2024 ALCA New England Conference
October 8 & 9, 2024
Hilton Boston/Dedham, Dedham MA

Welcome to the 2024 Aging Life Care Association® – New England Chapter Conference, themed “Innovative Aging: Embracing Alternative Care Options.” This exceptional event is designed to bring together professionals from across the elder care industry to explore groundbreaking solutions and alternative therapies that can significantly enhance the aging experience.

Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage with thought leaders, innovators, and experts who are at the forefront of Aging Life Care™ management. Our conference will feature a series of dynamic presentations focused on the latest trends and practices in elder care.

Participants will delve into topics such as holistic approaches to aging, advancements in medical and non-medical therapies, and innovative care models that prioritize the well-being and dignity of older adults. This event is not just a learning experience but also a platform for collaboration and networking. You will connect with a diverse array of professionals all dedicated to driving positive change in the field of aging.

Join us for this transformative experience and be part of the conversation that is shaping the future of elder care. Register now to secure your place and take the first step towards embracing innovative aging solutions.

REGISTER HERE TO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE  

7.5 CE’s will be available for full attendance on October 8 & 9.

NOTE: Hotel rooms at the Hilton Boston/Dedham are available at this link at the special Conference rate until September 15, 2024.
https://group.hilton.com/5u6hqb


Conference Agenda

Tuesday, October 8, 2024: Speaker & Opening Reception

12:00 Noon-3:30pm –Sponsor Set Up

3:30pm – 5:00pm Unraveling the Complexities of Aging with Modern Solutions
Dr. Joshua J. Freitas, Ph.D. Chief Research Officer, CERTUS Institute

5:00pm – 7:00pm – Opening Cocktail Reception

7:00pm – 8:00pm – Final Sponsor Set Up

Wednesday, October 9, 2024: ALCA NE 2024 Conference

7:30am -8:30am – Breakfast and Sponsor Area Open

8:30am -8:40am – Welcome by rhe Conference Committee

8:40am -10:10amLove and Loss
Amy Bloom, MSW & Psychotherapist

10:10am -10:30am – Break and Sponsor Connections

10:30am -11:30amCannabis in Geriatric Medicine and Dementia
Dr. Dustin Sulak, D.O. and Rhiannon Stare, RN, CMC

11:30am – 11:40am – Welcome from ALCA National,  Julie Wagner, CEO

11:40am -12:45pm – Lunch and Sponsor Connections

12:45pm -2:15pmThe New PsychiatryPromise and Peril in Psychedelics, Ketamine, and        Emerging Therapies
Dr. Robert C. Meisner, MD, Medical Director, The McLean Ketamine Service,                                      Division of  Psychiatric Neurotherapeutics McLean Hospital, Attending Psychiatrist,                        Acute Psychiatric  Service,  MGH Emergency Room, Harvard Medical School

2:15pm -3:15pm Innovation in Healthcare: Optimizing Treatment Outcomes through the Use    of Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT)®
Caitlin Hebb, MT-BC, Neurologic Music Therapist Fellow, Clinical                                                              Operations Manager, MedRhythms Therapy

3:15pm – 3:35pm –Break and Sponsor Connections

3:35pm – 4:35pmLAUGHTER THERAPY: Just for the HEALTH of It!
Pamela Krist Atwood, LPCA, MA, CDP, CLL (Certified Laughter  Leader)

4:35pm -4:45pm – Conference Wrap Up and Closing Remarks

SPONSORS

ALCA New England 2024 Conference Sponsors Include:

Adaptive Homecare – www.adaptivehc.com
American Association of Daily Money Managers, AADMM –www.everydaymm.com
Assisting Hands Home Care –www.assistinghands.com
Baron Long Term Care Planning –www.baronltc.com
Bayada Home Health Care –www.bayada.com
Brightview Senior Living – www.bvsl.net
Deaconess Abundant Life Services –www.deaconessservices.org
Dodge Park – www.dodgepark.com
Embrace Home Care & Health Services – www.homecareembrace.com
Epoch Senior Living –www.epochsl.com
FirstLight Home Care – www.firstlighthomecare.com
Flying Angels –www.flyingangels.com
Guardian Angel Senior Services –www.guardianangelseniorservices.com
Healer – www.healer.com
Hebrew Senior Life –www.hebrewseniorlife.org
Home Instead – www.homeinsteadinc.com
HouseWorks LLC – www.house-works.com
Longbridge Financial LLC –www.longbridge-financial.com
Maplewood Senior Living –www.maplewoodsl.com
Mature Caregivers –www.maturecaregivers.com
Minute Women Home Care –www.mwhomecare.com
MP:Wired For HR – www.mp-hr.com
Northbridge Companies – www.northbridgecos.com
Notre Dame du Lac Assisted Living –www.notredamehealthcare.org
Nova Leap Home Health – www.novaleaphealth.com
O’Connor Professional Group –www.oconnorpg.com
Out of the Box Moves –
Right at Home –www.rightathome.net/boston-metrowest
Senior Helpers –www.seniorhelpersboston.com
Seniors Helping Seniors –www.shsboston.com
SOSTEK – www.sostek.net
Springhouse –www.springhouseboston.org
The Delaney at The Vale – www.delaneyatthevale.com
The Key – www.thekey.com
The Newbury of Brookline –
Traditions Home Health Services –www.traditionshhs.com
Transitions & Liquidation Services –www.transitionsliquidation.com
Tribute Home Care –www.tributehomecare.com
Wingate Living –www.wingateliving.com

 

SESSIONS

SESSIONS

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

3:30pm -5:00pm

Conference Title, Abstract, & Learning Objectives
Title:
Unraveling the Complexities of Aging with Modern Solutions

1.5 CE’s

Speaker: Dr Joshua J Freitas, Ph.D. Chief Research Officer, CERTUS Institute

Professional Bio

Dr. 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 more. Dr. Freitas serves as the Vice President of Program Development at CERTUS Senior Living, Chief Research Officer at the CERTUS Institute, and Chief Educational Officer | Chair of the Board for the National Institute for Dementia Education.

Dr. Freitas has earned a doctorate from the California Institute of Integral Studies with a concentration in Gerontology and Aging Neuroscience. He has also studied Non- Pharmacological Healthcare at Lesley University, Healthcare Economics at Harvard University, and Music Education and Music Therapy at Berklee College of Music. Dr. Freitas holds five certifications related to dementia care and serves on several national advocacy boards for dementia care.

Through his two recent book publications, “The Dementia Concept” and “Joining Grandma’s Journey,” Dr. Freitas hopes to change the way society views individuals 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,” Dr. Freitas says, “we must all advocate for those with memory loss and support their families and friends.”

Program Description: This session aims to explore the multifaceted aspects of aging, including physiological, neurological, and biological factors. It will delve into recent surveys, research findings, and advancements in gerontology and aging neuroscience, offering insights into how these disciplines intersect and influence our understanding of aging. Discussions will also cover lifestyle factors that impact aging gracefully and strategies to enhance resilience and independence among older adults. This session will equip participants with updated knowledge and practical insights to navigate the complexities of aging, emphasizing holistic approaches and modern solutions to promote successful aging in today’s society. The focus will be on innovative practices and technologies that enhance the quality of life, helping older adults to not just survive but to thrive.

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe physiological processes of aging and their implications for health and well-being.
  • Explore the neurological changes associated with aging and their effects on cognitive function and behavior.
  • Describe the biological mechanisms that underlie aging and longevity.
  • Discuss recent surveys, research methodologies, and advancements in gerontology and
    aging neuroscience.
  • Identify practical strategies to support healthy aging and improve the quality of life for
    older individuals.
  • Discuss modern solutions that go beyond survival, fostering an environment where older
    adults can thrive, stay engaged, and maintain their independence.

Agenda – 90 minutes

  1. Physiological Processes of Aging and Their Implications for Health and Well-being -5min
  2. Neurological Changes Associated with Aging and Their Effects on Cognitive Function and Behavior – 5 min
  3. Biological Mechanisms that Underlie Aging and Longevity – 5min
  4. Recent Surveys, Research Methodologies, and Advancements in Gerontology and Aging Neuroscience – 20 min
  5. Practical Strategies to Support Healthy Aging and Improve the Quality of Life for Older Individuals – 20 min
  6. Modern Solutions that Go Beyond Survival, Fostering an Environment Where Older Adults Can Thrive, Stay Engaged, and Maintain Their Independence  -20 min
  7. Q&A and Discussion – 15 min

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

8:40am-10:10am

Title: Love and Loss

1.5 CEs

Speaker: Amy Bloom, MSW and Psychotherapist

Professional Bio:

Amy Bloom is the author of the international best-selling memoir In Love, the story of her husband Brian’s early-onset Alzheimer’s and his and their decisions about his life and death. She’s written three novels: White HousesLucky UsAway, –all NY Times best-sellers– and three collections of short stories: Where the God Of Love Hangs OutCome to Me (finalist, National Book Award), and A Blind Man Can See How Much I Love You (finalist, National Book Critics Circle Award). Her first book of nonfiction, Normal: Transsexual CEOs, Crossdressing Cops and Hermaphrodites with Attitudes, is a staple of university sociology and biology courses. She has written for magazines such as The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, Vogue, Elle and The Atlantic Monthly and her work has been translated into seventeen languages.

Program Description:  Ms Bloom will discuss the ethical and practical aspects of her husband’s decision to pursue assisted dying and the steps that they took to fulfil his wishes. This is one example of how a couple approached end of life issues when one of them was diagnosed with dementia.

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe the process of assisted dying
  • Identify 2 limitations of assisted dying in the US
  • Identify 2 criteria for assisted living in Switzerland
  • Describe anticipatory loss and grief as it related to assisted dying

Agenda – 90 minutes

Introduction to the concept of assisted dying (10 Min)

Discuss regulations and limitations of assisted dying in the US (10 Min)

Describe the criteria to qualify for assisted dying in Switzerland (15 Min)

Discuss communication skills necessary for couples walking this path (10 Min)

Review Anticipatory loss and grief (15 Min)

Sharing of personal experience (15 Min)

Q&A (15 Min)

10:30am-11:30am

Title: Cannabis in Geriatric Medicine and Dementia

CE – 1.0

Speakers Names and Credentials – Dustin Sulak, D.O. and Rhiannon Stare, RN, CMC

Brief Bio

Dustin Sulak, D.O. is a traditional osteopathic physician and expert in integrative medicine. His clinical practice in Maine focuses on treating refractory conditions in adults and children. Dr. Sulak is an internationally-renowned expert in medical cannabis, the author of the first foundational text on its clinical use, Handbook of Cannabis for Clinicians: Principles and Practice, and a co-founder of Healer.com, a medical cannabis education resource. He is a passionate educator and leader in the field of medical cannabis, and serves on the board of directors of The Society of Cannabis Clinicians.

Rhiannon Stare, RN, CMC, and Certified Cannabis Health Coach, resides and practices in Newburyport, MA. With over 20 years of experience in the healthcare field, she has passionately advocated for and served the older adult population for more than six years as an Aging Life Care Manager at Riverside Care Advisors.

Rhiannon’s extensive background includes a variety of nursing environments, from acute rehabilitation hospitals to community-based settings, where she has thrived in working with seniors and individuals facing mental health challenges. Her clients value her ability to build strong, trusting connections and advocate for them wholeheartedly.

Driven by witnessing the ongoing struggles of her geriatric clients and the shortcomings of the healthcare system, Rhiannon sought alternative therapies and began integrating cannabis as a treatment modality. She is dedicated to educating her clients and the community about the potential benefits of this powerful plant.

Rhiannon holds a Business Degree from Michigan State University and is a Registered Nurse, having graduated from Lawrence Memorial/Regis College. She is also a Certified Dementia Practitioner, an Aging Life Care® Advanced Professional, and a Certified Cannabis Health Coach.

Program Description

Cannabis is a versatile, and when used appropriately, safe intervention for common conditions in geriatric medicine including pain, insomnia, and behavioral symptoms of dementia. Furthermore, due to its distinct mechanisms of action, cannabis is often effective when other treatments fail, and is able to frequently replace medications known to be dangerous in older adults. This presentation explains how and why cannabis works so well in geriatric medicine, demonstrates clinical results from this patient population, and provides a focus on the use of cannabis in patients with dementia.

Learning objectives

  1. Describe the potential risks and benefits of using cannabis in older adults.
  2. Explain how cannabis can help individuals with dementia and summarize the existing clinical evidence
  3. Describe how to identify patients that may benefit from a cannabis trial and knowing how to get started.

Agenda:

  • Cannabis use in older adults – trends and clinical results (5 min)
  • Drug substitution and medications interactions (10 min)
  • Mechanisms of action (5 min)
  • Cannabis in dementia: clinical results (10 min)
  • Adverse and protective effects (10 min)
  • Dosing strategies 10 min)
  • Case (10 min)

12:45pm -2:15pm

PROGRAM TITLE:

The New Psychiatry:

Promise and Peril in Psychedelics, Ketamine, and Emerging Therapies

Ketamine, Psychedelics and Emerging Therapies

NUMBER OF CE’s: 1.5

NAME /CREDENTIALs:

Robert Carl Meisner, MD

Medical Director, The McLean Ketamine Service

Division of Psychiatric Neurotherapeutics  McLean Hospital

Attending Psychiatrist

Acute Psychiatric Service, The Massachusetts General Hospital (Emergency Room)

Harvard Medical School

BRIEF SPEAKER BIO:

Robert C. Meisner, MD, is the founding Medical Director of The McLean Ketamine Service at McLean Hospital and a Child & Adolescent / Adult attending psychiatrist in the Acute Psychiatric Service at the Massachusetts General Hospital. His work focuses on identification and development of novel pharmacologic interventions and safe translational practices for new and emerging neurotherapeutics.

A graduate of Princeton and Harvard Medical School, Meisner has held appointments in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University and Harvard College, and has consulted to hospital, government and industry neuroscience leadership nation-wide. He lectures widely on interventional neurotherapeutics and novel / emerging pipeline agents, and prioritizes the dissemination of evidence-based, sound information regarding emerging and evolving therapies through collaboration with high-quality national and international media outlets. His group will shortly submit for publication the largest known naturalistic efficacy comparison of ketamine versus esketamine in patient with depression. He currently serves as Co-Chair for the National Network of Depression Center’s (NNDC) Ketamine Task Force; previous Board appointments include the Administrative Board of Harvard College and Mangata, Inc (pro-bono).

DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM

For three decades, the psychopharmacologic armamentarium for the treatment of depression, anxiety, psychosis, dementia and many psychiatric disorders has centered on the “Monoamine Hypothesis” – the assumption that that Epinephrine, Norepniphrine and Dopamine comprise the neurotransmitters most influential in symptom control. Psychiatry has thus witnessed the development of many SSRIs and SNRIs that are molecular permutations of each other, with few agents presumed able to leverage novel mechanisms, and most requiring greater than 6 weeks to elicit clinical response. Concomitantly, tremendous progress has been observed in development and implementation of the evidence-based psychotherapies; hence, psychopharmacology has “lagged” behind the pace of therapy progress. Ketamine, classical Psychedelics, and interventional neurotherapeutics, however, may significantly change the static status quo, in part through recognition of critical importance of pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic synergies. Within the realms of “novel/emerging” and “potential” (pipeline) interventions,  mechanistically novel ketamine and esketamine have prompted cautious optimism for select patient populations; looking to the near-term future, pipeline agents MDMA and Psilocybin appear poised as potential best-in-class new agents, with pivotal phase III Psilocybin data expected shortly.

With potential promise also comes potential peril, however: Misinformation in popular culture and social media abounds, and the dissemination of evidence-based, data-driven knowledge about these agents and psychiatry’s emerging next chapter is paramount. At this unique moment in psychiatric history, join us for a rapid overview of key agents capturing public and professional attention in a spirit of cautious optimism

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

  1. Describe the challenges and limitations of the relatively static pharmacologic toolkit that has traditionally defined biopsychopharmacology, as well as the remarkable development and rise of effective, evidence-based psychotherapies.
  2. Identify new/evolving and novel treatments exemplified by ketamine and esketamine, including the critical importance of “safety-first” approaches, evidence-based protocols, monitoring techniques, risk mitigation strategies, and the dangers of mis-information and public misperceptions
  3. Identify psychedelic best-in class and next generation agents with potential advantages – but also significant translational challenges – to foster an optimistic but healthy skepticism in an area of particular interest in popular and scientific culture.
  4. Explain the importance of cautious, evidence-based clinical translation and practice as well as the challenges of managing uncertainty in translational contexts.

AGENDA 

Prelude (15 minutes):

  1. The public health context
  2. Accessing care
  3. Context, Contingency and the Navigation of Clinical Uncertainty

Available “Psychiatric Neurotherapeutics” (30 minutes)

  1. The old guard: (ie, ECT)
  2. The new:
  3. Ketamine
  4. Esketamine
  • TMS / others

The Future – Select Emerging /Evolving Interventions from the     “Pipeline” (30 minutes)

  1. Psilocybin / Consolidation Psychotherapy
  2. MDMA

Post-Script (15 minutes):

The Future Can’t Neglect the Past:

[or] The Importance of Not Forgetting the Basic Building Blocks of Wellness:

(Nutrition social connectedness (loneliness epidemic), exercise, etc

2:15pm -3:15pm

Title: Innovation in Healthcare: Optimizing Treatment Outcomes through the Use of Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT)®

NUMBER OF CE’s: 1.0

Speaker Name & Credentials -Caitlin Hebb, MT-BC, Neurologic Music Therapist Fellow, Clinical Operations Manager, MedRhythms Therapy

Speaker Bio – Clinical Operations Manager and for MedRhythms Therapy. She graduated from Berklee College of Music with a degree in Music Therapy and received her fellowship in NMT from The Academy for Neurologic Music Therapy. In addition, Caitlin serves on the NMT Academy Advisory Council, providing objective input and recommendations related to actions that impact the future direction and growth of NMT. Caitlin manages MedRhythms partnerships and develops and implements new NMT programs. Caitlin has spoken at regional and national conferences focusing on using NMT in neurorehabilitation and with various neurological populations.

Description of the Program – Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT)™ is the therapeutic application of music to cognitive, sensory, and motor dysfunctions due to neurologic disease of the human nervous system. NMT has developed standardized interventions and clinical techniques for the use of music to address non-musical goals such as mobility, speech, language, and areas of cognition. These techniques rely on the music perception and production for inducing neuroplastic changes in the brain. NMT has shown to be effective with a variety of populations including stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and more. This presentation will include a brief overview of the neuroscience of music as well as demonstrate several NMT treatment techniques for a variety of populations.

OBJECTIVES

Objective 1: Describe the neuroscience of music and the transfer to the clinical application of Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT)®

Objective 2: Identify how Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) techniques can be applied for the treatment of sensorimotor, speech and language and cognitive goals.

Agenda

Introduction: 10 min

Music and Neuroscience: 10 min

NMT and Treatment Domains: 20 min

Clinical Videos: 10 min

Discussion and Q&A: 10 min

3:35pm-4:35pm

Title:  LAUGHTER THERAPY: Just for the HEALTH of it!

CE’s – 1.0

Speaker:  Pamela Krist Atwood, LPCA, MA, CDP, CLL (Certified Laughter Leader)

Speaker Bio:

Pamela Krist Atwood is a psychotherapist, gerontologist, and the President of Atwood Dementia Group/Live Laugh Learn LLC. Her company specializes in coaching and counseling caregivers and people living with dementia, and consulting for organizations which care for people living with neurocognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s.

Pam has worked in aging services for more than 30 years and has enjoyed experiences working in the disciplines of recreation, social work, care management and for nonprofits including the Alzheimer’s Association and a large faith-based aging health services organization. She was also executive director of an assisted living from construction through the first year of successful operations. In addition to her business, she works per diem for CaringKind in New York City specializing in early-stage programs.

She loves speaking at conferences and teaching. She was surprised to find herself writing. In 2023 she published her first Alzheimer’s children’s book, Auntie P, Music & Me. In 2020 Pam and her husband Tom, a physical therapist, also published Total Engagement: Activities for Growth & Expression in Older Adults (Health Professions Press). They enjoy speaking to audiences everywhere.

Pam earned a Master’s degree in gerontology & human development from the University of Saint Joseph and a Bachelor’s degree from Clark University. She completed a Master’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University in clinical mental health counseling.

The University of St. Joseph recognized Pam as a Distinguished Alumni in 2012 and she was a Top 40 Under 40 winner in 2007.

In addition to her work, Pam volunteers with the American Parkinson Disease Association, the Alzheimer’s Association, LeadingAge Connecticut and local Chambers of Commerce, The Lions Club of Hebron CT and community committees. She and Tom have two kids in college – the kids beat them at cribbage whenever they are home on break.

Program Description:

Laughter really IS the best medicine. It helps psychologically and research proves that it has physiological benefits also.  The average adult doesn’t laugh nearly enough to reap the benefits though. This workshop will teach you the basics of laughter for health, exercises to promote true mirthful laughter (fake it ‘til you make it), and how the Good Hearted Living™ program helps integrate more laughter into your day.

Learning Objectives:

  • Differentiate between positive and negative humor
  • List three physiological benefits of laughter
  • Describe at least 5 ways to integrate light-hearted living into their lives and the lives of clients/residents.

Agenda:

15 Min – Review of laughter:

As seen historically
Positive vs. negative laughter
Psychological and physiological benefits
Stages of relaxation response during laughter

20 Min – Therapeutic simulated laughter
Warm ups to therapeutic laughter
Interactive/practice activities & approaches used in laughter therapy
Experiencing and monitoring outcomes/benefits

15 Min – Integrating therapeutic laughter into the lives of clinicians and clients
Mindfulness of opportunities
“Good Hearted Living” program
10 Min – Discussion and Q&A

SPEAKER BIOS

SPEAKER BIOS

Tuesday October 8, 2024
3:30pm -5:00pm

SPEAKER:  Dr. Joshua J. Freitas, Ph.D. Chief Research Officer, CERTUS Institute
Title: Unraveling the Complexities of Aging with Modern Solutions
Bio

Dr. 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 more. Dr. Freitas serves as the Vice President of Program Development at CERTUS Senior Living, Chief Research Officer at the CERTUS Institute, and Chief Educational Officer | Chair of the Board for the National Institute for Dementia Education.

Dr. Freitas has earned a doctorate from the California Institute of Integral Studies with a concentration in Gerontology and Aging Neuroscience. He has also studied Non- Pharmacological Healthcare at Lesley University, Healthcare Economics at Harvard University, and Music Education and Music Therapy at Berklee College of Music. Dr. Freitas holds five certifications related to dementia care and serves on several national advocacy boards for dementia care.

Through his two recent book publications, “The Dementia Concept” and “Joining Grandma’s Journey,” Dr. Freitas hopes to change the way society views individuals 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,” Dr. Freitas says, “we must all advocate for those with memory loss and support their families and friends.”

Wednesday, October 9, 2024
8:40am – 10:10am
Love and Loss
Speaker: Amy Bloom, MSW and Psychotherapist
Title: Love and Loss
Bio

Amy Bloom is the author of the international best-selling memoir In Love, the story of her husband Brian’s early-onset Alzheimer’s and his and their decisions about his life and death. She’s written three novels: White HousesLucky UsAway, –all NY Times best-sellers– and three collections of short stories: Where the God Of Love Hangs OutCome to Me (finalist, National Book Award), and A Blind Man Can See How Much I Love You (finalist, National Book Critics Circle Award). Her first book of nonfiction, Normal: Transsexual CEOs, Crossdressing Cops and Hermaphrodites with Attitudes, is a staple of university sociology and biology courses. She has written for magazines such as The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, Vogue, Elle and The Atlantic Monthly and her work has been translated into seventeen languages.

10:30am-11:30am
Speakers: Dustin Sulak, D.O. and Rhiannon Stare, RN, CMC
Title:  Cannabis in Geriatric Medicine and Dementia
Bios

Dustin Sulak, D.O. is a traditional osteopathic physician and expert in integrative medicine. His clinical practice in Maine focuses on treating refractory conditions in adults and children. Dr. Sulak is an internationally-renowned expert in medical cannabis, the author of the first foundational text on its clinical use, Handbook of Cannabis for Clinicians: Principles and Practice, and a co-founder of Healer.com, a medical cannabis education resource. He is a passionate educator and leader in the field of medical cannabis, and serves on the board of directors of The Society of Cannabis Clinicians.

Rhiannon Stare, RN, CMC, and Certified Cannabis Health Coach, resides and practices in Newburyport, MA. With over 20 years of experience in the healthcare field, she has passionately advocated for and served the older adult population for more than six years as an Aging Life Care Manager at Riverside Care Advisors.

Rhiannon’s extensive background includes a variety of nursing environments, from acute rehabilitation hospitals to community-based settings, where she has thrived in working with seniors and individuals facing mental health challenges. Her clients value her ability to build strong, trusting connections and advocate for them wholeheartedly.

Driven by witnessing the ongoing struggles of her geriatric clients and the shortcomings of the healthcare system, Rhiannon sought alternative therapies and began integrating cannabis as a treatment modality. She is dedicated to educating her clients and the community about the potential benefits of this powerful plant.

Rhiannon holds a Business Degree from Michigan State University and is a Registered Nurse, having graduated from Lawrence Memorial/Regis College. She is also a Certified Dementia Practitioner, an Aging Life Care® Advanced Professional, and a Certified Cannabis Health Coach.

12:45pm -2:15pm
Speaker:
Robert Carl Meisner, MD
Title: 
The New Psychiatry:  Promise and Peril in Psychedelics, Ketamine, and Emerging Therapies
Ketamine, Psychedelics and Emerging Therapies
Bio

Robert C. Meisner, MD, is the founding Medical Director of The McLean Ketamine Service at McLean Hospital and a Child & Adolescent / Adult attending psychiatrist in the Acute Psychiatric Service at the Massachusetts General Hospital. His work focuses on identification and development of novel pharmacologic interventions and safe translational practices for new and emerging neurotherapeutics.

A graduate of Princeton and Harvard Medical School, Meisner has held appointments in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University and Harvard College, and has consulted to hospital, government and industry neuroscience leadership nation-wide. He lectures widely on interventional neurotherapeutics and novel / emerging pipeline agents, and prioritizes the dissemination of evidence-based, sound information regarding emerging and evolving therapies through collaboration with high-quality national and international media outlets. His group will shortly submit for publication the largest known naturalistic efficacy comparison of ketamine versus esketamine in patient with depression. He currently serves as Co-Chair for the National Network of Depression Center’s (NNDC) Ketamine Task Force; previous Board appointments include the Administrative Board of Harvard College and Mangata, Inc (pro-bono).

2:15pm – 3:15pm
Speaker: Caitlin Hebb, MT-BC, Neurologic Music Therapist Fellow, Clinical Operations Manager, MedRhythms Therapy
Title: Innovation in Healthcare: Optimizing Treatment Outcomes through the Use of Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT)®
Bio

Clinical Operations Manager and for MedRhythms Therapy. She graduated from Berklee College of Music with a degree in Music Therapy and received her fellowship in NMT from The Academy for Neurologic Music Therapy. In addition, Caitlin serves on the NMT Academy Advisory Council, providing objective input and recommendations related to actions that impact the future direction and growth of NMT. Caitlin manages MedRhythms partnerships and develops and implements new NMT programs. Caitlin has spoken at regional and national conferences focusing on using NMT in neurorehabilitation and with various neurological populations.

3:35pm-4:35pm

Speaker:  Pamela Krist Atwood, LPCA, MA, CDP, CLL (Certified Laughter Leader)
Title:  LAUGHTER THERAPY: Just for the HEALTH of It!
Bio:

Pamela Krist Atwood is a psychotherapist, gerontologist, and the President of Atwood Dementia Group/Live Laugh Learn LLC. Her company specializes in coaching and counseling caregivers and people living with dementia, and consulting for organizations which care for people living with neurocognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s.

Pam has worked in aging services for more than 30 years and has enjoyed experiences working in the disciplines of recreation, social work, care management and for nonprofits including the Alzheimer’s Association and a large faith-based aging health services organization. She was also executive director of an assisted living from construction through the first year of successful operations. In addition to her business, she works per diem for CaringKind in New York City specializing in early-stage programs.

She loves speaking at conferences and teaching. She was surprised to find herself writing. In 2023 she published her first Alzheimer’s children’s book, Auntie P, Music & Me. In 2020 Pam and her husband Tom, a physical therapist, also published Total Engagement: Activities for Growth & Expression in Older Adults (Health Professions Press). They enjoy speaking to audiences everywhere.

Pam earned a Master’s degree in gerontology & human development from the University of Saint Joseph and a Bachelor’s degree from Clark University. She completed a Master’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University in clinical mental health counseling.

The University of St. Joseph recognized Pam as a Distinguished Alumni in 2012 and she was a Top 40 Under 40 winner in 2007.

In addition to her work, Pam volunteers with the American Parkinson Disease Association, the Alzheimer’s Association, LeadingAge Connecticut and local Chambers of Commerce, The Lions Club of Hebron CT and community committees. She and Tom have two kids in college – the kids beat them at cribbage whenever they are home on break.

Interested In Sponsoring the 2024 ALCA New England Conference?

If you are a company or organization whose products and services are geared towards assisting the aging population and the caregivers and professionals who serve them, then you can’t afford to miss
this event! Aging Life Care Managers® are the Experts in Aging Well®. We are a diverse group
of experienced and creative professionals who have a specialized focus on the complex issues and
challenges associated with aging and disabilities.

Exhibiting at this event will give your organization an outstanding opportunity to introduce your
products and services to attendees from across all New England states. Our 2023 conference
welcomed over 200 participants and sponsorships sold out quickly! We are expecting an even
greater turn out this year.

Please download the Sponsorship Prospectus and registration form here.
2024ALCA-Sponsorship-prospectusfinalv6.0 .

All sponsorships are on a first-come first serve basis!