Agenda
Sunday, April 27 2025
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Conference Registration Open
Monday, April 28 2025
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
10:00 am – 10:15 am
Welcome and Kickoff
Ken Crum, Board President
vaACCSES
10:15 am – 11:30 am
General Session – KEYNOTE:
Thriving in 2025
DMAS word for 2025 is THRIVE – Trust , Healthcare, Results, Integrity, Vision and Engagement. In this session, DMAS will provide a current status and 2025 projections on Virginia Medicaid Thriving program.
Cheryl Roberts, J.D., Director
Department of Medical Assistance Services
Tammy Whitlock, Deputy of Complex Care
Department of Medical Assistance Services
Lunch and Speaker
Kyle Smiddie, J.D., Trial Attorney
U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Special Litigation Section
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
General Session:
Bob and Weave
Join us for a discussion with Heather Norton from DBHDS and Ann Bevan from DMAS on an update to the current system serving people with developmental disabilities. This open discussion between presenters and attendees will review the current status of the transformation of the DD system and what we can look forward to in the future using our crystal balls and ability to adapt to a constantly changing environment. We continue to partner with providers and advocates to “bob” along, keeping our heads above water and still “weave” through the constant changes to ensure that the people we serve have what they need to live full, robust lives.
Ann Bevan, Director, Division of High Needs Supports
Department of Medical Assistance Services
Heather Norton, Deputy Commissioner for Community Services
Virginia Dept. of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
3:15 pm – 4:30 pm
Break Out Sessions:
SourceAmerica Career Development - Updates in a Changing Environment
During this session speakers from SourceAmerica will discuss ongoing activities related to the Career Development of participating employees in the AbilityOne program and how these actions relate to U.S. AbilityOne Commission Policy 51.405. In addition, speakers will outline SourceAmerica Workforce Development resources and grant opportunities. The session will be interactive and questions will be welcomed.
Brian DeAtley, Director
SourceAmerica
Michelle Brownlee, Senior Public Programs Administrator
SourceAmerica
The Power of ESOPs: Succession Planning, Culture Building, and Employee Retention
Through real-world examples, we’ll examine the unique advantages ESOPs and employee ownership offer to organizations, employees, and retiring owners. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how ESOPs not only secure the future of their organization but also create an empowered workforce committed to the mission and vision.
Matt Rosenbaum, M.B.A., CFO
Wall Residences
John Weatherspoon, CEO & President
Wall Residences
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Welcome Reception
Refreshments and Live Music
Sponsored by ServiceSource
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tuesday, April 29 2025
Sponsored by St. John's Community Services
9:00 am – 10:15 am
Navigating Change and Confusion in Washington D.C.
Bart Devon, Ed.M, MELP, Esq., Executive Director
Alliance for Expanding America’s Workforce
Katie Missiner, Director of Government Relations
Melwood
Virginia’s Medicaid Works Program for Working People with Disabilities
This session overviews Virginia’s Medicaid Works (buy-in) program. This includes an overview of the eligibility criteria, how to apply and how, by utilizing this program, people with disabilities can work and earn a substantial wage while protecting their Medicaid coverage. It will also cover resources people can utilize if they need help or want more information on the program.
Jeanette Flanders
Endependence Center of Virginia Beach
Andrew Hooks, Attorney
Michael Klinger, Work Incentives Specialist
Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)
10:30 am – 11:45 am
General Session:
Practical Solutions and Promising Practices
Cori Di Biase, Founder
Aperio Consulting Group
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Lunch and Speaker:
50 Years of vaACCSES
Paul Aktinson Senior, Retired, Former CEO
Eggleston Services
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Break Out Sessions:
CARF Standards – What’s New, What’s Difficult and What Can We Do to Be Better Prepared
Shirley will provide the most up to date information, having just attended the 2025 CARF conference for surveyors. She will discuss what is new in the 2025 ECS manual, and what may be coming in 2026. She will share where providers often get cited and provide some helpful hints as to how to best prepare for your next survey…whether that be next month or in three year.
Shirley Lyons, M.S., Employment and Day Services Manager
Henrico Area MH/DS - Hermitage Enterprises
3:15 pm – 4:45 pm
Break Out Sessions:
Session Title Coming
Cori Di Biase, Founder
Aperio Consulting Group
Mindfulness in Developmental Services: Practical Tools for Well-Being
Working in developmental services requires dedication, patience, and emotional resilience. The demands of supporting others can be both rewarding and challenging, making self-care essential for maintaining well-being and effectiveness.
This experiential session will introduce mindfulness as a powerful, practical tool for reducing stress, enhancing focus, and fostering emotional balance. Participants will engage in guided mindfulness exercises, including breathwork, gentle movement, and grounding techniques, all designed to be easily integrated into daily routines.
Whether you are new to mindfulness or looking to expand your practice, this session will provide simple, evidence-based strategies to support your well-being—helping you stay present, centered, and engaged in providing high-quality, person-centered support.
Andie Plumley, Vice President
Support Services of Virginia, Inc.
8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Sponsored by Career Support Systems, Inc.
Wednesday, April 30 2025
8:30 am – 10:00 am
General Session
Barry Seaver, Provide Team Lead
Community Resource Consultants
Closing General Session:
Virginia the Next 50 Years
Genni Sasnett
ODEP