Rooted in Relationships: Growth Through Connection
2026 Speaker Details
Jason Resendez
Keynote: A Call to Action: The State of Caregiving in the US
Description:
Join us for an overview of groundbreaking findings from the Caregiving in the US 2025 study, which reveals the experiences of 63 million American adults providing care to family members and friends with chronic conditions or disabilities. This keynote will highlight critical trends shaping family caregiving today and the urgent need for culture and policy change.
Biography:
Jason is a nationally recognized family policy expert and advocate. As President and CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC), he leads research, policy, and systems change initiatives to transform how America values and supports its 63+ million family caregivers. STAT News named Jason one of the most consequential leaders in health and medicine.
Prior to joining NAC, Jason was the founding executive director of the UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Center for Brain Health Equity where he pioneered the concept of Brain Health Equity through peer-reviewed research, public health partnerships, and public policy. In 2020, Jason was named one of America’s top influencers in aging by PBS’s Next Avenue alongside Michael J. Fox and former Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. He has been quoted by The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, STAT News, and Univision on issues related to caregiving and healthcare. Jason is from South Texas and graduated from Georgetown University.
Morning Breakout Sessions
Darin Lindig
Darra Wray
Workplace and Caregiving: Strategies and Tools Employees Can Use to Improve Caregiver Workplace Outcomes
Description:
Do you wish you could improve awareness, attitude, and policy around caregiving in your workplace? You can. Whether you are a working caregiver or are part of a formal ERG/BRG (Employee/Business Resource Group) or simply passionate about this topic, every employee has the power to shape a more supportive environment in the workplace for caregivers that allows them to bring their best selves to work. Join us for a practical session inspired by a recently published Disability:IN resource, featuring insights from leading corporations like HP, Nationwide, Ford, Alight, and others.
Do you wish you could improve awareness, attitude, and policy around caregiving in your workplace? You can. Whether you are a working caregiver or are part of a formal ERG/BRG (Employee/Business Resource Group) or simply passionate about this topic, every employee has the power to shape a more supportive environment in the workplace for caregivers that allows them to bring their best selves to work. Join us for a practical session inspired by a recently published Disability:IN resource, featuring insights from leading corporations like HP, Nationwide, Ford, Alight, and others.
What you’ll gain:
• Tools for direct support and education
• Ways to shift the stigma and reshape the narrative
• Approaches to influence workplace policy and support systems
Let’s build a workplace where caregivers feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Biographies:
Darin, a caregiver to Amber (age 29), who lives with a rare genetic disorder called HNRNPH2, has worked at HP Inc. for 32 years as a materials scientist specialising in LaserJet quality and reliability. He has chaired both the HP Boise and HP Global Disability Business Resource Groups and is committed to making HP products more accessible for people with disabilities. Inclusion efforts extend beyond work, as together with wife Angela, they designed and developed Adventure Island Playground – Idaho’s first universally accessible playground located in Meridian’s Setters Park. The playground was one of only a few universally accessible playgrounds in the nation at the time and remains a popular destination and an inclusive play model in the region.
Darra Wray is a business professional and senior care consultant from Boise, Idaho. Darra has more than 30 years of industry business and finance experience and an MBA from UCLA. She also has over 40 years of personal experience as a family caregiver and patient advocate. Darra developed a true passion for family caregiving and elder care services through her personal life experiences.
In 2018, Darra became a Certified Senior Adviser (CSA) and launched My Care Companions with mission to provide education tools, resources, and information management services to caregivers so they can focus more of their time and energy caring for their loved ones. in 2020, she founded LEARN – Lifelong Educaiton and Aging Resources Network Inc, a Treaure Valley based non-profit organization, with a mission to help people navigate the joys and challengers of aging and caregiving.
Dr. Audie Black
Develop Caregiver Resilience
Description:
This presentation empowers caregivers to recognize the difference between resilience, distress, and emerging burnout, which are key skills for protecting long-term well-being. Participants will learn how to reframe respite not as a chance to “catch up” on tasks, but as an essential investment in their own health, energy, and emotional stability. The session highlights practical strategies for building a reliable caregiver support team and distributing the load in sustainable ways. We will also explore how to redefine what it means to thrive as a caregiver, even when challenges are unavoidable, by embracing realistic expectations, cultivating self-compassion, and strengthening personal capacity. Attendees will leave with clear, actionable tools to support both themselves and the loved ones who rely on them.
Biography:
Joseph “Audie” Black, Ph.D., ABN is an Idaho native and board-certified Clinical Neuropsychologist. He is the founder of Idaho Neuropsychology, PLLC where he provides comprehensive cognitive, behavioral, and emotional assessments to adults. Dr. Black also provides short-term, targeted psychotherapy to adults living with neurological conditions and caregiver support services to their loved ones. Prior to launching his private practice, Dr. Black provided outpatient and inpatient (Level-1 Trauma and Neuro Rehab) evaluations to patients at two large-hospital systems, including St. Luke’s Health System in Idaho and Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh, PA. He has experience with a wide-variety of neurological conditions, including stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, and post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. He is the former Associate Director of Training for the psychology internship at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA and served as Adjunct faculty for Chatham University. Outside of direct clinical care, he is committed to professional service, including recently completing a term on the Executive Board of Directors for the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology (ABN) and serving as Co-Chair of the Continue Education Committee for the Idaho Psychological Association.
Chris Barrott
Medicaid A&D Waiver: Supporting Independence and Caregiver Relief
Description:
The Idaho Medicaid Aged & Disabled (A&D) Waiver is designed to help individuals remain in their homes and communities rather than entering long-term care facilities. This session will explain eligibility requirements, the services available through the A&D Waiver, and how these supports can reduce caregiver stress and provide relief for families caring for loved ones. Attendees will learn how the waiver promotes independence, improves quality of life, and strengthens the caregiving network by offering practical solutions and resources.
The Idaho Medicaid Aged & Disabled (A&D) Waiver is designed to help individuals remain in their homes and communities rather than entering long-term care facilities. This session will explain eligibility requirements, the services available through the A&D Waiver, and how these supports can reduce caregiver stress and provide relief for families caring for loved ones. Attendees will learn how the waiver promotes independence, improves quality of life, and strengthens the caregiving network by offering practical solutions and resources.
Biography:
Chris is the Bureau Chief with the Bureau of Long Term Care, Division of Idaho Medicaid. She is a veteran in building relationships with the Medicaid stakeholder community to find creative solutions to the issues that Long Term Services and Supports programs face. Chris loves a challenge and as a result has a passion for innovation in business operations, system design and development as well as contract management.
Michelle Bass
Trauma-Informed Parenting for Kinship Caregivers (Part 1)
Description:
When grandparents and other relatives step in to raise children, they often take on an entirely new parenting role, sometimes with little warning or support. This trauma-informed parenting conference is designed specifically for kinship caregivers who are parenting children impacted by stress, loss, or trauma. Together, we will explore practical tools for building safety, connection, and stability at home, while also honoring the unique strengths and challenges of kinship families. Participants will leave with strategies they can use right away, along with encouragement, community, and information about future educational opportunities and ongoing support for kinship families.
Biography:
Michelle Bass, LCSW of Bass Consultation and Services LLC, graduated with her social work degree from Boise State University and her master’s in social work from Northwest Nazarene University. She became a Trust-based Relational Intervention Practitioner (TBRI®) in 2018 and utilizes a holistic trauma-healing approach focusing on the connection between the mind and body. Since then, she has added multiple trauma-healing informed approaches to her work with children, adults, and families. Michelle also has extensive experience in training and public speaking. Michelle and her husband Ken Bass host The Resilient Parenting Podcast in collaboration with the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund.
Special Session
Grace Johnston
Katie Oord
Special Session: Communication Between Caregivers & Law Enforcement Panel
Description:
This panel is designed to help family caregivers effectively communicate with law enforcement. Topics that will be discussed include:
- What information should family caregivers consider sharing with members of law enforcement in their community?
- What information, provided in advance or at time of an incident, is most helpful to officers?
- How is this best shared?
- What systems are in place to facilitate communication?
Biography:
Grace Johnston is a 911 dispatcher for the Ada County Sheriff’s Office and a graduate of Boise State University, where she earned a degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. With over four years of experience in emergency services, Grace is passionate about improving outcomes for all individuals who call for help.
Katie Oord is a 911 dispatcher with the Ada County Sheriff’s Office and a graduate of Boise State University, where she earned a degree in Social Science with an emphasis in Sociology and Criminal Justice. Before joining dispatch, Katie worked in the social work field in San Mateo County, California. With five years of experience in emergency services, she is passionate about improving response quality and outcomes for individuals who call ACSO Dispatch.
Katie Oord and Grace co-created Aware Care, a program designed to support emergency responders by providing crucial information voluntarily about anyone with unique needs or any information an individual wishes to share. Through this program, Grace and Katie strive to ensure that everyone receives the care they deserve, enhancing the safety and well-being of all individuals in the community.
Lisa Anderson
Special Session: Legislative Update
Description:
Biography:
Lisa Anderson has worked for the Idaho State Legislature, as the Director of Constituent Services for two U.S. Congressman-one Republican Member of Congress and one Democratic Member of Congress, directed multiple political campaigns for democratic and republican hopefuls, worked as the Vice President of Government Relations for Idaho CuMo Mining/American CuMo Mining Corp, served as Director of Public Policy for the Alzheimer’s Association, and currently serves as the Director of Advocacy for AARP. She sits on the board of multiple non-profits, and coaches a dynamic Special Olympics basketball team.
Afternoon Breakout Sessions
Amanda Bartlett
Growing Together Over Time: Relationship-centered Legal Planning
Description:
Caregiving needs change over time. This session will review several legal tools that support the strengths and needs of both the person receiving care and the caregiver. We will walk through the basics of: powers of attorney, special needs trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships. We will discuss special considerations for how these tools may affect the use of public benefits and how to use these tools successfully.
Biography:
Amanda Bartlett is an associate attorney at Advanced Legal Planning, PLLC where she advises clients on Medicaid planning, estate planning, special needs planning, probate, and trust and estate administration. Her work focuses on practical, relationship-centered solutions to help people plan ahead, reduce crisis-driven decision-making, and support continuity of care. Amanda brings a strong public-service background to her practice. Before law school, she spent more than a decade evaluating public programs with the Idaho Office of Performance Evaluations, building a strong working-knowledge of government program administration. During law school, Amanda externed with the Idaho Office of Administrative Hearings and worked for the University of Idaho Family Justice Clinic. Amanda is a lifelong Idahoan committed to practical solutions that improve everyday life for the people in her community.
Patricia (Pat) Mejia
Meghan (Meg) Elliott
Communicating with Health Care Providers
Description:
Are you sometimes unsure how to partner with medical providers to support the care of your loved one? Would you like to sharpen your communication skills to make the most of medical visits? Join us for this interactive session where we will explore two key health coaching skills: Setting Agendas and Asl-Listen-Tell. Attendees will leave with increased confidence in their ability to advocate for themselves and their loved ones in the medical setting.
Are you sometimes unsure how to partner with medical providers to support the care of your loved one? Would you like to sharpen your communication skills to make the most of medical visits? Join us for this interactive session where we will explore two key health coaching skills: Setting Agendas and Asl-Listen-Tell. Attendees will leave with increased confidence in their ability to advocate for themselves and their loved ones in the medical setting.
Biographies:
Patricia Mejia (she/her/ella), is the Associate Director of Training at the UCSF Center for Excellence in Primary Care, where she provides training in patient-centered
communication and practice transformation to organizations throughout the United
States. Prior to her work at CEPC, Pat served as a Caregiver Specialist, providing
assessments to help identify the unique needs of aging caregivers. She also worked as
a non-clinical case manager at a parent-to-parent organization, providing information,
education, and support to families of children with disabilities and other chronic health
conditions. Pat is passionate about improving healthcare equity and working with
underserved communities.
Meghan (Meg) Elliott (she/her), is a Trainer/Communications Coordinator at the Center
for Excellence in Primary Care (CEPC) at UCSF. Her background is in Psychology,
Women’s Studies, Food Justice, and Curriculum Design. She has experience as a
Patient Navigator and Parent Mentor for parents of children with disabilities and
complex medical conditions. In her spare time, she facilitates a LGBTQ+ postpartum
support group in a Bay Area perinatal health center. She is also a trained Lactation
Education Counselor. Meg hails from the Midwest, but lives in Berkeley with her two
children, spouse, dog, and cat. She loves snaggle-toothed cats, snuggling with her kids,
and nature hikes.
Tina Barnett
AI as Your Care Partner: Everyday Tools for Busy Caregivers
Description:
Discover how artificial intelligence can lighten your caregiving load. In this interactive session, you’ll learn practical ways to use free AI tools like ChatGPT to organize appointments, simplify health information, draft messages to care teams, and even find a little more balance in your day. This session will show how AI can be a supportive “second set of hands” in your caregiving journey—no tech expertise required.
Biography:
Tina Barnett is the Tech Education Program Manager for LEARN Idaho and a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA®). She leads programs that help older adults build confidence with technology—teaching everything from smartphone skills and online safety to using artificial intelligence for everyday support. Tina’s work bridges generations and empowers caregivers and older adults to stay informed, connected, and independent in an increasingly digital world.
Michelle Bass
Track 4: Trauma-Informed Parenting for Kinship Caregivers (Part 2)
Description:
When grandparents and other relatives step in to raise children, they often take on an entirely new parenting role, sometimes with little warning or support. This trauma-informed parenting conference is designed specifically for kinship caregivers who are parenting children impacted by stress, loss, or trauma. Together, we will explore practical tools for building safety, connection, and stability at home, while also honoring the unique strengths and challenges of kinship families. Participants will leave with strategies they can use right away, along with encouragement, community, and information about future educational opportunities and ongoing support for kinship families.
Biography:
Michelle Bass, LCSW of Bass Consultation and Services LLC, graduated with her social work degree from Boise State University and her master’s in social work from Northwest Nazarene University. She became a Trust-based Relational Intervention Practitioner (TBRI®) in 2018 and utilizes a holistic trauma-healing approach focusing on the connection between the mind and body. Since then, she has added multiple trauma-healing informed approaches to her work with children, adults, and families. Michelle also has extensive experience in training and public speaking. Michelle and her husband Ken Bass host The Resilient Parenting Podcast in collaboration with the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund.