Speakers | M-Z

Sean MacNeill

Community Outreach Coordinator, Alliant Health Solutions & Florida Hospital Association

Sean MacNeill joined the Florida Hospital Association (FHA) in May 2020 as the Community Outreach Coordinator. In his role, Sean collaborates closely with Alliant Health Solutions, Florida's Quality Improvement Organization, to establish and support community coalitions statewide. These coalitions are dedicated to reducing readmissions, minimizing avoidable emergency department visits, and enhancing care transitions across the health care continuum.

Sean holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Carroll University in Wisconsin. Before joining FHA, he served as a Screening Specialist for Community Coordinated Care for Children and as a Patient Intake Specialist for Rogers Memorial Hospital, both in Wisconsin. Notably, Sean spearheaded the implementation of a new recreational therapy program and curriculum at the VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Mike Manis

Field Training Officer, Law Enforcement

Mike Manis brings over a decade of law enforcement experience to his role. Serving the middle Tennessee community for the past four years, Mike has held various positions, starting as a patrolman and quickly advancing to the rank of Field Training Officer. In this capacity, he mentored newly graduated officers from the Police Academy. Currently, Mike works in the training section, where he instructs officers of all ranks on a wide range of topics.

Additionally, Mike is a valued member of the county Emergency Response Team, also known as the SWAT team. He holds certifications as an instructor in firearms, defensive tactics, and less-than-lethal tools, including pepper spray and impact munitions.

Before joining his current police department, Mike served eight years in the Air Force as a non-commissioned officer in security forces. During his military service, he was deployed twice and provided security for two former Presidents and three former secretaries of the Department of Defense. His duties also took him around the globe as a security specialist.

Alicia Marr

Chief Executive Officer, Excelin Home Care

Alicia Marr RN, BSN serves as the CEO of Excelin Health, bringing over two decades of experience in post-acute care to her role. Assuming leadership in 2019, Alicia has steered Excelin Health to the forefront of the health care industry. Her extensive background includes leadership roles in various settings, including privately owned, private equity-backed, and publicly traded companies, with a specialization in home health, hospice, and private duty services.

Under Alicia's guidance, Excelin Health operates 22 care delivery sites across California, Texas, and Louisiana, ensuring high-quality care for patients in need. With a strategic focus on innovation and operational scalability, Alicia continues to drive excellence in patient care, cementing Excelin Health's position as a health care leader.

Ryan Mattson

Director of Recruiting, SimiTree

Ryan Mattson serves as the Director of Recruiting at SimiTree. Prior to his current role, Ryan was a key member of the Exact Recruiting Solutions Talent Solutions team from 2009 until the merger with Simione Healthcare Consultants in 2017, resulting in the formation of SimiTree. Beginning his career as a recruiter, Ryan advanced to managing key accounts before assuming leadership and operational responsibilities.

In his current capacity, Ryan oversees the entire search process, assisting clients in filling crucial positions by liaising with hiring managers and collaborating closely with the recruiting team. He specializes in helping home health and hospice professionals align their career goals with employment opportunities. Furthermore, Ryan manages internal operations and works in conjunction with fellow Director Jo Rodgers and Principle Eric Scharber to enhance the value of SimiTree's talent service line for the home health, hospice, and community-based care sectors.

Arlene Maxim

Senior Vice President of Clinical Services, Axxess

Arlene Maxim, RN, HCS-C, serves as the Senior Vice President of Clinical Services at Axxess. With a passion for driving innovative change in health care, Arlene spearheads the development and implementation of multiple post-acute care programs. She collaborates closely with hospitals, home care and hospice agencies, and accountable care organizations to enhance care delivery across the health care continuum.

In addition to her leadership role, Arlene is an accomplished public speaker, trainer, and consultant. She shares her expertise on various topics including OASIS, star ratings in home care and hospice, and strategies for reducing hospitalizations. Through her commitment to education and training, Arlene empowers health care professionals to elevate the quality of care provided to patients.

Carissa McKenna

Director of Clinical Consulting Episode Management, McBee

Carissa McKenna serves as the Director of Clinical Consulting Services at McBee, bringing over 25 years of extensive experience in the health care industry. At McBee, Carissa plays a pivotal role in client fulfillment, encompassing various aspects such as OASIS and coding, episode management, and on-site education.

With a specialization in performance improvement, Carissa's expertise extends to managed care, health maintenance organizations, quality assurance, clinical documentation, integrated chronic care management, and education. She boasts comprehensive experience in both home health and hospice survey processes, accreditation compliance, and Medicare regulations.

Throughout her career, Carissa has contributed significantly to the development and implementation of clinical workflows, documentation, and quality assurance tools. In her current capacity, she leads the clinical staff within McBee's episode management department, guiding them in enhancing adherence to patients' established plans of care to achieve positive outcomes clinically, financially, and operationally.

Nanette Minton

Senior Clinical Coding Manager, MAC Legacy

Nanette Minton, RN, HCS-D, HCS-H, HCS-O, boasts an extensive 26-year tenure in health care, with 24 years dedicated specifically to the home health and hospice sectors. In her role, Nanette offers invaluable support and consulting services on coding, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance challenges encountered by home health and hospice agencies.

Nanette holds esteemed positions on prominent industry boards, including the Association of Home Care Coding & Compliance (AHCC) Board of Medical Speciality Coding & Compliance, and she serves as a member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) Quality and Standards Committee. Leveraging her wealth of experience, Nanette provides clients with firsthand, seasoned consulting, offering a unique perspective garnered from her extensive involvement in the industry.

Marsha Moor

Director of Business Development, Advanced Care Solutions

Marsha Moor, RN BSN MSN, embodies a multifaceted persona as a wife, mother, daughter, nurse, friend, employee, and leader. With over 20 years of dedicated service in the home care setting, Marsha has embraced various roles ranging from clinician to manager, director, and administrator.

Throughout her career, Marsha's unwavering passion for people, partnerships, and enriching experiences has remained a constant. It is this intrinsic drive that fueled her nursing journey and continues to inspire her quest for knowledge and value creation within partnerships and experiences. As the adage goes, "the joy is in the journey," and Marsha's goal is to perpetually nurture curiosity to foster personal and professional growth along life's path.

Currently serving as the Director of Business Development on a multi-state level, Marsha remains steadfast in her commitment to this journey of continuous learning and evolution.

Matthew Mulski

Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Telos Health Solutions

With more than a decade of hands-on experience in the home care industry, Matthew Mulski has played a pivotal role in the successful implementation of technology solutions for over 450 home health agencies. In his current position at Telos, he spearheads initiatives focused on introducing a fully integrated home health care navigation model. This innovative model is designed to empower providers to elevate patient outcomes and optimize operational efficiency, leading to significant cost reductions. Matthew's leadership ensures that Telos remains at the forefront of driving positive change within the home health care sector.

Jennifer Osburn

Clinical Consultant, Healthcare Provider Solutions, Inc.

Jennifer Osburn, RN, HCS-D, COS-C, serves as a Clinical Consultant with Healthcare Provider Solutions, Inc. (HPS), leveraging over 30 years of extensive experience in the home health industry. Her comprehensive expertise spans education and training, agency management, quality assurance, clinical case management, and software technology. Jennifer is also recognized as a credentialed expert in Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS and ICD-10 coding.

Jennifer embarked on her home health career after transitioning from medical-surgical urology hospital nursing, starting in a large privately owned agency. Throughout her career, she has worked with agencies of all sizes and types across multiple states. Her passion for sharing knowledge and enhancing care quality led her to clinical consulting, where she excels in translating complex technical guidance into actionable insights for busy home health professionals.

For the past 12 years, Jennifer has been instrumental in conducting numerous home health educational seminars for state and national associations. She has also designed tailored training programs for agencies, ensuring staff proficiency and compliance with industry standards. Jennifer's expertise extends to providing training for The Joint Commission and the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), authoring industry blogs and articles, and collaborating with home health software companies to develop compliance solutions aligned with Medicare guidelines. Her areas of specialization and firsthand experience include OASIS, ICD-10-CM coding, case management, Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs), billing requirements, documentation compliance for quality and payment, emergency preparedness, agency operations, and the Patient-Driven Groupings Model (PDGM).

Joe Osentoski

Senior Consultant, Gateway Home Health Coding & Consulting

Joe Osentoski, BAS, RN, GERO-BC, leverages over 30 years of home health and hospice experience as a compliance and appeals expert at Gateway Home Health Coding and Consulting, LLC. With a focus on clinical quality assurance and regulatory compliance, Joe specializes in navigating Additional Document/Development Request (ADR) responses and appeals. He has conducted thousands of ADRs, filed numerous appeals, and represented clients in hundreds of administrative law judge hearings. Joe is the author of The ADR and Appeals Handbook, First Edition, published by Decision Health, and holds a board certification in gerontological nursing for 26 years.

Marty Ramseck

PI Consultant, PI Midlantic

With 30 years of hands-on sales management experience and a consistent track record of double-digit growth, Marty Ramseck has honed his expertise with notable companies such as Vintage Senior Living, LivHOME, Sunrise Senior Living, CORT, and Cigna.

Specializing in helping organizations strategically design and implement people strategies, Marty excels in building high-performing teams and fostering cultures that align with business objectives. By leveraging talent optimization principles and the Predictive Index® methodology, he facilitates employee self-awareness and understanding, ultimately driving engagement, productivity, and satisfaction.

Marty's primary focus lies in collaborating with senior leaders to develop talent strategies tailored to their specific business goals. Since 2016, he has served as a Talent Optimization Advisor at PI Midlantic, guiding companies and professionals toward exceptional results.

Marty holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Dayton and resides in Southern California with his wife Nancy, celebrating 40 years of marriage.

Denise Richlen

Vice President of Clinical Education, Archangel of Mercy, LLC

Denise Richlen, PT, WCC, DWC, OMS, CLT has treated and consulted in wound care in post-acute settings for over 30 years. She holds certifications in wound care (WC), diabetic wound care (DWC), and ostomy management from the National Alliance of Wound Care. She is also a certified lymphedema therapist. Denise previously served as Program Development and Area Manager in the skilled nursing facility long-term care setting for 20 years. Additionally, she owned her own private practice and worked in the home health industry for 10 years. Denise has been teaching wound care and lymphedema across the nation for nearly two decades, including sharp debridement, WCC, and DWC certification classes. Her vibrant and energetic presentation style engages clinicians in her sessions. Denise has authored dozens of wound care classes, manuals, and best practices for organizations. She serves as Vice President of Education of Archangel of Mercy and Chief Operating Officer of Wound Care Gurus.

Tina Robertson

Director of Clinical Managers, 21st Century Health Care Consultants

Tina Robertson, RN, BSN, brings over 22 years of health care experience to her role as the Vice President of Clinical Services for 21st Century Consultants, a national health care consulting firm that collaborates with over 800 home care businesses annually across all 50 states. With 14 years of experience in home health, Tina has held various roles, ranging from nurse case manager to regional administrator. She has worked for both privately owned and large publicly traded agencies, overseeing operations, services, personnel performance, and cost management.

Thomas Rose

President & Chief Executive Officer, 21st Century Health Care Consultants

Thomas Rose, MBA, is the CEO of a national home care consulting company, working with over 800 businesses a year in all 50 states. A former U.S. Army Special Forces Officer, his business experience includes a successful leadership track in the General Electric (GE) companies, culminating as a chief financial officer. Following his tenure at GE, Thomas focused on growing or turning around small to mid-sized businesses as an executive in a variety of sectors, including automotive, manufacturing, facilities maintenance, and health care.

Fady Sahhar

President, XtraGlobex

Fady Sahhar, Ph.D., serves as the CEO of ProVantaCare, a leader in structuring and negotiating alternative payments in behavioral health, physical and intellectual disabilities, and aging services.

He is also the President of XtraGlobex, a strategic business development consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and communications related to health care, managed care, long-term services and supports (LTSS), Medicare, and Medicaid. Guided by principles of independent living, consumer direction, and community advocacy, XtraGlobex works with clients at inflection points in their organizational growth. The organization's clients include national health plans, electronic health records platforms, state associations, and a variety of direct service providers. XtraGlobex is rooted in the principles of independent living, engages in advocacy, and publishes a value-based payments blog.

Dr. Sahhar has held several global management and marketing positions with leading national companies, including Mobil Oil, Progressive Insurance, PPG Industries, and Sara Lee Corporation. He also served as the CAO of Liberty Resources, Inc., the Center for Independent Living in Southeast Pennsylvania. He holds an MBA in Marketing from the University of Tennessee and a PhD in Global Leadership from Capella University.

Kelli Sandler

Vice President, 21st Century Consultants

Kelli Sandler, RN, BSN, MBA, is the Vice President of 21st Century Consultants, a national health care consulting firm that collaborates with over 800 home care businesses annually across all 50 states. With decades of clinical experience as a registered nurse, Kelli has held numerous management positions, advancing from Clinical Manager to Program Director and Regional Vice President before joining 21st Century Consultants. Her clinical expertise encompasses diverse health care settings, including hospitals, clinics, home health, hospice, and community health centers.

Eric Scharber

Executive Vice President, Talent Solutions, SimiTree

Eric Scharber stumbled into the realm of talent acquisition and retention shortly after graduating from college, but it wasn't long before he recognized his natural talent for connecting individuals with opportunities.

As a Managing Principal at SimiTree, Eric spearheads all talent acquisition and employee retention initiatives for the post-acute and behavioral health care industries. His responsibilities include overseeing executive search, management recruiting, interim leadership services, and providing advisory support for workforce management. Since founding the firm in 2005, Eric has led it to become a premier recruiting and executive search firm in the post-acute and behavioral health sector, catering to clients nationwide and completing over 3500 recruiting and interim leadership projects to date.

Eric is deeply committed to exceeding his client's expectations and aiding them in developing effective talent acquisition and employee retention strategies. He is a highly sought-after speaker at national events, where he shares insights on employee retention and recruitment, building culture, leadership development, and strategic planning. Eric holds a B.S. in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing and Public Relations from the University of Florida.

Michael Schuette

Attorney, Cantrell Astbury Kranz

Michael P. Schuette, Esq., a Pinellas County native, is an accomplished attorney with extensive experience in employment law, commercial litigation, and consumer protection. Graduating in the top 3% of his class at Stetson University, Michael has spent nearly a decade practicing law in the Tampa Bay area.

As a husband and father of two, Michael understands the importance of fair treatment in the workplace and the challenges families face. He represents individuals, franchisees, companies, and entrepreneurs in complex employment law cases, including those involving wage and hour disputes, discrimination, and wrongful termination.

In addition to his work in employment law, Michael assists clients with commercial litigation, business disputes, and consumer protection matters. His experience includes contract disputes, enforcement of restrictive covenants, and cases involving unfair business practices.

Michael is committed to providing high-quality legal representation and helping his clients navigate the complexities of the legal system.

Sean P. Schwinghammer

Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer, SurfMed

Sean Schwinghammer has been working with and within government for nearly four decades and has led health care policy initiatives for almost 20 years. As the founder of two national home care industry associations and advocacy organizations in four states, he is an expert at influencing policy both as an industry and through grassroots efforts, and most importantly, as an individual. He is known as the voice of medical equipment companies and nurse registries in Florida and beyond, and he continues to serve as an advisor to HCAF.

Michael Sell

Vice President of Sales and Marketing Programs, Home Care for the 21st Century

Michael Sell is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing Programs at a national home care consulting company. With a wealth of experience in sales and marketing leadership across various care platforms, including home care, post-acute rehabilitation care/skilled nursing, hospice, and senior living, Michael has a proven track record of success. His expertise lies in turning around organizations that have lost market share, establishing collaborative networks with care providers to boost census numbers, and surpassing gross income targets.

Lisa Selman-Holman

Vice President of Quality and Education, McBee

Lisa Selman-Holman, JD, BSN, RN, HCS-D, COS-C, serves as the Vice President of Education & Quality at McBee, leveraging over 35 years of experience in the home health and hospice industry. With a background as a registered nurse and home care attorney, she specializes in regulatory compliance. Lisa has held diverse roles, from field nurse to executive, overseeing accreditation surveys, acquisitions, and regulatory crises. In 2004, she founded Selman-Holman & Associates, offering consulting, coding, and OASIS review services. Renowned for her educational prowess, Lisa excels at transforming challenges into triumphs. Since joining McBee in 2021, she has spearheaded education initiatives at the Post-Acute Academy, delivering comprehensive courses tailored to home health and hospice staff and executives, covering clinical, regulatory, and onboarding requirements.

Nora Silver

Director of Clinical and Value-Based Care Initiatives, Telos Health Solutions

Alice "Nora" Silver, RN, brings over 22 years of dedicated service as a home health registered nurse, coupled with 12 years of experience as an administrator for a hospital-owned home health and hospice agency. In her current role as Telos' Director of Clinical Strategies and Initiatives, Nora leads the charge in integrating virtual care solutions to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. Her combination of practical expertise and forward-thinking approaches positions her as a leader in advancing modern home health care.

Kimberly Skehan

Vice President of Accreditation, Community Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP)

Kimberly Skehan, RN, MSN, HCS-D, COS-C, serves as the Vice President of Accreditation, leveraging her 30+ years of clinical and operational expertise to guide providers in the home health and hospice industry through the accreditation process. With a deep understanding of regulatory compliance, risk management, and survey readiness, Kimberly fosters collaboration with regulatory agencies to address industry challenges.

Committed to education, Kimberly provides comprehensive plan-of-correction follow-up support, empowering providers to elevate service quality and adhere to industry standards. Her involvement in organizations like CHAP, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC), and the Connecticut Association for Healthcare at Home demonstrates her dedication to improving home health and hospice care.

Kimberly holds an AHCC-accredited home care coding specialist (HCS-D) certification and is a certified OASIS reviewer (COS-C). She earned her B.S. in Nursing from Southern Connecticut State University and her M.S. in Nursing Administration from the University of Connecticut (UCONN), where she also served as adjunct faculty for the School of Nursing.

Bridget Smith

Director of Case Management, Sunshine Health

Bridget Smith, Director of Case Management and Program Management, brings over 20 years of experience in the health care sector. With a proven track record in staff development, health care compliance, and program administration, Bridget is a dynamic and empowering leader dedicated to driving solutions and enhancing efficiency while fostering employee development and ensuring outstanding customer service.

Bridget excels in managing federal grants aimed at improving health in underserved communities, demonstrating her commitment to exceptional management across all phases, including budgeting, planning, bidding, commissioning, and closeout services.

With prior training and program management experience in health care, Bridget has completed coursework toward a Ph.D. in Public Health and holds a master’s degree in Public Health and a Six Sigma certification. Her expertise in training development and program management, coupled with her comprehensive experience in public and community health, uniquely positions her to implement innovative programs.

Before joining Centene Corporation, Bridget successfully rolled out and managed a $14.7 million federal grant focused on preventing and reducing obesity-related illnesses in the Miami area. Her efforts not only expanded programming but also significantly raised awareness of the benefits of healthy living throughout the region.

Kelly Smith

Owner, Nestcare

Kelly Smith, Owner and Administrator of Nestcare Private Duty Nursing Agency, established the company in 2021 following her quest for home care solutions for her grandparents. With more than 18 years of experience as a registered nurse (RN) holding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Kelly is dedicated to delivering top-notch, comprehensive, and tailored care to clients spanning from pediatrics to geriatrics, all aimed at fostering well-being in the comfort of their homes.

Nanette Smith

Managed Care Specialist, Managed Care Consultants of America

Nanette Smith brings over 10 years of experience in the managed care consulting industry. Her expertise lies in assisting clients in navigating managed care plans by educating providers on optimizing their contracts while ensuring compliance with health plans.

Kimberly R. Smoak

Deputy Secretary, State Survey Agency Director, Division of Health Care Policy and Oversight, Agency for Health Care Administration

Kimberly R. Smoak, MSH, QIDP, has served with the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) since August 1995, currently holding the position of Deputy Secretary of the Division of Health Quality Assurance. In this role, she oversees the licensing, certification, and regulation of 40 different health care provider types, including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies. Additionally, Ms. Smoak serves as the State Survey Agency Director for the State of Florida. She possesses a Master of Science in Health with a focus on Aging Studies and is recognized as a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP). Ms. Smoak has been honored with Survey & Certification Achievement Awards from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in both 2009 and 2017 for her exceptional contributions to survey and certification efforts.

Angelo Spinola

Home Health, Home Care & Hospice Chair, Polsinelli

Angelo Spinola, Esq., is highly regarded as a prominent legal practitioner specializing in labor and employment law within the home care industry. His expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of issues, including collective and class action suits under the Fair Labor Standards Act and other wage and hour laws, as well as addressing wage and hour investigations conducted by the Department of Labor (DOL). Angelo is known for his adeptness in developing compliance strategies aimed at mitigating wage and hour risks. He serves as legal counsel to numerous home care providers across Florida and the United States.

Becky Tolson

Clinical Compliance Educator, Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC)

Becky Tolson, RN, BS, leverages her extensive experience as a registered nurse in her role as a Clinical Compliance Educator at the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC). In this capacity, she contributes to the design and delivery of comprehensive training programs tailored to skilled, non-skilled, and specialty services, aimed at preparing organizations for accreditation. With a background in health care consulting, Becky has provided invaluable support to home health and home care agencies nationwide, offering expertise in both clinical practice and administrative operations. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on management and marketing, she has played a pivotal role in shaping agency policies and procedures, as well as developing marketing materials and strategies such as website content, agency brochures, and patient education materials. Becky's multifaceted skill set and dedication to quality assurance make her a valuable asset to ACHC and the agencies it serves.

Cara Tomlinson

Chief Operating Officer, Tidal Healthcare Consulting, LLC

Cara Tomlinson, RN, BSN, brings over a decade of expertise in home health operations, Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI), clinical management, ICD-10 coding, Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) review, and education to her role as Chief Operating Officer at Tidal Healthcare Consulting, LLC. With a diverse background that includes roles such as nurse case manager, administrator, consultant, Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Clinical Outcomes, and Associate Vice President – Clinical, Cara possesses a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of the home care industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville and is also a contract surveyor for the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), conducting surveys for home health agencies and private duty agencies nationwide. Cara's wealth of experience and commitment to excellence make her a valuable asset to Tidal Healthcare Consulting and the clients it serves.

Guy Tommasi, Jr.

President & Chief Executive Officer, Corcoran Consulting Group

Guy Tommasi, Jr., BS, MS, brings over four decades of hands-on experience in private duty non-medical home care to clients of Corcoran Consulting Group. His forward-thinking approach assists home care agencies in transitioning to data-centered, value-based, service-oriented providers preferred by payers, clients, and their families.

During his tenure as Managing Director at Lifetime Care at Home in Guilford, CT, spanning 13 years, Guy successfully steered the agency towards profitability by minimizing operating losses and enhancing margins. Recognized for his innovative strategies, Guy integrated the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Quadruple Aim value-based care pillars into the agency's care coordination model, positioning Lifetime Care at Home as a pioneer in the industry. His initiatives resulted in significant revenue growth through increased case openings, streamlined operations with advanced scheduling and billing software, establishment of a cohesive team culture, and enhancement of employee morale.

A sought-after speaker, Guy has shared his insights on non-medical home care issues and trends with over two dozen organizations nationwide, including the National Association for Home Care and Hospice, AGILE (Axxess, Growth, Innovation, Experience), and the Home Care Association of America. His expertise and dedication to advancing the field of home care make him a trusted resource in the industry.

Valerie VanBooven

Founder & Co-Owner, Approved Senior Network®

As a registered nurse and a seasoned home care marketing specialist, Valerie VanBooven has dedicated over 15 years to assisting senior care businesses in expanding their online presence, generating leads, and boosting revenue. She co-owns and founded Approved Senior Network®, a reputable digital marketing agency catering to the home care and senior care market, earning trust and recognition in the industry.

Joshua Vaughn

Shareholder, Littler Mendelson

Josh Vaughn, Esq., is an experienced employment defense litigator who provides counsel, representation, and defense to home and health care employers, startups, and third-party staffing companies across the United States. With a robust background in defending against various claims, Josh specializes in areas such as overtime, misclassification of independent contractors, minimum wage disputes, and meal and rest break violations.

Furthermore, Josh offers strategic guidance and defense to home care agencies on a range of unique employment issues, from pre-employment practices to end-of-employment matters. He has successfully represented home care agencies and franchise systems in class and collective action lawsuits, as well as in investigations conducted by federal and state labor departments and equal employment agencies.

Kristen Wheeler

Executive Director of Private Duty, National Association for Home Care & Hospice

With a career spanning over three decades in health care, Kristen Wheeler currently serves as the Executive Director of Private Duty at the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC). Kristen's journey in private duty began in 2004 when she undertook the task of establishing a private duty program for a Medicare-certified home care and hospice agency. Recognizing the distinct nature of private duty home care, Kristen co-owned an independent private duty agency for several years before transitioning into the association realm.

During her tenure at the Home Care Association of Florida (HCAF), spanning nearly six years, Kristen played a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant private duty-specific membership. Her efforts contributed to the continued success of private duty services within the association. Kristen joined the NAHC team in early 2022, bringing her wealth of experience and insights to further advance private duty care initiatives.

Residing in Savannah, GA, Kristen shares her home with her husband and a beloved, pampered cat.

Rose Wichmann

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

Rose Wichmann, PT, currently serves as the Co-Director of the Parkinson’s Foundation Community Partners in Parkinson’s Care program. With over 35 years of experience as a physical therapist specializing in the treatment of Parkinson’s and related disorders, Rose brings a wealth of expertise to her role.

Prior to her current position, Rose served as the director of the Struthers Parkinson’s Center in Minneapolis, MN. She is widely recognized as a leading expert in her field and is a frequent speaker on Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, Rose has co-authored several publications, including the book titled Navigating Life with Parkinson’s Disease, published by the American Academy of Neurology. Her contributions to the field have significantly impacted the lives of individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their families.

Regina Wild

Director of Managed Care Consulting, Healthcare Provider Solutions, Inc.

Regina Wild, LPN, brings over 15 years of extensive experience in the health care industry. Having served as a nurse, business development professional, and contracting/credentialing specialist, she possesses a comprehensive understanding of various health care settings. Regina specializes in managed care contracting, aiding providers in optimizing reimbursements, fostering referral partnerships, and expanding their market presence. She is deeply committed to supporting health care providers in navigating industry intricacies and accomplishing their objectives. Active in health care associations, Regina contributes to education and reimbursement committees and is a respected speaker at conferences. Her expertise and unwavering dedication make her an invaluable asset to any health care organization.

Kimberly Wilkerson

Review Choice Demonstration Manager, SimiTree

Kim Wilkerson, LPN, BA, MBA, serves as the Review Choice Demonstration (RCD) Manager for SimiTree. With nearly her entire adult life dedicated to working in home health, Kim's experience is invaluable. She started her journey by founding a home health agency in Houston, TX, with just $5,000 and grew it to serve 500 patients across three offices before selling it in 2007. Even after "retiring" to Key West in 2008, she couldn't stay away and opened another agency in an underserved area, eventually selling it as well. Now, she brings her wealth of practical knowledge to consulting, specializing in RCD and operations. Kim's insights are indispensable for anyone seeking advice from someone who has truly "been there."