The CDSA Annual Meeting 2023 is packed with opportunities to learn, network, and have fun! We're excited about this lineup and we hope you're looking forward to it as much as we are. More details are available on the conference landing page. Keep an eye on this page for more agenda and sponsor updates as the Annual Meeting gets closer.

See you at the Mission Inn!

Location: Oak Quarry Golf Club

Date: Monday, September 18, 2023

Time: CDSA tee times begin at approximately 10:00 am

Green Fee: $45

Dress Code: Appropriate golf attire

10:00 – 11:00 am

Barry Jardini

Executive Director, California Disability Services Association

As Executive Director, Barry leads our lobbying and public policy, as well as CDSA and CDS Institute operations. He cultivates strong relationships with Administration officials, legislators and relevant staff members, and colleagues at stakeholder organizations to ensure CDSA members are well represented in Sacramento. Barry was named Executive Director in August 2020, after five years as CDSA’s Director of Government Affairs. Barry came to CDSA with significant legislative and management experience, and previously served as the in-house counsel to a regional human rights and fair housing commission.

11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Jim Knight

Deputy Director, Administration Division, Department of Developmental Services



Jim Knight has been with the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) for 23 years and has been involved with a number of programs and initiatives that receive federal funding, including the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) wavier, the HCBS settings rule and related transition funding, and the Self-Determination Program. He began his career working in the service delivery system for people with developmental disabilities 39 years ago and has spent time assisting and learning from individuals in a variety of settings including school, residential and employment.

Mark Klaus

Executive Director, San Diego Regional Center

Mark serves as the Executive Director of the San Diego Regional Center (SDRC). He was appointed to the position by the Board of Directors on November 1, 2021. SDRC serves over 39,000 individuals in San Diego and Imperial counties with staff of 800 and a combined budget in excess of $800 million.

Prior to joining SDRC, Mark was President/ CEO of Home of Guiding Hands (HGH), a community-based provider that supported over 4,200 individuals in San Diego and Imperial counties.  

Mark has over 40 years’ senior level executive experience operating and developing person centered service options for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.   

He is active in numerous local, statewide and national organizations including the California Department of Developmental Services Statewide (DDS) Task Force, Fiscal & System Reform Workgroup, Department of Healthcare Services Long Term Care Workgroup and many others.  Mark is a graduate of the University of Illinois and attended the prestigious Stanford Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders. He lives in San Diego with Angie, his wife of 36 years.  

Dr. Jesse Weller

Executive Director, San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center

Dr. Jesse Weller currently serves as the Executive Director of the San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center (SG/PRC). SG/PRC serves approximately 16,000 individuals and their families throughout thirty cities in the Foothill, Pomona, and El Monte Health Districts. Prior to SG/PRC, he was the Deputy Director at the North Los Angeles County Regional Center (NLACRC) where he provided administrative oversight of case management and clinical services for approximately 32,000 individuals. Dr. Weller is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the State of California. He holds a B.S. in Psychology from Saint Mary’s College of California and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) from The Wright Institute in Berkeley, California. During Dr. Weller’s doctoral program, he completed clinical training in the San Francisco Bay Area. He completed his Pre-Doctoral Internship and Post-Doctoral Training at a forensic setting in Los Angeles where he conducted individual therapy, group therapy, and forensic assessments. Dr. Weller has a particular interest in research related to law enforcement training and outcomes for officers responding to mental health related calls and has worked closely with the San Francisco Police Department and with other city and county officials.

12:00 – 12:45 pm

Annual Meeting 2023 Keynote

12:45 – 1:45 pm

1:45 – 3:00 pm

Whether we know it or not, we are all on an Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) journey. And for some, this journey is tough, but the rewards are life changing. This session will cover the IDEA basics, take you on a personal journey of acceptance, and give you tools to help incorporate IDEA into your work and personal life. We will also explore the work Alliance Colorado and ANCOR are doing in the IDEA space. During this conversation, you can expect no hate, no hype, and a happy ending.

Josh Rael

Alliance

Josh Rael serves as the Executive Director for Alliance, Colorado’s Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) case management and provider association. In 2022, Josh was elected to the ANCOR Board of Directors where he represents the state associations, chairs the State Association Executive Network, co-chairs the Government Relations Committee, and serves on ANCOR’s the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Leadership Committee. 

In 2020, Josh received the prestigious “40 Under 40” Award from the Denver Business Journal. In 2011, Josh was selected to attend President Obama’s White House Hispanic Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. And in 2007, Colorado's Governor appointed Josh to the Colorado Creative Industry Board.

Josh has owned his own lobbying firm, and worked for the Colorado Public Defender’s Office, the Colorado General Assembly, and the Walt Disney Company. Josh is also a successful recording artist and was nominated for a Grammy in 2004 in the “Best Pop Album” and “Best Male Pop Performance” categories.



Josh is a Colorado native and received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Colorado State University-Pueblo, a Juris Doctor from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, and a Master of Public Administration at the University of Colorado-Denver.

3:00 – 3:30 pm

3:30 – 4:45 pm

Hieu Williams

Partner, Hirschfeld Kraemer

As a partner at Hirschfeld Kraemer, Hieu Williams regularly defends employers against claims of discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, retaliation, breach of contract, and wage and hour class action violations. Ms. Williams’ employment law experience includes representing organizations, executives, and supervisors from various industries including but not limited to healthcare, education, food and beverage, and non-profit organizations.

7:30 – 8:30 am

8:30 – 9:00 am

Barry Jardini

Executive Director, California Disability Services Association

As Executive Director, Barry leads our lobbying and public policy, as well as CDSA and CDS Institute operations. He cultivates strong relationships with Administration officials, legislators and relevant staff members, and colleagues at stakeholder organizations to ensure CDSA members are well represented in Sacramento. Barry was named Executive Director in August 2020, after five years as CDSA’s Director of Government Affairs. Barry came to CDSA with significant legislative and management experience, and previously served as the in-house counsel to a regional human rights and fair housing commission.

9:30 – 10:30 am

Utilizing inspiration from the "Match.com" approach, which pairs individuals with compatible needs and interests, Options For All (OFA) incorporated these concepts into their client scheduling system, resulting in improved Direct Support Professional (DSP) and client relationships while enhancing overall efficiency. This Workforce Optimization session is designed to benefit service providers at all levels, showcasing an innovative technology solution developed by OFA to enhance client service and effectively manage large teams of DSPs, resulting in improved productivity and reduced cost.  

Since launching the Workforce Optimization Program, OFA has observed several measurable benefits, including improved client satisfaction and retention rates and lower mileage reimbursement rates. Attendees of the session will receive valuable insights into setting up their own customized systems for their organizations. Topics covered include goal identification, dos and don'ts during the implementation phase, and best practices for reporting and implementation.  

Brandan Kelly

Workforce Manager, Options For All

Brandan is the Workforce Manager at Options For All, dedicated to optimizing consumer service delivery by using digital platforms to examine staff capacity and participant demand.  

Brandan has 10+ years of management experience. Starting with serving in the U.S. Navy, he learned the importance of integrity, communication, and dedication for the better good.  

Shortly after completing his military service, Brandan became a Direct Support Professional at Options For All. Aligned with an organization that shares the same vision and commitment to the mission of creating and supporting opportunities for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, he quickly realized where his passions lay. Brandan has held multiple positions during his time at Options For All, including Case Manager, Area Manager, Workflow Coordinator, and Workforce Manager. All these positions have helped Brandan provide consumers with choices to live, work, and enjoy life in their community with dignity and respect.  

In his current role as Workforce Manager, Brandan oversees the organization's referral process and scheduling platforms that track process service delivery time. This data is compared to the capacity of OFA’s programs to ensure the organization is running at maximum optimization and adherence.  

Brandan received his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from National University. 

Win Together through Innovation:

How Organizations Can Find Resources within Constraint

24 Hour Home Care and Direct Care Innovations (DCI) will lead an interactive workshop on how community-based organizations can innovate within existing systems by utilizing resources that are readily available to empower and support the ID/DD community. The workshop will include a challenge where participants will learn how to look at industry challenges with fresh perspectives because creativity lies in constraint. 

Although most opportunities for real change in healthcare seem unsurmountable, there is increasing value in creating a vision, pulling strategy from staff working at all levels and drawing back to a minimum viable product to start impacting change today. Don’t hold up access or improvement of a program by seeking perfection over progress. 

24 Hour Home Care is an in-home care services vendor with all 21 California regional centers, and DCI is an industry-leading state-of-the-art business management platform for Medicaid service providers, self-direction agencies, and state governments.

Breeanne Kolster

Regional Manager, Community Partnerships, 24 Hour Home Care

Breeanne Kolster currently serves as the Regional Manager, Community Partnerships at 24 Hour Home Care and has been with the company for more than seven years. In her role, she oversees service line development, community outreach, and partnerships with the California Regional Centers. Breeanne is a fierce advocate at the state level for the ID/DD populations and those who serve clients. She also holds multiple leadership roles with different community partners and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Organizational Leadership.

Brian Perry

Vice President of Sales, Direct Care Innovations (DCI)

Brian Perry is a dynamic professional with over a decade of experience in the healthcare software industry. As the Vice President of Sales at Direct Care Innovations, Brian is pivotal in driving the company's growth and market presence. With a Master's in Management and Leadership, Brian has a solid educational foundation to complement his extensive industry knowledge. His expertise lies in sales management, marketing development, and new market penetration. His strategic approach and leadership skills have contributed to revenue growth and market expansion.

Brian is a National EVV Association board member, demonstrating his commitment to staying at the forefront of industry advancements and advocating for improved processes. His contributions have helped Medicaid agencies streamline operations, enabling more resources to reach caregivers. Brian's ability to build lasting relationships makes him a standout professional. Beyond his professional achievements, Brian is known for his collaborative spirit and passion for positively impacting the community. He seeks opportunities to leverage his expertise to drive change. Brian continues to drive the success of Direct Care Innovations.

Community-based Services – Tips for Successful Engagement with Community Partners

In an era of labor shortages, Desert Arc’s supported employment programs have flourished. This moderated panel will share strategies for building partnerships with local governments and the business community. To help open doors for your organization, tips for leveraging quality assurance certifications as well as engagement with stakeholders and community services clubs will be shared.

Angelique Ontiveros

Director of Business Services & Facilities, Desert Arc

As Desert Arc’s Director of Business Services & Facilities, Angelique has turned her passion for helping others into a career of making a difference in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. During her 21-year tenure with Desert Arc, a nonprofit human services organization founded in 1959, she has led the development of its social innovation initiatives under the umbrella of Business Services with four divisions including Shredding & Recycling, Landscape Maintenance, Janitorial and Fulfillment. These micro-enterprises offer area residents and businesses key service offerings in tandem with fulfilling Desert Arc’s mission to enhance the quality of life and create opportunities for people with disabilities such as vocational training and employment. Dedicated to her community, Angelique is an active member of the Rotary Club of Palm Desert and will serve as this chapter’s president in 2024-2025. She is also a current Board Member of the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce, an Ambassador for the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce, an alumna of Leadership Coachella Valley and a devoted volunteer who donates countless hours in support of many local events and programs. Angelique is a proud mother and grandmother (aka Gummy) who is always there for her family including fundraising for youth sports or simply cheering them on from the sidelines. 

Donnya Villarreal

Director of Vocational Programs, Desert Arc

Donnya joined the Desert Arc team in 2002 working in the Adult Day Center as a direct support professional for people with disabilities. Her 21 years of service have encompassed roles ranging from Instructor, Job Developer, Case Manager, and Supervisor to her present position as the Director of Vocational Programs. In this capacity, Donnya is responsible for 142 of Desert Arc’s clients who are employed in its Business Services Janitorial and Fulfillment division work crews and manages a team of 35 case managers and staff reflecting her passion for Desert Arc’s Pathways to Employment workforce development offerings. Further, she has initiated collaborations with partner organizations to broaden the clients’ engagement in the larger community. She is certified in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), Crisis Prevention & Intervention and Person Centered Thinking, an integral part of all human social services programming. Previously, Donnya worked for the University Center for Developmental Disabilities, affiliated with California State University. An avid “Sports Mom”, she supported her children throughout their school years and now looks forward to doing the same as a devoted grandmother.

10:30 – 11:00 am

11:00 am – 12:00 noon

Revolutionizing Regional Center Invoicing:

Making Automation Accessible for CDSA Members

 Join us to explore the complex process of Regional Center Invoicing. Simple Fractal has successfully automated the eBilling process with custom bot solutions. While these solutions are highly beneficial, the pricing has made them inaccessible to all CDSA members.

From the extensive experience gained deploying those solutions, Simple Fractal presents a new proposal—a productized bot. This innovative solution will make the automation process accessible to a wider audience.

During this session, our objective is to assess the benefits of this productized solution for CDSA members without the need for further customization. By participating and helping us gauge interest you will have access to early group pricing.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the discussion and shape the future of Regional Center Invoicing automation. If you, or someone you know, would benefit from significantly reducing the administrative burden and operating more efficiently, we encourage you to attend!

Brent Koskosky

Director of RPA Discovery, Simple Fractal

Brent is a seasoned leader in the healthcare service industry with more than 10 years of experience in building and scaling businesses. Currently, he is Director of Discovery and leading the Healthcare division at Simple Fractal. In this role, Brent applies his expertise in Consulting, Healthcare and Education to design customer-centric automation solutions. He is well-versed in Robotic Process Automation and primarily works with Healthcare providers of all sizes to deliver customized solutions that enhance operational efficiency, accuracy, employee satisfaction, and generate positive ROI.

Most recently Brent served as Director of Strategic Initiatives at Learn Behavioral, where he spearheaded large-scale, enterprise-wide initiatives to improve employee retention, enhance client experience, and facilitate facility growth and development.

Additionally, Brent's leadership played a pivotal role in the transformation of Total Spectrum, a Midwest-based ABA provider, from a start-up to thriving multi-site, multi-state operation. Leveraging his extensive knowledge of Revenue Cycle Management (RCM), billing, insurance, and technology Brent ensured Total Spectrum’s rapid growth remained controlled and the organization remained lean and client focused. As a result, the organization garnered the attention of several investors and was ultimately acquired by a national private equity firm.

What’s Branding Got To Do With It Anyway?

We will explore why branding is vital for organizations, when to consider rebranding, the pros and cons of undergoing a rebranding process, and strategies to successfully implement the brand change. Adjoin’s rebranding journey will be utilized to give real-life examples of the importance of branding for organizations and the strategic considerations behind the decisions to rebrand. Leave this presentation understanding how branding is a powerful tool with thoughtful consideration and planning can drive organizational success.

Wendy Forkas

Chief Executive Officer, Adjoin

Wendy is the Chief Executive Officer, of Adjoin, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and veterans in California.  She has over 29 years of experience in the disabilities field with over 19 years serving as an executive leader for non-profit entities. Wendy is currently serving as the Vice President of the California Disability Services Association (CDSA) Board, is the Vendor Advisory Chair for the San Diego Regional Center Board and is a member of the San Diego Developmental Disabilities Provider Network (DDPN) where she is the DDPN representative to the Lanterman Coalition in Sacramento, CA. She has also served for the last 9 years as the Chair of the DDPN Leading the Charge Committee. Wendy holds a Master of Arts degree in Behavioral Analysis and Therapy and Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, both completed at the University of Pacific in Stockton, California. 

Don’t go it alone!

Creatively engage your legislators as a group using laughter and lessons!

Inland Empire Caucus Celebrates 20 Years of Success

Imagine making lasting and memorable connections with your State and local elected officials, all while having a boatload of fun doing it! 

Come learn from the success of the CDSA Inland Empire Caucus’ 20-year track record of collaboration to design and execute entertaining and educational Legislative Breakfasts and Community Partnerships events honoring key employment and other community partners who support the amazing individuals we all serve. Don’t recreate the wheel! The IE Caucus will share ideas, object lessons, scripts, and other materials with your caucus!

Andrea Wells

Chief Program Officer, OPARC

A graduate of Cal State Long Beach, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and certified in Customized Employment, Andrea has over 35 years’ experience supporting adults with disabilities in areas of functional education, socialization, vocational development, employment, and residential living. 

Since April of 2018, Andrea works at OPARC as the Chief Program Officer for Vocational and Day Program services. She strives to stay apprised of legislative issues of those with disabilities, advocates on their behalf, and continues to operate programs that support their inclusion. A Person Centered Thinking Trainer, Planning Live and Progress for Providers alumnus, Andrea is enthusiastic toward facilitating her organization’s culture change to be fully entrenched in Person Centered Thinking and committed to Person Centered Planning.

Andrea has actively participated in CDSA activities and committees since the Cal-dsa days, also serving on the Board of Directors and 5 years as Inland Empire Caucus Chair.

Karen Jones

Director of New Program and Staff Development, VIP, Inc.

Bringing 45 years of knowledge and experience in both for-profit and nonprofit leadership, Karen Jones joined VIP, Inc. in 2016 as the Director of New Program and Staff Development.

Karen holds a BA in Business Administration and an MBA with an emphasis in economic development. Karen has spent 35 years in the nonprofit field serving individuals with intellectual disabilities, 20 of which she served as executive director of Pomona Valley Workshop. She also has 20 years of experience as an accreditation surveyor for the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities and worked 10 years as an adjunct faculty member at University of LaVerne. Karen has served on a variety of committees and boards over the past 40 years, both within and outside her field. She currently serves as a Trustee of Purpose Church Pomona and is Secretary of the Board of Directors for Dignity Group.

A native Californian, Karen resides in Rancho Cucamonga, a short 10 miles from where she grew up in Pomona. She enjoys crafting, traveling, and writing. Karen fulfilled a lifelong dream by publishing her first novel in 2022. She is the proud mom of two beautiful Golden Retrievers, one of whom is a certified Therapy Animal.

Lunch

12:00 – 1:00 pm

Unlocking Opportunities: An Update on Federal Policy for IDD Providers

1:00 – 1:45 pm

Join us to delve into the latest federal policy updates shaping Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services and Direct Support Professionals. With Democrats controlling the Senate and Republican leadership in the House of Representatives, the political dynamics of the current 118th Congress have the potential to impact disability services nationally through bipartisan legislation and regulatory action. In this session, you’ll gain insights into both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for IDD providers and learn how to be part of the conversation to create meaningful change.

Noah Block

Advocacy Manager, ANCOR

Noah Block, a California native, serves as the Advocacy Manager at ANCOR, a national disability provider association where he develops their national grassroots advocacy strategy, leads their housing policy, and supports ANCOR’s Disability Champions Political Action Committee.

Noah discovered his passion for disability justice while implementing youth justice diversion programs nationwide, with specific attention to the estimated one-third of young people involved in the juvenile justice system with learning or attention challenges. As someone who identifies as having a disability, he has worked at the intersection of these identities for over 10 years, providing direct-support services and expanding community-driven approaches that support youth and families in the justice system.

Before coming to ANCOR, he worked in a variety of settings, including the National Center for Learning Disabilities, Redwood Community Services, and the California Association of Youth Courts. In all his work, Noah seeks to connect communities' voices to policy outcomes. Beyond his professional commitments, Noah serves as secretary on the Board of Directors of Youth Transforming Justice, a California-based nonprofit that promotes peer-to-peer trauma-informed restorative justice practices. Additionally, Noah is a board member at the California Association of Youth Courts, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting youth diversion programs.

2:15 – 3:15 pm

Transforming Lives with SmartCare: Revolutionizing Assistive Technology

Welcome to SmartCare by OneWell Health Care. SmartCare is an assistive technology solution to empower individuals of all abilities to live with increased independence, safety, and dignity.

At OneWell, we see beyond the limitations of physical or cognitive challenges and strive to create a future where all individuals can embrace a life lived to the fullest. By promoting a lifestyle of self-reliance and dignity, we offer a range of user-friendly solutions designed to adapt and evolve with ever-changing needs.

We take great pride in showcasing our groundbreaking technology with you all and are excited to demonstrate the cutting-edge advancements in assistive technology solutions. We believe technology can facilitate a life lived with purpose and are committed to promoting health, safety, and independence for all. Welcome to the world of SmartCare, where innovation meets compassion and technology is transformed into care. 

Aytekin Oldac

President/CEO, OneWell Health Care

Aytekin Oldac is a dynamic leader, entrepreneur, and the driving force behind OneWell Health Care. With a vast background in healthcare, Information Technology (IT), life sciences, and business consulting, he has spearheaded enterprise system implementations across North America and globally.

Aytekin’ s passion for healthcare, and technology, and his ability to build high-performing teams led him to found Pyramos, a specialty software development tech firm. This venture showcased his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to delivering innovative solutions to clients.

Currently serving as the founder and CEO of OneWell, Aytekin continues to revolutionize the healthcare industry. He is also the President/CEO of PA Health Management, where he focuses on automation and quality management of care for seniors and disabled individuals.

Aytekin's academic achievements include earning a degree from Penn State University for computer science and an MBA in Economics and Business Management from the University of Maryland. He further honed his executive expertise through the EMBA HK-Beijing Program at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Aytekin is passionate about education, sustainable energy, and giving back to the community. Through his visionary leadership and commitment to excellence, Aytekin is transforming the healthcare landscape and making a positive impact in countless lives. 

Adjoin’s Path to a Self-Funded Health Plan. Is it right for you?

Feeling squeezed by rising health insurance costs? Ready to take control of those costs and improve employee benefits?! In this session you will hear a group of panelists discuss the benefits, challenges, and strategies in adopting a Self-Funded Health Plan while learning about the trends affecting the healthcare industry and what a Self-Funded Health Insurance Plan looks like in practice. Discover how Adjoin and SOLV broke through the myths to enrich our employees’ health benefits and find cost savings. You will gain an understanding from a peer CDSA member organization on how they are doing with their Self-Funded Limitless Pathway Health Plan and be able to assess if a Self-Funded Health Plan is right for your organization.  

Wendy Forkas

Chief Executive Officer, Adjoin

Wendy is the Chief Executive Officer of Adjoin, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and veterans in California.  She has over 29 years of experience in the disabilities field with over 19 years serving as an executive leader for non-profit entities. Wendy is currently serving as the Vice President of the California Disability Services Association (CDSA) Board, is the Vendor Advisory Chair for the San Diego Regional Center Board and is a member of the San Diego Developmental Disabilities Provider Network (DDPN) where she is the DDPN representative to the Lanterman Coalition in Sacramento, CA.  She has also served for the last 9 years as the Chair of the DDPN Leading the Charge Committee. Wendy holds a Master of Arts degree in Behavioral Analysis and Therapy and Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, both completed at the University of Pacific in Stockton, California. 

Claudia Hutchinson

Chief Operations Officer, Adjoin

Claudia is the Chief Operations Officer of Adjoin. She has 30 years of experience in the disabilities field supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, veterans who are experiencing homelessness, and helping parents to prevent child abuse. Her passion for social work stems from the belief in dignity and worth of all people. Claudia holds a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University and Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from California State University Stanislaus.

During her time off from duties, Claudia enjoys family, gardening, creative arts and supporting the California Innocence Project.

Sunny Meyer

Human Resources Director, Adjoin

Sunny Meyer is the Human Resources Director at Adjoin. She is a human resources professional with over 15 years of experience in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors and holds a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification from HRCI. 

Jose Gutierrez

Human Resources Generalist, Adjoin

Jose Gutierrez is the Human Resources Generalist at Adjoin. Jose is a human resources professional with over 7 years of experience in the non-profit and 4 years in the for-profit sector. He holds a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification from HRCI. 

Barry Azarcon

Senior Consultant, SOLV Independent Insurance Associates

Barry is a 32-year veteran in employee benefits with 14 years of executive experience, who is passionate about strategically controlling benefit costs. Previously, he served as President & CEO of a highly respected benefit consulting firm and was the original Managing Principal for EPIC's Employee Benefits Practice.

Barry has assisted numerous companies across various industries, including high-tech, non-profit, manufacturing, banking, and hospitality. Companies he has worked with include Adjoin, Liferay, Monrovia Nurseries and Otis Spunkmeyer Cookies.

He pioneered consumer-driven health plan designs and alternative funding arrangements and continues to provide

innovative strategies that reduce employers' short-term and long-term costs while improving benefit levels and lowering costs for employees.

Barry graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Economics from Pepperdine University. He holds designations as a Registered Health Underwriter and Registered Employee Benefit Consultant from The American College in Bryn Mawr, PA.

Outside of work, Barry enjoys family, travel, gardening, drumming, healthy food and supporting impoverished communities in third-world countries.

Cody Welch

Consultant/New Business Development Manager, SOLV Independent Insurance Associates

Cody Welch is a Consultant and the New Business Development Manager with SolV Independent Insurance Associates. He works closely with the SolV consulting and management team to help bring in new business.

Prior to joining SolV in 2017, Cody managed a large team and a regional division for Auction.com. At SolV, Cody manages the NBD department and works hard to build relationships with large employers and assists in the ongoing strategy development for his clients. 

Since joining SolV Cody has helped provide his clients with alternative cost containment ideas which have resulted in enhancements of benefits and significant savings. He helped one client implement a Reference Based Pricing model which resulted in a 54% decrease in their medical spend. He has a passion for creating healthcare consumerism and developing long term strategies that help save the employer and employees money on their healthcare. 

Cody enjoys spending time with his family, coaching his son’s youth sports, hiking and snowmobiling. He lives in Roseville, California with his wife Kristin and their two sons Noah (11) and Jackson (3).

The session is designed for senior professionals, clinicians, group home managers and adult day leaders who have responsibility for the provision of residential, adult day, caregiver support groups, and dementia care coordination services for people with intellectual disabilities, especially Down syndrome living with dementia. Learn how to draft an individually tailored dementia care plan and adhere to the CARF International IDD living with dementia standards of care.

Thomas Buckley, Ed. D.

Executive Director, The Roland Center

Dr. Buckley has invested nearly 40 years into leading and supporting the intellectually and developmentally disabled community.

In that time, he has excelled in top executive positions at several excellent IDD organizations in addition to serving on the Board of Directors for organizations such as ACCSES, CARF, and Special Olympics Florida.

3:15 – 3:45 pm

3:45 – 4:45 pm

Wearable Tech to Promote Quality of Life and Independence

Daily life can bring unexpected stresses. When that stress builds, it can become dysregulating and can interfere with social connections, work, and quality of life. Learn how smartwatches & other technology can be used for self-regulation by measuring stress to enable people with cognitive disabilities to live as they choose in the community, find success in the workplace, and maintain meaningful relationships. Unobtrusive and widely available, smartwatches can be an effective tool to support independence without being stigmatizing. As more and more states adopt Tech-First initiatives and fund technology for community supports, independence, and employment, many organizations are searching for tips on how to development and implement technology. Our presentation will discuss current technology options, implementation strategies, and examples of real life success.

Edward R. Amey, MS

Chief Executive Officer, Jay Nolan Community Services

Throughout his career, Edward has worked with children, teens, individuals, and families in various walks of life; as a coach, crisis counselor, social worker, therapist, teacher, adoption services supervisor, and program director. He has been a member of several boards, as well as serving as the Executive Director of The Concordia Schools - Los Angeles, the Managing Director for The Institute for the Redesign of Learning, and now as the CEO of Jay Nolan Community Services.

Edward has led multiple organizations to financial prosperity, through digital and cultural change, by focusing on the greatest assets they have, people - the people they support, and the people providing that support. He is committed to helping the leaders in our communities and companies to drive lasting positive change through innovation that keeps people at the center.

Having been in executive leadership roles for nonprofits for over 18 years; Edward believes one of the fundamental ways to strengthen our communities is through purposeful efforts to provide opportunities for every member to contribute. By providing safe, challenging, and diverse venues in which to grow, develop, and contribute we create communities that are whole and healthy.

Andrea Palmer

Founder & CEO, Awake Labs

Andrea Palmer is the Founder and CEO of Awake Labs, a digital health company empowering people with cognitive disabilities to live healthier and more independently. She has been working at the intersection of enabling technology, mental health, and person-centered care for over 7 years. She is a big Enabling Technology and Assistive Technology geek, so please ask!  

Awake Labs uses wearables to measure stress and strong emotions in real time. They have partnered with I/DD care providers across the US and Canada to improve the quality of care and quality of life for the people they support. Awake Labs completed the UnitedHealthcare Accelerator powered by Techstars and is an Ontario Brain Institute portfolio company.  

Andrea is on the Board of Life Sciences Ontario and serves on its Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Committee.

An engineer by training, Andrea used to build autonomous soccer-playing robots and compete with them around the world. In her spare time, you can find Andrea outdoors, practicing jiu-jitsu and kickboxing, or saying hi to every dog she meets.

Curating Organizational Culture - A Practical Guide to Implementation

A key to a successful organization is to have a culture based on a strongly held set of values and beliefs that are supported by an organization’s strategy and structure. These values should guide how everyone involved in the organization should, essentially, live, work and interact together to be most effective in accomplishing its mission and goals. Organizations must find and implement effective ways for their values to be understood and actually come alive.

At this session you will learn:



• What, essentially, is “organizational culture” and its importance
• What might stand in the way of developing a strong clear organizational culture
• How best to influence or change an organization’s culture
• From start to finish, the process and methods that Cedars used to influence culture, which may be replicable by others
• How an organization can utilize and customize this process to its greatest effect

Chuck Greene

Co-Executive Director, Cedars

My most important learning while attending Harvard Business School was that—I knew I had no desire to enter the world of business! Instead, I focused my life’s work on non-profit management. I moved to California in 1972 to help start an environmental and international service focused liberal arts College, which I did for 18 years. I then spent 9 great years as Executive Director of the Volunteer Center followed by heading up the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund and the Goldman Environmental Prize. After Goldman, I was an interim executive director at 12 Bay Area nonprofits—which led me to Cedars. I thought it would be an 18-month stint as an interim, but that was 15 years ago!

Like many of you, much of my management experience was focused on strategic planning. The key takeaway is that success in planning depends much less on setting good goals (likely they are all good), and much more on implementing them effectively throughout an organization. This is especially true when trying to strengthen organizational culture, which can often be quite elusive. This is what we’ve achieved at Cedars over the past 4 years. 

K.C. Coco

Strategic Planning and Project Manager, Cedars

K.C. Coco is the Strategic Planning and Project Manager at The Cedars of Marin. She earned her M.B.A., master’s in public health and bachelor’s in economics from U.C. Berkeley. Prior to finding her "dream-job" at Cedars, she was the strategy lead for major accounts, Medicare, government and subsidized programs at Kaiser Permanente. 

She came to Cedars because of the alignment of her personal values with the mission. Her ongoing commitment to Cedars is reflected in her broad array of job responsibilities including operational project management, internal communications, residential placement (incl HUD housing), self-advocacy, board and management coordination, intranet development and more. Her primary area of focus is strategy development, planning and implementation. 

During her 9-year tenure at Cedars, she says one of her most impactful accomplishments has been working on the curation and cultivation of 'Cedars Values', shaping Cedars culture now and into the future. She sees this as a “game changer” for every organization, especially if they are committed to implementation. 

Do you know the motivations of your DSPs?

What makes a DSP “good” at their job, and how can we make them even better? To answer these questions, we can focus on performance metrics of an ideal DSP and implement “shoulds” until our hearts are content. But diving into the motivation of each DSP is where the gold of information lies. 

My story of measuring motivational factors of DSPs and the “why” behind our front-line staff.

Jocelyn Leatherman (She/Her/Hers)

Client Success Manager, SETWorks

Jocelyn developed her love for the IDD industry after serving nearly seven years at Missouri agencies. She quickly realized the value higher education could bring to the IDD industry to improve the way organizations used data and research, and earned a MS in I/O Psychology, with her dissertation being on the motivational factors of Direct Support Professionals.

Jocelyn’s experience as a SETWorks user, IDD professional, and consultant, brings invaluable insight to the SETWorks client operations team as the Client Success Manager as she strives to inspire clients towards using data to drive success. 

Thursday, September 21

Breakfast

8:00 – 9:00 am

CDSA Policy Priorities & The Power of Advocacy in Driving Change

8:30 – 10:00 am

Starting with an update from the Capitol by our lobbyists at Nielson Merksamer, this comprehensive session will cover every aspect of advocacy as we move into the second-year of the legislative cycle and acritical budget year. CDSA will give a rundown of the 2023-24 Public Policy Agenda, our work at the state level, and a refresher on legislative advocacy. Saving the best for last, members from Ala Costa Centers and The Arc Fresno/Madera Counties will share their advocacy strategies at the state, district, and local levels, including a presentation from self-advocates and direct support staff about their engagement in advocacy for disability services. 

Barry Jardini

Executive Director, California Disability Services Association

As Executive Director, Barry leads our lobbying and public policy, as well as CDSA and CDS Institute operations. He cultivates strong relationships with Administration officials, legislators and relevant staff members, and colleagues at stakeholder organizations to ensure CDSA members are well represented in Sacramento. Barry was named Executive Director in August 2020, after five years as CDSA’s Director of Government Affairs. Barry came to CDSA with significant legislative and management experience, and previously served as the in-house counsel to a regional human rights and fair housing commission.

Missy Johnson

Senior Director of Government Affairs, Nielsen Merksamer

Missy is senior director of government affairs who works collaboratively with Nielsen Merksamer partners, with an emphasis on issues relating to health care, occupational licensing and consumer protection.

Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Johnson was the Vice President of Government Affairs for the California Retailers Association (CRA) where she served as the in-house lobbyist and represented the retail industry on a variety of issues. Prior to joining CRA, Ms. Johnson worked in the California Legislature for ten years in a number of capacities where she developed relationships with key legislative staff and Members. Her last position was with the Senate Committee on Business, Professions, and Economic Development where she worked on issues relating to economic development, workforce training, and California’s tourism, entertainment, and sports industries as well as the regulation of the a number of professions.

Ms. Johnson is a graduate of California State University, Sacramento where she studied Criminal Justice and Sociology and completed graduate work in Public Policy and Administration.

Rachael Blucher

Senior Counsel, Nielsen Merksamer

Rachael Blucher is Senior Counsel in the firm’s government law section. Rachael’s practice focuses on health care, professional and facility licensing, senior care and housing, and insurance.

Prior to joining Nielsen Merksamer, Rachael represented a variety of health and senior care providers such as hospitals, health systems, clinics, hospice and home health agencies, and senior housing communities at a law firm in Sacramento. She counseled her clients on a range of issues, including federal and state reimbursement laws, licensing compliance, corporate governance, HIPAA compliance, and contracting. She represented clients in administrative actions against various state agencies. She worked with providers during mergers and acquisitions to conduct transaction diligence, achieve regulatory approvals, and complete post-acquisition filings.

Rachael attended the University of California, Santa Cruz campus, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biology. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of the California, Hastings College of the Law.

Abigail Henderson

Public Policy Associate, California Disability Services Association

As Public Policy Associate, Abigail empowers our advocacy for disability services by supporting our government affairs and policy work. Abigail is a recent UC Davis graduate with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Professional Writing. Prior to joining CDSA, Abigail worked to improve policy, community outreach, and advocacy for the AAPI community in Sacramento and throughout California. As an amateur bike mechanic and self-taught pâtissier, Abigail is passionate about using her free time to connect with the community through bikes and bakes.

Michael A. Pereira

Executive Director, Ala Costa Centers

Michael has been a professional in the Special Needs/Special Education community for over 20 years. He was formerly Credentialed Special Education Teacher from Massachusetts, a Clinical Director and former Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst (BCaBA)- though he is not currently certified. Michael has also led Non-Public Agencies providing ABA services and Early Intervention programming, been involved/led multiple Non-Public School programs in multiple states, developed programs that promote Inclusive Practices for school age students and adults, and has been a Special Education Family Advocate/ Consultant helping families navigate IEPs and school district services. Michael is currently a Board Member of the Alameda County Developmental Disabilities Council, and Co-Chair of the East Bay Legislative Coalition for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Ishmael Gaines

Support Advocate, The Arc Fresno/Madera Counties

Ishmael, Support Advocate specializing in social media outreach for The Arc of Fresno/Madera Counties, was born and raised in Chowchilla, CA. He is a graduate of Chowchilla Union High School and Assistant Coach for the Chowchilla Gold Traveling Girls' Volleyball Team. At program, Ishmael has been the Pathfinders To Employment Consumer Advocacy Council President for Madera for 2 years where he advocates for himself and his peers to have their needs met at program. He also enjoys volunteering at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church and has done so for the past 7 years passing out food to the community of Chowchilla.

Marshall Hazelton

Support Advocate, The Arc Fresno/Madera Counties

Marshall is a Support Advocate specializing in peer advocacy for The Arc of Fresno/Madera counties. He aims to provide leadership in projects promoting self-advocacy and inclusion for individuals in our local communities and on a state-wide or national basis depending on the scope of issues the individual needs help with. In his role of educator with the Home and Community-Based Services Education Team, Marshall empathizes with the individuals and brings to light his previous living situation to remind them and their service providers of the rights of those with intellectual / developmental disabilities. Marshall's long term goals are to obtain his California Driver's License, go back to college, and own an apartment. Previously, Marshall was successful in advocating for himself to move from a group home to an independent living arrangement.

Travis Cardwell

Program Manager, The Arc Fresno/Madera Counties

Travis is a lifelong competitor and coach who has worked professionally to help others to find and make a better path for themselves. With a background working in mental health and sever mental illness, he developed a passion for supporting others. He is the Program Manager of Competitive Integrated Employment and Commercial Services at The Arc Fresno/Madera Counties, where he builds on often overlooked strengths and abilities to increase the independence of those we serve.

Morning Break

10:00 – 10:15 am

10:15 – 11:15 am

In response to the staffing crisis faced by providers across the state, leaders at Valley Mountain Regional Center and Alta California Regional Center, along with leading providers in their catchments, created the DSP Collaborative. The DSP Collaborative joins the efforts of regional centers and the vendor community to grow our diverse workforce supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This session will dive deeper into the DSP Collaborative and share some of the innovative ways that the Collaborative banded together to address the workforce crisis.

Melanie Gonzales

Northern California Director, Adjoin

Melanie Gonzales is the Northern California Director for Adjoin, a nonprofit that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout California. Melanie has worked in social services throughout her 25 year career in various capacities, including Associate Director of Adult Services at Regional Center of the East Bay, Director of Residential Services at Las Trampas, Program Director at Children’s Home of Sacramento, and Service Coordinator at Valley Mountain Regional Center. Melanie has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University Stanislaus, is the President of the Coalition of Local Agency Service Providers in the Valley Mountain Regional Center catchment area, and is a Board Member of the Service Provider Advisory Committee in the San Andreas Regional Center catchment area. 

Garrett Broadbent

Chief Executive Officer, Creative Living Options

Garrett Broadbent is CEO of Creative Living Options (CLO), a non-profit dedicated to providing in-home, community-based support services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Before joining CLO, he oversaw services at a transitional program for young adults with IDD as Vice President, designed one of California’s first acute crisis residential facilities for adults with IDD (Community Crisis Home), and worked at every level in a breadth of IDD support organizations including five years as a Direct Support Professional in Supported Living. His educational background includes a BA with High Honors from UC Davis, a graduate diploma from Crossfields Institute UK in integrative education leadership, and an MA in Special Education (Autism Spectrum Disorders) from Arizona State University. Since 2019, he has served on the Safety Net Workgroup for the DDS Developmental Services Task Force. Garrett spends his copious leisure time with his spouse, children, dog, and garden or practicing submission grappling.

Tony Anderson

Executive Director, Valley Mountain Regional Center

Tony Anderson entered the field of developmental services in 1987 and began his career as a direct support professional. He has served as a social worker and later became the Executive Director of a community non-profit that served over 120 people with developmental disabilities. He worked in the leadership for the Napa County Department of Health and Human Services and was appointed to serve as Deputy Director for Governor Gray Davis responsible for Policy, Planning & Governmental Relations for the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities. He joined The Arc California in 2003 and served as Executive Director and principle lobbyist for the association. In this capacity he served on numerous state and national boards and commissions and was the national President for the executive directors of the association. In 2017 he became the Executive Director of Valley Mountain Regional Center serving 18,000 people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families in Amador, Calaveras, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne Counties. Tony received his BA in Research Psychology and an MA in Organizational Development both from Sonoma State University. He completed his master’s practicum at Stanford University and received certification in Executive Leadership from the University of Southern California while an official of the State.  

Lori Banales

Executive Director, Alta California Regional Center

Lori Banales has worked in the field of Developmental Disabilities for 30 years. As an Independent Living Skills Instructor, Lori was introduced to this amazing service industry where she provided individualized instruction and support to those who lived in places of their own. Following a couple of years of direct service, Lori transitioned to the regional center where she continued to support clients of all ages. The regional center has provided her with many opportunities that have nurtured and developed her advocacy, passion and commitment to enhance the lives of people served. Working as a Service Coordinator she was able to jointly develop plans that facilitated person centered thinking and maximized client choice. Working as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and a Service Coordinator have provided the foundation of skills and understanding that she would draw upon as a Client Services Manager, Director of Client Services, Deputy Executive Director and most recently, as the Executive Director of Alta California Regional Center.  This service system has provided more than professional development and opportunities, it has provided her with the satisfaction that the work that she does, contributes to a community where all people with developmental disabilities are valued members of their community. 

John Decker

Director of Community Services and Supports, Alta California Regional Center

John W. Decker, DSW, MSW is the Director of Community Services at Alta California Regional Center (ACRC). Dr. Decker has undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work from Sacramento State and a Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Southern California. Having concerns about housing insecurity for adults with developmental disabilities living with aging caregivers, his doctoral work was largely designing the Coordinated Future Planning initiative for ACRC. Much of his current work is leading efforts to expand affordable housing opportunities for clients of the regional centers. Dr. Decker is the co-chair of the Association of Regional Center Agencies (ARCA) Community Services Director Discipline Group and the co-chair of the ARCA Employment Committee. Prior to the position of Director of Community Services, he also worked as a Community Services Specialist and Community Placement Plan and Forensics Manager at ACRC. He was also the project manager for a substance use reduction Mental Health Services Act grant. Past experience includes working as a Domestic Violence Victim Advocate and Juvenile Court Investigator for Sacramento County.  Dr. Decker frequently speaks on housing, aging, and substance use disorder issues for adults with developmental disabilities.   

Chris Martin

Executive Director, UCP of Stanislaus County

Chris Martin is the Executive Director of UCP of Stanislaus County. She has been with UCP of Stanislaus for 12 and a half years. She started in the field as a DSP and continued after finding a passion for building a more inclusive community. She has helped start multiple programs that benefit adults with disabilities throughout Stanislaus County. She has served on the CLASP (Coalition of Local Agency Service Providers) board for 5 years and became involved with the DSP Collaborative in hopes of spreading awareness of the IDD field and career opportunities within it. Chris lives in Turlock with her husband and two teenage children. She is an active member of multiple service organizations as well as being involved with local school- and faith-based activities. 

11:15 am – 12:15 pm

As disability service providers continue to shift towards best practices in supporting person-centered outcomes, some families struggle along their own person-centered journey. This session will explore strategies to create partnerships with families, supporting the decision-making process and working together towards the outcomes the person wants for their life. Families have often been the strongest advocates in people's lives, and they can grow to become the strongest allies. Learn tips to cultivate these partnerships from day one through person-centered practices. Provide space for support, learning, and networking around disability allyship. You will also hear stories from people with disabilities themselves as they navigate their autonomy along with the strength and support of their family! 

Amber Carey-Navarrete

Director of Person-Centered Services, Easterseals Southern California

Amber Carey-Navarrete, Director of Person-Centered Services, has demonstrated a person-centered approach to her work with Easterseals Southern California for over 20 years. She is considered the resident expert of person-centered services across all of the Easterseals Southern California’s Adult Day Services and has been tasked with leading the agency’s strategic priority of enhancing person-centered practices throughout the organization. She has authored a manual on Person-Centered Culture and Practices, and now leads a department in facilitating this approach.

Over the last decade, Amber has had the opportunity to speak to her conviction and knowledge of person-centered culture outside of Easterseals at many seminars and conferences, as well as consulted with and provided training to Lanterman Regional Center on their Person-Centered Practices. She was honored with the NADSA 2016 Innovator Award for her hard work and commitment in this area. Most recently, Amber co-lead the Disability Thrive Initiative providing support and education to California’s disability community to navigate service changes due to the pandemic. She continues to learn and be inspired daily by all the successes along her journey of person-centered culture and practices.

Preeti Subramaniam 

Self-Advocate, Easterseals Southern California

Preeti Subramaniam, self-advocate and animal lover, is a passionate and active disability advocate throughout Southern California. She graduated from Citrus College with an AA in Psychology, where she received the Most Inspirational Speaker Award. She sits on multiple committees, and currently serves at San Gabriel Pomona Regional Center as Secretary on their Board of Directors and Committee Chair for the Individuals Served and Families Committee. She is an active member of the Our Voices Matter Advisory Committee at Easterseals Southern California where she has been using services for over 7 years. She regularly shares her passion of higher education as a viable option for people with disabilities and hopes to continue to spread this awareness through her advocacy work.

Lunch & Goodbye

12:00 – 1:00 pm

California Disability Services Association & California Disability Services Institute

(916) 441-5844 | [email protected] | www.Cal-DSA.org