2024
Presentations
Breakfast & Registration
Grab your badge, a light breakfast, and get registered for the week ahead!
Clinical Talent Management Best Practices – Models For Workforce Recruiting, Retention & Talent Optimization: The 2024 OPEN MINDS Seminar
Join us for the Clinical Talent Management Seminar: Winning Strategies for Retaining Healthcare Professionals in Today’s Arena. Just like in the world of college football, where the NCAA transfer portal redefines team dynamics, the health care industry faces a similar challenge in retaining its valuable team players.
In this masterclass, we will explore the evolving landscape of health care talent management, looking beyond the typical playbook. Our expert coaches and scouts will delve into the current workforce climate and forecast future trends. Gain insights into innovative tactics and strategies for attracting and keeping your first-string teammates while optimizing your team’s performance to meet the demands of the current challenging season.
Discover revamped approaches to compensation models, benefits packages, and cutting-edge recruitment techniques tailored to health care and the wider competitive market. Our endzone is to help executive teams decode today’s workforce’s preferences and aspirations and empower you to position your organization as the winning choice for talent.
Throughout this masterclass, you’ll develop a playbook of strategies to:
- New approaches for crafting personalized recruitment and retention strategies and leveraging technology for an enhanced employee experience
- Develop performance-driven models to elevate your team’s output and implement flexible frameworks to accommodate employee needs
- Establishing your organization as the coveted “Employer of Choice”
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.
Thomas Starling, Ed.D.
Dr. Tom Starling is a growth-focused executive who has spent his extensive career specializing in defining vision and steering strategy for mission-driven small and mid-sized organizations. Dr. Starling has demonstrated year-after-year success in securing millions of dollars in funding and grants to drive growth, revamp programs, transform operations, and fuel long-term, positive change. Dr. Starling joins OPEN MINDS as a Senior Associate.
Previously, Dr. Starling was the Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships for Rogers Behavioral Health System, a nationally recognized nonprofit provider of highly specialized psychiatric care. In this role, Dr. Starling gave voices to 21 clinics across 10 states and drove the development of a multidisciplinary division, spanning advocacy, government relationships at a state and federal level, and behavioral health prevention and education. He identified, targeted, and secured donors, oversaw 10 staff, and controlled a $2 million budget. Dr. Starling was responsible for co-managing national sponsorship decisions and hired Public Affairs Director and Advocacy Manager to optimize organizational performance and cohesively connect messaging, media, and corporate platforms to advocacy and government relations.
Dr. Starling was also the President and Chief Operating Officer for Mental Health American (MHA) of Midsouth, a nonprofit organization that connects community members with specialized mental health and wellness resources, providing services that improve quality of life and promoting effective services where mental health needs exist. Dr. Starling used his extensive leadership and fundraising experience to define overall strategy and implement a new organizational structure for the largest affiliate in the South. He developed partnerships and managed all relations with funders, donors, and foundations, in addition to providers, hospitals, and health systems. Additionally, Dr. Starling partnered with state and federal legislatures, as well as local and city government officials supervised and supported 25 staff members and controlled the $2 million annual budget. Dr. Starling fueled revenues after creating and rolling out numerous impactful programs and outlined continuing education opportunities and expanded the suicide prevention program by 10 states. Dr. Starling was also nominated to serve on the National MHA Board of Directors and was elected Board Chair from 2018 to 2020, making it the first time in 110-year history to have the affiliate CEO serve as Board Chair.
Dr. Starling is also the former Vice President of Operations for HEOPS in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Starling led daily operations and expanded business for the start-up healthcare company. He served as ISO-9001 Quality Manager, HR Manager, Call Center Supervisor, and Chief Contract Negotiator. He was responsible for tripling staff size by opening Medicaid and Medicare networks in 12 states, making the entire network expand across 40 states in total and expanding from 1 call center to 3. Dr. Starling also became a Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 listed mediator during his tenure.
Dr. Starling graduated with honors from Tennessee State University with his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Administration. He also holds a Master of Arts in Medical Ethics from Vanderbilt University, a Master’s Degree in Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Baylor University. Additionally, he obtained a Medical Gerontology Certification from Meharry Medical College and a Business Leadership Certification from the Vanderbilt University Owen School of Business.
How To Develop A New Service Line: The 2024 OPEN MINDS Seminar On Building A Diversification Strategy & Conducting A Feasibility Analysis
In the current environment of changing consumer expectations and new financial models, two essential skills that all executives need to master are the ability to evaluate and modify existing services as well as to develop new services to meet the challenges in the changing market, including being more financially viable and relevant to consumers. In this exciting seminar, OPEN MINDS industry expert Deanne Cornette will breakdown the processes for compiling and ranking new service line ideas, conducting a thorough feasibility analysis, and planning the final service line development and launch.
- Implementing a five-step process for evaluating new service line opportunities
- Conducting a market and financial feasibility analysis
- Planning a best practice service line development and launch
Deanne Cornette, MHA, GPC
Deanne Cornette, MHA, GPC, brings over 20 years of experience in the behavioral health field. Ms.Cornette currently serves as a Senior Associate for OPEN MINDS and brings to the OPEN MINDS team noted expertise in strategic planning, grant writing and revenue development.
Previously, Ms. Cornette was the Vice President of Strategic Development for Tampa Family Health Centers, a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center. In this role, she managed grants, contracts, front desk operations, training, quality assurance special assignments (risk assessments and responses to complaints), credentialing and billing functions. In a very short time period, she successfully procured funding to integrate behavioral health services, brought a system of processes to track health indicators and improve value-based care payment and service and became proficient in utilizing HRSA’s reporting portals.
As Counsel for Strategic Development at Agency for Community Treatment Services, Inc. (ACTS) and Vice President of Business Development for Gracepoint (merger), Ms. Cornette directed strategic development, contract negotiations, revenue development, marketing and grants. In this capacity, she targeted funding sources and built a lucrative cash flow that provided needed services to vulnerable populations in need of behavioral health treatment.
Some of her most successful negotiations created best practice services for veteran’s programs, women’s services, as well those involved with the criminal justice system. Her portfolio includes a wide array of awards from a multitude of agencies including, but not limited to: SAMHSA, HUD, Centers for Medicaid, and the Department of Transportation and collaborations with private, non-profit and government entities. Most recently, she worked with Gracepoint to develop Hillsborough’s Centralized Receiving Facility, one of the first funded in the State of Florida. From a system of care for jail diversion to evidence based practices for individuals who are homeless with behavioral health needs, her awards have netted over $80 million dollars to our community.
In addition, Ms. Cornette served as the Vice President for the National Contract Management Association Suncoast Chapter, Vice President of ACTS Affordable Housing Board of Directors, Vice President of ACTS Foundation Board of Directors, and was a member of Hillsborough County Health Care Advisory Board. She is the recipient of University of South Florida’s 2018 Florida Outstanding Women of the Year in Public Health. Her Centralized Receiving Facility collaborative won a 2018 WEDU PBS Be Brilliant / Innovation Award. Her concept of Housing, Engagement and Retention Tenancy (HEART) program won the 2018 Heart for Homeless award through the Housing and Education Alliance.
Ms. Cornette received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and her Masters Degree in Health Administration from the University of South Florida.
Dee DeWitt
Dee DeWitt has extensive experience as a consultant and corporate leader in the healthcare field. Mr. DeWitt brings over 28 years of experience in healthcare finance and operations, M&A, use of technology, strategic planning, and change management in healthcare organizations to OPEN MINDS as a Senior Associate.
Previously, Mr. DeWitt was the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Momentum for Health, a CARF-accredited non-profit behavioral health organization providing services to individuals with a diagnosed serious mental illness (SMI) and/or substance abuse disorder, in San Jose, California. During his tenure, Mr. DeWitt increased outpatient productivity by 25% and contributed to growing revenues from $55 million to a projected $71+ million for the fiscal year of 2023. Mr. DeWitt also oversaw Momentum ‘s pilot with Santa Clara County’s transition to Netsmart Provider Connect and led a successful grant award and implementation of a multi-year paid intern program in partnership with Santa Clara University, San Jose University, and Palo Alto University.
Mr. DeWitt was also the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Veridian Financial Group, a strategic consulting firm specializing in performing long-term, on-site C-level and Director roles, evaluating and implementing financial strategies, strategic operational planning, and development strategies for companies that are poised for significant growth, change, or require turnaround attention, in San Jose, California. During his time at Veridian Financial Group, Mr. DeWitt focused primarily on healthcare, finance, technology, and private equity and coordinated licensing, compliance, and external audits for 42 state licenses, including managed care organizations, managed care plans, Medicare, Medicaid, and service provider organizations.
In addition, Mr. DeWitt served as Chief Financial Officer and a Consultant in Strategic Planning and Finance for Home Recovery – Home Aid, Inc., a private equity-backed, for-profit company that provides personal care and skilled care in 35 locations and in-home care throughout Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. During his time there, Mr. DeWitt was a member of the company’s executive management team, audit team, and License & Compliance team. Mr. DeWitt also served as Chief Financial Officer of Professional Healthcare Resources, Inc., a for-profit holding company comprised of 5 home health companies, 4 hospice companies, and 2 private duty/personal care companies. Mr. DeWitt has also been the Chief Financial and Technology Officer for The Filson, a nationally renowned non-profit archive and research institute, and Director of Strategic Development for Signature Healthcare, LLC, a national private equity-backed for-profit, long-term care company operating over 180 facilities, with 18,000 employees, and over $1 billion in revenues.
Mr. DeWitt also held the positions of Deputy Director of Behavioral Health at the County of Ventura, CA Behavioral Health Services Department, and Director of Finance and Management Services of the Southeastern Arizona Behavioral Health Services (SEABHS), a joint commissioned accredited non-profit.
Mr. DeWitt graduated from the University of Louisville, Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and a Master’s in Political Science with a concentration in Economics and Public Policy.
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.
Grand Opening Of The Exhibit Hall Networking Reception
Sponsored By: 
Join us for a surf-themed unveiling of all of our great exhibitors! Enjoy live music, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres as we kick off the week with this fun networking reception, brought to you by Thoughtful AI!
And just for attending, you’ll be entered into a raffle prize drawing being offered by Thoughtful AI who will be giving out a set of AirPods Pro!
Breakfast & Registration
If you haven’t registered yet, check in with us at the registration desk and then enjoy breakfast in the exhibit hall!
The Growth & Challenges Of For-Profit Specialty Provider Organizations: The C-Suite Perspective
Join three CEO’s of leading, multi-state for-profit provider organizations as they examine the art of developing your organization’s unique value proposition, operational limitations to growth and sustainability, the future of M&A and investment capital, and more in this exciting plenary session.
John Peloquin, Ph.D., MBA
John Peloquin’s career spans more than 20 years of achievement in successfully building and leading behavioral healthcare organizations.
During the late 1990s, as Chief Administrative Officer/Director of Operations for Vital Imaging, Mr. Peloquin developed and executed organizational growth initiatives, including strategic partnerships and alliances to expand preventive medical treatment throughout the western United States.
He then became Division President of CRC Health Group, one of the nation’s largest behavioral healthcare providers. He joined the firm in 2004 and was responsible for multiple service lines integrally involved with the growth of company facilities which included a portfolio of premium and low-cost residential facilities treating substance abuse, mental health, eating disorders, and providing an array of ancillary services. A Bain Capital sponsored company, CRC was sold to Acadia Healthcare in 2015 for $1.3B. At that time, this deal constituted the largest organizational sale in the history of the behavioral healthcare field.
Mr. Peloquin was named Division President for Acadia Healthcare, heading up Acadia’s national outpatient division, charged with servicing more than 58,000 patients per day across 27 states. In this capacity, he helped the division to nearly double in size through acquisition, de novo, and organic growth methods. As a result, the organization became the national market leader in medication-assisted treatment.
After great success improving clinical and organizational systems at Acadia Healthcare, Mr. Peloquin became Chief Executive Officer of Cliffside Malibu, a network of evidence-based addiction treatment centers located in Malibu, California. In 2018, he facilitated the merger of Cliffside Malibu with Center of Discovery, resulting in the formation of Discovery Behavioral Health where he currently serves as our President and Chief Executive Officer.
Mr. Peloquin is married with three children and lives with his family in San Diego. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in Finance and a Ph.D. in Applied Management and Decision Sciences.
Marshal Salomon
Marshal Salomon brings over 25 years of executive leadership experience in multi-site, community-based healthcare organizations. Prior to joining BayMark Health Services, he served as CEO of Unio Health Partners, the largest gastroenterology and urology practice management company in the Western States, with over 160 providers across more than 50 sites. Marshal has also served as CEO of The Oncology Institute, a value-based oncology practice, and as CEO of InterDent Service Corporation, one of the nation’s leading Dental Support Organizations.
Prior to these roles, Mr. Salomon was the Chief Operating Officer of Vantage Oncology, a provider of high-quality, community-based cancer care with over 200 physician partners and affiliates in 14 states. Before becoming COO, he served as Vantage’s Chief Financial Officer. He also spent over five years as a senior executive at DaVita, a leading provider of dialysis services.
Mr. Salomon holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Brown University and a master’s degree in business administration from The Anderson School at UCLA.
Jim Shaheen
Thought Leader Discussion
Join our keynote panelists for an interactive discussion where you can take time to ask your own questions and continue the conversation.
John Peloquin, Ph.D., MBA
John Peloquin’s career spans more than 20 years of achievement in successfully building and leading behavioral healthcare organizations.
During the late 1990s, as Chief Administrative Officer/Director of Operations for Vital Imaging, Mr. Peloquin developed and executed organizational growth initiatives, including strategic partnerships and alliances to expand preventive medical treatment throughout the western United States.
He then became Division President of CRC Health Group, one of the nation’s largest behavioral healthcare providers. He joined the firm in 2004 and was responsible for multiple service lines integrally involved with the growth of company facilities which included a portfolio of premium and low-cost residential facilities treating substance abuse, mental health, eating disorders, and providing an array of ancillary services. A Bain Capital sponsored company, CRC was sold to Acadia Healthcare in 2015 for $1.3B. At that time, this deal constituted the largest organizational sale in the history of the behavioral healthcare field.
Mr. Peloquin was named Division President for Acadia Healthcare, heading up Acadia’s national outpatient division, charged with servicing more than 58,000 patients per day across 27 states. In this capacity, he helped the division to nearly double in size through acquisition, de novo, and organic growth methods. As a result, the organization became the national market leader in medication-assisted treatment.
After great success improving clinical and organizational systems at Acadia Healthcare, Mr. Peloquin became Chief Executive Officer of Cliffside Malibu, a network of evidence-based addiction treatment centers located in Malibu, California. In 2018, he facilitated the merger of Cliffside Malibu with Center of Discovery, resulting in the formation of Discovery Behavioral Health where he currently serves as our President and Chief Executive Officer.
Mr. Peloquin is married with three children and lives with his family in San Diego. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in Finance and a Ph.D. in Applied Management and Decision Sciences.
Marshal Salomon
Marshal Salomon brings over 25 years of executive leadership experience in multi-site, community-based healthcare organizations. Prior to joining BayMark Health Services, he served as CEO of Unio Health Partners, the largest gastroenterology and urology practice management company in the Western States, with over 160 providers across more than 50 sites. Marshal has also served as CEO of The Oncology Institute, a value-based oncology practice, and as CEO of InterDent Service Corporation, one of the nation’s leading Dental Support Organizations.
Prior to these roles, Mr. Salomon was the Chief Operating Officer of Vantage Oncology, a provider of high-quality, community-based cancer care with over 200 physician partners and affiliates in 14 states. Before becoming COO, he served as Vantage’s Chief Financial Officer. He also spent over five years as a senior executive at DaVita, a leading provider of dialysis services.
Mr. Salomon holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Brown University and a master’s degree in business administration from The Anderson School at UCLA.
Jim Shaheen
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.
Strategies From Magellan Health & Coleman Health Services For Using HEDIS Measures To Improve Performance
More than 227 million people are enrolled in health plans (commercial, Medicaid, Medicare) that report HEDIS results, making HEDIS one of health care’s most widely used performance improvement tools.
HEDIS measures are not just numbers, they are the key to how care is provided and how both clinical and financial “success” is determined for specialty health care providers. Demonstrating the positive impact of your services based on HEDIS measures can give your organization a competitive contracting advantage in a competitive market. It may open the door for reimbursement bonuses and incentives.
In today’s performance and value-based environment, executive leadership’s ability to implement and operationalize these measures into daily service delivery is becoming increasingly important.
In this session, we will explore how two organizations have successfully implemented HEDIS measurement in the daily program and service delivery.
Key Takeaways include:
- Discover the best practice implementation strategies of HEDIS measures in treatment programs and coordinated care systems across your organization and the potential benefits they can bring
- How to leverage positive HEDIS outcomes results with payers for bonus incentives, new contract development, and service line expansion
- The ins and outs of tracking and reporting data and outcomes measures to payers
Brian Welsh, M.D.
Dr. Brian Welsh is the Chief Medical Officer at Coleman Health Services, a nationally-recognized nonprofit behavioral health organization with services in multiple counties throughout the state of Ohio. Dr. Welsh is board-certified in Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry, and is clinical adjunct faculty at Northeast Ohio Medical University and Lincoln Memorial University. Dr. Welsh balances clinical care, forensic evaluations, and administrative duties as part of his role of Chief Medical Officer at Coleman. Active with the Senior Leadership Team at Coleman, Dr. Welsh is involved in strategic direction, implementing and developing strong clinical care and medical practice for persons served at Coleman, and monitoring of outcomes and best practices.
Margaret Mays
Margaret Mays brings over 20 years of health care industry experience to the OPEN MINDS team. Ms. Mays currently serves as a Senior Associate at OPEN MINDS. Her areas of expertise include quality program design and metrics-based programs, training development, health care processing systems, policy development, and accreditation/regulatory requirements.
Prior to joining OPEN MINDS, Ms. Mays served as the Vice President of Quality Improvement at Magellan Health Services, where she provided comprehensive quality leadership, developed high-performance teams, and improved metrics. She launched the Magellan Lean Six Sigma Training Institute resulting in an ROI of $1.7 million. Ms. Mays cultivated a high-performance team of over 20 staff members and improved department productivity through mentoring and coaching.
Prior to her role at Magellan Health, Ms. Mays served as the Director of Quality Management at TLC Family Care Healthplan, a division of Amerigroup, where she successfully managed MCO NCQA accreditation and directed all HEDIS processes. Ms. Mays helped produce a 27% improvement in Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment. She also achieved 95% and above performance on state audits through a full-spectrum quality improvement program.
Previously, Ms. Mays served as the Director of Quality and Compliance at Magellan Health Services, where she managed a wide range of quality processes, developed high impact reporting, and collaborated with cross functional teams to improve data accuracy. At Magellan, Ms. Mays achieved a track record of exemplary audit scores through implementing state-of-the-art practices.
Ms. Mays received a Doctor of Health Sciences from A.T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona. She holds a master’s degree in Health Administration from the University of Washington. She previously earned a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Administration from the University of Alabama.
Christy Dye, MPH
Christy Dye is a data-focused healthcare executive who brings over 30 years of experience supporting provider organizations, state agencies, and communities in achieving their business, operational, and quality goals in health and human services to OPEN MINDS as a Senior Associate. Christy’s career has included working as a state Medicaid leader, a national expert in substance abuse treatment systems, health information exchange and interoperability, and as chief executive for Arizona’s leading integrated primary/behavioral healthcare provider.
Prior to OPEN MINDS, Ms. Dye served as Chief Business Development Officer for Health Current, (division of Contexture), Arizona’s statewide health information exchange (HIE). While there, Ms. Dye developed provider education and training programs in using clinical and administrative data to improve patient outcomes and manage value-based reimbursement contracts. She led the Health Current HIE research data initiative in partnership with Arizona State University and also served as co-principal investigator for a National Institute of Mental Health project at ASU focused on information sharing for behavioral health populations.
Ms. Dye is the former Chief Executive Officer for Partners in Recovery (now Copa Health), an Arizona agency serving more than 10,000 adults with serious mental illness. At Partners she created a network of fully integrated behavioral and primary care clinics for SMI adults, and launched the company’s population health, value-based and complex care programs, including Arizona’s only Medical Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team.
Prior to PIR, she served as Division Chief for Clinical and Recovery Services and Arizona’s state substance abuse director at the Arizona Department of Health, Division of Behavioral Health. As a state official, she served on a team charged with the re-design of Medicaid behavioral health benefits in Arizona and oversaw the expansion of the state’s contracted managed care system to a more recovery focused model, including expansion of peer-delivered mental health, addiction, and consumer-operated services.
Ms. Dye graduated from the University of Arizona with a Master’s in Public Health Administration. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She is an active member of the Community Advisory Board for Health Informatics at ASU’s College of Health Solutions.
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.
Using Real World Data To Drive Decisions, Improve Client Outcomes & Propel Performance
Sponsored By: 
In today’s competitive behavioral health environment, data is your most valuable asset. Join us as Rich Rose, Senior Business Intelligence Services Consultant at Qualifacts, and Jennifer Foisy, Director/Electronic Health Care Administrator at Viability, Inc., a Qualifacts customer, reveal how data-driven insights can transform your organization.
Learn how to leverage data and business intelligence to:
- Boost Client Outcomes & Retention: Discover how Viability utilizes Qualifacts’ Credible platform to track key metrics for a variety of service lines (e.g., behavioral health, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and in-home assistance). With insights into data like client census, discharge outcomes, and job placements, the Viability team has maintained a remarkable 3.7-year average client relationship – the highest on the Credible EHR!
- Optimize Operational Performance: See how Viability leverages dashboards to track KPIs, identify missing data, and monitor team and employee performance. These insights empower them to streamline operations and maximize efficiency.
- Drive Sustainable Growth: Explore how Viability utilizes data-driven insights to inform strategic decision-making, leading to a successful track record of growth evidenced by their $30 million annual revenue.
*Zucchini and Banana Breads will be served during this session!
Jennifer Foisy
Jenn Foisy is an Electronic Health Records System Administrator at Viability, Inc. She recently celebrated her 4th anniversary with the company in January 2024. Viability, Inc. operates in 5 states: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Oklahoma, and Rhode Island.
In addition to her primary role, Jenn is also the Administrator for Credible and the organization’s Training site. Her responsibilities include supporting over 400 staff members with various tasks such as onboarding, offboarding, password resets, managing funder requirements, handling billing updates, facilitating training, and implementing process improvements.
Rich Rose
For more than five years, Rich Rose has been the Senior Business Intelligence Consultant for Qualifacts where he provides in-depth support and agency-specific consultation for agencies contracted for the Credible Business Intelligence (BI) solution. He began his Qualifacts career as a member of the service team where he resolved over 4,000 support cases, acquiring subject-matter expert status in business intelligence, ad hoc reporting, and data systems on the Credible platform.
Prior to joining Qualifacts, Rich was the Quality Improvement and Compliance Director for a Credible partner agency, giving him a deep understanding of the Credible platform. He has a bachelor’s degree in business leadership and a master’s degree in business administration. Being based in Southern Oregon, in his off time, Rich enjoys hiking, rafting, fishing, and playing with his three dogs!
Embracing Non-Traditional Partnerships To SDOH & Coordinated Care: The CRI-Help, Inc. & Tarzana Treatment Center Case Studies
The new and trending behavioral health service models are becoming more inclusive of nontraditional community-based organization (CBO) services to address social determinants of health for high-need consumers. Developing new partnerships with health & human service providers is critical for success in delivering behavioral health services for these consumers. As such, business development and marketing plans must include modified strategies for provider organizations to develop key relationships that meet new coordinated care and whole person care goals under emerging alternative payment models.
In this session, attendees will:
- Learn how to assess market changes: payer needs, competition, new treatment populations
- Discover strategies for shifting business development plans to focus on improved program performance through leveraged community partnerships
- Learn how to use strategic partnerships to increase client referrals and develop a community-based network to support expanded consumer service needs
Brandon Fernandez-Comer, MPH
Brandon joined the CRI-Help family in 2013 after working with various nonprofits, both in the U.S. and abroad, striving to improve health outcomes for marginalized populations. Brandon received his B.A. at the University of Denver, was an exchange student at the University of Oxford, and received his Masters of Public Health at UCLA. Brandon has been featured as an expert panelist for UCLA’s Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, serves on the boards of the California Association of Alcohol and Drug Program Executives (CAADPE) and the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP), and is also a member of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Substance Abuse Prevention and Control’s Provider Advisory Committee.
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.
Richard Louis, III
Richard Louis, III, brings extensive experience in public and for-profit behavioral healthcare administration and business development to the OPEN MINDS team. Mr. Louis was formerly the Executive Director of Strategic Development and Planning, Pacific Region, for Providence Service Corporation.
Prior to OPEN MINDS, Mr. Louis served as the Assistant Director of the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, the 4th largest county behavioral health system in California, where he was responsible for day-to-day operations of a system serving over 50,000 unduplicated consumers annually through 31 county-operated facilities and 60 contract provider organizations.
Prior to his work with San Bernardino County, Mr. Louis was the Vice President of Government Operations for College Health Enterprises. In this role, he pioneered the development of public sector partnerships, contracts, and community mental health system joint ventures in California by creating some of the first inpatient psychiatric hospital-based, outpatient, day treatment, and institutional specialty treatment programs for county, state, and federal government agencies including L.A. County Department of Mental Health, L.A. County Probation Department, California Youth Authority, California Department of Developmental Disabilities, California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation, and U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement/Homeland Security.
Mr. Louis has served in a number of leadership roles with several organizations in the community including: the California Hospital Association – Center for Behavioral Health, Advisory Board, and SCAN Health Plan – Advisory Board; the Board of Directors of the Forensic Mental Health Association of California, College Hospitals, and the Intercommunity Child Guidance Center of Whittier; and testified on behalf of the National Association of Psychiatric Healthcare Systems before President Bush’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health. Mr. Louis is currently a volunteer police officer with the City of Monterey Park Police Department in East Los Angeles serving since 1987 and currently holds the rank of Captain. Mr. Louis was recently appointed to the City of Claremont Police Commission in Los Angeles County.
He is a graduate of Whittier College and of the Police Academy of Rio Hondo College.
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.
Unpacking The Executive’s Toolbox For Building Collaborative Care Models With Kaiser Permanente
Population management is increasingly vital as we bend the cost curve and see increased value-based payment arrangements. Subsequently, collaborative and integrated care models are in the spotlight these days, and for good reason. These models of care have the potential to bring behavioral health and primary care together to provide patients with whole person care, thus improving health care delivery, outcomes, and costs.
Join Stuart Buttlaire, Ph.D., MBA, Regional Director Of Behavioral Health and Addiction Medicine, Kaiser Permanente, as he explores the benefits of collaborative care and offers real-world examples to illustrate the potential benefits for patients, including improved care quality, reduced costs, and increased efficiency by increasing convenience to both patient and providers.
Key takeaways include:
- Understand the foundational components of collaborative care
- Explore strategies for building out effective collaborative care models and overcoming common challenges of implementation
- Discover proven approaches for building an effective and efficient model of collaborative care within your organization
Stuart Buttlaire, Ph.D., MBA
Stuart Buttlaire has over 35 years of clinical, management, and leadership experience. His career includes diverse experience in both the public and private sectors of healthcare providing leadership and direction in healthcare delivery.
Dr. Buttlaire currently serves as the Regional Director of Behavioral Health and Addiction Medicine for Kaiser Permanente. In this role, Dr. Buttlaire designs and oversees a broad continuum of services and programs for both inpatient, ambulatory, and emergency settings for mental health and addiction medicine. Dr. Buttlaire previously served as the Regional Director of Inpatient Psychiatry and Continuing Care at Kaiser Permanente and the lead Mental Health Representative within Kaiser Permanente’s State Program Initiatives including Medicaid and Medicare.
Additionally, Dr. Buttlaire served as a regional leader in the development of best practices at Kaiser Permanente. Dr. Buttlaire developed and led major program redesigns including Integrated Urgent Services for adults and youth with mental health and substance use disorders, Kaiser Permanente Post-Acute Center (SNF) Behavioral Health Program, mental health and emergency room consultation and suicide prevention, multi-family groups for adults and teens in treatment of severe psychiatric conditions, and intensive outpatient treatment programs for adults and youths. Recently, Dr. Buttlaire implemented a mobile application for eating-disordered patients that won Kaiser’s Innovation Award. Dr. Buttlaire also developed and implemented two psychiatric inpatient units at Kaiser Permanente, one of them was a medical/psychiatric unit to treat those members with both medical and psychiatric co-morbidities and the other, was a free-standing psychiatric health facility.
Additionally, Dr. Buttlaire often provides expertise and consultation on state and federal legislation and its impact on behavioral health within Kaiser Permanente, the State of California, and nationally. Dr. Buttlaire is currently the Board President of the Institute for Behavioral Health Improvement. He was selected to the American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board for Western Section after serving as AHA’s Chair of Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse section. He is currently on the Board of Directors of NAMI California, and the California Hospital Association’s Advisory Board of Behavioral Health.
Dr. Buttlaire is a graduate from the University of California, Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business with a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Health Care Management, Finance, and Marketing. Dr. Buttlaire also graduated from the California Institute of Integral Studies with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Additionally, Dr. Buttlaire holds a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from California State University, Humboldt, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Political Science from the University of Colorado.
Deanne Cornette, MHA, GPC
Deanne Cornette, MHA, GPC, brings over 20 years of experience in the behavioral health field. Ms.Cornette currently serves as a Senior Associate for OPEN MINDS and brings to the OPEN MINDS team noted expertise in strategic planning, grant writing and revenue development.
Previously, Ms. Cornette was the Vice President of Strategic Development for Tampa Family Health Centers, a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center. In this role, she managed grants, contracts, front desk operations, training, quality assurance special assignments (risk assessments and responses to complaints), credentialing and billing functions. In a very short time period, she successfully procured funding to integrate behavioral health services, brought a system of processes to track health indicators and improve value-based care payment and service and became proficient in utilizing HRSA’s reporting portals.
As Counsel for Strategic Development at Agency for Community Treatment Services, Inc. (ACTS) and Vice President of Business Development for Gracepoint (merger), Ms. Cornette directed strategic development, contract negotiations, revenue development, marketing and grants. In this capacity, she targeted funding sources and built a lucrative cash flow that provided needed services to vulnerable populations in need of behavioral health treatment.
Some of her most successful negotiations created best practice services for veteran’s programs, women’s services, as well those involved with the criminal justice system. Her portfolio includes a wide array of awards from a multitude of agencies including, but not limited to: SAMHSA, HUD, Centers for Medicaid, and the Department of Transportation and collaborations with private, non-profit and government entities. Most recently, she worked with Gracepoint to develop Hillsborough’s Centralized Receiving Facility, one of the first funded in the State of Florida. From a system of care for jail diversion to evidence based practices for individuals who are homeless with behavioral health needs, her awards have netted over $80 million dollars to our community.
In addition, Ms. Cornette served as the Vice President for the National Contract Management Association Suncoast Chapter, Vice President of ACTS Affordable Housing Board of Directors, Vice President of ACTS Foundation Board of Directors, and was a member of Hillsborough County Health Care Advisory Board. She is the recipient of University of South Florida’s 2018 Florida Outstanding Women of the Year in Public Health. Her Centralized Receiving Facility collaborative won a 2018 WEDU PBS Be Brilliant / Innovation Award. Her concept of Housing, Engagement and Retention Tenancy (HEART) program won the 2018 Heart for Homeless award through the Housing and Education Alliance.
Ms. Cornette received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and her Masters Degree in Health Administration from the University of South Florida.
Lunch On Your Own
Try the Enclave Lobby Bar and Kitchen in the hotel or one of the local restaurants!
Post Lunch Pick Me Up
Sponsored By: 
You won’t want to miss this after lunch break featuring the Energizer Bar, brought to you by Carelon Behavioral Health! Located in the exhibit hall, fuel up for the rest of the day with Energy smoothies, dark chocolate and nuts, energy bars, and even smoked salmon and avocado toast!
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.
Overcoming Operational Challenges Of Digital Transformation & AI: The Trilogy Behavioral Health & Jefferson Center For Mental Health Case Studies
While digital transformation is often considered a customer-centric improvement, its impact on operational excellence—specifically in clinical decision support, patient flow, staffing, scheduling, and supply chain management—is equally significant. However, many organizations grapple with outdated systems that hinder the integration of modern digital solutions and AI, posing challenges related to implementation costs, staff training, adoption timelines, and resistance to embracing new technology.
Join our industry experts for an in-depth exploration of strategies to garner buy-in from clinical and operational staff. Plus, comprehensive management strategies for facilitating seamless integration of AI-driven tools and processes. This session is designed to tackle these pressing challenges head-on, focusing on the pivotal role of AI in transforming health care operations.
Key Takeaways:
- Examine and tackle the common operational challenges in digital transformation and AI with effective strategies to surmount them
- Strategies for leveraging the power of AI to navigate the landscape of technology solutions to align with operational needs
- Understand the profound and transformative impact of AI-driven digital transformation on clinical and operational processes
Susan Doig, LCSW, LPHA, CADC
Susan has worked in integrated and behavioral health settings for more than 25 years, 17 of which have been with Trilogy. Susan has served as Trilogy’s Chief Clinical Officer since 2009 and as Interim President and CEO since last October. As Chief Clinical Officer, Susan designed clinical programs to best meet the needs of the community and expanded services at Trilogy to include intensive outreach services for people who have been left out of traditional case management models.
Susan’s passion for community mental health began when she was a student in Missouri, where she worked with adults experiencing mental illness who were institutionalized. That experience helped shape her desire to help people live in community settings. After returning to Chicago and receiving her master’s degree in social work from University of Illinois, Susan became part of a team dedicated to helping people with mental illness who were incarcerated in Cook County Jail as they returned to the community.
Susan has years of experience in mentoring and developing a talented clinical work force and is proud of Trilogy’s culture of inclusivity, excellence, and compassion at Trilogy. Susan remains dedicated to mental health advocacy, to highlighting the need for mental health services, and to providing high quality behavioral health services to all.
Katrina Wright
Katrina Wright is a Human Resource Management professional with a passion for neuroscience, as it relates to employee experiences. After 25 years as an HR practitioner and people leader in the insurance and financial services industry, she pivoted to mission-based work in the nonprofit sector, designing programs that best engage and reward those who work to support our most vulnerable populations.
As an Associate Vice President and HR officer, Katrina led HR shared services teams for more than 15 years and provided specialized HR program design in the areas of compensation, performance management, workforce planning, and employee relations for an additional 10 years. She is a certified professional with the Society of Human Resources Management and HRCI and holds certification in compensation, performance management, and incentive design. Katrina completed her undergraduate degree in Industrial Psychology, and additional graduate studies at the University of Illinois, Chicago.
A culture and collaboration champion at heart, Katrina has provided executive coaching on company culture and sat in the role of Culture Advisor to ceos and business unit leaders in transitional and restructuring organizations. She also developed and provided training and coaching to internal “culture counsels” and employee resource groups, and facilitated leadership development programs in both for-profit and non-profit organizations.
Katrina and her husband grew up, raised 3 children, and still reside in Chicago’s East Garfield Park community. While not a soloist by any means, she is an avid music lover, listener, and singer of all types of genres, and teaches and conducts her church choir. With their youngest now away at college, Katrina has embraced her new empty-nester identity and spends her free time enjoying Chicago’s great film festivals, theaters, and restaurants, or jaunting off on road trips to boat, RV, or classic auto shows with her husband of 30 plus years. Her newest ( and most favorite) pastime, grandparenthood, is now in full effect, with 3 new grandchildren arriving within a year!
Kiara Kuenzler
Dr. Kiara Kuenzler is the President and CEO of Jefferson Center for Mental Health, a non-profit, community-focused mental health and substance use service provider in Colorado. Jefferson Center serves more than 27,000 children, individuals, and families each year through prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery services.
Dr. Kuenzler is a licensed psychologist and received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Denver, followed by a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Colorado Medical School in Administration and Evaluation Psychology. With over 15 years of experience in healthcare administration, quality, and program evaluation, she has also spent many years providing direct clinical services and teaching at the University of Colorado, Denver.
In her current role, Dr. Kuenzler brings a deep passion and vision for a healthy community where mental health and substance use care is accessible to all. She seeks community partnerships and innovative solutions to meet the growing needs of the people served, driving excellence in care to promote well-being and thriving communities.
Dee DeWitt
Dee DeWitt has extensive experience as a consultant and corporate leader in the healthcare field. Mr. DeWitt brings over 28 years of experience in healthcare finance and operations, M&A, use of technology, strategic planning, and change management in healthcare organizations to OPEN MINDS as a Senior Associate.
Previously, Mr. DeWitt was the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Momentum for Health, a CARF-accredited non-profit behavioral health organization providing services to individuals with a diagnosed serious mental illness (SMI) and/or substance abuse disorder, in San Jose, California. During his tenure, Mr. DeWitt increased outpatient productivity by 25% and contributed to growing revenues from $55 million to a projected $71+ million for the fiscal year of 2023. Mr. DeWitt also oversaw Momentum ‘s pilot with Santa Clara County’s transition to Netsmart Provider Connect and led a successful grant award and implementation of a multi-year paid intern program in partnership with Santa Clara University, San Jose University, and Palo Alto University.
Mr. DeWitt was also the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Veridian Financial Group, a strategic consulting firm specializing in performing long-term, on-site C-level and Director roles, evaluating and implementing financial strategies, strategic operational planning, and development strategies for companies that are poised for significant growth, change, or require turnaround attention, in San Jose, California. During his time at Veridian Financial Group, Mr. DeWitt focused primarily on healthcare, finance, technology, and private equity and coordinated licensing, compliance, and external audits for 42 state licenses, including managed care organizations, managed care plans, Medicare, Medicaid, and service provider organizations.
In addition, Mr. DeWitt served as Chief Financial Officer and a Consultant in Strategic Planning and Finance for Home Recovery – Home Aid, Inc., a private equity-backed, for-profit company that provides personal care and skilled care in 35 locations and in-home care throughout Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. During his time there, Mr. DeWitt was a member of the company’s executive management team, audit team, and License & Compliance team. Mr. DeWitt also served as Chief Financial Officer of Professional Healthcare Resources, Inc., a for-profit holding company comprised of 5 home health companies, 4 hospice companies, and 2 private duty/personal care companies. Mr. DeWitt has also been the Chief Financial and Technology Officer for The Filson, a nationally renowned non-profit archive and research institute, and Director of Strategic Development for Signature Healthcare, LLC, a national private equity-backed for-profit, long-term care company operating over 180 facilities, with 18,000 employees, and over $1 billion in revenues.
Mr. DeWitt also held the positions of Deputy Director of Behavioral Health at the County of Ventura, CA Behavioral Health Services Department, and Director of Finance and Management Services of the Southeastern Arizona Behavioral Health Services (SEABHS), a joint commissioned accredited non-profit.
Mr. DeWitt graduated from the University of Louisville, Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and a Master’s in Political Science with a concentration in Economics and Public Policy.
Community Health Workers – Understanding The Latest Medi-Cal Benefit Rollout With CalOptima & Partners
The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) added Community Health Worker (CHW) services as a Medi-Cal benefit starting July 1, 2022. CHW services are an integral part of Enhanced Care Management and Community Support offered by managed care plans (MCPs) as part of the CalAIM initiative.
CHW services assist with a variety of concerns impacting MCP Members, including but not limited to, the control and prevention of chronic conditions or infectious diseases, behavioral health conditions, and the need for preventive services. Additionally, CHW services can help Medi-Cal members receive appropriate services related to perinatal care, preventive care, sexual and reproductive health, environmental and climate-sensitive health issues, oral health, aging, injury, and domestic violence and other violence prevention services. CHWs are known by a variety of job titles, including promoters, community health representatives, navigators, and other non-licensed public health workers.
In this session, CalOptima Health and its partners in Orange County will share their rollout of the Medi-Cal CHW benefit informed by Co-Design sessions with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs). In these Co-Design sessions, key issues were identified, and topics were prioritized for inclusion in the CHW Academy for Supervising Providers that CalOptima Health launched and conducted in partnership with Community Institute for Change LLC and its associates. Learn the positive impact of having a community-informed approach and the importance of collaborating with the community to develop strategies for a successful launch of the CHW benefit.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand key themes from the CHW Co-Design sessions and insights from the process to learn how healthcare leaders can deepen and broaden their organizations’ approach to a successful implementation of this new Medi-Cal service
- Learn about the CHW Academy for Supervising Providers and other strategies launched by CalOptima Health informed by engaging community partners
- Gain best practices for how to engage community providers as partners in planning, learning, and developing strategies
Mario Ortega
Mario Ortega is the Chief Executive Officer of Abrazar. Abrazar(means to Embrace in Spanish) is a non-profit direct service organization providing services to residents in Orange County. Abrazar is dedicated to embracing the diversity of families in our community, educating them on the resources we provide through our community collaborations, and empowering them to improve the quality of their lives through programs addressing health equity. Abrazar’s goals are to Embrace, Educate, and Empower children, families, and individuals with the necessary tools to improve health equity by delivering programs that improve the social determinants of health. Diversity and the delivery of collaborative services are critical to the success of our programs.
“I am the youngest of 9 children from immigrant parents from Mexico. They came to Orange County with 5 of my sisters to make a better life for our family. Our family has faced numerous obstacles, but we have persevered. I know our resilience and success are due to our family and community support. I am honored to address the health inequities that still exist and continue to help improve the social determinants of health for the community through our programs at Abrazar.”
Mr. Ortega received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance and Accounting from the University of California, Berkeley. Before joining Abrazar, he was the lead Non-profit Audit Manager for a CPA public accounting firm. Mr. Ortega was the Audit Manager in charge of leading the financial, program, operational, and grant compliance audits. He also assisted with business consulting projects with his non-profit clients.
Mia Arias
Mia Arias is Director of CalAIM Operations at CalOptima Health, where she is responsible for the implementation of the CalAIM community support services and Enhanced Care Management benefit. Previously, Ms. Arias was the Chief Operating Officer at the National Health Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health of underserved communities across Southern California. She has over 15 years of experience designing and implementing programs, services, and systems for low-income communities of color. Ms. Arias received her graduate degree from the University Of Southern California and her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Iliana Soto
Iliana is the Principal Consultant with Community Institute for Change LLC. She works with various public and private sector clients on health equity, policy, program and planning initiatives. She serves on several local and state-level committees, including being the Co-Chair of the Office of Health Equity Advisory Committee with the California Department of Public Health, Co-Chair for the County of Orange Behavioral Health Equity Committee, and serves on the CalOptima Health Member Advisory Committee representing Behavioral Health. She has been an Equity Advisor for Public Health Advocates and a Health Equity Consultant with Mind OC. She is also currently the Director of the OC Network of Care with Orange County United Way powered by the California Accountable Communities for Health Initiative. She is a catalyst for systems change and has worked on community change initiatives for almost 30 years. Her passion is helping people have a voice in the systems and institutions that impact their lives. She recently organized the Healthcare Everywhere: The Rise of Community Health Workers conference with Coast Community College District and worked with CalOptima Health to launch the CHW Academy for Supervising Providers.
Richard Louis, III
Richard Louis, III, brings extensive experience in public and for-profit behavioral healthcare administration and business development to the OPEN MINDS team. Mr. Louis was formerly the Executive Director of Strategic Development and Planning, Pacific Region, for Providence Service Corporation.
Prior to OPEN MINDS, Mr. Louis served as the Assistant Director of the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, the 4th largest county behavioral health system in California, where he was responsible for day-to-day operations of a system serving over 50,000 unduplicated consumers annually through 31 county-operated facilities and 60 contract provider organizations.
Prior to his work with San Bernardino County, Mr. Louis was the Vice President of Government Operations for College Health Enterprises. In this role, he pioneered the development of public sector partnerships, contracts, and community mental health system joint ventures in California by creating some of the first inpatient psychiatric hospital-based, outpatient, day treatment, and institutional specialty treatment programs for county, state, and federal government agencies including L.A. County Department of Mental Health, L.A. County Probation Department, California Youth Authority, California Department of Developmental Disabilities, California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation, and U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement/Homeland Security.
Mr. Louis has served in a number of leadership roles with several organizations in the community including: the California Hospital Association – Center for Behavioral Health, Advisory Board, and SCAN Health Plan – Advisory Board; the Board of Directors of the Forensic Mental Health Association of California, College Hospitals, and the Intercommunity Child Guidance Center of Whittier; and testified on behalf of the National Association of Psychiatric Healthcare Systems before President Bush’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health. Mr. Louis is currently a volunteer police officer with the City of Monterey Park Police Department in East Los Angeles serving since 1987 and currently holds the rank of Captain. Mr. Louis was recently appointed to the City of Claremont Police Commission in Los Angeles County.
He is a graduate of Whittier College and of the Police Academy of Rio Hondo College.
Care Coordination: Innovation In Action
Sponsored By: 
Managing care across multiple programs and initiatives is no small feat. Effective and efficient coordination is the key to ensuring that every individual’s needs are met comprehensively. That’s why you need a robust platform that automates processes and is flexible and scalable to grow alongside your organization.
In this session, we’ll explore how technology can revolutionize care coordination. By leveraging advanced technological solutions, you’ll gain a centralized view of the behavioral health, mental health, and community services needed for each individual, enhancing the quality and efficiency of your care programs.
Join industry experts Dr. Lisa Benson, Supervising Psychologist, Office of Clinical Informatics, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, and AJ Peterson, SVP & GM – Interoperability, Netsmart, as they illustrate how the continued collaboration between California counties and Netsmart improves care coordination and supports value-based care programs.
Attendees will gain valuable insights, including:
- Understanding the intricacies of various programs like ECM, CARE Court, and others
- Learning how advanced technology can bolster and improve these care coordination programs
- Discovering the automation capabilities that can simplify and optimize workflows
- Exploring how these solutions can adapt and expand to meet the growing needs of your organization
- Don’t miss this opportunity to see these innovations in action and discover how they can transform your approach to care coordination.
*Brownies will be served in this session!
Lisa Benson, Ph.D.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of California (PSY27588) with over ten years of experience in the field of mental health.
I completed my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, where I conducted research on family therapy at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. I then moved to California to complete my master’s degree and doctorate in the Psychology Department at the University of California, Los Angeles. My research advisor was Dr. Andrew Christensen, one of the two co-developers of Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT). During my graduate work at UCLA, I received extensive clinical training in IBCT (supervised directly by Dr. Christensen), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I was also fortunate to receive grant funding from the National Institute of Mental Health and author journal publications and national conference presentations (see below).
In my last year of graduate school, I completed an APA-accredited clinical internship at the VA Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center in North Hills, CA, where I obtained additional experience with couple therapy (IBCT) and trauma-focused treatment (primarily PE and CPT) in a Veteran population. After graduation, I obtained an APA-accredited postdoctoral fellowship at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, CA, supervising and teaching graduate-level clinicians and psychiatry residents in evidence-based therapies. Based on my training during my fellowship year, I became a Diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies, the national organization for certification of clinicians proficient in CBT.
After obtaining my license, I worked as a staff psychologist at Harbor-UCLA before transferring to a position in administration for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. During my years of clinical practice, I have found I am especially passionate about working with couples and survivors of trauma. I continue to engage in scholarship in the area of couple therapy and overcoming barriers to the implementation of evidence-based practice in community mental health settings. I live in Los Angeles with my husband and two children.
AJ Peterson
AJ Peterson has served as senior vice president and general manager of CareGuidance for Netsmart for 10 years. He maintains an efficient, client-focused model around connectivity, consumer-engagement technologies, virtual care, analytics, and population health management and develops value-based connections among clients, suppliers, and partners in the healthcare market.
Prior to joining Netsmart, AJ was an area operations director at Concentra Medical Centers. In this role, he managed medical outpatient facility operations, sales development, customer relationships, and personnel development. A participant in the Office of the National Coordinator’s Data Segmentation for Privacy project, he has also served on the Advisory Council for Care Quality, which provides a national-level, consensus-built, common interoperability framework to enable exchange between and among health data sharing networks.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in business administration from DePaul University.
Deanne Cornette, MHA, GPC
Deanne Cornette, MHA, GPC, brings over 20 years of experience in the behavioral health field. Ms.Cornette currently serves as a Senior Associate for OPEN MINDS and brings to the OPEN MINDS team noted expertise in strategic planning, grant writing and revenue development.
Previously, Ms. Cornette was the Vice President of Strategic Development for Tampa Family Health Centers, a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center. In this role, she managed grants, contracts, front desk operations, training, quality assurance special assignments (risk assessments and responses to complaints), credentialing and billing functions. In a very short time period, she successfully procured funding to integrate behavioral health services, brought a system of processes to track health indicators and improve value-based care payment and service and became proficient in utilizing HRSA’s reporting portals.
As Counsel for Strategic Development at Agency for Community Treatment Services, Inc. (ACTS) and Vice President of Business Development for Gracepoint (merger), Ms. Cornette directed strategic development, contract negotiations, revenue development, marketing and grants. In this capacity, she targeted funding sources and built a lucrative cash flow that provided needed services to vulnerable populations in need of behavioral health treatment.
Some of her most successful negotiations created best practice services for veteran’s programs, women’s services, as well those involved with the criminal justice system. Her portfolio includes a wide array of awards from a multitude of agencies including, but not limited to: SAMHSA, HUD, Centers for Medicaid, and the Department of Transportation and collaborations with private, non-profit and government entities. Most recently, she worked with Gracepoint to develop Hillsborough’s Centralized Receiving Facility, one of the first funded in the State of Florida. From a system of care for jail diversion to evidence based practices for individuals who are homeless with behavioral health needs, her awards have netted over $80 million dollars to our community.
In addition, Ms. Cornette served as the Vice President for the National Contract Management Association Suncoast Chapter, Vice President of ACTS Affordable Housing Board of Directors, Vice President of ACTS Foundation Board of Directors, and was a member of Hillsborough County Health Care Advisory Board. She is the recipient of University of South Florida’s 2018 Florida Outstanding Women of the Year in Public Health. Her Centralized Receiving Facility collaborative won a 2018 WEDU PBS Be Brilliant / Innovation Award. Her concept of Housing, Engagement and Retention Tenancy (HEART) program won the 2018 Heart for Homeless award through the Housing and Education Alliance.
Ms. Cornette received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and her Masters Degree in Health Administration from the University of South Florida.
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.
Creating A Budget For A Merger Or Acquisition With Centerstone – From Outreach To Integration
Over the last several years, we have seen record numbers of mergers, acquisitions, and affiliations, and the pace of these activities does not appear to be slowing. If anything, the pace continues to grow as provider organizations address shrinking margins, increased competition, changing payment models, and the need to scale to afford capital investments for growth and diversification. This session will provide CFOs, finance professionals, and executive teams real-world examples of M&A budgeting while identifying the tools to develop financial M&A plans.
- The key components and considerations of a successful M&A financial plan
- Solutions to overcoming common obstacles throughout the M&A process
- Strategies for evaluating the effectiveness of M&A financial plans and knowing when to pivot
Carol Bean, MBA
Carol Bean is chief financial officer for Centerstone, a national leader in behavioral health and addiction services. She manages Centerstone’s revenues and leads a finance team of more than 225 professionals, including those working in financial planning and analysis, accounts payable, accounts receivable, procurement, and payroll. Bean also works alongside Centerstone’s chief information officer to have oversight of the organization’s robust information technology department.
Bean first joined Centerstone in 2014 as assistant corporate controller then advanced to director and vice president posts. Prior to that, she served as finance manager at Deloitte Services LLP, account specialist at Cigna Government Services, accounting services supervisor at Coventry Healthcare, and regional accounting manager at America Service Group.
She holds a Masters of Business in administration from University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Science in business administration, accounting from East Tennessee State University.
Dee DeWitt
Dee DeWitt has extensive experience as a consultant and corporate leader in the healthcare field. Mr. DeWitt brings over 28 years of experience in healthcare finance and operations, M&A, use of technology, strategic planning, and change management in healthcare organizations to OPEN MINDS as a Senior Associate.
Previously, Mr. DeWitt was the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Momentum for Health, a CARF-accredited non-profit behavioral health organization providing services to individuals with a diagnosed serious mental illness (SMI) and/or substance abuse disorder, in San Jose, California. During his tenure, Mr. DeWitt increased outpatient productivity by 25% and contributed to growing revenues from $55 million to a projected $71+ million for the fiscal year of 2023. Mr. DeWitt also oversaw Momentum ‘s pilot with Santa Clara County’s transition to Netsmart Provider Connect and led a successful grant award and implementation of a multi-year paid intern program in partnership with Santa Clara University, San Jose University, and Palo Alto University.
Mr. DeWitt was also the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Veridian Financial Group, a strategic consulting firm specializing in performing long-term, on-site C-level and Director roles, evaluating and implementing financial strategies, strategic operational planning, and development strategies for companies that are poised for significant growth, change, or require turnaround attention, in San Jose, California. During his time at Veridian Financial Group, Mr. DeWitt focused primarily on healthcare, finance, technology, and private equity and coordinated licensing, compliance, and external audits for 42 state licenses, including managed care organizations, managed care plans, Medicare, Medicaid, and service provider organizations.
In addition, Mr. DeWitt served as Chief Financial Officer and a Consultant in Strategic Planning and Finance for Home Recovery – Home Aid, Inc., a private equity-backed, for-profit company that provides personal care and skilled care in 35 locations and in-home care throughout Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. During his time there, Mr. DeWitt was a member of the company’s executive management team, audit team, and License & Compliance team. Mr. DeWitt also served as Chief Financial Officer of Professional Healthcare Resources, Inc., a for-profit holding company comprised of 5 home health companies, 4 hospice companies, and 2 private duty/personal care companies. Mr. DeWitt has also been the Chief Financial and Technology Officer for The Filson, a nationally renowned non-profit archive and research institute, and Director of Strategic Development for Signature Healthcare, LLC, a national private equity-backed for-profit, long-term care company operating over 180 facilities, with 18,000 employees, and over $1 billion in revenues.
Mr. DeWitt also held the positions of Deputy Director of Behavioral Health at the County of Ventura, CA Behavioral Health Services Department, and Director of Finance and Management Services of the Southeastern Arizona Behavioral Health Services (SEABHS), a joint commissioned accredited non-profit.
Mr. DeWitt graduated from the University of Louisville, Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and a Master’s in Political Science with a concentration in Economics and Public Policy.
The Hazelden Betty Ford & T&R Recovery Approach To Using Data For Improved Addiction Treatment Outcomes
Nearly 49 million people are struggling with addiction in the United States. Although there is research on evidence-based practices like Medication-Assisted Treatment, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Twelve-Step Facilitation, there is still a gap in understanding how data plays a role in addiction treatment services.
Many provider organizations are placing renewed emphasis on data and analytics to demonstrate the level of effectiveness of programs and services. In this session, we learn how providers leverage data and analytics to inform care delivery, negotiate payer partnerships, and improve organizational performance.
- Understand how data can be leveraged in the delivery of addiction treatment services and programs
- Explore strategies for putting data into action to improve care delivery and optimize organizational performance
- Learn how to use data to negotiate better rates with health plans and increase referrals
Jennifer Duncan-Sanford, LCSW
Jennifer Duncan-Sanford, LCSW has over 25 years of experience in direct clinical care, clinical management, and account management in both the public and private sectors. Ms. Duncan-Sanford received her master’s degree from Florida State University and is licensed as a clinical social worker in both Illinois and California. As a National and Strategic Account Director, Ms. Duncan-Sanford is the trusted advisor and primary point of contact for national insurers and Employee Assistance Programs.
Alan Goodstat, LCSW
Alan has built a distinguished career spanning over three decades in the field of behavioral health, with a solid foundation in social work acquired from Columbia University. As a licensed clinical social worker, in Florida, South Carolina, Texas, and Arizona, he brings a wide geographical breadth to his professional expertise.
In his current role, Alan serves as the Vice President of M&A, Integration, and Compliance at T&R Recovery Group, a notable entity in the addiction and behavioral health sector. The group manages a range of substance abuse and mental health treatment facilities, including Sabino Recovery in Tucson, AZ, Cypress Lake Recovery in Woodville, TX, and Origins Behavioral Healthcare in South Padre Island and Dallas, TX. His leadership focuses on overseeing mergers and acquisitions, enhancing integration processes, outcome management and maintaining high standards of compliance across multiple locations.
Alan also contributes his skills and insights to the Lantana Recovery board in Charleston, SC, helping guide the strategic direction of this private substance abuse treatment program. He provides board support in payer contracting, outcome management, compliance, and growth opportunities.
Previously, Alan had an impactful 18-year tenure at Lakeview Health, where he held multiple senior positions, including Chief Operating Officer and Chief Compliance Officer. His efforts were instrumental in fostering growth, implementing effective outcome programs, and developing strategic partnerships with payers. His leadership was pivotal during the sale of Lakeview Health to private equity firms on two separate occasions, demonstrating his acumen in navigating complex transactions, due diligence, and organizational transformations.
Throughout his career, Alan has demonstrated a profound understanding of how best practices and strategic management can enhance organizational outcomes and foster sustainable growth, making him a respected leader in the behavioral healthcare management sphere.
Paul Duck
Paul M. Duck brings over 25 years of experience in leadership and management focusing on managed care, health information technology organizations, strategy, business development, and market expansion, and customer experience optimization to the OPEN MINDS team.
Prior to joining OPEN MINDS, Mr. Duck served as the Vice President, Strategy & Development at Beacon Health Options. In this role, Mr. Duck led the organization’s strategy and business development efforts – responsible for a 30% increase in net revenue and initiated over $1 billion in revenue generation. Mr. Duck was active in national behavioral health initiatives as an executive of Beacon Health Options, including participating as a speaker at national and state association meetings.
Before joining Beacon Health Options, Mr. Duck was the Vice President of Business Development at Netsmart Technologies. During his tenure, Mr. Duck was responsible for business planning, including, the oversight of strategic activities including acquisitions, development, and execution of strategic initiatives, and positioning, and sales of large strategic customers. He also led the rollout of the company’s benchmarking and data analytics product suite.
Prior to Netsmart, Mr. Duck served as the Chief Executive Officer for Coastal Orthopedics and Pain Management, a large group practice with five clinic locations and two ambulatory surgical centers. As the organization’s chief executive officer, Mr. Duck was responsible for significant positive changes in leadership and corporate culture, financial and operational performance, compliance, and governance. Mr. Duck improved net collections by over $1 million per month and grew the practice through negotiating better contract rates with payers. He also implemented an organizational rebranding initiative and launched a new marketing campaign.
Prior to Coastal Orthopedics and Pain Management, Mr. Duck served as the President and Chief Executive Officer for Florida Radiology Imaging, one of the largest outpatient diagnostic imaging service companies serving the greater Orlando market. During his tenure, Mr. Duck led the construction of three new, full modality, diagnostic imaging locations. Mr. Duck revolutionized the company’s culture by creating a highly attractive and functional work environment.
Mr. Duck earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Case Western Reserve University. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Electronic Engineering Technology from the Electronic Technology Institute. Mr. Duck received an award by Inc Magazine for leading Florida Radiology Imaging as one of America’s fastest-growing companies. Mr. Duck recently served as a contributing author to the book The New Health Age: The Future of Health Care in America.
Surf’s Up Social! Executive Networking Reception
Surf’s up! Join in the fun as we end the day in the exhibit hall with flavors of the Pacific. Enjoy refreshments and local hors d’oeuvres!
Breakfast
Join us for a hot breakfast and coffee in the exhibit hall to start your day! There’s still time to visit with our exhibitors and get scanned to be entered into the raffle drawing.
Revolutionizing Care: Payer Insights & Strategies For Transforming I/DD & Long Term Support Services
Join Nanette L. Perrin, Senior Director Of LifeShare & Social Determinants Of Health, and Stephanie Rasmussen, Vice President, Long Term Support & Services at Sunflower Health Plan, for a deep dive into the payer perspective on value-based reimbursement for I/DD and long-term support services.
Ms. Perrin and Ms. Rasmussen will unpack the latest advancements in long-term support services and I/DD care. They will also offer attendees a firsthand look at Sunflower Health Plan’s transformative philosophy on deinstitutionalization and its impact on community-provider relationships. Plus, discover strategies for leveraging remote technology to bolster existing programs and offer actionable insights for providers aiming to make inroads into this rapidly growing field.
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.
Richard Louis, III
Richard Louis, III, brings extensive experience in public and for-profit behavioral healthcare administration and business development to the OPEN MINDS team. Mr. Louis was formerly the Executive Director of Strategic Development and Planning, Pacific Region, for Providence Service Corporation.
Prior to OPEN MINDS, Mr. Louis served as the Assistant Director of the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, the 4th largest county behavioral health system in California, where he was responsible for day-to-day operations of a system serving over 50,000 unduplicated consumers annually through 31 county-operated facilities and 60 contract provider organizations.
Prior to his work with San Bernardino County, Mr. Louis was the Vice President of Government Operations for College Health Enterprises. In this role, he pioneered the development of public sector partnerships, contracts, and community mental health system joint ventures in California by creating some of the first inpatient psychiatric hospital-based, outpatient, day treatment, and institutional specialty treatment programs for county, state, and federal government agencies including L.A. County Department of Mental Health, L.A. County Probation Department, California Youth Authority, California Department of Developmental Disabilities, California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation, and U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement/Homeland Security.
Mr. Louis has served in a number of leadership roles with several organizations in the community including: the California Hospital Association – Center for Behavioral Health, Advisory Board, and SCAN Health Plan – Advisory Board; the Board of Directors of the Forensic Mental Health Association of California, College Hospitals, and the Intercommunity Child Guidance Center of Whittier; and testified on behalf of the National Association of Psychiatric Healthcare Systems before President Bush’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health. Mr. Louis is currently a volunteer police officer with the City of Monterey Park Police Department in East Los Angeles serving since 1987 and currently holds the rank of Captain. Mr. Louis was recently appointed to the City of Claremont Police Commission in Los Angeles County.
He is a graduate of Whittier College and of the Police Academy of Rio Hondo College.
Thought Leader Discussion
Join our keynote panelists for an interactive discussion where you can take time to ask your own questions and continue the conversation.
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.
Dee DeWitt
Dee DeWitt has extensive experience as a consultant and corporate leader in the healthcare field. Mr. DeWitt brings over 28 years of experience in healthcare finance and operations, M&A, use of technology, strategic planning, and change management in healthcare organizations to OPEN MINDS as a Senior Associate.
Previously, Mr. DeWitt was the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Momentum for Health, a CARF-accredited non-profit behavioral health organization providing services to individuals with a diagnosed serious mental illness (SMI) and/or substance abuse disorder, in San Jose, California. During his tenure, Mr. DeWitt increased outpatient productivity by 25% and contributed to growing revenues from $55 million to a projected $71+ million for the fiscal year of 2023. Mr. DeWitt also oversaw Momentum ‘s pilot with Santa Clara County’s transition to Netsmart Provider Connect and led a successful grant award and implementation of a multi-year paid intern program in partnership with Santa Clara University, San Jose University, and Palo Alto University.
Mr. DeWitt was also the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Veridian Financial Group, a strategic consulting firm specializing in performing long-term, on-site C-level and Director roles, evaluating and implementing financial strategies, strategic operational planning, and development strategies for companies that are poised for significant growth, change, or require turnaround attention, in San Jose, California. During his time at Veridian Financial Group, Mr. DeWitt focused primarily on healthcare, finance, technology, and private equity and coordinated licensing, compliance, and external audits for 42 state licenses, including managed care organizations, managed care plans, Medicare, Medicaid, and service provider organizations.
In addition, Mr. DeWitt served as Chief Financial Officer and a Consultant in Strategic Planning and Finance for Home Recovery – Home Aid, Inc., a private equity-backed, for-profit company that provides personal care and skilled care in 35 locations and in-home care throughout Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. During his time there, Mr. DeWitt was a member of the company’s executive management team, audit team, and License & Compliance team. Mr. DeWitt also served as Chief Financial Officer of Professional Healthcare Resources, Inc., a for-profit holding company comprised of 5 home health companies, 4 hospice companies, and 2 private duty/personal care companies. Mr. DeWitt has also been the Chief Financial and Technology Officer for The Filson, a nationally renowned non-profit archive and research institute, and Director of Strategic Development for Signature Healthcare, LLC, a national private equity-backed for-profit, long-term care company operating over 180 facilities, with 18,000 employees, and over $1 billion in revenues.
Mr. DeWitt also held the positions of Deputy Director of Behavioral Health at the County of Ventura, CA Behavioral Health Services Department, and Director of Finance and Management Services of the Southeastern Arizona Behavioral Health Services (SEABHS), a joint commissioned accredited non-profit.
Mr. DeWitt graduated from the University of Louisville, Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and a Master’s in Political Science with a concentration in Economics and Public Policy.
Assessing Integration Readiness: The Family Service Association Of Bucks County Case Study
Designed for health and behavioral health care leaders considering their options for launching whole person care, this session covers the prevailing models for integrated service delivery, including co-location, tech-enabled models, fully integrated services, and innovative programs like Street Medicine. This session will focus on identifying the potential challenges, risks, and opportunities for seamless integration. Participants will learn how to develop a comprehensive integration readiness plan that aligns with the organization’s strategic and financial goals and minimizes disruptions during the integration process.
Attendees will:
- Understand the importance of integration readiness
- Identify promising integration models for your organization
- Learn the fundamental concepts of whole person care and its potential to improve patient outcomes, reduce staff burden, and address populations with complex needs
- Evaluate risks and challenges on your integration journey
Julie Dees, MBA, LPC
Julie Dees joined Family Service Association of Bucks County in April 2020 after serving at Penn Medicine as the Director of Behavioral Health at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. She possesses more than 25 years of combined clinical and administrative leadership experience. She has a solid reputation for departmental and organizational vision and growth, staff development, building and fostering positive community relationships, and successful engagement with community partners in a way that significantly and positively contributes to programmatic success. She envisioned a crisis model of engagement within emergency departments for individuals having overdosed or likely to have opioid use disorder, and was awarded a 1.5M SAMHSA grant to implement this model of treatment. Bringing innovative solutions to complex social and public health problems is her trademark. The newly launched Street Medicine Program is continuing this tradition and demonstrates the successful integration of whole person care for individuals experiencing homelessness. Julie is a decorated United States Air Force Veteran and Licensed Professional Counselor. Dees received her master’s degree in psychological counseling from La Salle University in Philadelphia and her MBA from West Texas A&M.
Christy Dye, MPH
Christy Dye is a data-focused healthcare executive who brings over 30 years of experience supporting provider organizations, state agencies, and communities in achieving their business, operational, and quality goals in health and human services to OPEN MINDS as a Senior Associate. Christy’s career has included working as a state Medicaid leader, a national expert in substance abuse treatment systems, health information exchange and interoperability, and as chief executive for Arizona’s leading integrated primary/behavioral healthcare provider.
Prior to OPEN MINDS, Ms. Dye served as Chief Business Development Officer for Health Current, (division of Contexture), Arizona’s statewide health information exchange (HIE). While there, Ms. Dye developed provider education and training programs in using clinical and administrative data to improve patient outcomes and manage value-based reimbursement contracts. She led the Health Current HIE research data initiative in partnership with Arizona State University and also served as co-principal investigator for a National Institute of Mental Health project at ASU focused on information sharing for behavioral health populations.
Ms. Dye is the former Chief Executive Officer for Partners in Recovery (now Copa Health), an Arizona agency serving more than 10,000 adults with serious mental illness. At Partners she created a network of fully integrated behavioral and primary care clinics for SMI adults, and launched the company’s population health, value-based and complex care programs, including Arizona’s only Medical Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team.
Prior to PIR, she served as Division Chief for Clinical and Recovery Services and Arizona’s state substance abuse director at the Arizona Department of Health, Division of Behavioral Health. As a state official, she served on a team charged with the re-design of Medicaid behavioral health benefits in Arizona and oversaw the expansion of the state’s contracted managed care system to a more recovery focused model, including expansion of peer-delivered mental health, addiction, and consumer-operated services.
Ms. Dye graduated from the University of Arizona with a Master’s in Public Health Administration. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She is an active member of the Community Advisory Board for Health Informatics at ASU’s College of Health Solutions.
Addressing Homelessness & Mental Health Challenges In Older Adults With AARP, California Department Of Aging, Serving Seniors & SDSU
Older adults are emerging as the fastest-growing segment of our population, with projections for 2060 indicating that nearly one in four Americans will be 65+. This demographic change has spurred collaboration among service providers and community-based organizations that are diligently working to develop innovative approaches and programs tailored to the unique needs of this expanding population.
Unfortunately, homelessness for this vulnerable population is on the rise, and many older adults are facing increased challenges such as a lack of accessible and available housing, limited safety net resources, and individual risk factors such as chronic medical conditions, behavioral health issues, social factors, and financial insecurity.
In this session, hear from a panel of experts addressing these issues as they explore the community supports needed for healthy aging and longevity for older adults experiencing mental health issues and homelessness.
Key takeaways include:
- Understanding the older adult demographic shifts, longevity, and healthy aging trends
- Review approaches to developing new partnerships and collaborations needed for service line development for this complex and high-need population
- Learn about the direction of new funding resources needed and anticipated to provide housing, mental health, and social supports
Steve Hornberger, MSW
Steve Hornberger is Co-Director of the Center for Excellence in Aging & Longevity which has received several grants and contracts for community engagement, workforce development and innovative partnerships. He also serves as Co-Director of the Social Policy Institute (SPI) administering a number of statewide contracts and local projects to expand child, family, and community well-being. In 2018, Steve received the SDSU Provost’s Innovation Award for the SPI Board Fellows Program. In 2022, Steve was selected to serve on the California Aging and Disability Research Partnership (CADRP) to develop baseline information on the health, economic stability and well-being of older Californians to identify service gaps, understand challenges, highlight priorities for service and provide a research model for the CA Department of Aging moving forward.
Joe Garbanzos
Joe Garbanzos is serving as AARP’s California State President. The state president is a volunteer who serves as spokesperson and representative for AARP across California. In this role, Joe serves as chair the all-volunteer Executive Council, a diverse group of professionals who provide advice and counsel to advance AARP’s social mission in California.
Prior to his appointment, Joe served on the Executive Council for six years, serving as volunteer leader for Asian American Pacific Islander outreach, chairing the Education Committee for the California Telehealth Coalition, co-leading AARP’s livable communities work in San Diego County, and chairing the new Hi-Speed Internet Advisory Committee.
Joe brings to his new role extensive experience in leadership, public health, change management, and public policy, having previously served as the CEO and Executive Director at Samahan Health Centers, a federally qualified health center in San Diego. He was also involved as a health care consultant in launching the Affordable Care Act in California, as well as the implementation of the Coordinated Care Initiative in San Diego County. He is an adjunct faculty member at the California School of Management & Leadership at Alliant International University San Diego, teaching courses on healthcare. His knowledge and expertise includes leading outreach and education in culturally diverse communities with hard-to-reach populations.
Jennifer Sinnott
Jennifer Sinnott is a dynamic leader with over 20 years of dedicated experience in aging services. Currently serving as the Vice President of Health & Social Services at Serving Seniors, she plays a pivotal role in overseeing the integration of essential services such as social work, health education, dental, and wellness programs. Jennifer’s passion for enhancing the lives of seniors extends beyond basic care; she actively fosters collaborative partnerships and initiatives that prioritize a holistic “whole person” approach to well-being.
Jennifer’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University and a Master of Social Work from Boston College. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing the field of aging services, working tirelessly within both nonprofit and county government systems to develop innovative solutions that address the diverse needs of older adults.
With her wealth of experience and unwavering dedication to compassionate care, Jennifer Sinnott is a respected authority in the field. She brings invaluable insights and practical strategies to empower others in creating supportive environments that promote aging with dignity and vitality.
Richard Louis, III
Richard Louis, III, brings extensive experience in public and for-profit behavioral healthcare administration and business development to the OPEN MINDS team. Mr. Louis was formerly the Executive Director of Strategic Development and Planning, Pacific Region, for Providence Service Corporation.
Prior to OPEN MINDS, Mr. Louis served as the Assistant Director of the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, the 4th largest county behavioral health system in California, where he was responsible for day-to-day operations of a system serving over 50,000 unduplicated consumers annually through 31 county-operated facilities and 60 contract provider organizations.
Prior to his work with San Bernardino County, Mr. Louis was the Vice President of Government Operations for College Health Enterprises. In this role, he pioneered the development of public sector partnerships, contracts, and community mental health system joint ventures in California by creating some of the first inpatient psychiatric hospital-based, outpatient, day treatment, and institutional specialty treatment programs for county, state, and federal government agencies including L.A. County Department of Mental Health, L.A. County Probation Department, California Youth Authority, California Department of Developmental Disabilities, California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation, and U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement/Homeland Security.
Mr. Louis has served in a number of leadership roles with several organizations in the community including: the California Hospital Association – Center for Behavioral Health, Advisory Board, and SCAN Health Plan – Advisory Board; the Board of Directors of the Forensic Mental Health Association of California, College Hospitals, and the Intercommunity Child Guidance Center of Whittier; and testified on behalf of the National Association of Psychiatric Healthcare Systems before President Bush’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health. Mr. Louis is currently a volunteer police officer with the City of Monterey Park Police Department in East Los Angeles serving since 1987 and currently holds the rank of Captain. Mr. Louis was recently appointed to the City of Claremont Police Commission in Los Angeles County.
He is a graduate of Whittier College and of the Police Academy of Rio Hondo College.
The Only Thing Constant Is Change: The Next Wave Of Developments In Digital Marketing
Change is constant in the world of digital marketing, and the past 12 months have represented a virtual tsunami of change to the industry, impacting health care organizations big and small. Join Rob Hickernell, Executive Vice President at OPEN MINDS, as he provides updates on all of the shifts happening in the industry, why it is important to health care executives and their teams, and what may be coming next.
Why is this important, and What’s in it for me? Search changes are occurring in Google search, social media, Artificial Intelligence (AI), online privacy, cybersecurity, email marketing and more. If you are not aware and paying attention, you will either miss opportunities, waste investment and marketing dollars, or lose valuable competitive advantages to your competitors who do pay attention and act.
Learning Objectives
- Understand recent changes and updates to digital platforms, including search, social, email, and other digital technologies, how they might impact your business, and what you can do to adjust to these changes
- Examine how updates to online privacy and cybersecurity are impacting the health care industry, and how you can take action to protect consumer privacy as well as your corporate data security
- Understand how current and future technologies will impact your marketing efforts, including AI, and what you need to do to ensure the ethical use of these new marketing technologies
Rob Hickernell
Rob Hickernell, MBA brings over 20 years of web site development and maintenance, digital marketing and reporting, data analytics, and conversion attribution experience to the OPEN MINDS team. Mr. Hickernell currently serves as a Senior Associate, leading projects related to website development and maintenance, digital marketing, website reporting, data analytics and conversion attribution and web site optimization, acquisition and retention.
Prior to joining OPEN MINDS Mr. Hickernell served as a Digital Marketing and Strategy Consultant for Live Oak Associates, LLC. In this role, Mr. Hickernell served as a consultant and advisor to digital B2B and B2C companies, creating and executing digital marketing strategies (search, social, mobile) by using data insights and analysis to solve business challenges.
Prior to serving as Digital Marketing and Strategy Consultant for Live Oak Associates, LLC, Hickernell served as Vice President, Search for AOL, Inc. in Dulles, VA. In this role Mr. Hickernell was responsible for strategic partnership management (Google, Bing), business development, revenue growth and data analytics of AOL’s search business which incorporates web/site search and content distribution across global web and mobile properties.
Previously, Mr. Hickernell served as the Director/ Sr. Director of Product Management for AOL, Inc. During his tenure Mr. Hickernell was the product marketing leader of AOL Search with focus on marketing partnerships, analytics and site optimization to drive revenue and traffic growth.
Mr. Hickernell has also served in a variety of other roles with AOL, Inc. including Principal Business Planning Manager, Program Director and Sr. Program Director. Mr. Hickernell received his Master of Business Administration with a concentration in marketing from the University of Baltimore, Merrick School of Business in Baltimore, Maryland. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in management from Towson State University in Baltimore, Maryland.
Growing & Operationalizing Your Whole Person Care Practice: The Cornerstone Montgomery Case Study
Take a deep dive into critical competencies for maximizing your investment in whole person care and developing a successful integration growth strategy for your organization. This session will examine core operating practices of effectively integrated settings, including team-based care, care coordination, patient engagement, and chronic condition management. Participants will gain practical insights into leveraging technology, staffing, and integrated operations to optimize performance and return on investment.
Attendees will:
- Assess clinical and operational dimensions of implementing integrated care, including staffing, technology, workflow, financing, and performance management considerations
- Identify common pain points in the implementation process and strategies to overcome them
- Explore evidence-based practices that support an effective whole person care growth strategy in behavioral health and healthcare settings
Karen Carloni, NCC, LCPC, CRC
Karen Carloni NCC, LCPC, CRC, brings more than 20 years of experience to the OPEN MINDS team as a Senior Associate. Ms. Carloni has extensive experience in non-profit management and program development, as well as fiscal oversight and grant writing.
Prior to joining OPEN MINDS, Ms. Carloni served as the Chief Operating Officer at Cornerstone Montgomery, a certified community behavioral health center spanning a four-county region. In this role, she worked alongside the CEO and the board of directors to ensure the development and implementation of the agency strategy. Ms. Carloni helped meet performance expectations under multiple grants (SAMHSA, county, state, private foundation), and managed budgets in multiple cost centers for an overall budget of $33 million and 450 staff. She also trained program directors and managers to ensure successful program delivery. In addition, she served as a freelance content writer for Choosing Therapy, writing articles in a variety of behavioral health content areas for an online blog.
Before that, Ms. Carloni served ten years as the Executive Director, Deputy Director, and PRP Director at Southern Maryland Community Network, Inc, a nonprofit organization with $6 million in annual revenue and 80 staff over a three-county, ex-urban area. She collaborated with the Board of Directors, internal and external stakeholders to provide excellence in service delivery in wide array of programs: PRP, vocational, residential, crisis, assertive community treatment, targeted case management, police liaison, justice reinvestment, and homeless outreach. Ms. Carloni ensured continuous adherence to CARF accreditation standards and COMAR regulations and a positive agency cultural climate and diversity, equity and inclusion in staffing, culture, and services. She oversaw the annual budget process and the development strategy. Ms. Carloni also managed the facilities and Medicaid/Medicare fee for service billing and grant funded programs. In April 2023, she successfully led and completed the strategic plan goal of merging with a CCBHC to ensure future sustainability.
Previously, Ms. Carloni was a Psychotherapist at Synergy E Therapy, where she offered private practice psychotherapy to adults, teens, and couples to meet mental health shortages during Covid-19. Ms. Carloni also served as the Emergency Psychiatric Services Consultant at Calvert Health. There, she preformed psychosocial assessments, linkage, and crisis intervention in the emergency department.
Ms. Carloni received her Master of Arts degree from the University of South Florida and her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida.
Deanne Cornette, MHA, GPC
Deanne Cornette, MHA, GPC, brings over 20 years of experience in the behavioral health field. Ms.Cornette currently serves as a Senior Associate for OPEN MINDS and brings to the OPEN MINDS team noted expertise in strategic planning, grant writing and revenue development.
Previously, Ms. Cornette was the Vice President of Strategic Development for Tampa Family Health Centers, a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center. In this role, she managed grants, contracts, front desk operations, training, quality assurance special assignments (risk assessments and responses to complaints), credentialing and billing functions. In a very short time period, she successfully procured funding to integrate behavioral health services, brought a system of processes to track health indicators and improve value-based care payment and service and became proficient in utilizing HRSA’s reporting portals.
As Counsel for Strategic Development at Agency for Community Treatment Services, Inc. (ACTS) and Vice President of Business Development for Gracepoint (merger), Ms. Cornette directed strategic development, contract negotiations, revenue development, marketing and grants. In this capacity, she targeted funding sources and built a lucrative cash flow that provided needed services to vulnerable populations in need of behavioral health treatment.
Some of her most successful negotiations created best practice services for veteran’s programs, women’s services, as well those involved with the criminal justice system. Her portfolio includes a wide array of awards from a multitude of agencies including, but not limited to: SAMHSA, HUD, Centers for Medicaid, and the Department of Transportation and collaborations with private, non-profit and government entities. Most recently, she worked with Gracepoint to develop Hillsborough’s Centralized Receiving Facility, one of the first funded in the State of Florida. From a system of care for jail diversion to evidence based practices for individuals who are homeless with behavioral health needs, her awards have netted over $80 million dollars to our community.
In addition, Ms. Cornette served as the Vice President for the National Contract Management Association Suncoast Chapter, Vice President of ACTS Affordable Housing Board of Directors, Vice President of ACTS Foundation Board of Directors, and was a member of Hillsborough County Health Care Advisory Board. She is the recipient of University of South Florida’s 2018 Florida Outstanding Women of the Year in Public Health. Her Centralized Receiving Facility collaborative won a 2018 WEDU PBS Be Brilliant / Innovation Award. Her concept of Housing, Engagement and Retention Tenancy (HEART) program won the 2018 Heart for Homeless award through the Housing and Education Alliance.
Ms. Cornette received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and her Masters Degree in Health Administration from the University of South Florida.
Stay Ahead: 2024 Magellan Health Insights & Trends Uncovered
Explore the landscape of 2024’s health care trends with executives from leading health plans. This session is designed to help providers “think like a payer” and get ahead of the competition with an inside look at what’s new and on the horizon for health plans. Attendees will gain insights into developing strong payer/provider relationships, plus strategies for negotiating better rates and getting more referrals.
Caroline Carney, M.D., MSc, FAPM, CPHQ
Dr. Caroline Carney is the president of behavioral health and the chief medical officer of Magellan Health, a company focused on improving the quality and delivery of behavioral health care across health plan, Medicare, Medicaid, Exchange and Federal services covered lives. An active clinician, she is board-certified in both psychiatry and internal medicine. Her previous experience at Magellan Health includes serving as the Chief Medical Officer for Magellan Rx Management where she led the development of patient-centered clinical programs, quality, and drug information. She also served as SVP Chief Medical Officer of Magellan Behavioral Health and Magellan Specialty Health. Her prior managed care experience included the role of chief medical officer for regional health plans where she gained experience in Medicaid, Medicare, Exchange, and commercial populations.
Previously, Dr. Carney served as the medical director for the Indiana Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning, helping to launch the Medicaid expansion product as well as the behavioral health transformation for the state’s community mental health services. While in Indiana, she served on the Governor’s Mental Health Commission. She is a frequent speaker about behavioral health services, integrated and collaborative care, the role of digital technologies in health care, the importance of self-care during and following the pandemic, and parenting in a digital age.
Dr. Carney is a published author and co-author for over 100 peer and non-peer reviewed publications focusing on issues surrounding comorbid medical and behavioral health conditions. She was a tenured associate professor of Internal Medicine and Psychiatry at Indiana University, and developed the psychosocial oncology program for Indiana University’s NCI accredited cancer center.
She started her medical and academic career at the University of Iowa where she earned her medical degree, as well as a master’s degree, and directed the Med-Psych residency program. She continues to engage in regular clinical work through supporting the behavioral health team at a federally qualified health center.
Paul Duck
Paul M. Duck brings over 25 years of experience in leadership and management focusing on managed care, health information technology organizations, strategy, business development, and market expansion, and customer experience optimization to the OPEN MINDS team.
Prior to joining OPEN MINDS, Mr. Duck served as the Vice President, Strategy & Development at Beacon Health Options. In this role, Mr. Duck led the organization’s strategy and business development efforts – responsible for a 30% increase in net revenue and initiated over $1 billion in revenue generation. Mr. Duck was active in national behavioral health initiatives as an executive of Beacon Health Options, including participating as a speaker at national and state association meetings.
Before joining Beacon Health Options, Mr. Duck was the Vice President of Business Development at Netsmart Technologies. During his tenure, Mr. Duck was responsible for business planning, including, the oversight of strategic activities including acquisitions, development, and execution of strategic initiatives, and positioning, and sales of large strategic customers. He also led the rollout of the company’s benchmarking and data analytics product suite.
Prior to Netsmart, Mr. Duck served as the Chief Executive Officer for Coastal Orthopedics and Pain Management, a large group practice with five clinic locations and two ambulatory surgical centers. As the organization’s chief executive officer, Mr. Duck was responsible for significant positive changes in leadership and corporate culture, financial and operational performance, compliance, and governance. Mr. Duck improved net collections by over $1 million per month and grew the practice through negotiating better contract rates with payers. He also implemented an organizational rebranding initiative and launched a new marketing campaign.
Prior to Coastal Orthopedics and Pain Management, Mr. Duck served as the President and Chief Executive Officer for Florida Radiology Imaging, one of the largest outpatient diagnostic imaging service companies serving the greater Orlando market. During his tenure, Mr. Duck led the construction of three new, full modality, diagnostic imaging locations. Mr. Duck revolutionized the company’s culture by creating a highly attractive and functional work environment.
Mr. Duck earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Case Western Reserve University. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Electronic Engineering Technology from the Electronic Technology Institute. Mr. Duck received an award by Inc Magazine for leading Florida Radiology Imaging as one of America’s fastest-growing companies. Mr. Duck recently served as a contributing author to the book The New Health Age: The Future of Health Care in America.
Maximizing Growth Through Strategic Prioritization: The Catholic Charities Of Santa Clara County & Serene Health Case Studies
The current health and human services landscape is characterized by rapid changes and several pivotal trends that are significantly impacting the need for continuous strategic planning and prioritization. Most notably, the industry is witnessing a surge in competition from non-traditional players like retail health giants, compounded by pervasive workforce challenges and increasing demand for services. For providers, implementing practical strategies for continual strategic prioritization and resource allocation is paramount. Focusing on resource allocation and adjusting service lines accordingly can enhance organizational capacity for growth, allow executives to fully grasp their existing resources, and foster increased adaptability to care models and value-based reimbursement. In this session, join our industry leaders for a deep dive into ongoing strategic prioritization and resource allocation.
Key takeaways include:
- Understand the increased need for ongoing evaluation and reprioritization of strategic planning goals to stay competitive in today’s changing market
- Explore strategies for reallocating staff and financial resources to invest in more profitable service line opportunities
- Offer solutions for ensuring strategic planning keeps pace with changing performance-based and value-based reimbursement models
Greg Kepferle
Gregory Kepferle has served as CEO of Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County for over 18 years and has worked in the Catholic Charities network for 35 years. Starting his career as Director of the Social Justice Resource Center of Catholic Charities of the East Bay, he then led the agency’s disaster response to the Loma Prieta Earthquake before serving as Director of Parish Social Ministry and Associate Director. In 1997, he was appointed Executive Director of Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he served for eight years before returning to California. Greg has a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and a certificate in Peace Studies from Saint Louis University, a Master’s Degree in Philosophy from Loyola University of Chicago, a Master’s of Divinity from the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley, and certificates in nonprofit executive management from the University of Notre Dame and Stanford University. For Greg, Catholic Charities is a lifetime calling where his “deep gladness meets the world’s deep hunger.”
Matthew Mahdian
Mathew Mahdian, MHA, is the ECM Operations Manager at Serene Health. Mathew has been instrumental in optimizing the growth and success of Serene Health’s Enhanced Care Management (ECM) program. His background includes extensive experience in department management within post-acute care settings. Mathew is passionate about optimizing operational efficiency and driving improvements in patient outcomes.
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.
Empowering Clinical Staff With Innovation
Sponsored By:
Groundbreaking technology advances not only reshape how modern healthcare is delivered; they also impact the people who provide it. Talent retention and engagement are critical components to delivering best-in-class human services outcomes and experiences. And that talent is only as effective as the technology they’re working with.
Join us for this panel discussion, where we sit down with several human services organizations to unpack one of the most pressing issues of modern healthcare: tapping into the full potential of provider teams through integrated and innovative solutions. We’ll examine how prioritizing an optimizing end-user experience empowers care teams to reduce repetitive administrative tasks, allowing clinicians to concentrate on patients. Not only does this shift-reduce burnout, but it also improves accuracy and compliance and simplifies reimbursement processes through automation enhancements. You’ll also learn how AI-driven automation streamlines documentation, making it faster and more efficient while also improving data visibility to support seamless patient care and communication.
Key Takeaways:
- Where to begin with Automation + AI to improve recruitment, retention, and work environments
- Explore current and future staff enhancement solutions like predictive analytics
- Understand the strategic benefits of consistent innovation across your organization
*Cookies will be served during this session!
Aimee Foster
Dr. Foster is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who has been in practice for 10 years. She currently serves as the Chief Program Officer for VOA Northern Rockies, the largest provider of mental health services in Wyoming. Dr. Foster is also a Governor appointed member of the Wyoming Board of Psychology, where she has served in her role for the past 5 years. In her current position with VOA, Dr. Foster oversees all program operations across the organization, including residential and outpatient treatment services, mental health and senior housing, Veteran’s services, correctional services, and various outreach programs in Wyoming, Montana, and Western South Dakota. Dr. Foster is passionate about increasing access to quality human services for all people. She recently welcomed her first child in May 2023, and, in her free time, she enjoys soaking in all the beauty that Wyoming has to offer with her family.
Rick Gutierrez, Ph.D., BCBA
Rick Gutierrez is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Psychologist in California. He has a Doctorate in Industrial/Organizational Psychology as well as a Masters in Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis. He has over 25 years of applied experience working in the clinical, community, and school settings. He has provided numerous workshops on Applied Behavior Analysis across Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America. Further, he has provided international consultation to clinics serving individuals diagnosed with a developmental disability around the globe.
Currently, Dr. Gutierrez is the Vice President of Operations and Clinical Strategy for Easterseals Southern California Autism Services. He is responsible for the oversight of the intake, contracting, new development, and network provider services provided by Easterseals Southern California. Dr. Gutierrez has extensive experience in staff training, employee retention, employee engagement, as well as the treatment of individuals diagnosed with autism and other developmental disabilities. He is an emotional intelligence trainer. He has published research in The Analysis of Verbal Behavior. His research interests are in social skills, verbal behavior, problem behavior, and organizational behavior management.
Danielle Ross
Danielle has over 19 years of experience working in leadership and consulting roles within the behavioral healthcare system and in post-secondary education in the state of Virginia. Roles include CIO, COO, Transitional CEO, Director of Quality and Compliance, and Director of Education for various organizations. Her experience includes service delivery leadership for intellectual/developmental disorders, mental health, and addiction treatment organizations. She is a sought-after advisor for helping organizations align their strategic initiatives and organizational operations. In addition, Danielle is often called upon to provide leadership and staff development training and consultation services for organizations across the United States. She oversees Netsmart’s managed services division and currently serves as an executive strategist and advisor for multiple organizations across the United States. She is passionate about her work leading organizations to stability and performance while also cultivating healthy and positive work cultures. As a skilled speaker and presenter, Danielle is sought after to provide workshops and keynote presentations for a variety of conferences and events each year. She has received many awards and certifications, including HIMSS Certification, Noftsigner Leadership Award, Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional, and Qualified Mental Health Professional.
Thomas Starling, Ed.D.
Dr. Tom Starling is a growth-focused executive who has spent his extensive career specializing in defining vision and steering strategy for mission-driven small and mid-sized organizations. Dr. Starling has demonstrated year-after-year success in securing millions of dollars in funding and grants to drive growth, revamp programs, transform operations, and fuel long-term, positive change. Dr. Starling joins OPEN MINDS as a Senior Associate.
Previously, Dr. Starling was the Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships for Rogers Behavioral Health System, a nationally recognized nonprofit provider of highly specialized psychiatric care. In this role, Dr. Starling gave voices to 21 clinics across 10 states and drove the development of a multidisciplinary division, spanning advocacy, government relationships at a state and federal level, and behavioral health prevention and education. He identified, targeted, and secured donors, oversaw 10 staff, and controlled a $2 million budget. Dr. Starling was responsible for co-managing national sponsorship decisions and hired Public Affairs Director and Advocacy Manager to optimize organizational performance and cohesively connect messaging, media, and corporate platforms to advocacy and government relations.
Dr. Starling was also the President and Chief Operating Officer for Mental Health American (MHA) of Midsouth, a nonprofit organization that connects community members with specialized mental health and wellness resources, providing services that improve quality of life and promoting effective services where mental health needs exist. Dr. Starling used his extensive leadership and fundraising experience to define overall strategy and implement a new organizational structure for the largest affiliate in the South. He developed partnerships and managed all relations with funders, donors, and foundations, in addition to providers, hospitals, and health systems. Additionally, Dr. Starling partnered with state and federal legislatures, as well as local and city government officials supervised and supported 25 staff members and controlled the $2 million annual budget. Dr. Starling fueled revenues after creating and rolling out numerous impactful programs and outlined continuing education opportunities and expanded the suicide prevention program by 10 states. Dr. Starling was also nominated to serve on the National MHA Board of Directors and was elected Board Chair from 2018 to 2020, making it the first time in 110-year history to have the affiliate CEO serve as Board Chair.
Dr. Starling is also the former Vice President of Operations for HEOPS in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Starling led daily operations and expanded business for the start-up healthcare company. He served as ISO-9001 Quality Manager, HR Manager, Call Center Supervisor, and Chief Contract Negotiator. He was responsible for tripling staff size by opening Medicaid and Medicare networks in 12 states, making the entire network expand across 40 states in total and expanding from 1 call center to 3. Dr. Starling also became a Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 listed mediator during his tenure.
Dr. Starling graduated with honors from Tennessee State University with his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Administration. He also holds a Master of Arts in Medical Ethics from Vanderbilt University, a Master’s Degree in Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Baylor University. Additionally, he obtained a Medical Gerontology Certification from Meharry Medical College and a Business Leadership Certification from the Vanderbilt University Owen School of Business.
Chief Executive Officer Networking Luncheon
RSVP for this lunch is required.
If you’re the Chief Executive Officer or Executive Director of an OPEN MINDS member organization, join us for this private networking luncheon. This is an opportunity to share leadership experiences and solutions with your peers from across the nation. Our host for the luncheon is Monica E. Oss, Chief Executive Officer at OPEN MINDS, and Karen Carloni, NCC, LCPC, CRC, Former Executive Director at Southern Maryland Community Network, Inc.
To register, contact Erin Deppen, Event Coordinator, at 717-334-1329 or edeppen@openminds.com.
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.
Karen Carloni, NCC, LCPC, CRC
Karen Carloni NCC, LCPC, CRC, brings more than 20 years of experience to the OPEN MINDS team as a Senior Associate. Ms. Carloni has extensive experience in non-profit management and program development, as well as fiscal oversight and grant writing.
Prior to joining OPEN MINDS, Ms. Carloni served as the Chief Operating Officer at Cornerstone Montgomery, a certified community behavioral health center spanning a four-county region. In this role, she worked alongside the CEO and the board of directors to ensure the development and implementation of the agency strategy. Ms. Carloni helped meet performance expectations under multiple grants (SAMHSA, county, state, private foundation), and managed budgets in multiple cost centers for an overall budget of $33 million and 450 staff. She also trained program directors and managers to ensure successful program delivery. In addition, she served as a freelance content writer for Choosing Therapy, writing articles in a variety of behavioral health content areas for an online blog.
Before that, Ms. Carloni served ten years as the Executive Director, Deputy Director, and PRP Director at Southern Maryland Community Network, Inc, a nonprofit organization with $6 million in annual revenue and 80 staff over a three-county, ex-urban area. She collaborated with the Board of Directors, internal and external stakeholders to provide excellence in service delivery in wide array of programs: PRP, vocational, residential, crisis, assertive community treatment, targeted case management, police liaison, justice reinvestment, and homeless outreach. Ms. Carloni ensured continuous adherence to CARF accreditation standards and COMAR regulations and a positive agency cultural climate and diversity, equity and inclusion in staffing, culture, and services. She oversaw the annual budget process and the development strategy. Ms. Carloni also managed the facilities and Medicaid/Medicare fee for service billing and grant funded programs. In April 2023, she successfully led and completed the strategic plan goal of merging with a CCBHC to ensure future sustainability.
Previously, Ms. Carloni was a Psychotherapist at Synergy E Therapy, where she offered private practice psychotherapy to adults, teens, and couples to meet mental health shortages during Covid-19. Ms. Carloni also served as the Emergency Psychiatric Services Consultant at Calvert Health. There, she preformed psychosocial assessments, linkage, and crisis intervention in the emergency department.
Ms. Carloni received her Master of Arts degree from the University of South Florida and her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida.
Clinical Leaders Networking Luncheon
RSVP for this lunch is required.
Join us for this private luncheon for executive leaders of OPEN MINDS member organizations – created especially for clinical and medical leaders. The objective of this networking session is to provide opportunities for executive leaders from across the country to share solutions to the challenges in serving consumers with complex needs. Our host for the luncheon is Sharon Hicks, Senior Associate at OPEN MINDS, and Stuart Buttlaire, Ph.D., MBA, Regional Director Of Behavioral Health & Addiction Medicine, Kaiser Permanente.
To register, contact Erin Deppen, Event Coordinator, at 717-334-1329 or edeppen@openminds.com.
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.
Stuart Buttlaire, Ph.D., MBA
Stuart Buttlaire has over 35 years of clinical, management, and leadership experience. His career includes diverse experience in both the public and private sectors of healthcare providing leadership and direction in healthcare delivery.
Dr. Buttlaire currently serves as the Regional Director of Behavioral Health and Addiction Medicine for Kaiser Permanente. In this role, Dr. Buttlaire designs and oversees a broad continuum of services and programs for both inpatient, ambulatory, and emergency settings for mental health and addiction medicine. Dr. Buttlaire previously served as the Regional Director of Inpatient Psychiatry and Continuing Care at Kaiser Permanente and the lead Mental Health Representative within Kaiser Permanente’s State Program Initiatives including Medicaid and Medicare.
Additionally, Dr. Buttlaire served as a regional leader in the development of best practices at Kaiser Permanente. Dr. Buttlaire developed and led major program redesigns including Integrated Urgent Services for adults and youth with mental health and substance use disorders, Kaiser Permanente Post-Acute Center (SNF) Behavioral Health Program, mental health and emergency room consultation and suicide prevention, multi-family groups for adults and teens in treatment of severe psychiatric conditions, and intensive outpatient treatment programs for adults and youths. Recently, Dr. Buttlaire implemented a mobile application for eating-disordered patients that won Kaiser’s Innovation Award. Dr. Buttlaire also developed and implemented two psychiatric inpatient units at Kaiser Permanente, one of them was a medical/psychiatric unit to treat those members with both medical and psychiatric co-morbidities and the other, was a free-standing psychiatric health facility.
Additionally, Dr. Buttlaire often provides expertise and consultation on state and federal legislation and its impact on behavioral health within Kaiser Permanente, the State of California, and nationally. Dr. Buttlaire is currently the Board President of the Institute for Behavioral Health Improvement. He was selected to the American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board for Western Section after serving as AHA’s Chair of Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse section. He is currently on the Board of Directors of NAMI California, and the California Hospital Association’s Advisory Board of Behavioral Health.
Dr. Buttlaire is a graduate from the University of California, Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business with a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Health Care Management, Finance, and Marketing. Dr. Buttlaire also graduated from the California Institute of Integral Studies with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Additionally, Dr. Buttlaire holds a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from California State University, Humboldt, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Political Science from the University of Colorado.
Leadership Management Certificate Program Luncheon
Network with other members of the OPEN MINDS Leadership & Management Certificate Program over lunch. This is the perfect opportunity to mingle with program participants, share ideas, and collaborate with other industry leaders.
To learn more information or to join the program, please click here.
RSVP for this lunch is required! Limited space is available and is exclusive to members of the Leadership Management Certificate Program. Please email Erin Deppen, Events Coordinator, at edeppen@openminds.com to reserve your spot.
Lauren Frantz
Lauren Frantz brings expertise in event planning, marketing, and campaign development to OPEN MINDS as the General Manager of Executive Education.
Previously, Ms. Frantz was the Program and Marketing Director for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation in Tampa, Florida. In this diverse role, Ms. Frantz supervised the foundation’s event and marketing teams and was responsible for event planning/logistics, implementing a strategic plan for the foundation’s digital marketing efforts, and developing custom campaigns for corporate partners.
Prior to her role as Program and Marketing Director, Ms. Frantz served as the foundation’s Program Manager and was responsible for enhancing national programs through innovative campaigns, implementing event marketing strategies, and coordinating more than 20 annual events. Ms. Frantz worked heavily on the foundation’s Fashion Funds the Cure program and event series. A main component of which was a nation-wide event tour that partnered with some of the country’s leading property companies, retail vendors, and corporate entities to create high-end fashion show galas and ultimately raise critical funds for pediatric cancer research.
Ms. Frantz enjoys both the creative and the analytical aspects of her work, she strives to embrace out-of-the-box thinking while also ensuring strategic implementation of processes and communication across teams. Her work style has been heavily influenced by her background in performing arts and work with local non-profit organizations in the Tampa Bay area. She strives to bring a broad view and creative edge to her work and is always searching for new ways to engage an audience.
Ms. Frantz graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences with a concentration in health management and biological science.
From Integrated Care To Integrated Systems Of Care: How Value-Based Contracting Is Evolving To Include Behavioral Health
By 2025, over 60% of all health care payments will include performance-based incentives. Of the lives attributed under these alternate payment model (APM) agreements, up to 52% have a primary/secondary behavioral health issue and research suggests an additional 20% may be undiagnosed. Payers and MCOs are increasingly interested in behavioral health led clinically integrated networks (CINs) to manage whole person cost and health outcomes. Hear Alera’s experience working nationally with payers and MCOs and industry trends. Also, Alera and Open Minds will unveil the new “ONEcare Population Health Academy” designed to prepare clinical and executive leadership for a fast-changing industry.
Mike Rhoades
Mike Rhoades is CEO and Founder of Alera Health, the largest population health manager of behavioral health Integrated Systems of Care (ISOCs) in the US. As CEO of Alera Health, Mike oversees the assemblage, governance, technology, analytics, and APM contracting departments supporting 13 ONEcare networks supporting over 3M patients to improve health outcomes and reduce unnecessary costs. Mike was former VP of Population Health at Community Care of NC and COO or RHA Health Services.
Deanne Cornette, MHA, GPC
Deanne Cornette, MHA, GPC, brings over 20 years of experience in the behavioral health field. Ms.Cornette currently serves as a Senior Associate for OPEN MINDS and brings to the OPEN MINDS team noted expertise in strategic planning, grant writing and revenue development.
Previously, Ms. Cornette was the Vice President of Strategic Development for Tampa Family Health Centers, a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center. In this role, she managed grants, contracts, front desk operations, training, quality assurance special assignments (risk assessments and responses to complaints), credentialing and billing functions. In a very short time period, she successfully procured funding to integrate behavioral health services, brought a system of processes to track health indicators and improve value-based care payment and service and became proficient in utilizing HRSA’s reporting portals.
As Counsel for Strategic Development at Agency for Community Treatment Services, Inc. (ACTS) and Vice President of Business Development for Gracepoint (merger), Ms. Cornette directed strategic development, contract negotiations, revenue development, marketing and grants. In this capacity, she targeted funding sources and built a lucrative cash flow that provided needed services to vulnerable populations in need of behavioral health treatment.
Some of her most successful negotiations created best practice services for veteran’s programs, women’s services, as well those involved with the criminal justice system. Her portfolio includes a wide array of awards from a multitude of agencies including, but not limited to: SAMHSA, HUD, Centers for Medicaid, and the Department of Transportation and collaborations with private, non-profit and government entities. Most recently, she worked with Gracepoint to develop Hillsborough’s Centralized Receiving Facility, one of the first funded in the State of Florida. From a system of care for jail diversion to evidence based practices for individuals who are homeless with behavioral health needs, her awards have netted over $80 million dollars to our community.
In addition, Ms. Cornette served as the Vice President for the National Contract Management Association Suncoast Chapter, Vice President of ACTS Affordable Housing Board of Directors, Vice President of ACTS Foundation Board of Directors, and was a member of Hillsborough County Health Care Advisory Board. She is the recipient of University of South Florida’s 2018 Florida Outstanding Women of the Year in Public Health. Her Centralized Receiving Facility collaborative won a 2018 WEDU PBS Be Brilliant / Innovation Award. Her concept of Housing, Engagement and Retention Tenancy (HEART) program won the 2018 Heart for Homeless award through the Housing and Education Alliance.
Ms. Cornette received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and her Masters Degree in Health Administration from the University of South Florida.
Lunch On Your Own
Try the Enclave Lobby Bar and Kitchen in the hotel or one of the local restaurants!
Post Lunch Pick Me Up
Sponsored By: 
Need an after lunch pick me up? Come grab a sweet snack in the exhibit hall, brought to you by Sigmund Software! Featuring a variety of flavored cupcakes, freshly baked cookies and assorted candies.
Analytics To Support Whole Person Care & Optimize Reimbursement Rates: The Copa Health Case Study
With the right investments, integrated care opens new doorways to organizational success and sustainability. With various integrated care models out there, many leaders are left wondering how to select the best integrated approach for their organization and, once selected, how to put integrated care into action.
This session examines COPA Health’s integrated care model that focuses on supporting the needs of a community to improve outcomes, reduce costs, and ultimately negotiate higher rates from health plans. Learn how this leading provider organization is leveraging technology, operational workflows, and staff skills needed to support the shift from getting paid for services to getting paid for outcomes and value.
Attendees will:
- Discover the importance of understanding population needs in supporting whole person care and value-based reimbursement
- Learn methodologies and tools for tracking risk indicators and managing chronic health conditions, plus strategies for reporting this data to health plans to negotiate higher reimbursement rates
- Strategies for analyzing data to measure, modify, and improve whole person care programs over time
Dr. Jacqueline Webster, LAC, NCC
Dr. Jacqueline Webster is a licensed counselor currently serving in the Population Health Department at Copa Health, a non-profit organization that provides integrated care services, housing, and employment related services to individuals with complex needs. In her role, Dr. Webster collaborates across departments and utilizes data to improve client outcomes and implement health equity initiatives. Over the course of her career, Dr. Webster has continued to bring her passions for human services and diversity initiatives to the community through her work as a counselor and advocate for underserved populations. Dr. Webster utilizes her educational background and experience when teaching university classes to help develop the next generation of culturally competent and community engaged behavioral health professionals. Her enthusiasm to work with people has also translated to her involvement with local mentoring, foster care, and personal development programs that focus on bridging gaps and empowering individuals within minority communities.
Derrick Baker
Christy Dye, MPH
Christy Dye is a data-focused healthcare executive who brings over 30 years of experience supporting provider organizations, state agencies, and communities in achieving their business, operational, and quality goals in health and human services to OPEN MINDS as a Senior Associate. Christy’s career has included working as a state Medicaid leader, a national expert in substance abuse treatment systems, health information exchange and interoperability, and as chief executive for Arizona’s leading integrated primary/behavioral healthcare provider.
Prior to OPEN MINDS, Ms. Dye served as Chief Business Development Officer for Health Current, (division of Contexture), Arizona’s statewide health information exchange (HIE). While there, Ms. Dye developed provider education and training programs in using clinical and administrative data to improve patient outcomes and manage value-based reimbursement contracts. She led the Health Current HIE research data initiative in partnership with Arizona State University and also served as co-principal investigator for a National Institute of Mental Health project at ASU focused on information sharing for behavioral health populations.
Ms. Dye is the former Chief Executive Officer for Partners in Recovery (now Copa Health), an Arizona agency serving more than 10,000 adults with serious mental illness. At Partners she created a network of fully integrated behavioral and primary care clinics for SMI adults, and launched the company’s population health, value-based and complex care programs, including Arizona’s only Medical Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team.
Prior to PIR, she served as Division Chief for Clinical and Recovery Services and Arizona’s state substance abuse director at the Arizona Department of Health, Division of Behavioral Health. As a state official, she served on a team charged with the re-design of Medicaid behavioral health benefits in Arizona and oversaw the expansion of the state’s contracted managed care system to a more recovery focused model, including expansion of peer-delivered mental health, addiction, and consumer-operated services.
Ms. Dye graduated from the University of Arizona with a Master’s in Public Health Administration. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She is an active member of the Community Advisory Board for Health Informatics at ASU’s College of Health Solutions.
The Access Services & Rogers Behavioral Health Approach To Cultivating A Culture Of Innovation
Today’s executive leaders recognize the significance a healthy organizational culture plays in overcoming prevalent challenges like shortage of front-line staff, limited licensed professionals, and increased wage and salary demands.
However, the impact of culture extends beyond recruitment and retention efforts, especially in an era where innovation is key for developing competitive programs and services. Cultivating a culture that fosters innovation within your organization serves as a catalyst for staff adherence to best practices, improved consumer outcomes, and ultimately enhanced financial sustainability of the organization.
In this session, our industry leaders will:
- Explore key components of creating a culture of innovation to bolster financial sustainability within your organization
- Offer strategies for building a supportive and inclusive work environment that promotes effective communication, trust, and cooperation among team members
- Share practical solutions to overcoming employee resistance to change
Sue Steege
As the President & CEO of Access Services, Sue Steege has observed how fostering innovation improves our ability to meet needs, find solutions, and fuel creativity. Sue’s career spans years from direct care through to leadership. She has seen a culture of innovation directly contribute to teams’ ability to creatively improve their bottom line, funders reach out for community solutions, and organizational readiness for digital growth. Sue holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Cairn University and a bachelor’s degree in social work from Eastern University. Empowering leaders, setting the tone for creativity, and welcoming fresh perspectives has led to many transformational initiatives at Access Services. Sue also collaborates with professional organizations and state associations [PAR (Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disability) and ANCOR] dedicated to the advancement of system change. The goal is to strengthen communities and empower individuals to find wholeness and belonging.
Andelyn Robb-Wasson, MBA
Andelyn Wasson’s passion for helping individuals and organizations meet their highest potential and vision shows as she leads Access Services’ Culture and Engagement department. In her professional career, Andelyn has had the opportunity to work and lead across diverse sectors including for-profit business, international non-profit and now human services. She holds both a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA). At Access Services, Andelyn has helped to set the table for growth and innovation by building strategic infrastructure and pathways that create a culture of creativity and excellence united behind the vision and values of Access Services.
Emily Jonesberg, MSW, LCSW
Emily Jonesberg (she, her, hers) is an advocate for the creation of compassionate cultures grounded in equity and trauma informed practices. In her role as the Program Manager for Rogers Behavioral Health’s Community Learning and Engagement department, Emily supports a suite of evidence-informed programs aimed at eliminating mental health stigma and enhancing organizational culture. Emily has over 15 years of mental health and equity programming work in the school, non-profit, and healthcare sectors. She has a Master of Social Work, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and is a returned Peace Corps volunteer.
Thomas Starling, Ed.D.
Dr. Tom Starling is a growth-focused executive who has spent his extensive career specializing in defining vision and steering strategy for mission-driven small and mid-sized organizations. Dr. Starling has demonstrated year-after-year success in securing millions of dollars in funding and grants to drive growth, revamp programs, transform operations, and fuel long-term, positive change. Dr. Starling joins OPEN MINDS as a Senior Associate.
Previously, Dr. Starling was the Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships for Rogers Behavioral Health System, a nationally recognized nonprofit provider of highly specialized psychiatric care. In this role, Dr. Starling gave voices to 21 clinics across 10 states and drove the development of a multidisciplinary division, spanning advocacy, government relationships at a state and federal level, and behavioral health prevention and education. He identified, targeted, and secured donors, oversaw 10 staff, and controlled a $2 million budget. Dr. Starling was responsible for co-managing national sponsorship decisions and hired Public Affairs Director and Advocacy Manager to optimize organizational performance and cohesively connect messaging, media, and corporate platforms to advocacy and government relations.
Dr. Starling was also the President and Chief Operating Officer for Mental Health American (MHA) of Midsouth, a nonprofit organization that connects community members with specialized mental health and wellness resources, providing services that improve quality of life and promoting effective services where mental health needs exist. Dr. Starling used his extensive leadership and fundraising experience to define overall strategy and implement a new organizational structure for the largest affiliate in the South. He developed partnerships and managed all relations with funders, donors, and foundations, in addition to providers, hospitals, and health systems. Additionally, Dr. Starling partnered with state and federal legislatures, as well as local and city government officials supervised and supported 25 staff members and controlled the $2 million annual budget. Dr. Starling fueled revenues after creating and rolling out numerous impactful programs and outlined continuing education opportunities and expanded the suicide prevention program by 10 states. Dr. Starling was also nominated to serve on the National MHA Board of Directors and was elected Board Chair from 2018 to 2020, making it the first time in 110-year history to have the affiliate CEO serve as Board Chair.
Dr. Starling is also the former Vice President of Operations for HEOPS in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Starling led daily operations and expanded business for the start-up healthcare company. He served as ISO-9001 Quality Manager, HR Manager, Call Center Supervisor, and Chief Contract Negotiator. He was responsible for tripling staff size by opening Medicaid and Medicare networks in 12 states, making the entire network expand across 40 states in total and expanding from 1 call center to 3. Dr. Starling also became a Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 listed mediator during his tenure.
Dr. Starling graduated with honors from Tennessee State University with his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Administration. He also holds a Master of Arts in Medical Ethics from Vanderbilt University, a Master’s Degree in Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Baylor University. Additionally, he obtained a Medical Gerontology Certification from Meharry Medical College and a Business Leadership Certification from the Vanderbilt University Owen School of Business.
Innovating New Services To Meet Changing Market Needs: The ROSC Solutions Group & Sigma Health Services Case Studies
For provider organizations, funders are one of the most important customers. The reach of health plans and government payers abroad is increasing rapidly, along with the adaptation of new reimbursement models that drive down costs and improve member care, satisfaction, and outcomes. As payers are developing new products to serve member needs, it is up to provider organizations to bring new service line ideas, solutions, and service delivery models to the table.
In this session, our industry leaders will:
- Unpack changing market needs and expectations of network provider organizations and services
- Delve into the key elements of fostering successful relationships with payers as a key customer
- Explore strategies for developing an approach for new service line development and contract expansion
Paul Sobey, M.D., CCFP
My background is in Family Practice (University of Alberta MD graduate ’86). I completed fellowship training in Addiction Medicine at University Hospitals of Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University in 1999. Since this time, my practice has been focused on the treatment of patients with addictions. I have had the honor and opportunity to work extensively in educational, residential treatment, hospital and correctional facility settings, as well as medical-legal, occupational, and administrative roles. I am a past President of the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine. Given I am a person in long term recovery, my practice has always had a recovery medicine focus, assisting people to find pathways of recovery. In December 2022, two colleagues and I formed ROSC Solutions Group. After a competitive bid process, we were awarded several healthcare contracts by the Government of Alberta. We are now expanding into two other Canadian provinces. Our scope of work focused on supporting Alberta’s and other province’s efforts to create provincially based Recovery Oriented Systems of Care that address addiction and mental health challenges.
James Ward, MBA
James Ward serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Sigma Health Services, LLC, headquartered in Raleigh, NC. Founded in 2009, Sigma Health Services offers a range of office and community-based services. These include outpatient therapy for adults, adolescents, couples, and children, SAIOP (Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program) for Adolescents and Adults, DWI/ADETS, Alternative Counseling Education (ACE) Wake County Public Schools, Suboxone Office-Based Opioid Treatment, Tailored Care Management (TCM), Trauma Focused Therapy, Family Therapy, and Medication Management.
James brings forth over 15 years of extensive experience in the Corporate Energy, Gas, and Telecom sectors. With a solid corporate background, he has honed a robust business model. Later he transitioned into the mental health field, driven by a dedication to mental health and substance abuse disorders focusing on marginalized communities. His passion for community engagement is evident through his commitment to mentoring youth and promoting financial literacy and entrepreneurship.
James holds leadership roles within various boards and organizations. He is the Chair of the Network of Behavioral Health (NABH) Management Committee (outpatient network) for Wake Med’s Behavioral Health Network.
James currently serves as a committee member on the Wake County Public Schools Based Alliance Team. He also serves as Co-Chair of the Health and Wellness Committee for the 100 Black Men of America Triangle East Chapter. He previously served on the Board of Directors for the former Garner Road YMCA in Wake County, NC. Additionally, he served as the President of the Visionaries Group in Wake County. He is also a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. Furthermore, in 2013, he was honored by Spectacular Magazine as a candidate for the Man of the Year Award in Health.
James is a native of North Carolina, holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and received a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from North Carolina A&T State University.
Richard Louis, III
Richard Louis, III, brings extensive experience in public and for-profit behavioral healthcare administration and business development to the OPEN MINDS team. Mr. Louis was formerly the Executive Director of Strategic Development and Planning, Pacific Region, for Providence Service Corporation.
Prior to OPEN MINDS, Mr. Louis served as the Assistant Director of the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, the 4th largest county behavioral health system in California, where he was responsible for day-to-day operations of a system serving over 50,000 unduplicated consumers annually through 31 county-operated facilities and 60 contract provider organizations.
Prior to his work with San Bernardino County, Mr. Louis was the Vice President of Government Operations for College Health Enterprises. In this role, he pioneered the development of public sector partnerships, contracts, and community mental health system joint ventures in California by creating some of the first inpatient psychiatric hospital-based, outpatient, day treatment, and institutional specialty treatment programs for county, state, and federal government agencies including L.A. County Department of Mental Health, L.A. County Probation Department, California Youth Authority, California Department of Developmental Disabilities, California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation, and U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement/Homeland Security.
Mr. Louis has served in a number of leadership roles with several organizations in the community including: the California Hospital Association – Center for Behavioral Health, Advisory Board, and SCAN Health Plan – Advisory Board; the Board of Directors of the Forensic Mental Health Association of California, College Hospitals, and the Intercommunity Child Guidance Center of Whittier; and testified on behalf of the National Association of Psychiatric Healthcare Systems before President Bush’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health. Mr. Louis is currently a volunteer police officer with the City of Monterey Park Police Department in East Los Angeles serving since 1987 and currently holds the rank of Captain. Mr. Louis was recently appointed to the City of Claremont Police Commission in Los Angeles County.
He is a graduate of Whittier College and of the Police Academy of Rio Hondo College.
Enhancing Whole Person Care Delivery Through Strategic Partnerships: The Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center Case Study
There are many different models and approaches to delivering whole person care, but regardless of the model, collaboration with other provider organizations, social service organizations, and payers is essential for making whole person care work. In this session, attendees will learn how one provider organization was able to leverage strategic partnerships to maximize the success of whole person care. Explore their decision-making process for choosing the right partner and strategies for overcoming common challenges that can arise when moving to and sustaining a whole person care model.
Key takeaways include:
- Discover how strategic partnerships can be leveraged to deliver whole person care to create cost efficiencies
- Breakdown the decision-making process for choosing the right partner and type of partnership through real-life examples
- Hear techniques for overcoming common challenges and for making whole person care a reality in your organization
David Guernsey, M.D.
Dr Guernsey has been a practicing family physician in Chanute Kansas at the Ashley Clinic for the last 14 years. In addition to seeing patients, he is currently the director of primary care services for the Ashley Clinic and Southeast Kanas Mental Health. He did his undergraduate education and medical training through the University of Kansas. He is a diehard Jayhawk. Following medical school, he went to Smoky Hill Family Medicine Residency to specialize in rural family medicine. His favorite thing about medicine is forming relationships with his patients and their families and doing all that he can to help them lead happy and healthy lives. He also loves teaching, and it is rare for him not to have a medical student working alongside him. When not working he is usually at some sporting even cheering on one of his four children, or outside gardening and enjoying nature. Fun fact: he was duped into going on a 300-mile bike ride in a month and has not started training for it yet. Any tips, condolences, or shaming are welcome.
Dr. Doug Wright
Doug started working with Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center in August 2000. With nearly 30 years of clinical experience, Doug has served in many ways in the mental health field, including as an outpatient therapist, quality assurance manager, risk manager, HIPAA compliance officer, and director of crisis services at SEKMHC. He has vast experience working with all age groups, treating a wide variety of clinical issues. Special groups he has experience with include military personnel, law enforcement, and families. His career has led him to opportunities in a variety of settings including outpatient mental health centers, a university counseling center, a juvenile detention center, a prison, and centers for the developmentally delayed.
Deanne Cornette, MHA, GPC
Deanne Cornette, MHA, GPC, brings over 20 years of experience in the behavioral health field. Ms.Cornette currently serves as a Senior Associate for OPEN MINDS and brings to the OPEN MINDS team noted expertise in strategic planning, grant writing and revenue development.
Previously, Ms. Cornette was the Vice President of Strategic Development for Tampa Family Health Centers, a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center. In this role, she managed grants, contracts, front desk operations, training, quality assurance special assignments (risk assessments and responses to complaints), credentialing and billing functions. In a very short time period, she successfully procured funding to integrate behavioral health services, brought a system of processes to track health indicators and improve value-based care payment and service and became proficient in utilizing HRSA’s reporting portals.
As Counsel for Strategic Development at Agency for Community Treatment Services, Inc. (ACTS) and Vice President of Business Development for Gracepoint (merger), Ms. Cornette directed strategic development, contract negotiations, revenue development, marketing and grants. In this capacity, she targeted funding sources and built a lucrative cash flow that provided needed services to vulnerable populations in need of behavioral health treatment.
Some of her most successful negotiations created best practice services for veteran’s programs, women’s services, as well those involved with the criminal justice system. Her portfolio includes a wide array of awards from a multitude of agencies including, but not limited to: SAMHSA, HUD, Centers for Medicaid, and the Department of Transportation and collaborations with private, non-profit and government entities. Most recently, she worked with Gracepoint to develop Hillsborough’s Centralized Receiving Facility, one of the first funded in the State of Florida. From a system of care for jail diversion to evidence based practices for individuals who are homeless with behavioral health needs, her awards have netted over $80 million dollars to our community.
In addition, Ms. Cornette served as the Vice President for the National Contract Management Association Suncoast Chapter, Vice President of ACTS Affordable Housing Board of Directors, Vice President of ACTS Foundation Board of Directors, and was a member of Hillsborough County Health Care Advisory Board. She is the recipient of University of South Florida’s 2018 Florida Outstanding Women of the Year in Public Health. Her Centralized Receiving Facility collaborative won a 2018 WEDU PBS Be Brilliant / Innovation Award. Her concept of Housing, Engagement and Retention Tenancy (HEART) program won the 2018 Heart for Homeless award through the Housing and Education Alliance.
Ms. Cornette received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and her Masters Degree in Health Administration from the University of South Florida.
Raffle Prize Drawing
Held in the exhibit hall – join us to see if you’ve won any of the great prizes provided by our generous exhibitors!
Paul Duck
Paul M. Duck brings over 25 years of experience in leadership and management focusing on managed care, health information technology organizations, strategy, business development, and market expansion, and customer experience optimization to the OPEN MINDS team.
Prior to joining OPEN MINDS, Mr. Duck served as the Vice President, Strategy & Development at Beacon Health Options. In this role, Mr. Duck led the organization’s strategy and business development efforts – responsible for a 30% increase in net revenue and initiated over $1 billion in revenue generation. Mr. Duck was active in national behavioral health initiatives as an executive of Beacon Health Options, including participating as a speaker at national and state association meetings.
Before joining Beacon Health Options, Mr. Duck was the Vice President of Business Development at Netsmart Technologies. During his tenure, Mr. Duck was responsible for business planning, including, the oversight of strategic activities including acquisitions, development, and execution of strategic initiatives, and positioning, and sales of large strategic customers. He also led the rollout of the company’s benchmarking and data analytics product suite.
Prior to Netsmart, Mr. Duck served as the Chief Executive Officer for Coastal Orthopedics and Pain Management, a large group practice with five clinic locations and two ambulatory surgical centers. As the organization’s chief executive officer, Mr. Duck was responsible for significant positive changes in leadership and corporate culture, financial and operational performance, compliance, and governance. Mr. Duck improved net collections by over $1 million per month and grew the practice through negotiating better contract rates with payers. He also implemented an organizational rebranding initiative and launched a new marketing campaign.
Prior to Coastal Orthopedics and Pain Management, Mr. Duck served as the President and Chief Executive Officer for Florida Radiology Imaging, one of the largest outpatient diagnostic imaging service companies serving the greater Orlando market. During his tenure, Mr. Duck led the construction of three new, full modality, diagnostic imaging locations. Mr. Duck revolutionized the company’s culture by creating a highly attractive and functional work environment.
Mr. Duck earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Case Western Reserve University. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Electronic Engineering Technology from the Electronic Technology Institute. Mr. Duck received an award by Inc Magazine for leading Florida Radiology Imaging as one of America’s fastest-growing companies. Mr. Duck recently served as a contributing author to the book The New Health Age: The Future of Health Care in America.
Lauren Frantz
Lauren Frantz brings expertise in event planning, marketing, and campaign development to OPEN MINDS as the General Manager of Executive Education.
Previously, Ms. Frantz was the Program and Marketing Director for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation in Tampa, Florida. In this diverse role, Ms. Frantz supervised the foundation’s event and marketing teams and was responsible for event planning/logistics, implementing a strategic plan for the foundation’s digital marketing efforts, and developing custom campaigns for corporate partners.
Prior to her role as Program and Marketing Director, Ms. Frantz served as the foundation’s Program Manager and was responsible for enhancing national programs through innovative campaigns, implementing event marketing strategies, and coordinating more than 20 annual events. Ms. Frantz worked heavily on the foundation’s Fashion Funds the Cure program and event series. A main component of which was a nation-wide event tour that partnered with some of the country’s leading property companies, retail vendors, and corporate entities to create high-end fashion show galas and ultimately raise critical funds for pediatric cancer research.
Ms. Frantz enjoys both the creative and the analytical aspects of her work, she strives to embrace out-of-the-box thinking while also ensuring strategic implementation of processes and communication across teams. Her work style has been heavily influenced by her background in performing arts and work with local non-profit organizations in the Tampa Bay area. She strives to bring a broad view and creative edge to her work and is always searching for new ways to engage an audience.
Ms. Frantz graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences with a concentration in health management and biological science.
The Excellence Gap In Health Care, Why It’s Great To Be Good!
Executives play a critical role in translating strategic vision into operational reality. Join Monica E. Oss, Chief Executive Officer at OPEN MINDS, for this closing highlight of the institute, where she will break down the framework of operational excellence, offer a glimpse into current market trends, and share essential strategies every executive needs to create renewed competitive advantage within their organization.
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.