Crafting Your Own Silver Lining: Embracing New Possibilities In I/DD Services
Attend the only single-day event dedicated to helping organizations meet the rising demand and improve the overall quality of care of the I/DD population.
The I/DD service landscape is changing, and with these changes come opportunities for providers to enhance existing services, develop new services, and improve the overall quality of care to meet new and shifting needs of this complex population. The 2024 OPEN MINDS I/DD Summit will feature prominent industry leaders as they examine industry trends, explore innovative funding models, demystify technology innovations, and share opportunities for improved care and new service line development.
Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights from industry leaders on navigating current market trends, capitalizing on new service line opportunities, and discovering your organization’s position in this expanding landscape.
2024 Summit Agenda
Fireside Chat: Technology Innovations For Improved Care Delivery With GoodLife Innovations, Smart Living Systems By LADD & Sunflower Health Plan, A Subsidiary Of Centene Corporation
Three key technology trends will dominate specialty health care for the I/DD population in 2024. First, Medicaid will likely be the next frontier for health care technology innovation. Second, we know that the ‘hybrid model’ for service delivery is here to stay. And finally, the role of technology has expanded beyond health records and billing.
Amidst this technological evolution, there is immense potential to enhance the lives of those with I/DD. However, as providers adopt these cutting-edge tools, they often encounter challenges such as data security, privacy, choice, and informed consent. Additionally, overcoming policy barriers in funding becomes crucial.
In this panel discussion, we will hear how innovative organizations have approached these issues and review the outcomes of these programs.
- Discover innovative types of technology available for the I/DD population
- Discuss federal and state funding programs to improve access to assistive technology
- Learn about improved outcomes when using technology with this population
Nanette L. Perrin
Nanette L. Perrin is the Senior Director of Sunflower’s LifeShare Program which provides specialty support with complex systems, transitions, SDOH needs, and value-based contracting. The LifeShare team also offers training and education on person-centered practices and other topics of importance to Kansas members and providers. Nanette has over 30 years of experience in supporting individuals with Developmental Disabilities, including Autism, and their families. She has extensive experience in assessing and supporting quality of life, behavioral supports, consultation, and instruction and mentoring of professionals. Nan possesses a PhD in Special Education as well as a Master of Arts in Human Development and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the Doctoral level (BCBA-D). Nanette was on the team that developed the Kansas Autism Waiver, and her dissertation was a mixed method review of the first 3 years of that waiver. Nanette is a board member of the Autism Society of the Heartland and continuing education coordinator for the Association for Positive Behavior Supports. She has also been an appointed member of the Kansas Governors Commission on Autism, a member of the Kansas Autism Waiver Advisory Committee, and in 2021, Co-Chaired the state Autism Task Team as the only designated MCO representative.
Stephanie Rasmussen
Stephanie Rasmussen (she/her) serves as the Vice President of LTSS for Sunflower health plan. She oversees Sunflower’s care management model for LTSS, provider initiatives and networks, LTSS member engagement, and LTSS policy and process. She also leads Sunflower’s initiatives and strategies to achieve quality, quality of life, workforce adequacy and health outcomes for members in LTSS. These include value-based contracting arrangements and partnerships with local member and provider advocacy groups. Stephanie has been with Sunflower for 12 years since the inception of LTSS/IDD managed care in Kansas. Under Stephanie’s leadership, over 50% of persons receiving I/DD waiver services in Kansas have chosen Sunflower as their health plan. Prior to Sunflower, Stephanie worked for 23 years with an IDD direct service provider, provided project management and consulting for IDD institutional closure in Kansas and other states, led an IDD provider association, and worked for the State of Kansas, leading the transition of persons with IDD during the closure of a large state institution and four large, private ICF/ID facilities. Stephanie is a graduate of the University of Kansas.
Brian Hart
Brian Hart is the CEO of Smart Living Systems and ShiftAbility, a Cincinnati-based agency focused on assisting I/DD agencies in transforming from typical caregiving models to technology-first models of service. He has made it his mission to push the boundaries of what options exist for adults with disabilities. He is never satisfied and believes there is always a better way to increase the independence of others and break down the systemic barriers that hold them back. He has been at the forefront of expanding services through the use of technology enabled supports and community clusters of services. Through his work, Brian has been able to assist agencies across the country to implement technology first and remote support to increase the number of individuals they support. Brian believes that technology enabled support is the solution to the problems facing I/DD and Mental Health support agencies, and he is excited to be at the forefront of assisting agencies in this change.
Mike Strouse
For more than 30 years Mike has led GoodLife Innovations, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Mike’s extensive work encompasses research, development, refinement, and dissemination of evidence-based, nationally-regarded, community service models that consistently produce person-centered care and high quality-of-life outcomes for those served. Mike’s consultant services are widely sought after by private corporations, cities, and state governments interested in best-practice and emerging technologies for models supporting semi-independent populations in the community. Mike earned his Ph.D. in developmental and child psychology and holds a courtesy faculty appointment in the Department of Applied Behavioral Science at the University of Kansas. He continues to participate in research, assist with the training of graduate students, and successfully maintains this important 40-year partnership.
Sharon Hicks, MSW, MBA
Sharon Hicks has more than 30 years of experience in the health and human service field. She has extensive experience and wide range of expertise in health plan management, in clinical operations management, and technology.
Prior to joining OPEN MINDS, Ms. Hicks spent two decades in a number of executive positions within the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) system and within its health plan division. Ms. Hicks served as the Chief Operating Officer for Community Care Behavioral Health, a managed behavioral health organization. She was responsible for all aspects of the organization’s operations including fiscal, information systems, the claims processing department, and the design of clinical systems. In addition Ms. Hicks managed the day-to-day operations of including human resources, facilities, purchasing, and security.
Ms. Hicks also served as the Vice President, Internet Strategy, UPMC Insurance Services Division and, since 2002, as the Chief Executive Officer of Askesis Development Group, Inc. since May of 2002. In this role, Ms. Hicks was responsible for the growth of the company, profitability of the company, and the direction of software development.
Ms. Hick started her impressive health care career as a psychiatric social worker before being promoted to Assistant Director of Social Work. Prior to her executive promotions, Ms. Hicks served as a Clinical Administrator for both Ambulatory Services and Emergency and Intake Services at the UPMC Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. In this role, Ms. Hicks managed the behavioral health division, the budgets for all departments, and implemented new software replacing paper billing for clinical services.
Ms. Hicks received both her Masters of Business Administration and Masters of Social Work degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. Before pursuing her graduate education, Ms. Hicks received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.
Enhancing Services To Support The Aging I/DD Population: The Columbus Organization & CareSource Case Studies
Older adults are emerging as the fastest-growing segment of our population, and this is also true for people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
As the average lifespan of consumers living with I/DD increases, so does the complexity of their medical and social needs. These trends provide a niche opportunity for provider organizations to develop new programs and service lines to meet the changing needs of aging and medically complex consumers living with I/DD.
In this session, our industry experts will:
- Uncover trends in the health care market for aging, how it differs from our I/DD structures, and new opportunities for service line development
- Learn how to manage current services and systems to support aging consumers better living with I/DD
- Explore new approaches for diversifying your service line portfolio with new payers to support long-term organizational growth
Solomon Parker
Solomon is a visionary leader in the field of healthcare, serving as the Director of Complex Health Solutions Research and Development at CareSource, a nationally recognized nonprofit health plan with a mission to improve the health and well-being of its members and communities. With a career spanning nearly two decades in Kentucky Medicaid waiver programs, Solomon possesses a wealth of experience and expertise in the realm of healthcare.
Solomon began his professional journey via direct care and has carried those experiences forward as he has moved into greater opportunities to drive system transformation. Solomon received his bachelor’s degree from Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, and a master’s in public administration from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
In his current role at CareSource, he champions transformative strategies and fosters innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of individuals with I/DD. His unwavering commitment to promoting empowerment, advancement, inclusion, and independence of people with disabilities extends into critical areas such as competitive integrated employment and propelling a culture of diversity within the workplace. Solomon plays a pivotal role in fostering a culture of inclusion at CareSource with the purpose of promoting disabilities as a positive and natural part of the employee experience.
Elaine Aguirre, M.D.
Ray Wolfe, J.D.
Raymond “Ray” Wolfe, J.D. brings over 40 years of experience in the health and human services sector to the OPEN MINDS team. Mr. Wolfe currently serves as a Senior Associate, a position in which he utilizes his expertise to successfully lead varying projects for OPEN MINDS. His areas of expertise include managed care and value-based reimbursement models, financial analysis and management, mergers and acquisitions, CCBHC certification, integrated care, performance improvement, and strategic planning.
Before joining OPEN MINDS, Mr. Wolfe served in a 22-year tenure with Pittsburgh Mercy Health System in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Most recently, Mr. Wolfe served as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), where he was responsible for oversight of all system operations, strategic planning, and performance management. Under his direction Pittsburgh Mercy achieved Certified Behavioral Health Center status, earned over $850K in value-based reimbursement contract quality bonus awards, integrated three organizations through merger/acquisition, opened a primary care service that was integrated into programming for the severe and persistent mentally ill and homeless populations, and adopted a new performance management program for managers.
Before acting as Pittsburgh Mercy’s COO, Mr. Wolfe served as the organization’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and was responsible for the development of internal costing methodologies, contract rate negotiations, and financial forecasting activities. In addition, he coordinated an integrated care program with local partner hospitals to develop a series of diversion and respite programs, as well as specialized primary care, integrated care management, and high utilizer teams, while maintaining 15 straight years of profitability.
Mr. Wolfe was promoted to CFO after serving as the Director of Fiscal and Information Security/Compliance for the health system. In this role, he was responsible for managing the transition of service contracts from fee-for-service (FFS), leading all compliance activities, and implementing a next-generation electronic health record (EHR) system.
Prior to his time at Pittsburgh Mercy Health System, Mr. Wolfe served as Chief Fiscal Officer with the Summit Center for Human Development in Clarksburg, West Virginia, where he was responsible for reporting and budgeting functions and preparing Summit Center’s programs for FFS billing.
Previously, Mr. Wolfe served in billing and collections for two Pennsylvania-based hospitals. First, in his role as a manager for Healthcare Corporation of America (HCA) and as an Accounts Receivables Manager for Brownsville General Hospital in Brownsville, PA, where he managed the accounting and billing system transition systems. Later as a Patient Account Manager for St. Francis Medical Center in Pittsburgh, PA, where he improved collections to hit a 95% rate through the implementation of new billing software and department reorganization.
Prior to working in the health and human services market, Mr. Wolfe spent five years practicing as a Lawyer with at Law Offices of Arch A. Moore in Moundsville, WV. In this role, he provided general legal practice, created and established bylaws for multiple corporations, and handled West Virginia licensing of first vision insurance plan.
Mr. Wolfe earned his Juris Doctor from the West Virginia University School of Law in Morgantown, WV and his Bachelor’s degree with a focus in Political Science and Sociology from West Liberty University, Wheeling, West Virginia, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Navigating The Move To Waiver Programs In The Managed Care Era: The Rock Creek Foundation Case Study
In recent years, U.S. spending on in-home and community-based settings for long-term services and supports accounted for 55% of the $445 billion budget. While the history of funding for I/DD services has been a mélange of local, state, and federal funds, more states are now moving their I/DD programs into Home and Community Based waiver programs. This shift is leading to decreased funding from local management and more toward traditional managed care processes. For many providers of services to this population, these shifts raise practical, as well as programmatic, challenges.
In this session, join our industry leaders for an evaluation of:
- Emerging funding models and the implications on traditional providers in moving to managed care
- Strategies for provider organizations adapting to shifting market trends and improving the quality of services delivered
- Operational changes that executives should be considering as the move to managed care continues
Najla Wortham, MA, LCPC
As the President of The Rock Creek Foundation, Najla Wortham brings over 16 years of experience in the fields of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and severe and persistent mental illness. Najla has been instrumental in leading Rock Creek’s mission to empower individuals to reach their full potential.
Under Najla’s leadership, Rock Creek has expanded its reach and impact, providing vital support and resources to the most vulnerable populations. Through innovative service delivery models and a commitment to evidence-based practices, Najla has led the organization in achieving positive outcomes, transforming lives, and building healthier, more resilient communities.
Najla is a proud alumna of two prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Howard University and a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Bowie State University. Since becoming a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in 2012, she has been deeply committed to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, have access to comprehensive support and resources to thrive.
Najla is a staunch advocate for mental health and disability rights, actively participating in countless advocacy efforts to promote policy changes and raise awareness about the importance of accessible and equitable services. Additionally, Najla serves on several advisory boards and committees, contributing expertise and insight to drive meaningful systematic change and inspire others to join in the journey towards a more inclusive and equitable future.
Najla made history as the first African American woman to assume the role of President at Rock Creek. Her leadership is grounded in the fundamental belief in the inherent worth and potential of every individual.
Sharon Hicks, MSW, MBA
Sharon Hicks has more than 30 years of experience in the health and human service field. She has extensive experience and wide range of expertise in health plan management, in clinical operations management, and technology.
Prior to joining OPEN MINDS, Ms. Hicks spent two decades in a number of executive positions within the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) system and within its health plan division. Ms. Hicks served as the Chief Operating Officer for Community Care Behavioral Health, a managed behavioral health organization. She was responsible for all aspects of the organization’s operations including fiscal, information systems, the claims processing department, and the design of clinical systems. In addition Ms. Hicks managed the day-to-day operations of including human resources, facilities, purchasing, and security.
Ms. Hicks also served as the Vice President, Internet Strategy, UPMC Insurance Services Division and, since 2002, as the Chief Executive Officer of Askesis Development Group, Inc. since May of 2002. In this role, Ms. Hicks was responsible for the growth of the company, profitability of the company, and the direction of software development.
Ms. Hick started her impressive health care career as a psychiatric social worker before being promoted to Assistant Director of Social Work. Prior to her executive promotions, Ms. Hicks served as a Clinical Administrator for both Ambulatory Services and Emergency and Intake Services at the UPMC Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. In this role, Ms. Hicks managed the behavioral health division, the budgets for all departments, and implemented new software replacing paper billing for clinical services.
Ms. Hicks received both her Masters of Business Administration and Masters of Social Work degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. Before pursuing her graduate education, Ms. Hicks received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.
The Seven Hills Foundation Approach To Recruitment & Retention
A new report from the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) Foundation and United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) finds that 63% of disability service provider organizations have discontinued programs and services in the past year due to staffing shortages.
Across the industry, keeping up with the changing preferences and practices of the workforce is a challenge with real consequences. Many provider organizations continue to see decreased revenues (and margins) due to closed programs operating at reduced capacity due to a lack of staffing.
Join our industry experts to explore “best practices” in this new world of talent management for organizations serving consumers with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Better understanding of the differences in generational culture that create problems for staff engagement
- Learn how technology can bridge gaps and help develop a more productive culture with staff
- Develop insights into how others are building new HR-based programs to develop staff, promote inclusion, and compete for the best talent
Sophie Santaella, MBA
Sophie Santaella is Executive Vice President/Chief of Operations at Seven Hills Foundation. Sophie works closely with the President and CEO on strategic initiatives that further the mission of Seven Hills Foundation and Affiliates and collaborates with Senior Leadership to execute the initiatives to achieve targeted results. She is responsible for optimizing resources, streamlining processes and production of performance analytics to ensure high quality service delivery and sustainable growth across the company.
Sophie has over 25 years of experience in administrative, financial, and strategic management in corporate and nonprofit organizations. Her areas of expertise include strategic planning, payment and care delivery innovation for complex populations, public sector healthcare reform, sustainable use of innovative technology in health care delivery, and evaluation of impact and value of healthcare service delivery models.
Prior to joining Seven Hills Foundation, Sophie was Chief Operating Officer at Vinfen where she oversaw all programmatic and administrative functions for Vinfen and its subsidiaries, ensuring that services were planned and managed to the highest standards of the industry and that the Vinfen companies were managed effectively and efficiently.
Prior to joining Vinfen, Sophie led the policy development, programmatic design, implementation, and oversight of integrated care management initiatives for Massachusetts’ Medicaid program.
Sophie has an MBA from Babson College.
Ray Wolfe, J.D.
Raymond “Ray” Wolfe, J.D. brings over 40 years of experience in the health and human services sector to the OPEN MINDS team. Mr. Wolfe currently serves as a Senior Associate, a position in which he utilizes his expertise to successfully lead varying projects for OPEN MINDS. His areas of expertise include managed care and value-based reimbursement models, financial analysis and management, mergers and acquisitions, CCBHC certification, integrated care, performance improvement, and strategic planning.
Before joining OPEN MINDS, Mr. Wolfe served in a 22-year tenure with Pittsburgh Mercy Health System in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Most recently, Mr. Wolfe served as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), where he was responsible for oversight of all system operations, strategic planning, and performance management. Under his direction Pittsburgh Mercy achieved Certified Behavioral Health Center status, earned over $850K in value-based reimbursement contract quality bonus awards, integrated three organizations through merger/acquisition, opened a primary care service that was integrated into programming for the severe and persistent mentally ill and homeless populations, and adopted a new performance management program for managers.
Before acting as Pittsburgh Mercy’s COO, Mr. Wolfe served as the organization’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and was responsible for the development of internal costing methodologies, contract rate negotiations, and financial forecasting activities. In addition, he coordinated an integrated care program with local partner hospitals to develop a series of diversion and respite programs, as well as specialized primary care, integrated care management, and high utilizer teams, while maintaining 15 straight years of profitability.
Mr. Wolfe was promoted to CFO after serving as the Director of Fiscal and Information Security/Compliance for the health system. In this role, he was responsible for managing the transition of service contracts from fee-for-service (FFS), leading all compliance activities, and implementing a next-generation electronic health record (EHR) system.
Prior to his time at Pittsburgh Mercy Health System, Mr. Wolfe served as Chief Fiscal Officer with the Summit Center for Human Development in Clarksburg, West Virginia, where he was responsible for reporting and budgeting functions and preparing Summit Center’s programs for FFS billing.
Previously, Mr. Wolfe served in billing and collections for two Pennsylvania-based hospitals. First, in his role as a manager for Healthcare Corporation of America (HCA) and as an Accounts Receivables Manager for Brownsville General Hospital in Brownsville, PA, where he managed the accounting and billing system transition systems. Later as a Patient Account Manager for St. Francis Medical Center in Pittsburgh, PA, where he improved collections to hit a 95% rate through the implementation of new billing software and department reorganization.
Prior to working in the health and human services market, Mr. Wolfe spent five years practicing as a Lawyer with at Law Offices of Arch A. Moore in Moundsville, WV. In this role, he provided general legal practice, created and established bylaws for multiple corporations, and handled West Virginia licensing of first vision insurance plan.
Mr. Wolfe earned his Juris Doctor from the West Virginia University School of Law in Morgantown, WV and his Bachelor’s degree with a focus in Political Science and Sociology from West Liberty University, Wheeling, West Virginia, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.