Age Positive Conference

Description
How to navigate the difficulties of discussing Advanced Care Planning. Discussion topics will include barriers to advanced directives and how to overcome the barriers. Attendees will take tools to successfully have conversations that lead to advanced directives.

Presenter
Odessa Sawyer, program coordinator, The Center for Practical Bioethics
Odessa Sawyer holds a Master of Social Work with a focus on macro work. She has been with the Center for two years, working to make Advanced Care Planning culturally appropriate and approachable to all communities. She is also a community partner with the Center for the Advancement of Health Equity at KU.

Description
This session will describe SNAP and SNAP resources and the history and context of food is medicine, with a presentation on Mid America Regional Council's nutrition incentive programs.

Presenters

• Donna Martin, project director, Mid-America Regional Council
• Alissa Cunningham, project coordinator, Mid-America Regional Council

Description
This session will inform attendees of the extensive public input used to develop the Missouri Master Plan on Aging: Missourians Aging with Dignity. Nearly 10,000 older adults, adults with disabilities and caregivers gave input to the plan. Learn what they say they need to be able to age in Missouri with dignity.

Presenter

• Mindy Ulstad, chief, Bureau of Senior Programs, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
  Mindy Ulstad oversees nearly 50 contracts that provide services to older adults, adults with disabilities and caregivers. She also leads the Missouri Master Plan on Aging: Missourians Aging with Dignity. Ulstad strives to break down barriers to support as many at-risk Missourians as possible.

Description
Tales and Travel Memories is an innovative book and reading library program that provides services directly to people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias, not just their caregivers. Each one-hour program takes participants on an imaginary trip to another country or region of the United States, using library materials such as adult and children’s books, music and realia.

The presenters will explain how this FREE program works and how you can adapt it to work with any audience.

Presenters

• Tami Hurst, library assistant, Library To You, Olathe Public Library
  Tami Hurst has worked for the Olathe Public Library for 25 years. She helps coordinate the Olathe Public Library’s Library to You service, a free home delivery service for individuals who can’t physically travel to the library. She and her coworker Roya Mortazavi also make monthly visits to local retirement communities and care centers to do literacy-based programming such as Tales and Travel Memories programs for older adults. Tami has a personal interest in improving the quality of life for people living with dementia, as her father passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2019.
• Roya Mortazavi, library assistant, Library To You, Olathe Public Library
  Roya Mortazavi has worked for the Olathe Public Library for 15 years. She helps coordinate the Olathe Public Library’s Library to You service, a free home delivery service for individuals who can’t physically travel to the library. She and her coworker Tami Hurst make monthly visits to local retirement communities and care centers to do literacy-based programming such as Tales and Travel Memories programs for older adults.

Description
This presentation will give an overview of the program "Know Your Numbers" and how encouraging your older adult clients to understand their blood pressure numbers can help them take charge of their health. We will discuss the impact of the program thus far, and provide strategies for you and your clients to manage stress and control blood pressure. By combining blood pressure education, stress management and health-building techniques, attendees will learn how to help their older adult clients make small, attainable goals towards their health.

Presenters

• Tricia Rothweiler, health education supervisor, Platte County Health Department
  During her 20 years with the Platte County Health Department, Rothweiler has served as a social worker in the Family Healthcare Clinic advocating for patients and currently works as a Health Educator. She partners with many local agencies on health initiatives and is involved with several coalitions focusing on educating and improving health outcomes, building adaptability and substance use prevention with youth.  Tricia is committed to creating a healthier community through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts.
• Rebecca Richardson, health educator, Platte County Health Department, RDH, MPH
  Rebecca Richardson, has a passion for improving the lives and health outcomes of Platte County Residents. As a proud Air Force spouse, she moved frequently and was able to work with a variety of populations, particularly the veteran population with her time at the VA, and the aging population. Richardson has an undergraduate degree from UNC Chapel Hill and a Master of Public Health Degree from Kent State and works to improve the longevity and health for seniors through a variety of programs and coalitions.

Description
We will discuss the impact loneliness has on health and how technology designed to connect seniors builds relationships and strengthens endurance. Recent research on how the use of technology during COVID helped overcome social isolation will be presented. Senior-friendly technology and apps will be discussed.

Presenter

• Dennis Jensen, medical director, Optum
  Dr. Jensen is a board-certified family physician with 20 years of experience in geriatric care. Prior to his current role as network medical director at Optum, he was a practicing physician and medical director of population health and quality at AdventHealth. He is passionate about senior care and is an expert on value-based care, Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

Description
This workshop is designed to help professionals working with older adults navigate key resources for financial assistance, healthcare, housing and social support. Participants will gain practical knowledge on maintaining benefits, avoiding scams, improving digital skills and accessing essential services to enhance their independence and well-being. This session empowers professionals with the tools they need to help clients age securely and confidently.    

Presenters

• Maria Escudero, bilingual service coordinator, Mattie Rhodes Center    
  Maria Escudero has a professional background in accounting and asset management. At Mattie Rhodes, I support individuals and families from varied backgrounds, with a strong focus on older adults who face language and digital literacy barriers and have limited family or social support. I provide psychoeducation, referrals and advocacy to help them maintain their benefits, secure housing, and improve their well-being. Through my work, I am committed to empowering and uplifting this at-risk segment of our community.
• Miriam Suarez, Emergency Rental Assistance Program case manager, Mattie Rhodes Center
  Miriam Suarez has six years of experience serving her community. Throughout this time, she has been committed to preventing homelessness, particularly for at-risk populations such as seniors. With a focus on advocacy, Suarez helps people overcome their many challenges, ensuring they have access to the resources and support necessary to maintain a stable and dignified life. I have witnessed how this segment of our community is significantly impacted by the challenges of everyday life.

Decription
This hands-on workshop will explore ways that staff and volunteers at aging service organizations can utilize AI tools to support their work. The workshop will begin by going over some high-level assumptions and facts about the strengths and limitations of AI tools, then move into hands-on, collaborative demonstrations of how AI tools can assist staff and volunteers with:

• Transcribing videos, dubbing content in other languages and providing real-time translation for client interactions.
• Querying and synthesizing long documents like government regulations, proposed legislation, contracts or reports to quickly find the information they need.
• Leveraging information and AI to act as a "dangerous professional" to support clients and protect their interests in their interactions with landlords, government agencies or other service providers

Presenters

• William Crumpler, program analyst, KC Digital Drive
  William Crumpler works as a program analyst for KC Digital Drive, where he focuses on supporting digital inclusion and civic technology initiatives through research and data analysis. Prior to KC Digital drive, Crumpler worked as a research associate in the Technology Policy Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a think tank in Washington, D.C. Crumpler graduated with a degree in Materials Science and Engineering from North Carolina State University.
• Rachel Ohlhausen, director of program partnerships, Jewish Family Services, MSW
  Rachel Ohlhausen engages the community to think strategically and align around common challenges - especially aging in place! Ohlhausen is a graduate of the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University, St. Louis, with a Master's of Social Work in Aging and Older Adult Populations and a specialization in Nonprofit Management. She is passionate about creating fair systems, leveraging community assets and supporting nonprofit professionals.

Description
The Excelsior Springs Aging Well Task Force is made up of professionals, residents and city staff who use an age lens to evaluate community practices and policies that affect older residents. They bring valuable perspectives to the conversation, and contribute to the work of helping our local seniors thrive. This session will also cover the Excelsior Springs Silver Prom — an intergenerational community event for seniors planned in partnership with ES Student Council and ES Aging Well Task Force.     

Presenter

• Laura Mize, neighborhood specialist, City of Excelsior Springs, Missouri
  Laura Mize manages programs for the city that help to connect neighbors and improve neighborhoods. These programs include Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Snow Angels, the Minor Home Repair Program, a Tax Abatement Program, Historic Preservation, ES Aging Well, the Vacant Residential Property Registry, the Neighborhood Engagement Team, the Block Party Challenge and Silver Prom.

Description
Aging brings wisdom, experience and deep connections, but it also presents challenges — loss, change and transitions — that can feel overwhelming. This interactive workshop, led by compassionate death doulas, explores endurance-building strategies to navigate grief, end-of-life planning, and personal transitions with strength and grace. Our workshop goals include normalizing conversations around aging, loss, and mortality. We will also provide practical tools for emotional and spiritual strength. We will touch on fostering a supportive space for shared experiences and healing. Finally, we will empower participants with self-care and community-building strategies. This workshop offers a warm, empowering space to navigate aging and loss with strength, connection and intention.

Presenters

• Niki Staab, death doula and president, KC End of Life
  Niki Staab is a dedicated death doula and co-founder of KC End of Life, where she provides holistic end-of-life care, advocacy and support for individuals and families navigating loss. Passionate about ensuring no one faces death alone, she works to make doula services accessible to all, regardless of cost. Staab also co-founded Rings of Care, a nonprofit that supports caregivers by building strong, compassionate communities around them. Inspired by personal experiences with loss and caregiving, she is committed to fostering spaces of education, connection and support for both grievers and those who care for them during life’s most difficult transitions.   
• Amber Aguilar, death doula, KC End of Life
  Amber Edwards is a trained end-of-life doula, driven by an unwavering commitment to honest and straightforward support. Edwards guides individuals and their families through the dying process, offering both emotional and practical support as well as educational resources. Intimately familiar with the complexities of grief, especially with veterans and military families, Edwards brings a unique touch and is not afraid to have tough or uncomfortable conversations. She is committed to providing compassionate care during life's most challenging moments while also bringing a lightness to a natural transition.

Description
AARP helps individuals and families navigate caregiving through resources, tools, and advocacy, aiming to support people in living independently and in their homes for as long as possible, while also advocating for better quality, affordable and accessible services. Learn more about resources and tools that can help customize care for seniors.    

Presenter

• Diane Hall, community outreach director, AARP

Description
Eating healthy has major health implications for all ages, but it is especially critical for seniors to maintain energy, manage chronic conditions and support overall well-being. Many people visit parks, gyms and community centers to stay active, yet the food available in these spaces often does not align with their health goals, making it harder to eat well and live well. Eat Smart in Parks (ESIP) is a statewide effort in Missouri aimed at improving access to healthier food options in public spaces. By developing model nutrition standards, ESIP helps parks, recreation centers and other concession stands serve nutritious foods that support active lifestyles. The program also provides training, technical assistance and promotional materials to help organizations implement these changes effectively. Join this session to learn how ESIP is working to make the healthy choice the easy choice for seniors and all ages in parks and public spaces.

Presenter

• Melissa Cotton, field specialist in nutrition and health eduation, University of Missouri Extension
  Melissa Cotton offers programming related to healthy aging, chronic disease prevention and management and overall wellness in the Kansas City area. 

Description
Join this session to share your ideas about MARC’s newly purchased home-delivered meal repack facility located in North Kansas City, Missouri. The facility will be used to repack frozen meals with healthy supplemental items, with the goal of improving the meal experience for our clients. The new facility provides ample opportunities for collaboration with other agencies including shared storage (dry, refrigeration, freezer), special event/meeting space, and possibilities for a shared workspace.

This session will cover:

• Video tour of the facility.
• Overview of current repack facility plans.
• Facilitated discussion around potential community uses for the building.

Presenters

• Bethany Reyna, nutrition programs manager, Mid-America Regional Council
  Bethany Reyna manages the nutrition-based older adult programs at MARC, including hot and frozen home-delivered meal programs, the congregate meal program at 15 area senior centers and the new meal repack facility located in North Kansas City. Bethany recently celebrated her four-year anniversary at MARC and has a background in school-based food programs.
• Ashlyn Stone, special events manager, Mid-America Regional Council
  Ashlyn Stone is the Special Events Manager for the MARC's Local Government Services department, overseeing the Government Training Institute. With more than 10 years of experience in volunteer management and event planning, she previously served as the special events supervisor for the City of Greer, South Carolina, managing five rental facilities with an average of 300 rentals annually. Notably, she created an International Festival and Railfest train safety event, bringing an additional 10,000 visitors to City Park each year with the help of over 100 community volunteers.

Description
This session will cover three innovative healthcare strategies in the Kansas City region, and their role in serving older adults. Each of our speakers will give an overview of their model and discuss ways for cities, aging professionals and individuals to access these services:

• Community Health Workers (CHWs) serve as a link between a patient and health or social service agencies, working to improve health outcomes by improving access to services and quality of care.
• Community Paramedic and Mobile Integrated Health programs are national models for community healthcare that “focus on reducing hospital admissions, emergency department visits, and healthcare costs while expanding access to care, particularly in underserved communities or for patients lacking viable transportation.” (National Institute of Health).
• The Community Support Network brings together varied regional partners to address the health-related social needs of community members through targeted home and community-based services and interventions.  

Presenters

• Hannayd Ruiz, Community Health Worker project manager, Mid-America Regional Council
  Hannayd Ruiz manages the Mid-America Regional Council’s Kansas City Regional CHW Collaborative, creating and facilitating training for professional development, and focusing on ongoing solutions for CHW programs. Her background includes the integration of Community Health Workers into multidisciplinary teams focusing on addressing social determinants of health and improving health outcomes through care coordination, support, advocacy, health education and assistance in navigating the complex social and health systems.
• Victoria Jackson, Mid-America Community Support Network (CSN) coordinator, Mid-America Regional Council
  Victoria Jackson serves as the coordinator for MARC's CSH that operates as the Community Care Hub (CCH). MARC’s CSN is a regional Community Integrated Health Network (CIHN) composed of Community Based Organizations (CBOs) that facilitate an array of support services including care planning, home delivered meals, transportation and Evidence Based Programs (EBP) for health care entities (HCE) and other providers. She also serves as the leader training coordinator for MARC’s Chronic Disease Self-Management Education (CDSME) for the statewide delivery of EBPs and person-centered supports for Social Drivers of Health (SDOH). 
• Mickey Hill, firefighter paramedic, CJ Cares
  Mickey Hill has been with Central Jackson County Fire Protection District (CJCFPD) for 21 years and has 26 years' experience in fire and EMS service. Mickey has been with CJCares for seven years. Hill is a licensed Community Paramedic in the state of Missouri and is certified in CIT in the state of Missouri 

Description
Let’s get creative! This lively roundtable is all about making older adult programming fun, welcoming and budget-friendly. We’ll swap ideas, share success stories, and brainstorm ways to keep older adults engaged through free and low-cost social events, wellness activities and intergenerational fun. Expect inspiration, collaboration and plenty of practical takeaways!    

Presenters

• Kari Baesel, 50 Plus department manager, Johnson County Park and Recreation District
  Kari Baesel has dedicated over 23 years to the field of parks and recreation, driven by a passion for enriching the lives of community members through engaging programs, events and travel experiences. She has spent 16 years with Johnson County Park and Recreation District, starting as a recreation specialist in the 50 Plus Department before becoming the 50 Plus Department Manager. In her role, she oversees varied programs that promote active aging, social engagement and well-being. With expertise in marketing, communications and special events, Baesel is committed to creating meaningful recreation opportunities that enhance the quality of life for older adults.
• Jenny Smith, recreation program supervisor, City of Mission Parks and Recreation
  Jenny Smith is a dedicated recreation professional with more than 20 years of experience in creating engaging and accessible programs for all ages. As a leader at Mission Parks and Recreation, she has developed and managed programs for preschoolers, youth, adults, fitness enthusiasts, special events and older adults. Jenny is passionate about building vibrant communities through accessible and innovative programming, with a strong focus on fostering social connections and well-being. Her expertise in recreation makes her a dynamic advocate for creating meaningful experiences that enrich lives at every stage.

Description
Rings of Care’s "Building Villages Before and After Crisis Hits" workshop empowers caregivers and families to create strong support systems before emergencies arise. This interactive session explores proactive strategies for building a community of care, identifying key support resources, and navigating challenges during and after a crisis. Participants will engage in guided discussions, practical planning exercises and real-life case studies to develop personalized action plans. By fostering connection and preparedness, this workshop helps individuals ensure they are not facing caregiving or medical challenges alone, reinforcing the importance of a reliable, compassionate village in times of need.    

Presenters

• Rachel Blankenship, mediator, paralegal and president of Rings of Care, RR Mediation Kansas City
  Rachel Blankenship is a highly experienced professional with a background in law, mediation and bioethics. After 16 years in family law, she transitioned to mediation in 2019 and is a court-approved mediator in Missouri and Kansas. As president of the Rings of Care board, she brings her expertise to supporting caregivers and families facing medical challenges. She also serves on multiple advocacy boards, including the Missouri Senate Subcommittee on Family Caregivers. A passionate advocate for women’s rights, she champions paid family leave and caregiver support. Rachel’s dedication to ethical mediation and policy change makes her a vital leader in her field.
• Niki Staab, executive director, Rings of Care
  Niki Staab is a co-founder of Rings of Care, a nonprofit that supports caregivers by building strong, compassionate communities around them. Inspired by personal experiences with loss and caregiving, she is committed to fostering spaces of education, connection and support for both grievers and those who care for them during life’s most difficult transitions. Staab is also a dedicated death doula and co-founder of KC End of Life, where she provides holistic end-of-life care, advocacy, and support for individuals and families navigating loss.

Description
Learn more about value-based care for seniors. Value-based care shifts the existing fee-for-service payment model from the number of patients a doctor sees to a payment system based on quality care and improved results for patients. The value-based care model takes into account the patient’s needs first and measures how health improves.    

Presenter

• TBD, Centerwell Senior Primary Care

Description 
In the demanding world of caregiving and professional service, endurance starts with intentional self-care. This interactive session explores the critical distinction between self-care and self-soothing, equipping participants with practical strategies to prevent burnout and maintain well-being. Attendees will develop a personalized self-care plan, identify barriers to self-care and learn how community support enhances endurance. Through guided reflection and evidence-based practices, we will address the importance of setting boundaries, recognizing stress signals, and fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes mental and emotional health. By shifting from reactive coping to proactive self-care, participants will leave with tools to build endurance, both individually and collectively, ensuring they can continue serving others without compromising their own well-being.    

Presenters

• Amanda Trout, program director, Gilda's Club Kansas City, LCSW, LSCSW, OSW-C
  Amanda Trout has over 20 years’ experience as a licensed social worker in Kansas City. She is a Board Certified Oncology Social Worker with 15 years’ experience providing clinical social work services to patients of all ages living with cancer and their families. She has a passion for psychosocial program development, adjustment to illness counseling, and collaborating with community stakeholders to provide psychosocial support, programming and advocacy for those impacted by cancer. She also is deeply invested in health and mental health opportunities for all.

Description
Learn about the local 211 system provided by United Way of Greater Kansas City, including a tour of the updated free online resource database, and learn how 211 can be an essential resource for you and your clients. Bring your laptops to create a shareable online resource list for your clients during the workshop!

Presenters

• Kristen Engelbracht, director, 211, United Way of Greater Kansas City
  Kristen Engelbrecht (she/her) has served as the director of 211 for United Way of Greater Kansas City for close to 7 years of her 10-year tenure at United Way. With a background working with veterans and service members, transitional housing and domestic violence, Engelbrecht understands and values the importance of collaborative partnerships and systems of care to address the needs of our neighbors and the community at large.
• Callie Knust, 211 resource center manager, United Way of Greater Kansas City
  Callie Knust (she/her) is a social worker who has worked at United Way 211 for 9 years. Knust started at 211 as a Resource Specialist, connecting with local social service agencies for regular database updates, and keeping the database up to our accreditation standards. As a current resource center manager, Knust builds and utilizes data reports to share out 211 call and database information that is often used for community needs reports and system advocacy.

Description
This session will explore the importance of aging in place, and how PACE KC makes that possible, even for those with complex needs.

Presenter

• Heath Rath, executive director, PACE KC    Executive Director
  Heath Rath has spent his professional career working to build and expand evidence-based programs that improve the lives of older adults. Over the last six years, he has focused his efforts on the development of programs that aim to allow older adults to age gracefully in the communities they call home, specifically PACE Programs. PACE – Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly – is a model of care that provides a full range of person-centered health and wellness services that empower individuals age 55+ to age in place rather than be institutionalized.

Description
This session will highlight a partnership between two local initiatives aimed at connecting older adults with meaningful volunteer opportunities and addressing social isolation in our community: MARC’s Give 5 program and Uncover KC’s civic engagement services. Give 5 is a social engagement program that connects skilled, passionate older adults with nonprofit agencies in need of volunteers. Uncover KC creates positive social impact through civic engagement services and programs, including services for nonprofit agencies to launch, grow and manage their volunteer programs.

The session will cover:

• Overview, history and impact of the Give 5 volunteer match program.
• Overview of Uncover KC’s programs and services for nonprofit agencies.
• Give 5 More, a partnership program that brings older adults together for group service projects and social outings.
• Hear from a panel of superstar older adult volunteers on best practices for building long-term relationships with your volunteers.

Presenters

• Lauren Schaumburg, community engagement manager, Mid-America Regional Council
  Lauren Schaumburg manages external-facing initiatives for MARC's Department of Aging and Adult Services, including the Communities for All Ages Age program, the Give 5 Volunteer Matching program, annual events and other special projects. Lauren’s background includes coordination of food access and nutrition programs, local food advocacy and promotion and community organizing.
• Jayden Hicks, volunteer management coordinator, Uncover KC
  In his role managing volunteer programs for nonprofit agencies, Jayden Hicks works with volunteers and nonprofit partners to ensure successful and impactful volunteer programs. Jayden loves connecting people with organizations they’re passionate about and helping nonprofits find the dedicated volunteers they need to achieve their mission.

Description
Discover valuable community resources and budget-friendly activity ideas in this engaging class! Learn how to find and utilize local organizations, programs and services that can enhance your center’s offerings. We’ll explore creative, low- or no-cost activities to keep participants engaged without stretching your budget. From intergenerational programs to hands-on activities and social events, you’ll gain practical strategies to make the most of available resources. Whether you're looking to build partnerships, access funding opportunities or simply bring fresh, exciting ideas to your center, this session will provide actionable insights. Join us to exchange ideas, share experiences, and leave with a toolkit of cost-effective ways to enrich your programs!    

Presenter

• Angela Gudde, activities coordinator, Kearney Senior Center/Kearney Enrichment Council
  Angela Gudde has dedicated 22 years to working with older adults, beginning her career in activities at an independent care facility. She currently serves as the activities coordinator at the Kearney Senior Center, where she creates and facilitates engaging programs that foster connection and enrichment. In addition, she provides consulting services to other facilities, helping them develop vibrant and dynamic activities programs tailored to their clients needs.

Description
This workshop offers valuable insights for couples navigating long-term care planning. It covers key information on how Medicaid works for married couples, particularly when one spouse requires long-term care. The session emphasizes how assets are considered for eligibility, including the concept of "spousal impoverishment" and the strategies available to protect a healthy spouse's financial stability. It also addresses the Medicaid eligibility process, including the spend-down requirements and asset transfers. The presentation highlights the importance of proper planning to ensure couples are not financially burdened by the high costs of long-term care while still qualifying for Medicaid benefits. The discussion also provides guidance on different planning tools, such as trusts and asset protection strategies, helping couples make informed decisions about their financial future and long-term care needs.    

Presenter

• Niki Piskuric, senior attorney, Shepherd Elder Law Group
  A Lee’s Summit native, Niki Piskuric graduated from Lee’s Summit High School with an International Baccalaureate degree. She earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Economics and Political Science from the University of Missouri in 2001, followed by a JD in 2004. In 2010, she co-authored "Chapter 18: Construction and Interpretation of Wills and Trusts" in the Missouri Estate Administration guide. She is a member of NAELA (Kansas and Missouri chapters) and serves on the Kansas Women’s Attorneys Association council, where she has held leadership roles.

Description
In this session, educators from The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art will share insights from Vitality Arts Creative Aging, an initiative designed to address ageism and foster creativity, social engagement and well-being among older adults. Presenters will discuss past and current partnerships, projects and exhibitions. Participants will engage in hands-on art-making, discovering why LEGO printmaking has become a favorite activity in both onsite and offsite classes for older adults!    

Presenters

• Amy Berridge, senior manager, School Programs, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
• Lili Erb, teacher, Community and Access Programs, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art