J. Wesson Ashford, M.D., Ph.D.
Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Stanford University
From 2003 to the present, J. Wesson Ashford, M.D., Ph.D., has been a Senior Research Scientist at the Stanford / VA Aging Clinical Research Center and is now the Director of the War Related Illness and Injury Study Center the VA Palo Alto Health Care System and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University (affiliated). He is Chair of the Memory Screening Advisory Board of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and Clinical Editor of the Journal of Alzheimer’s disease. He is currently developing early detection and measurement methods for Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Ashford’s dissertation was a finalist for the Lindsley Prize, for the best in Behavioral Neuroscience, in 1984. He also made the first proposal and physiologic demonstration of massive parallel information processing in the cerebral cortex (Ashford et al., 1985); which has critical implications for understanding memory, particularly that aspect of memory affected by Alzheimer’s disease (Ashford, Coburn, and Fuster, 1998). His work in Alzheimer’s disease and neurophysiology led to the water-shed observation that neuro-plastic memory mechanisms of the brain are specifically affected by Alzheimer pathology (Ashford & Jarvik, 1985, Teter & Ashford, 2002).
Dr. Ashford graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1970. At UCLA (1970 – 1985) he attained an M.D. (1974) and Ph.D. (1984). He trained in psychiatry (1975 - 1979) and was a founding member of the Neurobehavior Clinic and the first Chief Resident and Associate Director (1979 - 1980) on the Geriatric Psychiatry In-Patient Unit. He conducted the first double-blind study of an anti-cholinesterase drug (physostigmine) to treat Alzheimer patients (Ashford et al., 1981), a therapy which is now standard treatment for Alzheimer patients.
Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Stanford University
From 2003 to the present, J. Wesson Ashford, M.D., Ph.D., has been a Senior Research Scientist at the Stanford / VA Aging Clinical Research Center and is now the Director of the War Related Illness and Injury Study Center the VA Palo Alto Health Care System and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University (affiliated). He is Chair of the Memory Screening Advisory Board of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and Clinical Editor of the Journal of Alzheimer’s disease. He is currently developing early detection and measurement methods for Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Ashford’s dissertation was a finalist for the Lindsley Prize, for the best in Behavioral Neuroscience, in 1984. He also made the first proposal and physiologic demonstration of massive parallel information processing in the cerebral cortex (Ashford et al., 1985); which has critical implications for understanding memory, particularly that aspect of memory affected by Alzheimer’s disease (Ashford, Coburn, and Fuster, 1998). His work in Alzheimer’s disease and neurophysiology led to the water-shed observation that neuro-plastic memory mechanisms of the brain are specifically affected by Alzheimer pathology (Ashford & Jarvik, 1985, Teter & Ashford, 2002).
Dr. Ashford graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1970. At UCLA (1970 – 1985) he attained an M.D. (1974) and Ph.D. (1984). He trained in psychiatry (1975 - 1979) and was a founding member of the Neurobehavior Clinic and the first Chief Resident and Associate Director (1979 - 1980) on the Geriatric Psychiatry In-Patient Unit. He conducted the first double-blind study of an anti-cholinesterase drug (physostigmine) to treat Alzheimer patients (Ashford et al., 1981), a therapy which is now standard treatment for Alzheimer patients.
Chief Operating Officer
National Certification Board for Alzheimer Care
In his short time in long-term care, Dayne DuVall has made a mark on the industry. He has received a couple of national awards, attends all the important national and regional conferences, and is in high demand for speaking engagements. DuVall’s outgoing personality (and fashion sense) makes it easy for him to meet important leaders and form relationships that would take others years to develop.
For the past three years, Dayne has served as chief operating officer of National Certification Board for Alzheimer Care (NCBAC). He has developed dementia care training programs that are being used nationwide in workforce development. He presents lectures and workshops on various topics, including business development, communication, dementia care, social media, and is also involved in government relations and public policy on state and federal levels.
Dayne’s mission is to ensure that people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and their families receive the best possible care. He says that the most important way to accomplish this goal is through training and education of direct care staff. Not only does this improve care, but it also provides staff with better skills for advancement. He specializes not only in Alzheimer’s training, but he also has experienced the disease first-hand as a caregiver for his father who died five years ago after a 13-year journey.
CEO - Houston Southeast Chapter
Alzheimer's Association
Richard Elbein has been the CEO of the Houston and Southeast Texas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association since 2002.
Richard received his undergraduate degree in Human Nutrition from University of Texas Austin and his Masters degree in Biochemistry and Nutrition from Virginia Tech. He spent more than 20 years in health care administration prior to joining the Alzheimer’s Association. He is particularly interested in health promotion and prevention strategies. In 1996 he was selected as one of two American representatives to the World Health Organization’s Preventative Health Strategies program at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.
Alzheimer’s is a particular passion for Mr. Elbein. His maternal grandfather lived with progressive dementia for five years prior to his death in 1998, and his paternal grandmother suffered with Alzheimer’s for many years prior to her death in 2000. His mother was treated for Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus in 2006, and he currently is his aunt’s caregiver, who is living with mixed dementia.
Richard received his undergraduate degree in Human Nutrition from University of Texas Austin and his Masters degree in Biochemistry and Nutrition from Virginia Tech. He spent more than 20 years in health care administration prior to joining the Alzheimer’s Association. He is particularly interested in health promotion and prevention strategies. In 1996 he was selected as one of two American representatives to the World Health Organization’s Preventative Health Strategies program at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.
Alzheimer’s is a particular passion for Mr. Elbein. His maternal grandfather lived with progressive dementia for five years prior to his death in 1998, and his paternal grandmother suffered with Alzheimer’s for many years prior to her death in 2000. His mother was treated for Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus in 2006, and he currently is his aunt’s caregiver, who is living with mixed dementia.
President
CMS Compliance Group
Linda Elizaitis, R.N., RAC-CT, B.S., is President of CMS Compliance Group, the regulatory compliance consulting firm that she founded to work owners and operators of post-acute, long term care, assisted living, home health, adult day and other providers. Linda oversees survey-related compliance issues for clients, including systems correction/enhancement related to immediate jeopardy citations, Directed plans of correction, Directed InService, Informal Dispute resolution (IDR) preparation and Independent Informal Dispute resolution (IIDR) preparation. She assists with plan of correction development and implementation, conducts regulatory compliance reviews, and works with clients to develop new programs or enhance existing ones.
Linda’s extensive hands-on experience includes the opening and relocation of post-acute facilities, medical record reviews for litigation, adult day program compliance, risk management program development, pressure ulcer prevention, and compliance reviews for assisted living, adult day care and home health care programs. Linda speaks regularly on key compliance issues including survey preparation, including for Long Term Living and McKnight’s “Super Tuesdays.” She is a repeat educator for New York State Health Facilities Association Foundation for Quality Care Nurse and has spoken for key industry organizations including LeadingAge, the Pennsylvania Healthcare Association (PHCA), Healthcare Association of New Jersey (HCANJ), and the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants. Linda has been published in Provider, HCPro PPS Alert, ADVANCE for Long Term Care Management, About.com Assisted Living and Wayfair.
Prior to forming CMS Compliance Group, Linda was Vice President of Associated Geriatric Information Network, Inc. (AGIN, Inc.). Linda’s nursing background includes serving as a long-term care Director of Nursing, and prior to that as a surgical ICU Head Nurse. Linda is a Distinguished Graduate of St. Joseph’s College, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Health Administration, and is a graduate of the Sewickley Valley Hospital of Nursing.
Luke Fannon founded Premier Coaching and Training in April 2005, and currently serves as CEO. Luke’s sales and marketing experience in the health/senior care industry is extensive and includes acute, sub-acute and outpatient rehabilitation, adult day health care, independent and assisted living, home healthcare, hospice and durable medical equipment.
For nearly 25 years Luke has provided sales and marketing leadership to both employers and clients developing sales and marketing teams, identifying successful marketing strategies and tactics and creating sustainable revenue growth. Since 2005 Luke and PCT have assisted numerous clients and trained nearly 5,000 healthcare professionals.
Corporate Director of Memory Care and Resident Engagement
LCB Senior Living, LLC
Joshua J. Freitas is an award-winning memory care program developer, researcher, and author. His care and training philosophies have been featured in prominent publications, including Long-Term Living Magazine, Healthcare Provider Magazine, Science Today Magazine, local news channels, and much more. Freitas serves as the Corporate Director of Memory Care and Resident Engagement for LCB Senior Living, LLC, where he oversees memory care philosophy and initiatives throughout the company.
He holds five certifications related to dementia care and has studied at some of the world’s most renowned institutions, including Lesley University, Harvard University, and Berklee College of Music.
With his new book, The Dementia Concept, Freitas hopes to change the way society views individuals who are living with Alzheimer’s disease and related forms of dementia. A dementia diagnosis should not be viewed as the end of life. “To break the stigmas that impede progress and quality care,” Freitas says, “we must all advocate for those with memory impairment, and support their families and friends.”
President / Founder
Texas Senior Living Locators
Michael Gill is an elder care consultant, working with seniors and their families in the Austin, Texas metropolitan area. As President and Founder of Texas Senior Living Locators, Mike specializes in assisted living and memory care placement, and is the acknowledged expert on the industry in Austin. He is a Certified Senior Advisor and graduate of the Texas Assisted Living Manager Courses from the Texas Assisted Living Association.
Prior to entering the senior living industry in 2012, Mike spent the bulk of his career in the financial industry. He worked for several Wall Street firms including JP Morgan, Drexel Burnham Lambert and Jefferies & Co., and owned his own broker dealer, Speedwell Securities. Mike began his career in Austin in venture capital, financing high tech start-ups.
He also spent time working with the IC2 Institute at the University of Texas at Austin, where he published two books: Financing and Managing Fast Growth Companies: The Venture Capital Process; and The New Business Incubator: Linking Talent, Technology, Capital and Know-How. Mike earned an MBA from the University of Texas and a BA from Villanova University.
Chief Operating Officer
National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP)
Lynn Biot-Gordon is currently the Chief Operations Officer with the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP), and is a longtime dementia care expert. As a licensed clinical social worker with a Bachelors degree in psychology and a master of social work degree from Boston University, Lynn Biot-Gordon's social work experience spans 20 years and includes mental health, hospice, long term care, and school social work.
Gordon has served in the areas of administration, direct practice, health education, and clinical supervision. She founded Gordon Social Work Consultants in 1997 to provide consultation services for long term care facilities which includes training and in-services on a variety of topics for residents, families, and health care staff.
Senior Managing Director – Seniors Housing Group
Berkadia
Christopher Honn is a Senior Managing Director in the Seniors Housing Group with Berkadia, an industry-leading and nationally renowned commercial real estate company. Honn brings 30 years of experience financing seniors housing and healthcare real estate projects ranging in loan size from $1 million to $3.5 billion, and is responsible for managing Berkadia’s loan originations for seniors housing and healthcare related assets.
Most recently, Honn served as director of new business production and customer relationships for 13 years at Fannie Mae, managing the seniors housing product. In that role, he developed and executed strategies to grow profitable loan production, develop existing and new customer relationships and create product enhancements. Previously, Honn spent 10 years as an investment banker and prior to that, a commercial banker for seven years at American National Bank in Chicago, all with a focus on the seniors housing and healthcare industry.
Dr. Christopher J. Johnson currently serves as Clinical Professor of Sociology at Texas State University, with specialization in dementia studies and family and the sociology of religion. Retired as Director of Gerontology and Professor of Gerontology and Sociology at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, Dr. Johnson developed an award winning online M.A. in Gerontology Program and Directed an Institute of Gerontology (NIA grant funded) during his time there. He taught in the Dementia Studies graduate program at the University of Stirling, Scotland and worked for the Dementia Services Centre there. Dr. Johnson’s exemplary teaching and research skills were recognized by being awarded a Distinguished Fellow in Gerontology by the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education.
In the area of teaching, Dr. Johnson came to Texas State to initiate and be a major contributor to the new online M.S. in Dementia and Aging Studies (link to a program description). His online Masters in Gerontology at his former university was awarded as a top academic program in the state. He was recognized among the top five teachers at his former University (The University of Louisiana at Monroe or ULM). Now at Texas State, Dr. Johnson teaches Introduction to Dementia Studies, Caregiving and Dementia, The Social Psychology of Dementia, End of Life and Clinical Sociology: Counseling Elderly.
In research, besides procuring over 3 million dollars in grant and private funding, his interests are in dementia and marriage, design for dementia, suicide, thanatology and religiosity and aging. At his previous university, he was twice awarded “Researcher of the Year” in the School of Arts and Sciences. He has conducted a state-wide needs assessment of elderly in Iowa but specializes in oral histories. He was awarded an, Endowed Professorship in Gerontology based upon his outstanding teaching and research skills.
Dr. Christopher J. Johnson received his Ph.D. in Sociology with a major in Aging and Family and minor in Social Psychology from Iowa State University, Sociology with major in Aging and Family. He earned his M.A. from University of Northern Iowa in Sociology with major in Aging. He earned his B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Denver.
Aging Consultants, Inc.
Roxann Johnson completed her Ph.D. in Dementia Studies from the University of Stirling in Scotland, UK. Her comparative dissertation research explored experiences of dementia care workers in nursing homes in Canada, Scotland and the United States. She completed her Interdisciplinary M.S. in Gerontology and undergraduate degrees in Life Spans and Recreation Therapy from the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Johnson has been the Executive Director for Aging Consultants, Inc. for over 20 years. She has been a Gerontologist and a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist for over 25 years. Aging Consultants, Inc. provides training, program evaluation, design, and service development targeted for senior populations. Aging Consultants, Inc. specialize in chemical and physical restraint-free care, staff support and training, therapeutic program development and implementation, and environmental designs for senior health services for persons with dementia.
Dr. Johnson’s projects have won national awards on dementia-friendly designs. She has published in a variety of refereed journals as well as worked hands-on in several nursing facilities. In 2002 she was hired as the “Gerontologist” on the job at Epworth Villa CCRC to work with the architect and interior design firms to keep the design team focused on the population to be served. The nine-million-dollar addition included two assisted living facilities and an adult day health center for persons with dementia, a resource library and community outreach conference center. Upon completion of the buildings she provided 16 hours of dementia-specific training for all staff that would be in contact with persons with dementia.
Dr. Roxann Johnson is an internationally known expert on nurse aides, dementia care, activities for persons with dementia and environments for dementia care. She was first introduced to the University of Stirling in Scotland for the grand opening of the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC). In 2003 she was invited to teach a summer school on “Design and Dementia” in the new DSDC Iris Murdoch centre housed on the University of Stirling campus. In 2004 she was invited back to teach summer schools on “New Approaches to Dementia Care” and “Design and Dementia.” The Dementia Services Development Centre is a hub of dementia knowledge, research, and resource information in Europe. Stirling, Scotland is slated to be one of the first dementia friendly cities in Europe.
Founder
M.I.N.D in Memory Care
Cindy Keith, RN, BS, CDP, is a renowned author, trainer, nurse, and keynote speaker. With more than two decades of experience in dementia-care settings, Cindy brings valuable insight as a consultant to family caregivers, health care providers, and assisted living facilities.
In 2004, Cindy recognized the need for personalized, professional counseling for families coping with loved ones with dementia, as well as Alzheimer’s training for staff in a variety of facilities who are being challenged daily by behaviors and interactions with these residents. In response to this need, Cindy formed Moving In Nurturing Directions (MIND) in Memory Care, which specializes in providing caring, compassionate, empathy driven training interventions for families, caregivers, and long-term care staff.
Cindy Keith is also the author of two top books centering around Alzheimer’s care titled, “Love, Laughter, and Mayhem – Caregiver Survival Manual for Living with a Person With Dementia” and “Love, Laughter, and Mayhem in Eldercare Facilities: The Master Key for Dementia Training”, both of which have been featured through the AFA, International Care Givers Association, and a variety of publications within the field of Alzheimer’s care.
Cindy is a member of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA), and has been awarded the title of “Excellence in Care Specialist” for their Dementia Care Program of Distinction. She is a member of the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP) as a Certified Dementia Practitioner, as well as a trainer for the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Course. She remains active in Sigma Theta Tau, Beta Sigma Chapter (National Honor Society for Nursing) and is a member of the steering committee for the Centre County Geriatric Interest Network in Pennsylvania. Cindy is also active in her community, and is involved in various organizations dealing with eldercare issues, and volunteers to help educate non-profit groups interested in Alzheimer’s and dementia issues.
Executive Director
The Alliance Training Center
Leah Klusch's education and consulting to healthcare professionals is defined by her dynamic style, sense of humor, no-nonsense advice and innovative ideas. Her ability to focus on learning rather than teaching makes her a welcomed and applauded industry speaker, educator, and nurse leader.
She's the founder and director of The Alliance Training Center, an educational foundation focused geriatric care issues in Alliance, Ohio and the author of numerous published articles in industry journals, periodicals, trade publications, books, video trainings, and lectures nationally on current industry topics. Leah is passionate about her work and her energy is contagious when helping clients and industry members manage:Care Delivery, Wellness & Restorative Care Giving, Regulatory Compliance, Leadership, Re-engineering & Facility Planning, Nursing Home Management, Payment & Reimbursement, Assessment, and Assessment Documentation
She's the founder and director of The Alliance Training Center, an educational foundation focused geriatric care issues in Alliance, Ohio and the author of numerous published articles in industry journals, periodicals, trade publications, books, video trainings, and lectures nationally on current industry topics. Leah is passionate about her work and her energy is contagious when helping clients and industry members manage:Care Delivery, Wellness & Restorative Care Giving, Regulatory Compliance, Leadership, Re-engineering & Facility Planning, Nursing Home Management, Payment & Reimbursement, Assessment, and Assessment Documentation
As a healthcare industry consultant with a penchant for bridging clinical, financial and compliance needs in an easy-to-understand, fun way, Leah’s insights are captured and read throughout the industry, online as well as offline.
Founder/CEO: National Council of Post Acute Care Practitioners
Vice-President, NADONA/LTC
Aysha Kuhlor, RN, BA, CDONA/LTC, PAC-CRN is the CEO/Founder of the National Council of Post Acute Care Practitioners. Ms. Kuhlor has worked in long-term care for over 15 years, serving in various leadership roles. As a nurse leader, she he has participated on several leadership committees and Advisory Boards at the State and National Level. Ms. Kuhlor received the Quality Award for Excellence from Catholic Health East for her work as the Director of Clinical Services at one of her communities served and was also the recipient of the NADONA/LTC Regional Nurse Administrator of the year award at the 2009 National Conference.
Ms. Kuhlor currently serves as the Vice President of The National Association Directors of Nursing Administration in Long Term Care (NADONA/LTC) and has presented on various clinical topics Nationally. Ms. Kuhlor is a certified Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care trainer. She was recently nominated for Distinguished Service Award with the Connecticut Chapter of Leading Age.
She is an active member of the American Nurses Association (ANA), American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordinators (AANAC), The National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioner and NADONA/LTC.
Director – Beard Center on Aging
Lynchburg College
Denise Scruggs, Director of the Beard Center on Aging at Lynchburg College, and serves as a columnist for the Senior News Magazine- Lifestyles of the Active 50 Plus.
Denise is a seasoned dementia care provider and educator with over 20 years of experience spanning adult day care, long term care, assisted living, community living, and memory care. She is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and Certified Activity Director with a specialty in memory care. She is an approved trainer for the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners and approved trainer for the “Caring for You, Caring for Me” caregiver program offered through the Rosalyn Carter Institute for Caregiving.
Denise is an active member of many community boards and advisory groups including the Lindsay Institute for Innovations in Caregiving, Centra PACE, Mental Health America of Central Virginia, and the Bedford Community Health Foundation. She also serves on the Graduate Medical Education Committee for Centra’s Lynchburg Family Medicine Residency.
Editor-in-Chief
Long-Term Living Magazine
Pamela Tabar is editor-in-chief of Long-Term Living, and has worked as a writer, editor, and contributor for a variety of publications across the healthcare business media landscape since 1998, including for Long-Term Living's sister publication Healthcare Informatics.
Tabar has a master’s degree in journalism from Kent State University, and a master's degree in English from the University of York, England.
President
National Association of Activity Professionals
Alisa Tagg has been a certified Activity Consultant since 2006 and an Activity Director working primarily in skilled nursing facilities since 1995. She currently serves as the president of the National Association of Activity Professionals (NAAP), and as president of the Southern Nevada Activity Professionals Association. She also works as an independent consultant in various facilities throughout southern Nevada.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, a provider’s Certificate of Completion specializing in Aging with the Nevada Geriatric Education Center and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner with the National Certification Council for Dementia Practitioners.
Alisa speaks on local, state and national levels on various topics relating to health care and the activity profession. She has always enjoyed working with elderly populations for the majority of her life and has a great love for the elderly. Personally, Alisa enjoys running, biking, Crossfit® training, and spending time with her family.
