Bowling Green State University. Tammy is nationally certified through NCCAP as an Activity Consultant and is an approved MEPAP instructor, teaching and mentoring professionals since 2004.
She has served 14 years on the Ohio State Activity Professionals Board and currently serves as a Regional Director for the National Association of Activity Professionals (NAAP). In 2019, Tammy launched her own home health business, providing direct care and consulting services to families and facilities. She is passionate about meaningful engagement, professional education, and enhancing quality of life for those she serves.
Julie Reginek, MS, ADC, CDP
Activity Director Instructor | Online Curriculum Specialist
Ridgewater College
Julie Reginek is a seasoned educator and curriculum designer with more than three decades of experience in activity programming and post-secondary instruction. She currently serves as an Activity Director Instructor and Online Curriculum Specialist at Ridgewater College, where she also provides faculty training in D2L Brightspace and online course design.
Julie began her career as an Activity Director in long-term care (1984?1991) before joining Ridgewater College as an Instructor in 1991. Since 2004, she has played a key role in developing and supporting online education as part of Ridgewater?s curriculum team.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and a Master of Science in Instructional Design, along with a Graduate Certificate in Design for eLearning from St. Cloud State University. Julie is a Certified Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care Trainer and an Activity Consultant Certified (ACC) through the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP), with specialization in Education and Memory Care.
Her contributions have been recognized through multiple honors, including the NAAP Board of Directors Award, MNSWAP Award of Excellence: Activity Professional of the Year (1997), and the Ridgewater College Pier-to-Pier Award (2013).
Julie is actively involved in several professional organizations, serving as Board Member and Communications Director for the MN State Activity Professionals Association (CMNSWAP) and participating on the Education Council for the National Association of Activity Professionals (NAAP). She also co-authored the Foundation of Activity Professional Curriculum and is a frequent state and national conference speaker on activity programming and instructional design.
Mandy Smith has over 25 years of experience in long-term care, beginning her career as a physical therapist assistant before advancing to regional director of rehabilitation and later into nursing home administration. She spent 15 years serving members of Ohio Health Care Association as their Regulatory Director. Today, as Director of Regulatory Compliance with Aspire Regional Partners, she leads survey, regulatory, and operational consulting for skilled nursing, assisted living, home- and community-based service, and hospice providers.
Mandy is recognized for her strong relationships with regulators at the Ohio Department of Health and for her expertise in guiding providers through compliance challenges with practical, sustainable solutions. In addition to her leadership at Aspire, she offers consulting services to other providers specializing in survey readiness, operations reviews, policy development, and fractional regulatory work on retainer.
She is a frequent educator and speaker for state and national audiences, developing BELTSS-approved and CE-accredited sessions on ethics, survey trends, reimbursement, and quality improvement. Mandy also authors Beyond the Fine Print, a widely read LinkedIn newsletter focused on compliance, data, and insights shaping the senior care industry.
Driven by a commitment to integrity and resident rights, Mandy combines regulatory precision with a deep respect for the people and communities she serves.
Day 1 - 5.5
Day 2 - 7.25
Day 3 - 5.75
Full Conference registrants are able to receive up to 18.5 hours of credit are available.
(February 9 = 5.5 hours; February 10 = 7.25 hours; February 11 = 5.75 hours)
Activity Professionals:
Application for 18.5 credits have been approved by the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals.
Certified Executives for Assisted Living (CEAL):
Up to 18.5 hours are available during this program and can be used toward renewal of the CEAL certification.
Nurses:
Nurses, please note any continuing education that has been approved by BELTSS (or any other accredited body) can be accepted by the Ohio Board of Nursing in the State of Ohio. Nurses may use this continuing education to meet their licensure requirements. Please refer to OBN continuing education rules 4723-14-01 thru 4723-14-19. Nurses may obtain up to 18 hours utilizing this rule.
Ohio Administrators:
The Ohio Health Care Association is an approved provider of continuing education credit by the Ohio Board of Executives for Long Term Services and Supports (BELTSS). Up to 18.5 hours are available during this program for Ohio NHAs.
Registration Information:
The Activity Professionals Conference is offered to all activity professionals at the low Association member rate. Take advantage of this great offer! Enjoy top-notch educational programming!
What Is Included in My Registration Fee?
Full Conference:
Up to 18.5 Continuing Education Credits
Continuous refreshment service each day
Handouts of all education sessions
All Sessions (Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday)
Lunch Buffet Tuesday & Wednesday
One Day: (Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday)
Continuing Education Credits for day attended
Continuous refreshment service
Handouts of all education sessions
Lunch Buffet (Tuesday & Wednesday only)
Registration Fees:
Full Conference:
$299 before January 27
$349 January 27 and after
Register 4 or more people from the same organization online and save an additional 15% off the fees above
Please note: overnight accommodations & breakfast is not included
One Day Only: (Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday)
$199 before January 27
$229 January 27 and after
Register 4 or more people from the same organization online and save an additional 15% off the fees above
Please note: overnight accommodations & breakfast is not included