Speakers | A-L

Nancy E. Allen

Owner & Chief Executive Officer, Solutions for Care, Inc.

Nancy E. Allen, BSN, RNC, CMC, is the owner and CEO of Solutions for Care, Inc., a consulting company specializing in community-based health care and care management. Her experience includes clinical, administrative, and provider roles as well as 10 years as a state and accreditation surveyor. She has served as a Corporate Integrity Monitor for the Office of Inspector General and as a Medicare Hearing Officer for the Medicare Fair Hearing Department of the Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services (CMS), where she conducted and adjudicated federal administrative hearings.

Nancy is a Medbridge instructor and compliance reviewer for nearly 100 courses as well as assisting with the development of onboarding curriculum for all 50 states/U.S. territories and accreditation bodies in home health and hospice. With a team from the University of Hawaii, Nancy served in the Pacific Islands of the Republic of Palau and American Samoa as an educator and developing community-based health care.

Nancy is a contributing author to the Handbook for Home Health Administration and numerous articles in health care publications. Her book, Survivor! Ten Practical Steps to Survey Survival, has helped many achieve deficiency-free surveys.

Michael W. Allison

Founder & Chief Executive Officer, The Adversity Academy

Michael Allison, a distinguished U.S. Marine Corps Purple Heart Combat Veteran, stands at the helm of The Adversity Academy, where he serves as Founder, CEO, and Executive Chairman. With over two decades of leadership experience and a keen strategic vision, Michael has consistently propelled organizations to seven-figure success, earning him acclaim as an award-winning INC 5000 entrepreneur.

Michael's journey epitomizes resilience and determination, underscored by his remarkable accomplishments and steadfast commitment to personal and professional growth. Renowned as an international keynote speaker and 2x TEDx speaker, he illuminates audiences with insights gleaned from his own adversities, inspiring individuals to overcome challenges and embrace their full potential. As the host of the empowering Overcoming Adversity Show, he amplifies voices and stories of triumph from around the globe.

In addition to his distinguished military service, Michael holds an MBA in Business Administration and a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology and Security. His exemplary contributions were honored with the National & Global 2022 Distinguished Alumni of Indiana Wesleyan University award, recognizing his outstanding impact in the field.

A best-selling author and visionary leader, Michael's pioneering spirit propels The Adversity Academy as a transformative force in the industry. His achievements have garnered prestigious accolades, including the INC 5000, Innovation & Excellence Award, Entrepreneur Franchise 500, and media recognition from esteemed platforms such as ESPN, BET, CNN, NBC, and CBS.

At The Adversity Academy, Michael leverages cutting-edge technology and interdisciplinary research to guide individuals and businesses toward resilience and success. His mission is to foster personal growth, ignite career advancement, and drive business expansion to new heights.

Through his own harrowing experiences, including surviving a 2004 car bomb explosion in Iraq, Michael developed the groundbreaking "BREAKING THE BOTTLE™" and "The 3-D Method™." Now, he dedicates himself to empowering others on their journey to liberation, equipping them with the tools to dismantle barriers and seize control of their lives and businesses through The Adversity Academy's transformative Leadership Programs and Services.

Elmer Arcenal

Chief Executive Officer, A+ Quality Management and Consulting, Inc.

Elmer Arcenal is a seasoned administrator in the home health sector, boasting a rich 12-year track record within the industry. With a solid foundation in information technology and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Health/Health Care Administration/Management from Webster University, Elmer brings a unique blend of expertise to his role.

As the CEO of A+ Quality and Management Consultants Inc., Elmer has been instrumental in guiding organizations toward excellence in home health services. He is a distinguished CHAP-certified home health consultant, bringing nearly a decade of invaluable experience to his consultancy practice.

With a passion for quality care and a commitment to optimizing operational efficiency, Elmer is dedicated to driving positive outcomes and enhancing standards within the home health sector. His leadership and expertise continue to make a significant impact on the industry landscape.

Cecilia Ariola-Adams

Client Success Manager, HHAeXchange

Cecilia Ariola-Adams brings over six years of invaluable experience to the dynamic realm of health care software. With a background rooted in care coordination and collaboration, she has actively engaged with diverse health care services, including pharmacies, providers, hospitals, and home health agencies.

Cecilia's journey into the intricacies of home care initiatives has been a defining aspect of her career path. This journey led her to her current role as a Client Success Manager at HHAeXchange, where she plays a pivotal role in forging strong partnerships with agencies. In this capacity, Cecilia works closely with agencies, delving into their unique challenges and collaborating closely to align strategies that drive them toward achieving their goals.

With a keen understanding of the complexities and nuances of the health care landscape, Cecilia is dedicated to delivering tailored solutions and unparalleled support to her clients. Her commitment to excellence and client satisfaction continues to fuel her contributions to the ever-evolving health care software space.

Christopher Attaya

Vice President of Product Strategy, Strategic Healthcare Programs

Christopher Attaya, MBA, joined Strategic Healthcare Programs (SHP) in 2014 after amassing 28 years of experience in executive and consulting roles within the home health and hospice industry. At SHP, he oversees product development and cultivates client relationships, facilitating organizations in achieving enhanced operational and financial performance through the utilization of SHP's industry-leading analytics platform and benchmark data.

Before his tenure at SHP, Chris served as the Chief Financial Officer at the VNA of Boston and held positions at Partners Health Care at Home as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health from Tufts University and an MBA from the Graduate School of Management at Boston University, with a concentration in health care finance.

Victoria Barron

Clinical Consultant, Healthcare Provider Solutions, Inc.

Victoria Barron, MBA, BSN, RN, COS-C, CHAP Certified, brings over 37 years of comprehensive nursing experience to her role as a Clinical Consultant at Healthcare Provider Solutions (HPS), where she joined in December 2021. In her capacity at HPS, Victoria collaborates with home health and hospice agencies nationwide, providing invaluable support and solutions to ensure regulatory compliance.

Throughout her extensive career, Victoria has held various leadership positions in the fields of home health, hospice, home care, and home infusion. In the home health and hospice sectors, she has served in roles such as agency administrator, interim administrator, clinical director, Community Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP) surveyor, mock surveyor, and Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) team member. Additionally, Victoria has lent her expertise as a consultant to numerous agencies. In the realm of private duty, she has excelled as an agency administrator, while in the home infusion sector, she has assumed responsibilities as a marketing director and infusion nurse.

Victoria is a licensed multistate registered nurse and holds certification as a CHAP-certified Home Health and Hospice Consultant. Her diverse background and wealth of experience make her a valuable asset to the HPS clinical consulting team and the agencies she serves.

Greg Bean

Vice President of Business Development, Paradigm Senior Services

Greg Bean is a seasoned health care expert and veteran who embarked on his journey as a Hospital Corpsman in the U.S. Navy. With 12 years of experience in paramedic services and critical care nursing, Greg co-founded a home health care agency where he led innovations in private duty care. Throughout his executive roles at BAYADA Home Health Care, PSA Healthcare, and Visiting Angels, Greg has remained a driving force in home care management.

An authoritative figure in the industry, Greg actively participates in advisory councils for the Home Care Association of America and the National Association for Home Care & Hospice. He is also a proactive advocate for VA benefits. In his current role as the Vice President of Business Development at Paradigm, Greg continues to champion strategic growth and advocate for compassionate care services.

Denise Bellville

Executive Director, Home Care Association of Florida

Denise Bellville, RN, BS, COS-C, is HCAF’s Executive Director. She has been an RN for 45 years, working in Critical Care, ER, and Open Heart SICU and NICU before transitioning to the home care industry as an executive for 30 years. Her home care clinical experience ranges from pediatric/adult ventilator cases, infusion therapy, and in-home PICC line placements. Her favorite aspect has always been teaching elderly patients information that helps them reach their potential and remain at home.

“I knew I wanted to be a nurse since I was five years old. The only thing I asked for that Christmas was a nurse’s bag, and once I found it on Christmas day, I told my parents to just have Santa take everything else back. My first introduction to home care was a pediatric ventilator case. The hospital asked if I could get her home, settled, and teach the family what they needed to know. Well, as you might suspect, I was there for two years. My love of nursing has allowed me the opportunity to enter a stranger’s home and leave as a friend. Even after all these years, those new friends still invite me to family affairs. It has been a career that has already lasted a lifetime.”

Michael Bibbins

Senior Provider Relations Representative, Palmetto GBA

Michael Bibbins has more than eight years of experience working in the health insurance industry. He joined the Palmetto GBA Provider Outreach and Education team after spending three years in the Provider Contact Center. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication from the University of Delaware. Michael currently serves as a Senior Provider Relations Representative for the Review Choice Demonstration (RCD). As part of his responsibilities, Michael conducts workshops, educational exhibits, and web-based training for providers concerning RCD coverage and billing guidelines.

Rachel Boynton

Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Athena M&A

As co-founder of LifeShare, a multi-state human services and health care organization, Rachel Boynton has over 20 years of successful operational and executive experience, complemented by an MBA in Healthcare Management. She began her professional life as a home care provider for almost 10 years, an experience that laid the foundation for the innovative quality and success of LifeShare, while also changing her life. At LifeShare, she managed operations (adult day/residential; child therapeutic foster care; home- and community-based services; child therapeutic day/diversion services; educational programming), finance, human resources, and quality assurance (facilitating accreditation and policy/procedure implementation), clearly wearing many hats over her tenure. After selling LifeShare to Centene, she remained during the transition of management and helped to provide outcome measurements and Council on Accreditation (COA) compliance reporting, expanding their focus beyond health care into underserved markets.

After a successful exit from LifeShare, Rachel joined VERTESS, where she is a Managing Director and partner, providing mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisory and consultant services, specifically in the individuals with developmental disabilities, behavioral health, and related health care markets. In these rapidly evolving sectors, she assists providers in adapting strategically to diverse challenges. She has successfully transacted on both the buy and sell sides of deals, with deals ranging from $2 million to $50 million revenue organizations in the behavioral health care space.

Through her work in the M&A space, Rachel recognized the need for quality M&A support services for female business owners. She started Athena M&A as a boutique firm to provide high-quality support for sellers seeking comprehensive assistance through the sale process. Her person-centered approach not only improves the likelihood of closing but also creates a smoother, more comfortable process for all involved.

Elizabeth Brogdon

Senior Provider Education Consultant, Palmetto GBA

Elizabeth Brogdon brings over 20 years of nursing experience to her role. She is a graduate of Forsyth Technical College and holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration from Columbia Southern University. Elizabeth's background includes emergency medicine, nursing, occupational health, and home health care. Her educator experience encompasses roles as an Instructor for the American Heart Association and several other agencies. Previously, Elizabeth worked for Palmetto GBA as a Medical Reviewer on the Pre-Claim Review (PCR) Demonstration. Currently, she serves as a Senior Provider Education Consultant with the Provider Outreach and Education team for the Review Choice Demonstration (RCD). Her duties include providing education for the home health and inpatient rehabilitation RCDs through one-on-one and large group setting sessions.

Cindy Campbell

Senior Director Advisory Services, WellSky

Cindy Campbell, MHA, BSN, RN, CCS-HH, is a nationally recognized thought leader and management consultant specializing in the continuum of health care at home. Cindy holds a Master of Health Administration with a specialty in Healthcare Informatics and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. With extensive experience leading multi-service line health care at home, Cindy has spent over 25 years with Fazzi Associates, now proudly integrated into the WellSky family of companies.

In her role, Cindy and her team assist agencies in leveraging strategic thinking and operational efficiency to design organizational structures, work processes, and clinical models for home health, hospice, palliative care, and private duty organizations across the United States. Passionate about advocating for innovation to benefit patients and the industry, Cindy is dedicated to driving methodologies that best serve the evolving needs of health care at home.

Shera Campbell

Manager of Strategic Initiatives, Sunshine Health

Shera Campbell, Manager of Strategic Initiatives at Sunshine Health, brings over 20 years of experience in the medical field to her role. As a registered nurse, Shera has dedicated over a decade of her career to managed care, specializing in various aspects of health care management. Shera holds a pivotal role as one of the lead process owners for the home health value-based program at Sunshine Health. In addition, she serves as the primary point of contact for Sunshine Health's Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) program, demonstrating her expertise in driving strategic initiatives to optimize patient care and operational efficiency.

Will Cantrell

Managing Shareholder, Cantrell Astbury Kranz

William Cantrell, Esq., is widely recognized for his expertise in employment law, franchise law, non-compete agreements, executive compensation arrangements, partner/shareholder disputes, and class/collective actions.

A distinguished graduate of Florida State University College of Law (JD, magna cum laude, 2008), William was selected for the Order of the Coif, ranking among the top five percent of his law class. He also holds a master’s degree in international economics from Florida State University (Master of Arts, cum laude, 2005). Following his legal education, William secured a prestigious judicial clerkship with the Honorable Hugh Lawson, U.S. District Court Judge for the Middle District of Georgia.

During his time in law school, William gained valuable experience working with the Honorable W. Louis Sands, U.S. District Court Judge for the Middle District of Georgia, and contributed to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Department of Justice, in the Northern District of Florida.

Arrica Canty

Clinical Consulting Senior Manager, McBee

Arrica Canty serves as a Senior Clinical Consulting Manager at McBee, bringing over 23 years of invaluable experience as a registered nurse to her role. With a solid background spanning two decades in home health, Arrica has also made significant contributions to the health care industry through her work in hospital settings and academia.

Throughout her career, Arrica has cultivated a wealth of consulting and operational expertise, particularly in the realms of home health and medicolegal affairs. During her impressive tenure at McBee spanning 13 years, she has played a vital role in various client fulfillment endeavors. This includes offering clinical support during mergers and acquisitions, managing appeals, and providing comprehensive client education. Arrica's specialization lies in quality improvement and billing compliance, where she has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication. In her current capacity, Arrica oversees the clinical staff within McBee's post-acute consulting department. Here, she leads efforts to assist clients in enhancing regulatory compliance, thereby promoting positive quality of care and financial outcomes.

With her extensive experience and commitment to excellence, Arrica continues to make significant strides in improving health care delivery and operational efficiency within the industry.

Christina Crumbley

Chief Executive Officer, Tidal Healthcare Consulting, LLC

Christina Crumbley, RN, MSN, serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Tidal Healthcare Consulting, LLC. With 30 years of experience in home health operations, quality assurance/performance improvement, clinical management, finance, and business development, Christina has spent 26 years in leadership roles. At Tidal, Christina offers consulting services encompassing operational and clinical management for home health services, ICD-10 coding, OASIS (Outcome and Assessment Information Set) review, and educational services. Additionally, as a contract surveyor for the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), she conducts surveys for home health agencies and private duty agencies nationwide. Christina currently serves as the Associate Director on the HCAF Board of Directors.

John E. Dalton

Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Optimum RTS

John Dalton's career took off over 29 years ago with a focus on medical staffing, and executive and physician recruiting, which later diverted into professional sales management and national sales training. With the establishment of his own organization, he has come full circle back to recruiting, staffing, and sales training and consulting.

His adept business development skills and sales techniques have propelled numerous local, regional, and national health care companies to prominence. Immersed in the dynamic health care industry of Southeast Florida, he has become a sought-after resource on all matters health care and sales-related by both peers and clients alike.

John possesses a remarkable talent for forging meaningful connections and intuitively identifying the right individuals to bring together. His acute intuition and strategic foresight empower him to craft solutions to challenges that his clients may not even recognize.

A selfless and motivating force of nature, John firmly believes that aiding others ultimately leads to personal and professional fulfillment. Mentoring others and guiding them to success is the ultimate reward for him. That, coupled with a day on the water and a big fish on the line, completes his ideal picture of contentment.

Renee DelMonico

Florida State Quality Manager, Alliant Health Solutions & Florida Hospital Association

Renee DelMonico is a licensed nursing home administrator with 30 years of experience in long-term care. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Master of Science in Health Services Administration from Salve Regina University. Currently, she serves as the Florida State Quality Manager with Alliant Health Solutions, the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization (QIO). In this role, she collaborates with nursing facilities, hospitals, and community coalitions to enhance the outcomes of Medicare beneficiaries.

Colleen DelVecchio

Chief Leadership Development Trainer & Coach, Maxady

Colleen DelVecchio serves as the Chief Leadership Development Officer at Maxady, where she channels her passion for empowering individuals and businesses to leverage their strengths, foster equity and inclusion, and navigate complex business environments. As a certified Gallup CliftonStrengths Coach, engagement consultant, keynote speaker, and career coach, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role.

With over two decades of experience in preventing team burnout, facilitating strengths-based leadership, driving organizational change, and fostering staff development, Colleen is dedicated to enhancing the impact, performance, and job satisfaction of all individuals she engages with. Notably, she has been delivering presentations at conferences and delivering keynote addresses since her high school years.

Colleen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Boston University and an Master of Science degree in Nonprofit Management from Bay Path University.

William Dombi

President & Chief Executive Officer, National Association for Home Care & Hospice

William A. Dombi, Esq., serves as the President and CEO of the National Association for Home Care & Hospice. With over 40 years of experience in health care law and policy, Dombi has played a pivotal role in shaping legal, legislative, and regulatory initiatives impacting home care and hospice since 1975. He has taken the lead as counsel in numerous class action lawsuits against Medicare and Medicaid programs and serves as the primary federal policy and lobbying advocate in the home care and hospice sector. Throughout his career, Dombi has remained steadfast in his commitment to advancing accessible and quality home-based health care for all Americans.

Duenna Dorsett

Vice President, Provider Engagement, Sunshine Health

As Vice President of Provider Engagement, Duenna Dorsett is responsible for the management and oversight of the Sunshine Health provider network in the state of Florida which home care providers serving members enrolled in Sunshine’s Medicare, Medicaid, and the Marketplace product.

Ms. Dorsett has over 20 years of experience in the development and management of comprehensive provider networks and engagement models to support health care providers, including those servicing medically complex, and disabled populations. She designed Sunshine Health's current provider engagement model and is responsible for oversight of the field provider engagement teams who establish and maintain professional contact with the provider community. Ms. Dorsett also supports interactions and relationships with the trade associations that represent the interests of providers.

Prior to joining Sunshine and Wellcare, Ms. Dorsett held positions in network contracting and provider relations for Humana Health Plans and UnitedHealthcare where she performed provider engagement activities to support providers across multiple specialties.

Ms. Dorsett earned her Master’s degree in Gerontology from Kansas State University and a Bachelor’s degree from Albertus Magnus College. She is a board member of the Tampa Bay Chapter of the American Lung Association. Ms. Dorsett currently resides in Tampa with her husband and daughter.

Nicole Dunlap

Of Counsel, Littler Mendelson

As an experienced advisor licensed in multiple jurisdictions, Nicole Bermel Dunlap, Esq., has practiced labor and employment law since entering private practice in 2009. Most recently, Nicole served as in-house employment counsel for a Fortune 200 managed care company. She was one of a two-person team advising human resources and other business partners on a range of employment issues including:

• Discrimination and hostile work environment allegations
• Leave and accommodation requests
• Employee terminations
• Non-compete agreements
• Hiring policies and practices
• Other employment policy-related inquiries

Nicole also has extensive experience as outside counsel in both employment and labor litigation. Coupled with her in-house knowledge, she offers a unique perspective that enables her to appreciate the day-to-day challenges her clients face, to effectively problem-solve potential legal and business solutions, and to develop litigation strategies consistent with each client’s unique philosophy. She has defended employers in a variety of industries, including health care, transportation, manufacturing, and service industries. Additionally, she has litigated all facets of employment claims including:

• Race, gender, national origin, religion, age, and disability claims
• Whistleblower and other retaliation claims
• Disability and religious accommodations
• Restrictive covenants
• Leave issues

Highly skilled at developing overall case and trial strategies for her clients, Nicole has substantial experience in labor litigation and has first-chaired several labor arbitrations and served as second chair for multiple unfair labor practice bench trials before administrative law judges. In addition, she has gone to trial on issues related to the enforcement of a non-compete agreement in a federal jury trial. In each case, Nicole was an integral part of the trial team, involved in developing trial strategy, managing documents, preparing, and questioning witnesses, and preparing necessary written pre- and post-trial persuasive arguments.

Colby Ellis

Associate, Littler Mendelson

Colby J. Ellis, Esq., represents and advises employers across many sectors involving a wide range of state and federal employment and labor laws. He has experience representing employers in federal and state courts and before various administrative agencies including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the United States Department of Labor, and the Florida Commission on Human Relations.

Prior to joining Littler in 2023, Colby worked at a boutique management-side labor and employment law firm in Tampa, Fla. There, he acquired experience defending public and private sector employers in discrimination, wage and hour, and section 1983 claims.

During law school, Colby served as President of the Student Bar Association, Executive Articles Editor for the Florida Journal of Law and Public Policy, and a teaching assistant for Legal Writing and Appellate Advocacy. Colby worked as a judicial extern for the Honorable Mark E. Walker of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida and as a summer associate for a boutique management-side labor and employment law firm.

Dawn Fiala

Director of Sales and Operations, Approved Senior Network®

Dawn Fiala currently serves as the Director of Sales and Operations at Approved Senior Network®. Prior to this role, Dawn held the position of Director of Marketing at Devoted Guardians Home Care and Home Health in Tempe, AZ, where she spearheaded remarkable growth. Under her leadership, revenue surged by an impressive 84%, amounting to $3.5 million over the course of three years. Dawn's ability to cultivate high-performing teams and establish a distinguished brand played a pivotal role in this achievement. Additionally, Dawn has garnered extensive experience in various roles at Home Instead Senior Care, including outside sales, and directing the organization's marketing and operations departments.

Dawn's diverse background equips her with a comprehensive understanding of the home care industry, spanning from online marketing strategies to in-person direct referral approaches. With a deep-seated understanding of the challenges surrounding recruitment and retention in the home care market, Dawn brings a wealth of insights and innovative ideas to her clients.

Melinda A. Gaboury

Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Healthcare Provider Solutions, Inc.

Melinda A. Gaboury, COS-C, is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Healthcare Provider Solutions. With over 30 years of experience in home care, Melinda brings a wealth of knowledge to the industry. She has spent more than 22 years as an executive speaker and educator, engaging with home care and hospice professionals on a daily basis. Melinda is renowned for her expertise in Medicare Patient-Driven Groupings Model (PDGM) training, billing, collections, case-mix calculations, chart reviews, and due diligence. She is deeply involved in Medicare appeals (UPIC, RA, ADR, and TPE) with all the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs), making significant contributions to the industry.

Melinda regularly conducts reimbursement workshops and speaks at state association meetings across the country. Currently, Melinda serves as the Chair of the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) Home Care and Hospice Financial Managers Association (HHFMA) Advisory Board and Work Group. She also holds the position of Treasurer on the Home Care Association of Florida Board of Directors and serves on the Tennessee Association for Home Care Board.

In addition to her leadership roles, Melinda is the author of the Home Health OASIS Guide to OASIS-E and Home Health Billing Answers 2024.

Hector Garcia

Chief Executive Officer, INMYTEAM

Hector Garcia brings over 15 years of software development expertise to his role as the CEO and co-founder of INMYTEAM. With a passion for innovation, he leads the development of an all-in-one solution designed to support the growth and success of home-based care organizations. INMYTEAM helps businesses optimize operations, retain employees, ensure compliance, and deliver exceptional patient care. Throughout his career, Hector has been instrumental in leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive industry transformation. He has a proven track record of assisting companies in adopting the latest software solutions to achieve their goals. Based in South Florida, Hector is a proud father of three amazing — as well as time-consuming — children.

Joan Gardner

National Co-Director, Community Partners in Parkinson's Care, Parkinson's International

Joan Gardner, RN, BSN, currently serves as the Co-Director of the Parkinson’s Foundation Community Partners in Parkinson’s Care program for Parkinson's International. With over 25 years of experience within the Parkinson’s community, Joan has established herself as a respected nurse clinician. Previously, she held the position of Clinic Manager/Center of Excellence Coordinator at Struthers Parkinson’s Center in Minneapolis, MN. She has co-authored numerous resources and publications aimed at enhancing understanding and support for individuals affected by Parkinson’s. Additionally, Joan is actively involved in the International Movement Disorder Society workgroup on Interdisciplinary Care in Parkinson’s, where she continues to advocate for comprehensive care approaches.

Karen Gomes

Education Consultant, Vesta Healthcare

Karen Gomes, RN, MS, is the Owner and Founder of RN Answers, LLC, specializing in home health and hospice business consulting. With a wealth of experience in the health care industry, Karen currently serves as a home health education consultant for Vesta Healthcare, a medical practice specializing in chronic care management. In this role, she partners with home health agencies to implement a virtual "home-care-ist" model, enhancing patient care.

Previously, Karen held the position of President and CEO of Tufts Medicine Care at Home (formerly Home Health Foundation), located in Lawrence, MA. She is also the current board president of the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts. Karen's extensive career spans various areas of health care management, including geriatric care, home health, hospice, transitional care, and population health management. She is known for her strong financial acumen, operational expertise, process management skills, analytical prowess, and effective communication abilities.

Sue Grafton

Clinical Support Manager, McKesson Medical Surgical

Sue Grafton, RN, BSN, CWON, is a registered nurse with specialized certification in wound and ostomy care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Johns Hopkins University and has been certified as a wound and ostomy nurse through the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB) since 2004. Throughout her career, Sue has been an active member of the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses (WOCN) Society, holding various local and regional board positions.

With over 20 years of experience in home health nursing, Sue brings extensive expertise to her role as Clinical Support Manager at McKesson Medical Surgical. In this capacity, she focuses on educating post-acute care clinicians on wound management, formulary development, and best practices for wound and ostomy care. Sue remains actively engaged in professional organizations, including the WOCN Society and the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC) host committee. Additionally, she contributes her insights to the AA HomeCare workgroups for urology, ostomy, and wound.

Ada Gutierrez

Regional Vice President of Long-Term Care, Humana

Ada Gutierrez serves as Humana's Regional Vice President for Long-Term Care in Florida. She is a clinician with over 18 years of experience in direct patient care, health care management, quality, compliance and strategic planning, person-centered case management, provider relations, and managing state team-based operations. Ada’s experience includes leading long-term services and supports (STSS) implementations, state waiver consolidations, and was integral to the design of our Florida LTSS program. Ada is passionate about building trusting relationships with our customers and the provider community, which directly correlates in the effectiveness of delivering quality care for our underserved and vulnerable population in Florida.

Felecia Hudson

Director of Performance Improvement and Education, Books Rehabilitation Home Health

Felecia Hudson, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CRRN, ICM, is a seasoned health care professional with over 25 years of nursing experience. Throughout her career, she has held various clinical leadership positions within the post-acute spectrum of care, focusing on initiatives to improve care transitions and patient outcomes in complex health care systems.

Dr. Hudson is a respected speaker on topics such as patient activation, remote patient monitoring in home health, and strategies for improving care for underserved patient populations. She is dedicated to ongoing projects aimed at reducing rehospitalizations, leveraging resources across the post-acute continuum of care.

Currently, she oversees quality and performance improvement initiatives at Brooks Home Health, where her leadership has led to significant improvements in patient care outcomes across all regions, achieving ratings of 3 ½ stars and higher. Dr. Hudson prioritizes engagement and collaboration with preferred providers in Bundled Payment for Care Incentives (BPCI) programs and Accountable Care Organization (ACO) partnerships. She has championed the integration of evidence-based practice through clinical education platforms and the use of technology such as remote patient monitoring.

Dr. Hudson holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from Baylor University, a Master of Science in Nursing degree with a focus on nursing leadership from Jacksonville University and two Bachelor of Science degrees in Health and Nursing from the University of North Florida. She is certified as a Nurse Executive Advanced-Board Certified (NEA-BC), a Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN), and an Integrated Care Manager (ICM). Additionally, she serves on the Client Advisory Board for Health Recovery Solutions.

Angela Huff

Senior Managing Consultant, FORVIS

With over 30 years of experience as a registered nurse, Angela Huff, RN, has dedicated nearly 25 years to executive leadership roles in home health and hospice operations and software development within the post-acute sector. Additionally, she possesses global expertise in community care, having worked in the United Kingdom, Finland, Canada, and Australia.

Angela specializes in conducting operations improvement assessments and compliance-focused home health and hospice documentation reviews. This includes audits and appeals related to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and program integrity contractors, as well as compliance risk assessments associated with mergers and acquisitions.

Actively engaged in educational and advocacy endeavors, Angela contributes to the activities of the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). She serves on various committees, including the Home Care and Hospice Financial Managers Association (HHFMA) Innovation, NAHC Education, and Women in Leadership committees.

Angela has presented at NAHC and NHPCO events, along with other national and state industry organizations. Her expertise extends to publishing in renowned journals such as Nursing Administration Quarterly and other industry publications. Before to her involvement in the post-acute sector, Angela held certifications as a critical care registered nurse and a certified registered nurse infusionist.

Brandi Kurtyka

Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, MissionCare Collective

Brandi Kurtyka, Co-founder and CEO of MissionCare Collective, is a distinguished expert in workforce development, home care, senior living, and the recruitment and retention of front-line health care workers. Leading the largest caregiver community in the nation, Kurtyka has relentlessly dedicated the past decade to advancing and uplifting the care industry.

Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, her unwavering mission revolves around transforming the culture of care, ensuring that it continuously improves. Driven by a deep-rooted passion and a sense of calling, Kurtyka envisions a world in which care professionals feel inspired and fulfilled, allowing patients to receive the exceptional care they deserve when and where they need it.

Margherita C. Labson

Chief Executive Officer & Senior Consultant, MCLabson Consultation and Education, LLC

Margherita Labson, BSN, CCM, CPHQ, CGM, brings over 25 years of extensive experience to the home health and hospice sectors. Her leadership roles include serving as an Executive Leader and Executive Director of Home Care Programs, as well as a Field Representative for The Joint Commission. She currently serves as a Board Advisor and Quality Officer for various home health and hospice organizations.

Throughout her career, Margherita has demonstrated proficiency in overseeing business and program development across various lines of home care accreditation, including home health, hospice, private duty, pharmacy, and medical equipment. She is recognized for her ability to design and execute strategic business plans aimed at fostering growth, enhancing brand quality, and maximizing value for customers.

Margherita has played a pivotal role in introducing new recognitions, such as Community-Based Palliative Care Certification, Enterprise Champion for Quality, and Accreditation for Home Infusion Therapy. Under her leadership, her business unit consistently achieved outstanding performance, surpassing sales goals by 121% while maintaining a robust pipeline for future growth.

Cindy Lavoie

Owner & Administrator, Interim Healthcare of Northwest Florida • HCAF President

Cindy Lavoie is a highly accomplished health care executive with over 30 years of experience in the home health industry. She owns a multi-location home health agency covering 18 counties in the Florida Panhandle. Her exceptional leadership is reflected in the agency's longevity and ability to cater to the unique needs of the local community. Cindy's expertise spans home health operations, finance, and business development. She has successfully navigated the agency through growth cycles, ensured compliance with regulatory requirements, and actively overseen human resource processes. Cindy holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Florida and is deeply engaged in professional organizations and community initiatives, including her role as President of the Home Care Association of Florida.

In her community involvement, Cindy participates in organizations such as the Network of Entrepreneurs and Business Advocates (NEBA), CareerSource Capital Region, and the Girl Scouts of the USA, where she serves as a troop leader. Her extensive experience, unwavering dedication, and leadership qualities make her a highly respected figure in the home health industry and the communities she serves.

Annette Lee

Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Provider Insights, Inc. & Home Health Fundamentals

Annette Lee, RN, MS, COS-C, HCS-D, is the founder of Provider Insights, driven by her unwavering commitment to offering peace of mind to home health and hospice providers. With a wealth of experience garnered over decades, Annette's career spans significant roles at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), where she honed her expertise, and extensive consultancy services, including contracting as an administrator with a Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC).

Fluent in "Medicare-ese," Annette possesses a remarkable ability to decipher complex rules and translate them into practical insights for patient-centered providers. At Provider Insights, she empowers providers by ensuring full compliance with current regulations and adeptly navigating future regulatory changes, allowing them to focus on delivering exceptional care without the burden of regulatory complexities. With Annette's guidance, agencies can trust that they are equipped to meet regulatory standards today and tomorrow.

Roger Lopez

Chief Operating Officer, United HomeCare

Roger Lopez is the Chief Operating Officer at United HomeCare. In this role, Lopez is responsible for revenue cycle management, human resources, information technology, and home health care. He also coordinates all aspects of operations with other colleagues of the Executive Management Team.

Prior to rejoining United HomeCare as Chief Operating Officer, Lopez served as Vice President of Operations. Lopez previously services as Chief Operating Officer for Riverwalk Ranch, Mansfield, Tx., and Bayshore Dura Medical, Miami Lakes, Fla., and was Vice President of Operations for DMC and Vice President of Operations for A.M.S. and C.M.S., a DME provider in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Additional positions held were President and Chief Operating Officer of PAL Laboratories, Inc., Vice President of U.S. Operations for Banner Pharma Caps, General Manager of Phaco/Pack Operations for Allergan, Inc., and Director of Operations for Coulter Corporation. Lopez has also served as a member of the Board of Governors for the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce (1994-1996), Chairman of Dade Manufacturers and Biomedical Exchange Council, and Chairman of Coulter Corporation Federal Credit Union (1980-1990).

Lopez is a graduate of Nova Southeastern University where he received his MBA, and Florida International University where he received his Bachelor of Business Administration, with majors in Management and Finance. He also received an Executive Leadership for Healthcare Professionals Certificate from Cornell University.

Susan Lowery

Government Analyst, Agency for Health Care Administration

Susan Lowery, RN, BSN, graduated from Florida State University with a B.S. in Nursing. She has been a registered nurse for over 30 years, including more than 20 years in home health care, beginning as a field nurse and ending in management. Susan has worked for the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) for 10 years. She has held positions as a registered nurse surveyor, registered nurse consultant with the complaint unit, informal dispute panel member, OASIS Education Coordinator with the Survey and Certification Support Branch, and currently is a Government Analyst within the Chief of Field Operations office.