* Indicates An OPEN MINDS Leadership & Management Course With Course Hours
Integrated Behavioral Health In Action: Lessons From Kaiser Permanente’s Whole Person Care Model
As behavioral health leaders seek better access, coordination, and outcomes, Dr. James Tong shares an inside look at Kaiser Permanente’s integrated care approach. He examines how behavioral health is woven into screenings, evaluations, diagnosis, and care delivery system of Kaiser, and discusses partnerships with leading provider organizations to strengthen access and coordination. Designed for executives, this session offers practical insights from one of the largest health systems in the country for building sustainable integrated care models that improve quality and patient experience.
James E. Tong, M.D.
James Tong, M.D. is a board-certified pediatric nephrologist and physician leader with Southern California Permanente Medical Group, where he serves as the Care of Children Service Line Leader. He provides regional leadership for pediatric care across Southern California, including oversight of pediatric specialty services and the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Program, partnering with physicians, clinical teams, and healthcare leaders to advance quality, improve access, and strengthen the delivery of care for children and families.
Since joining SCPMG in 2009, Dr. Tong has combined his passion for caring for children with a commitment to building stronger healthcare systems. His leadership has focused on fostering collaboration across disciplines, developing physician leaders, and driving initiatives that improve care for children and families while supporting the teams who care for them.
Dr. Tong earned his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and completed his pediatric residency and fellowship in Pediatric Nephrology at the University of California, San Francisco. Throughout his career, he has remained dedicated to mentoring future leaders, advancing innovation in pediatric healthcare, and creating meaningful improvements that extend beyond the bedside.
Known for his thoughtful and collaborative leadership style, Dr. Tong believes that the greatest impact is achieved when people unite around a shared purpose. Whether caring for patients or leading regional transformation, he is driven by the opportunity to improve the health and well-being of children, families, and the communities they serve.
Rejoyn 2026 Digital Therapeutics Expo Presentation
Rejoyn is a prescription digital therapeutic for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) symptoms as an adjunct to clinician-managed outpatient care for adult patients with MDD age 22 years and older who are on antidepressant medication. It is intended to reduce MDD symptoms.
To learn more, view the Rejoyn Clinician Brief Summary here: https://www.rejoynhcp.com/Clinician-Brief-Summary.pdf
©2026 Otsuka Precision Health, Inc., All rights reserved.
July 2026 20US26EBP0072
Marc Weiss
Marc is a senior Marketing and Business Development leader at Otsuka Precision Health where he currently spearheads the adoption of an innovative, FDA cleared Prescription Digital Therapeutic for Adults with Depression in Health Systems and large practice organizations. His journey in Digital Mental Health began with advancing patient and provider user base for the first FDA approved Digital Medicine, a drug/app/device combination for patients with serious mental illness.Â
With a career spanning 25 years, Marc has consistently remained at the intersection of healthcare and innovation, holding pivotal roles at Bristol Myers Squibb and Klick Health. Notably, he led digital marketing strategy and execution for the launch of several groundbreaking Oncology treatments. Earlier in his career Marc drove expansion of the provider network for a Medicaid Managed Care organization and supported Payor Contract negotiations for a large university health system.Â
Throughout his career, Marc has navigated complex landscapes in marketing, advertising and healthcare strategy across diverse therapeutic areas. An award-winning marketer and thought leader, he has moderated discussions for PM360 and presented at the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy and Eye 4 Pharma. Marc earned his MBA in Healthcare Administration from the Fox School of Business at Temple University. He currently resides in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
Beyond The Launch: Embedding Behavioral Health In Emergency Departments
Sponsored by: 
Behavioral health providers and hospitals have long recognized the need for stronger care coordination. In this session, Tarzana Treatment Centers will share how they partnered with local emergency departments to embed behavioral health clinicians directly into the care team – and how that model has continued to evolve to strengthen partnerships, improve care coordination and expand access to treatment.
Attendees will gain practical insights into sustaining and scaling the model, adapting to changing organizational and policy landscapes, and the operational lessons that have shaped its continued evolution.
Jose C. Salazar, DrPH, MPH
José C. Salazar, Dr.PH, holds a Master’s and Doctoral degree in Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley. Since 1988, he has worked in the substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and mental health fields as a counselor, health educator, community organizer, researcher, and administrator. He has been the Project Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) for several Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and other federal entity funded programs that focus on providing substance use disorder (SUD) and/or mental health services to both adults and youth who are homeless, formerly incarcerated, uninsured, and/or identify as LGBTQ. Dr. Salazar also oversees the academic and administrative operation of TTC’s College which graduates individuals as certified addiction specialists. He is a member of the American Public Health Association (APHA) and routinely conducts presentations on various health topics at local and national conferences.
Amy Radtke, BSN, CCRN Alumnus
Integrating Technology, Housing & Health To Support Independent Aging
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in supporting older adults to live independently while improving health outcomes and reducing social isolation. Affordable senior housing providers are beginning to integrate digital health tools, remote monitoring, and supportive technologies directly into residential settings to better connect residents with care and services.
This panel will explore emerging innovations at the intersection of housing, health, and technology, highlighting how housing providers, health care organizations, and technology partners are working together to improve resident health, reduce isolation, and strengthen service coordination. Panelists will also share insights from a national research study conducted by the Institute for Public Health Innovation and funded by the Humana Foundation that examines how these models are being implemented in affordable senior housing communities.
Stephen Samuels
Stephen Samuels is Vice President of Innovation & Impact Investing at the national office of Volunteers of America (VOA), one of the nation’s largest and most experienced nonprofit providers of housing, health, and human services. In this role, he leads market-driven growth and multi-sector partnerships to expand VOA’s housing and value-based health initiatives.
Stephen also directs VOA’s Futures Fund, an impact investing subsidiary, which has deployed more than $3 million in catalytic capital to advance innovation and entrepreneurship both within the organization and among early-stage founders across the country. Under his leadership, VOA tests and pilots emerging technology solutions that improve the quality of life for clients nationwide. Some of the most successful have been in the areas of financial security, agetech, workforce development and maternal health.
Most recently, Stephen oversaw the research and publication of Residents First: Technology for Connection and Healthy Living in Affordable Senior Housing—a study which provides a people-centered roadmap for effective technology and health integration in older adult resident communities.
Before joining VOA, Stephen served as Executive Director of Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) in Greater Kansas City, one of the country’s leading community development financial institutions. He recently served on the national Advisory Research Council for Catalyzing Community Investment for Health Equity, a collaboration of the Build Healthy Places Network and the Association for Community Affiliated Plans; and is an Advisory Board member for CareAxis, a new service coordination platform for housing operators.
Stephen holds degrees in Urban Planning and Business Real Estate from the University of Cincinnati. Although his office is in Alexandria, VA, he works remotely from his home in Sacramento, CA.
Kari Evans
Kari Evans is a results-oriented monitoring, evaluation, and research expert with over 15 years of experience generating data-driven insights to enhance domestic and international community development programs. She specializes in approaches that center local voices and shared ownership, ensuring that evidence generation is grounded in community priorities and leads to meaningful, actionable change.
Kari is skilled in designing and implementing participatory monitoring and evaluation frameworks that combine qualitative and quantitative approaches to capture the depth of lived experience. She brings a human perspective to data and insights, using interviews, focus groups, participatory mapping, and other qualitative methods to center the stories behind the numbers. Her work emphasizes co-creation with stakeholders, integrating community knowledge with rigorous research design to enhance program effectiveness, equity, and sustainability.
Her technical expertise spans public health, governance and human rights, water and sanitation, and gender and social inclusion. She holds a master’s degree from The George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs, where she focused on gender and development in the Middle East, and a bachelor’s degree with distinction in Foreign Affairs and a minor in Middle East Studies from the University of Virginia.
Charlotte Yeh, M.D., FACEP
Dr. Yeh is a passionate advocate for healthcare transformation and healthy aging. Her career has spanned the industry: providers, payers, tech companies, nonprofits, and the government. Roles have included Chief Medical Officer, AARP Services Inc.; Regional Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; and emergency department chief.
Dr. Yeh received an MD from Northwestern University Medical School. She has extensive board experience and has garnered many honors for her work.
VX Therapy 2026 Digital Therapeutics Expo Presentation
Vx Therapy offers holistic and non-invasive healing delivered in the comfort of the home.
Their groundbreaking content is specially designed to help manage pain, anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, and PTSD-related symptoms.
Shan Padda
Shan is the founder and CEO of Harvard MedTech.
Shan is a serial entrepreneur who has founded, scaled and sold three healthcare companies prior to Harvard MedTech. Two of them were medical device companies and the third a technology enabled services company. One of his medical device companies did a successful IPO on Nasdaq prior to eventually being sold to a strategic acquirer
Shan was named to the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame and was chosen as the KPMG High Tech Entrepreneur of the year for Illinois in 1998. He is a former member of the World Economic Forum and a current member of YPO.
Shan earned a Bachelor’s degree from Harvard University with a major in Biology.
Don Fowls
Don Fowls is a nationally known psychiatrist and health care consultant who previously served past President of the Arizona Psychiatric Society and a Fellow in the American Psychiatric Association.
Prior to joining Harvard MedTech, Don served as Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President of Business Development for Value Options and its parent company, FHC Health Systems for eleven years. Don also served as EVP Business Development of Schaller Anderson and was CEO of its behavioral health subsidiary. Don has helped develop FasPsych, a telepsychiatry company, and is a board member and advisor for community based behavioral health organizations.
He earned his medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine.
MamaLift 2026 Digital Therapeutics Expo Presentation
Curio’s flagship product, MamaLift Plus, is the first FDA-cleared prescription digital therapeutic for the treatment of mild-to-moderate postpartum depression symptoms in women aged 22 and older. Its clearance represents more than a product milestone — it is the clinical and regulatory foundation upon which Curio’s entire therapeutic pipeline is being built. MamaLift Plus demonstrates that evidence-based, software-driven mental health interventions can meet the FDA’s rigorous standards for safety and efficacy in women’s health, a bar few digital health companies have cleared.
Shailja Dixit, M.D., MS, MPH
Shailja Dixit, MD, MS, MPH is CEO and Founder of Curio Digital Therapeutics and a physician executive with more than two decades of experience across healthcare, life sciences, and digital health. She holds graduate degrees in informatics and public health from Columbia University and has held senior leadership roles at organizations including Sanofi, Allergan, and GE. Shailja is a recognized thought leader in real-world evidence and psychosocial research, including the Mamalift Study, ongoing fertility research, and collaborative menopause research with Mayo Clinic. Her work focuses on translating rigorous research into evidence-based, practical interventions that support women’s behavioral health and workplace wellbeing across the lifespan.
Floreo 2026 Digital Therapeutics Expo Presentation
Floreo is an immersive virtual reality platform that supports the development and practice of social, communication, emotional regulation, behavioral, and daily living skills. Through structured, repeatable experiences in realistic environments, Floreo helps clinicians, educators, and caregivers provide individualized learning opportunities to neurodiverse learners. FloreoRx has received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation and is currently under FDA review through the De Novo pathway, following completion of a randomized controlled trial involving 117 children.
Marsha Stepensky, MS.Ed, BCBA
Marsha is a first-generation American, born to Soviet immigrant parents and raised in the Washington, DC area. She holds a Master of Science in Special Education with a concentration on Severe to Profound Disabilities and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Johns Hopkins University.
With over 15 years of experience in educational, clinical, and community settings, Marsha specializes in working with adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her expertise includes launching a multidisciplinary outpatient clinic in Washington, DC, establishing sexual health workshops for parents, professionals, and adults with IDD, and collaborating with international organizations to coach parents and professionals in autism and sexual health.
As a content producer at Floreo, Marsha leverages her passions to develop virtual reality experiences that educate, empower, and enable people to reach their fullest potential. When she’s not working on VR projects, Marsha enjoys exploring new places and cuisines with her husband, creating stained glass windows, and spending quality time with her furry friends – her doggy, Zuma, and two kitties, Minka and Yanna.
Breaking The Silence: Addressing Mental Health & Social Isolation In Older Adults
Mental health conditions among older adults are often underdiagnosed and undertreated due to stigma, workforce shortages, and limited integration between behavioral health and aging services. At the same time, social isolation and loneliness are increasingly recognized as major contributors to depression, anxiety, and declining health among older adults.
This panel will examine strategies to reduce stigma and expand access to behavioral health care while addressing social isolation as a key driver of mental health challenges. Panelists will discuss approaches such as integrating behavioral health into primary care, expanding geriatric mental health training, strengthening partnerships between health care providers and community organizations, and incorporating social connection interventions such as peer support and community engagement programs.
Scott Kaiser, M.D.
Scott A. Kaiser, MD, is the CEO of Determined Health, a company he co-founded with a vision for a new approach to community care—one that starts with human connection, first. Kaiser is a board-certified family physician and geriatrician with executive leadership experience focused on the improvement of aging services, geriatric care, and population health. Engaged in clinical care, teaching, community outreach, advocacy, and research, Kaiser is the Director of Geriatric Cognitive Health at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute, an adjunct faculty member of the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, and serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations. He is determined to solve healthcare’s greatest challenges and create healthy communities that support us all in living well and aging well.
Kaiser completed his undergraduate studies at Vassar College with a degree in Science, Technology, and Society, and received his medical degree from the Keck School of Medicine of USC. He went on to train within the Lawrence Family Medicine Residency, the Harvard Geriatric Medicine Fellowship, and the UCLA Health Services Research Fellowship.
Kristen Brooks, M.D.
Dr. Kristen Brooks completed medical school and residency training before continuing at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) as an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, where she served as Assistant Director of the Psychiatry Consult Service.
In 2012, she joined Kaiser Permanente’s Department of Psychiatry as an adult outpatient and Consultation-Liaison (CL) Psychiatrist. She continues her clinical work in CL Psychiatry today and co-leads KP Northern California’s Regional Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry group. In her clinical work she sees medically hospitalized patients needing expert consultation from a Psychiatrist in addition to providing consultation to a wide variety of specialists across the medical center. She co-led the development and regional spread of KPs Delirium Management and Prevention Program across all KP Northern California hospitals and served a clinical co-lead for this work for nearly a decade. She has published and presented nationally on delirium care and served on the Conference Planning Committee for the American Delirium Society.
Dr. Brooks currently serves as Associate Physician in Chief (APIC) for Risk Management and Patient Safety, Mental Health, Skilled Nursing, and Outpatient Quality at KP San Rafael, where she also co-leads the Ethics Committee and serves as Assistant Chief for Medical-Legal Affairs. She also serves as Chair of the APIC’s of Risk Management and Patient Safety across Northern California.
Integrated Supports For Dual-Diagnosis: The Convergence of Mental Health & I/DD Services
Individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions and intellectual or developmental disabilities often fall into gaps between traditionally siloed systems—resulting in fragmented care, unnecessary crisis events, and inconsistent outcomes. As demand grows and acuity rises, behavioral health leaders are increasingly challenged to design coordinated, person-centered models that meet the full spectrum of needs for this population.
This session explores emerging best practices in integrating mental health and I/DD services across clinical, community and residential settings. Presenters will highlight innovative models that blend behavioral health expertise, trauma-informed care, and care coordination to deliver comprehensive, consistent, and culturally responsive services.
Attendees will learn:
- Implications for the workforce in providing comprehensive care
- The funding and regulatory considerations, and
- Data-sharing strategies and partnerships that drive care for dual-diagnosis populations
Angela Yen, MA, BCBA
Angela Yen is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Registered Psychological Associate with over 18 years of experience supporting individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions across the lifespan. She holds a master’s degree in special education with a specialization in autism spectrum disorders and is currently completing her doctorate in psychology.
Angela’s career spans a rich continuum, from classroom teacher and wraparound counselor servicing inner-city youth, to building and leading ABA teams, to directly consultation and crisis services. Her practice integrates positive psychology and the biopsychosocial model, with a focus on strengths-based, whole-person care across complex service systems.
At Easterseals Southern California, Angela leads the Consultation Services Department, overseeing Enhanced Care Management and START Crisis Support Services. She has cultivated partnerships with the Autism Society, NAMI, local law enforcement, and the Department of Mental Health. Her research interests center on system-informed positive psychology, the integration of PERMA+ frameworks into clinical and organizational practices, and organization behavior management. Angela is passionate about advancing innovative, people-centered models of service delivery that embed well-being science into the future of care.
Terri Gowey, MS, BCBA, LBA
Terri Gowey is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Licensed Behavior Analyst, and Chief Operating Officer at Chileda Institute, Inc. in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Terri obtained her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse and Master of Science in Psychology degree from Kaplan University. Terri has been with Chileda for 25 years and in her role as COO has been influential in expanding services to meet the needs of more families and children in Wisconsin communities. She has many years of experience supporting individuals with Autism, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and challenging behaviors using Trauma-Informed Behavioral Interventions.  Â
Valerie Wilmink, MS, BCBA, LBA
Valerie Wilmink is the Clinical Supervisor of Chileda Shine, part of the nationally recognized Chileda Institute in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She is a Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst with extensive experience supporting individuals with complex behavioral and developmental needs.
Valerie holds a Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis from Purdue University Global. Her work focuses on functional behavior assessment, individualized intervention planning, and staff and caregiver training. She has experience supporting individuals with autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and severe behavioral challenges, and has training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Valerie is passionate about creating practical, data-driven supports and collaborating with teams and families to promote meaningful, client-centered outcomes.
Kate Lopas, MS, BCBA
Kate Lopas is the Vice President of Residential Services at Chileda, a nationally recognized organization based in La Crosse, Wisconsin. A Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst, Kate brings over a decade of experience in the assessment and treatment of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and co-occurring behavioral and developmental needs.
She holds a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology from Argosy University and a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from Purdue Global University. In addition to her clinical expertise, Kate has extensive experience in organizational leadership, systems development, and staff training.
Her professional focus centers on the advancement of trauma-informed, person-centered practices within residential and educational settings. She is a passionate advocate for systemic change to better support individuals with ASD and their families through evidence-based, compassionate care.
State & Local Strategies For The Next Decade: Building Age-Ready Systems of Care
States and communities across the country are responding to rapid demographic change as the population of older adults grows and becomes more diverse. Workforce shortages, rising care needs, and evolving expectations around access, technology, and care coordination are placing new demands on aging and health systems. Many states are developing Multisector Plans for Aging (MPAs) to align policy, coordinate services, and strengthen systems that support aging across health care, housing, transportation, and community services. At the same time, cities and counties are advancing Age-Friendly Community Action Plans to translate these broader policy goals into practical strategies that improve daily life for older adults.
This panel will explore how state and local leaders are working together to build age-ready systems through cross-sector collaboration, expansion of home- and community-based services, workforce development, and community planning. Panelists will discuss how statewide policy initiatives and local age-friendly strategies can reinforce one another to create coordinated systems that support healthy aging over the coming decade.
Sarah Steenhausen
Sarah Steenhausen serves as Deputy Director of the Division of Policy, Research and Engagement at the California Department of Aging. In this role, she collaborates with state departments and stakeholders in developing policy and research impacting older adults, people with disabilities and family caregivers to advance system change and realize the goals of California’s Master Plan for Aging. Previously, Sarah served as Director of Policy and Advocacy at The SCAN Foundation. She began her policy career in 2001 as a Consultant to the California State Senate Subcommittee on Aging and Long-Term Care.
Sarah holds a Master of Science in Gerontology from the University of Southern California, Davis School of Gerontology and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Connecticut College in New London, Connecticut.
Amy Ramirez, MSW
Amy Ramirez is Executive Director of Healthcare Foundation Northern Sonoma County, where she is reshaping regional philanthropy to shift power, align capital, and build community-rooted health infrastructure. A former medical social worker, she leads cross-sector efforts that integrate public financing, workforce development, and community leadership to advance long-term health equity. Her work focuses on designing scalable models that strengthen safety-net systems and center lived expertise in funding strategy.
Aging In Place: Care Models That Are Improving Outcomes
As health care financing shifts toward value-based reimbursement, aging services providers are increasingly expected to demonstrate measurable outcomes while supporting older adults to remain safely at home. This panel will highlight scalable models that align Medicare Advantage plans, provider organizations, hospitals, and community-based services to improve outcomes while controlling costs.
Panelists will share lessons from home-based care coordination programs, hospital-to-home transition models, and provider–payer partnerships that are helping reduce avoidable hospitalizations and improve continuity of care for medically complex older adults.
Jessica Santos, MS, BSN, RN, CWOCN
Kasey Cheal
Paula Digerness, MLTCA, NHA
Paula Digerness is an experienced healthcare executive with more than 25 years of leadership in senior living, long-term care, and healthcare operations. She currently serves as Executive Director and Nursing Home Administrator at Carlsbad by the Sea, a continuing care retirement community recognized for its 5-star Medicare rating and top-quartile satisfaction results. Paula has led multiple communities through record operational performance, innovative dementia care program design, and flawless regulatory surveys. She holds a Master’s in Long-Term Care Administration from the University of Southern California and is pursuing her Doctorate in Social Work. Known for her strategic vision, operational excellence, and commitment to staff development, Paula brings deep expertise in addressing today’s staffing and workforce challenges in healthcare.
The AI Operating System For Behavioral Health Clinics
Sponsored by: 
Behavioral health clinics are being asked to do more with the same admissions, clinical, and billing teams, while patient demand keeps climbing. mdhub will demo an AI-first operating system built specifically for behavioral health, where AI “workers” (not bolt-on point solutions) run admissions, clinical documentation, and billing side-by-side with your staff.
See it in action:
- Sarah: An AI Admissions Coordinator who efficiently screens and schedules patients via phone, website or referral.
- Emma: An AI Clinical Assistant offering a robust clinical and compliance platform.
- Laura: An AI Care Coordinator facilitating communication with patients about their treatment plans.
- Eric: An AI Biller equipped with a detailed rules engine designed specifically for mental health.
The results for clinics: more patients scheduled, meaningfully fewer denials, and hours of clinician time returned to care every day. Come see what an “operating system,” not a “point solution,” actually looks like, and what it could mean for your workflows, your margins, and your patients.
Combining Smart Data & Collaboration For Better Performance With Banner Health
Health systems across the country face a common challenge: improving access and quality while managing limited capacity and growing demand. In this keynote, Dr. Marjorie Bessel, Chief Clinical Officer at Banner Health, (who was named as one of Modern Healthcare’s 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives for 2025) will share how a system-wide initiative combining real-time data, interdisciplinary teamwork, and operational alignment transformed patient flow and care performance across six states.
By creating a diverse team, breaking down silos and coordinating daily decision-making across clinical specialties and care settings—including rehabilitation, home-based care, and post-acute services—Banner created smoother care transitions which improved care agility. The results were significant: capacity equivalent to 100 additional beds and the ability to serve nearly 10,000 more patients in a single year.
Join Banner Health to hear actionable insights for harnessing data, strengthening collaboration, and accelerating patient movement across the continuum, all for sustainable operational impact.
Marjorie Bessel, M.D.
Marjorie Bessel, M.D. is the chief clinical officer at Banner Health. Dr. Bessel began her journey with Banner 12 years ago, and has served in progressive physician leadership positions. She initially served as chief medical officer for several hospitals, then moved into the Arizona Division chief medical officer role, before accepting vice president roles for Continuum Management and Clinical Integration. She most recently served as vice president/chief medical officer for Community Delivery.
Her clinical background is as a hospitalist and she maintains board certification and active staff privileges. She is also passionate around empowerment of patients through transparency of individual’s clinical information. Dr. Bessel earned a B.S. in biology, magna cum laude, from Syracuse University and she attended Rush Medical College in Chicago, Illinois, where she was presented with the James B. Herrick award for most outstanding performance in internal medicine. She completed her residency in internal medicine at Rush- Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center, Chicago and was honored by continuing for an additional year in the capacity as Chief Resident.
From Reactive To Strategic: Building A Coherent Technology Roadmap For Behavioral Health
In an environment defined by rapid innovation, behavioral health organizations are facing a critical question: are technology decisions being made strategically or simply in response to immediate pressures?
Too often leaders find themselves investing in disconnected solutions that solve short term challenges but fail to support long term goals. This session will explore how forward-thinking organizations are shifting from reactive decision-making to intentional, multi-year technology planning. Learn how to develop a cohesive technology roadmap that aligns with your organization’s strategic priorities, enhances operational efficiency, and supports sustainable growth.
Attendees will gain practical insights on:
- How to evaluate current investments, prioritize initiatives, and avoid costly missteps that come from fragmented approaches
- The frameworks and leadership perspectives needed to ensure your technology strategy becomes a competitive advantage, not a liability
- The technology adoption and strategy questions every executive team should be asking
Michael Allen
Michael Allen brings over 30 years of experience in the non-profit behavioral healthcare industry to the OPEN MINDS team. He currently serves as an Executive Vice President in our consulting practice, where he provides executive oversight and leadership to provider and payer client engagements for OPEN MINDS.
Mr. Allen was most recently the Chief Executive Officer of SummitStone Health Partners, the largest non-profit behavioral health service provider in Larimer County, CO. In this role Mr. Allen was responsible for the planning deployment, communication and accomplishment of SummitStone Health Partners’ overarching corporate strategy. He managed a budget of $80Million and was responsible for more than 750 full time employees and over 12,000 clients annually.
Prior to SummitStone Health Partners, Mr. Allen served as the Vice President of Managed Care & Operations at AspenPointe (now Diversus Health). At AspenPointe he developed and managed a system of accountability for monitoring and evaluating provider performance in seven Colorado counties. He was also responsible for the quality management oversight of all business lines, as well as managing a substance abuse treatment contract with the Colorado Division of Behavioral Health and a child welfare services agreement with El Paso County Department of Human Services.
Previously, Mr. Allen was the Director of Clinical Care for Connect Care, (rebranded as AspenPointe in 2010). In this position Mr. Allen provided supervision to the clinical staff, as well as developing clinical guidelines and services. He was also the project director for the 4th Judicial District Family Reunification Grant and he oversaw care coordination and voucher management functions for Colorado Access to Recovery Grant.
Before Connect Care, Mr. Allen was the Director of Child Welfare Services for Signal Behavioral Health Network, a non-profit that has been managing and expanding substance use prevention, treatment and recovery services in northeast Colorado for over 25 years. Mr. Allen managed a network of Substance Use Disorder treatment providers, programs and services across 35 Colorado counties.
Mr. Allen earned a Bachelor of Arts in Design/Psychology from Brigham Young University, a Masters in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University, and a Masters in Business Administration from Colorado State University. He is a Licensed Social Worker and a Certified Addictions Specialist in Colorado.
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.
Beyond The Numbers: The CFOs Role As A Strategic Asset
As behavioral health providers navigate financial pressures, evolving reimbursement models, and growing demand for services, the role of the CFO has expanded well beyond traditional financial oversight. Today’s finance leaders are strategic partners who help organizations execute their mission by aligning financial strategy with operational priorities, driving data-informed decision-making, and ensuring resources are deployed where they create the greatest impact.
In this session, Steven Collins, Chief Financial Officer of South Coast Community Services, shares lessons learned from leadership roles across non-profit health systems, private equity-backed health care organizations, and behavioral health. Through practical examples, including revenue cycle optimization, operational partnerships, and strategic resource allocation—attendees will explore how finance can become a catalyst for organizational performance and long-term sustainability.
Learning Objectives include:
- Examine how the role of CFO is evolving from financial steward to strategic business partner
- Identify practical strategies for aligning financial planning, operational performance and organizational priorities
- Apply proven approaches to improve decision-making, optimize revenue cycle management, and position finance as a drive of sustainable growth
Steven Collins
Steven Collins is the Chief Financial Officer of South Coast Community Services, where he partners with executive leadership to strengthen financial performance, support strategic growth, and advance the organization’s mission of serving children, adults, and families across Southern California.
Steven has more than 25 years of finance experience, with leadership roles spanning nonprofit health systems, private equity-backed healthcare organizations, behavioral health, hospitals, and multi-site provider organizations. Over the course of his career, he has led enterprise finance organizations through growth, acquisitions, finance transformation, operational performance improvement, and organizational change, partnering closely with executive and operational leaders to help organizations execute strategy.
Prior to joining South Coast Community Services, Steven held senior finance leadership roles with Sonrava Health, a national multi-site dental services organization; Beth Israel Lahey Health, one of the largest nonprofit health systems in New England; Prospect Medical Holdings and Prime Healthcare, national multi-hospital health systems; and Elements Behavioral Health.
Steven earned a degree in Economics from the University of York in the UK and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the United States.
Building Momentum That Lasts: Leadership & Operational Strategies To Advance Better Care
Staying ahead in an uncertain market requires breaking decision paralysis and keeping up momentum for stronger organizational performance and better outcomes. Join Monica E. Oss, Chief Executive Officer of OPEN MINDS, as she discusses how leading organizations are getting ahead by creating a best-in-class consumer experience while streamlining operations. Attendees will gain insights into executive level approaches to leading top clinical teams and providing them with the tools and technology needed for sustainable growth and better care.
Monica E. Oss
Monica E. Oss, M.S. is the founder of OPEN MINDS and serves as its chief executive officer, executive editor of its publications and websites, and executive lead of its consulting engagements. For the past three decades, Ms. Oss has led the OPEN MINDS team and its research on health and human service market trends and its national consulting practice. She is well known for her numerous books and articles focused on the strategic and marketing implications of the evolving health and human service field – and its focus on the verticals of the field serving consumers with chronic conditions and complex support needs.
Ms. Oss has extensive experience in developing and implementing growth strategies for a wide array of organizations in the field. She has expertise in industry trend analysis, reimbursement, rate setting, and creating actionable plans for market success. In her role, she has led numerous engagements with state Medicaid plans, county governments, private insurers, and health plans, service provider organizations, technology vendors, neurotechnology and pharmaceutical organizations, and investment banking firms – with a focus on the implications of financing changes on delivery system design.
Prior to founding OPEN MINDS, Ms. Oss served as an executive with a nationally managed behavioral health organization, responsible for market development, actuarial analysis, and capitation-based rate setting. She also held a position as vice president of the U.S. risk management and underwriting division of an international insurance company.
Ms. Oss has been the keynote speaker at the conferences of dozens of national associations and has been published in a wide range of professional journals and trade publications. She has provided Congressional and state legislative testimony on issues as diverse as the financial impact of parity and payer medication access policies.
Ms. Oss has led a range of industry research and consultation initiatives, serving as principal investigator on research projects that include the examination of national managed care enrollment and service patterns, development of provider rate structures for government entities, creation of return-on-investment models for technology investments; design of performance-based compensation models within public and private health plans; and analysis of the economic impact of changes in benefit design, adoption of evidence-based practices, and new technologies.