ADVOCATE-INNOVATE-ELEVATE: IAC 13th Annual Conference: Full Schedule

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8:30am EDT

Breakfast and Exhibitor Viewing

Wednesday May 28, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am EDT

9:00am EDT

Opening Keynote- HEAL*ARIOUS: Humor as a Superpower to Advocate, Innovate, and Elevate

Wednesday May 28, 2025 9:00am - 10:15am EDT

In a time when human services professionals are navigating overwhelming stress, burnout, and constant change, it’s never been more important to embrace tools that restore energy and elevate purpose. In this engaging and entertaining keynote, Robin Phoenix Johnson, a combat veteran, Certified Humor Professional, and stand-up comedian blends laughter with powerful insights to show how humor isn’t just a coping mechanism, but a transformative force for advocacy, innovation, and leadership. With real-world stories, research-backed strategies, and plenty of jokes, Robin will empower attendees to use humor as a superpower to combat negativity, spark creativity, and strengthen human connections. Prepare to laugh, learn, and leave recharged—ready to advocate boldly, innovate wisely, and elevate yourself and those around you.

Speakers

Robin Phoenix Johnson

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Robin “Phoenix” Johnson served over twenty years in the U.S. Army, with career highlights including five combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and commanding at both the company and battalion levels. After hanging up her boots, Robin picked... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 9:00am - 10:15am EDT
TBA

10:15am EDT

OPWDD Acting Commissioner Willow Baer

Wednesday May 28, 2025 10:15am - 10:45am EDT

10:45am EDT

Break and Exhibitor Viewing

Wednesday May 28, 2025 10:45am - 11:00am EDT

11:00am EDT

Legacy: Succession Planning through a Generational Lens

Wednesday May 28, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT

This session will explore how organizations can effectively plan for leadership transitions by understanding and leveraging the unique strengths and perspectives of different generational cohorts. Tonia will provide actionable strategies to create a legacy of leadership that ensures continuity, growth, and organizational resilience.
Session Objectives: • Understand the importance of generational diversity in succession planning. • Learn practical strategies to identify and develop future leaders from within diverse generational groups. • Explore how to create a legacy of leadership through intentional, strategic succession planning.

Speakers

Tonia Morris

Founder and CEO, Simply HR

Tonia Morris founded Simply HR Inc. with a vision to be the #1 resource for connecting Generations in the Workplace. As both an accomplished Generational Connector Speaker and a Culture Disruptor with 25 years combined experience in Government, Information Technology, Retail, Financial... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT

11:00am EDT

SED Update with Suzanne Bolling and Nell Brady

Wednesday May 28, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT

Speakers

Suzanne Bolling

New York State 619 Coordinator and Assistant Counsel, New York State Education Department Office of Special Education

Suzanne is the New York State 619 Coordinator and Assistant Counsel with the New York State Education Department Office of Special Education. She currently oversees the Preschool Policy, Nondistrict, and Incident Management Units in their work to issue guide, provide technical assistance... Read More →

Nell Brady

Director of the Rate Setting, Contract Administration, and STAC/Medicaid Units, New York State Education Department Office of Special Education

Nell Brady is the director of the Rate Setting, Contract Administration, and STAC/Medicaid Units at the New York State Education Department. She oversees the Department’s contracting and procurement work, as well as the tuition rate-setting and claiming processes for approved special... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT

11:00am EDT

Trauma Informed Leadership

Wednesday May 28, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT

Speakers

Dr. Karyn Harvey

Karyn Harvey has worked as a clinician in the field of intellectual disabilities for over 35 years. She has her Ph.D. in Applied Developmental Psychology from the University of Maryland. She has written three books: Positive Identity Development, Trauma –Informed Behavioral Interventions... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT

12:15pm EDT

Lunch and Exhibitor Viewing

Wednesday May 28, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

Check Back! Session TBD

Wednesday May 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

Data-Driven to thrive in Managed Care or Value-Based Reimbursement

Wednesday May 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

Fireside Chat with Commissioner Betty Rosa, Chris Suriano and Celane Myers-Ruff

Wednesday May 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Afternoon Snack sponsored by Vincent J DiCalagero CPAs LLC

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Exhibitor Viewing

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

2:30pm EDT

Aging and I/DD: Navigating Challenges and Shaping Solutions for the Future

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm EDT

Speakers

Anya K. Silver, MS, BCBA, LBA

Anya K. Silver has been working in the field of autism and applied behavior analysis for over 25 years. Anya received her Bachelors Degree in 1995 in Psychology from Queens College. She completed her Masters Degree in 1996 in Child Development at Tufts University. Anya worked in the... Read More →

Randy Horowitz, M.S.Ed., S.A.S.

Associate Executive Director of Education and Adult Services, Eden 2

Randy has a Master of Science in Education from Queens College and a Certificate of School Administration and Supervision from the College of New Rochelle. Randy is currently a doctoral candidate in the educational leadership program at Concordia University. Randy started her career... Read More →

Colleen Scott

Advocacy Specialist III, New York State Office for the Aging

Colleen Scott is employed as the Advocacy Specialist at the New York State Office for the Aging with a focus on ensuring equal access to traditionally underserved and marginalized populations. In this role, she is responsible for provision of technical assistance and monitoring... Read More →

Alexandra Webb, LCSW

Senior Vice President for Training and Initiatives, Service Program For Older People

Alexandra (Allie) Webb oversees training and education initiatives at SPOP. Allie is a graduate of Columbia University School of Social Work and has spent her career supporting adults with a lived experience of mental illness. She formerly served as SPOP’s SVP for Community Support... Read More →

Donna Corrado PhD, LCSW

Donna Corrado, PhD, LCSW, has dedicated her career to expanding and improving social services for NYC’s most vulnerable residents, displaying deep compassion and creativity in responding to human needs, particularly as a champion for the disabled and older adults. She previously... Read More →

Dr. Robin Fenley

Dr. Robin Fenley has over three decades of experience in the field of aging services, encompassing community, long term care, and government sectors, with an expertise in caregiving. Retiring from the NYC Dept for the Aging (now Aging NYC) as Assistant Commissioner, Robin currently... Read More →

Joanne Gerenser, Ph.D.

Executive Director, Eden 2

Dr. Gerenser began working at Eden II in 1982 as a speech therapist. She received her Master’s degree in Speech and Hearing at the Ohio State University and her Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Science at the City University of New York Graduate Center.She is an adjunct Assistant Professor... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm EDT

2:30pm EDT

Ensuring Dignity in Special Education: A Human Rights Imperative

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm EDT

As advocates, understanding the evolution of special education is essential to protecting and expanding access for students with disabilities. This 75-minute session will explore the concept of dignity as a fundamental human right and examine its critical role in special education. Participants will review the history of disability rights and how advocacy has shaped access to services in New York State. With this knowledge, educators and advocates will be better equipped to navigate current policy shifts and ensure that students at risk of marginalization receive the education they deserve. This is not a doomsday presentation—it is an opportunity to be informed and inspired to uphold dignity in education for all.

Speakers

Gina Feliciano, PhD, BCBA-D, SAS, NYSLBA

Dr. Feliciano is an accomplished education and behavioral consultant with extensive expertise in program management, applied behavior analysis, and special education. She isthe founder of Delta Knowledge LLC, an educational and behavioral consulting business dedicated to fostering... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm EDT

2:30pm EDT

HIPAA: What to Worry About and What to Watch

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm EDT

This session will explore the evolving landscape of HIPAA compliance, shedding light on the most pressing risks for covered entities and the regulatory shifts expected in the coming months.
In the “What to Worry About” section, we’ll provide details on the Office for Civil Rights (OCR)’s new enforcement initiative focusing on security risk analyses and the on-going enforcement initiative on responding to patient record requests. We’ll also cover recent trends in HIPAA breaches – from ensuring cybersecurity insurance coverage to responding to breaches by business associates. The presentation will include practical advice on how to protect your agency, mitigate risks and strengthen compliance.

In the “What to Watch” section, we’ll review the proposed changes to the HIPAA Security Rule and the broader regulatory direction other changes expected in the new Trump Administration.

Speakers

Dianne Pledgie

Partner and Compliance Counsel, Feldesman Leifer LLP

Dianne Pledgie, an attorney and former compliance officer, advises non-profit health care organizations on developing and implementing their compliance programs and responding to top compliance risk areas. She regularly advises clients on compliance with the HIPAA Rules, 42 CFR Part... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm EDT

3:45pm EDT

Wrap up and Raffle

Wednesday May 28, 2025 3:45pm - 4:00pm EDT

ADVOCATE-INNOVATE-ELEVATE: IAC 13th Annual Conference

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