Power of Care: Strength in Community
2025 Speaker Details
Donna Butts
Keynote: Power of Care: Strength in Community
Biography: Donna Butts is the Executive Director of Generations United, a position she has held since 1997. Generations United’s mission is to improve the lives of children, youth and older adults through intergenerational collaboration, public policies and programs for the enduring benefit of all. An internationally known speaker, author and advocate, Butts frequently addresses intergenerational connections, grandparents raising grandchildren and policies effective across the lifespan. She has served on eight United Nations expert panels on intergenerational and family issues. She served as an at large delegate to the 2005 White House Conference on Aging and attended the 2015 conference. Her commentary has appeared in, among others, the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Christian Science Monitor and the Wall Street Journal. She has been interviewed on national and local radio and television including the TODAY Show, National Public Radio and ABC News. Butts is a graduate of Stanford University’s Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders. In 2015 she was named one of the Top 50 Influencers in Aging by Next Avenue. Under her leadership, Generations United received the 2015 Eisner Prize for Intergenerational. Butts is a member of the National Academy of Social Insurance.
Heidi Smith
Morning Breakout Session: 211 Idaho and Grandfamily/Relatives as Parents Support and Resources
Description: Interactive session with demo on how to use 211 to access information and resources. There will be a general overview of 211, our website and the plethora of available information. Heidi will walk participants through using the tools and share common caregiving and kinship resources, tailor to include resource needs of the group, and discuss anticipated transitions in kinship and caregiving and how to build anticipated transitions into a resource and support plan.
Biography: Heidi Smith is the Human Program Specialist for 211 with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. She is new to the 211 supervisor role but has worked closely with the 211, Navigation and kinship teams for the past 9 years. Her roles have afforded her the opportunity to collaborate, and partner with many statewide and local entities to meet the resource needs of Idahoans. The goal of her statewide work is to assist Idahoans in easily accessing resources and information via 211 calls, texts and through our online database. Additionally, supporting and serving Idaho’s kinship families is of utmost importance. Her goal is to advance Idaho’s Kinship programming and support to serve Idaho’s kinship families in best practice. Heidi’s work has afforded her a genuine perspective of the challenges and spirit of Idaho’s families and directed her in the support, partnerships, and resources important for their success. Heidi has a BA in Elementary Education from Boise State University and has taught in 3 rural Idaho school districts. Additionally, she has 10 years of experience working with Idaho’s chronically mentally ill population in community-based intervention, crisis management and service coordination. She has a graduate certificate from Western Michigan University in Kinship Care.
Sarah Gornik
Melissa Vian
Morning Breakout Session: Charting the Life Course: Empowering Caregivers, Families, and Communities
Description: Discover how Charting the LifeCourse can empower caregivers and families to set higher expectations, advocate for needed supports, and explore life possibilities. Learn how this framework is helping individuals communicate their needs, shape meaningful goals, and create plans for a successful future. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, case manager, or caregiver, this session will provide actionable insights on how to use Charting the LifeCourse to inspire hope, guide decision-making, and transform lives.
Jeremy Maxand
Morning Breakout Session: From Fixers to Builders: Empowering Caregivers to Advocate and Build Change
Description: As a caregiver, you aren’t just solving problems—you are building a stronger foundation for yourself, your loved ones, and your community. This workshop will help you shift from seeing caregiving as just “fixing” to understanding it as an opportunity to build—both your resilience and the support systems that will make caregiving easier and more sustainable. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to: (1) Advocate for the care you deserve by building the skills to speak up for yourself and your loved ones, ensuring your needs are met. (2) Take charge of your caregiving role by seeing yourself as a builder—someone who creates solutions and supports not only your family but also the larger caregiving community. (3) Build a strong network by connecting with others and learning how to work together to create lasting support and change. (4) Turn challenges into building blocks for growth, using self-advocacy to create opportunities for positive change in your caregiving journey. Join us to learn how you can be a builder in your caregiving journey—leading change, advocating for what you need, and creating a better, more supportive future for yourself and those you care for. You’ll leave with new tools to help you take control, build support, and turn your caregiving experience into a powerful force for positive change.
Biography: Jeremy Maxand is the Executive Director of the Living Independence Network Corporation, or LINC, one of Idaho’s three Centers for Independent Living. Jeremy grew up in a small island community in Southeast Alaska and has used a manual wheelchair since 1989. He moved to Idaho in the early nineties to attend Boise State University, where he earned undergraduate degrees in Criminal Justice Administration and Sociology, and a graduate degree is Applied Historical Research. Jeremy holds a certificate from the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Policy & Governance Nonprofit Executive Leadership Institute, and from the University of Missouri’s College of Human & Environmental Sciences, School of Architectural Studies, ADA Coordinator Training Certification Program. Jeremy has more than twenty years of nonprofit management experience, and 10 years in executive leadership. He serves on a number of committees and boards, including the Ada County Highway District ADA Advisory Committee, the State of Idaho Building Code Board, the Idaho Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster Board, and the Idaho Access Project Board.
Michelle Larson
Nia Mostacero
Rhonda Story
Julie Torresani
Morning Breakout Session: Support for Individuals Living with Dementia Panel
Biography:
Michelle Larson is the Associate Director of Programs for the Alzheimer’s Association in North Idaho, Washington and Alaska. She has over 14 years of non-profit experience, working to give back to our local communities. A family history of Alzheimer’s drew her to the Alzheimer’s Association mission 5 years ago. She’s witnessed firsthand the difficulty that a family faces on their journey with a loved one’s diagnosis. Michelle is passionate about serving our Idaho communities and continuing to build on the available resources for families.
Nia Mostacero is a retired E8 in the USAF, achieved 7 degrees/certifications and is a diverse volunteer and advocate for dementia awareness, faith-based organizations and our nation’s veterans. She is living well with chronic traumatic encephalopathy dementia.
Rhonda Story is the Manager of One Site for Senior’s Adult Day Center. She has worked in the non-profit sector for 10 years. Rhonda also volunteers for the Alzheimer’s Association leading Caregiver Support groups in the community. Prior to working at the day center she managed activities at Post Falls Senior Center and was the Director of Rathdrum Senior Center. While at the Rathdrum Senior Center, Rhonda received the “Citizen of the Year” award for her dedicated involvement with the people in the community. The Senior Center re-branded as a Community Center and received the “Non-Profit of the Year” for their outstanding outreach during Covid. Her experience with seniors became personal when she lost her dad and her mom came to live with her in North Idaho. Realizing that seniors aren’t aware of what’s out there, she made it her mission to learn what’s available in the community and share these resources. Rhonda is a happily married mother of two and grandmother to two beautiful boys. She loves the outdoors and when she isn’t organizing events or managing the day center you can find her outside kayaking, fishing, hiking biking or spending time with family or friends.
Julie Torresani has had a longstanding career with the Southwest Idaho Area Agency on Aging (SWIA3), where she serves as the supervisor for both the Idaho Community Care and Kinship Program. With over 20 years of experience in the aging services field, Julie has devoted much of her work to supporting senior services and caregivers across Idaho. The Kinship Program provides essential services to grandparents and other relatives who are raising kinship children, while the Idaho Community Care Program focuses on caregivers caring for individuals with memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to her role at the Agency on Aging, Julie is an active board member of LEARN Idaho. She is deeply committed to helping seniors, caregivers, professionals, and the public achieve and maintain their highest level of independence. Julie is also a certified Savvy Caregiver Leader, further demonstrating her expertise and dedication to improving the lives of those caring for individuals with dementia and related conditions.
Krista Kramer
Morning Breakout Session: Technology Accessibility When Disability Happens
Description: When people lose hearing, vision, speech, or develop dexterity or cognitive issues, they often stop using their computers and smartphones, leading to isolation and safety risks. How often do you hear that someone can’t use their phone/computer because they can’t see the screen, they can’t hear on the phone anymore, Alexa can’t understand what they are saying, their hands shake too much to use it, or it is just too complicated for them to use. Today’s technology has a wealth of accessibility features built into the settings to allow alternate ways of interacting with the devices. Join this session for a tour of the accessibility options on phones, tablets, and computers that make them talk to you, listen to you, make things louder or bigger, reduce unintended touches, and make them simpler to use.
Biography: Krista Kramer is a Program Coordinator for the Idaho Assistive Technology Project (IATP) in Moscow. She is currently coordinating the Idaho iCanConnect Program (National DeafBlind Equipment Distribution Project) and has been doing a lot of work on communication access projects focusing on medical providers and long-term care facilities. Krista also provides information and technical assistance on assistive technology and works with Idaho’s low-interest financial loan program to help people acquire assistive technology and home modifications. She has been certified as an Assistive Technology Professional since 2001, and previously worked for 23 years as an Independent Living Coordinator and Transition Manager for Disability Action Center – NW.
Tammie Sherner
Morning Breakout Session: Understanding Palliative Care and Hospice: A Guide for Caregivers – SESSION CANCELLED
Description: This breakout session will explore the essential concepts of palliative care and hospice—two critical, but often misunderstood, aspects of healthcare. As a caregiver, understanding these concepts can transform your approach to providing care, not just for your loved one, but also for yourself. We’ll discuss why these services are important, how they support both the patient and family members, and how they can enhance quality of life even in the most challenging times. As a caregiver, the emotional and physical demands can be overwhelming, and you may feel unsure about how to best care for someone who is seriously ill. By attending this session, you’ll learn how to integrate palliative and hospice care principles to not only enhance your loved one’s experience but also to care for yourself during the process. This session will offer you tools and insights to help make caregiving more manageable, less isolating, and ultimately more fulfilling. By the end of the session, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the role that palliative care and hospice play in providing compassionate care, along with practical strategies to navigate this journey with confidence and compassion.
Biography: Tammie Sherner joined the Boise State University School of Nursing in 2021 after a career in the hospital setting, both in psychiatry and oncology. Her clinical expertise and education is in the field of Psycho-Oncology, the recognition, diagnosis and treatment of behavioral health concerns within the context of Oncology. Her graduate work focused on measuring distress within the oncology patient population. Whether it be depression, anxiety, grief or a pre-existing mental illness, she believes it is vitally important to address the holistic needs of the patient and families living in the world of cancer. As a certified Death Doula and co-leader of the Boise Death Cafe, Tammie believes in opening the doors, and talking about end of life issues. “You matter because you are you, and you matter to the end of your life. We will do all we can not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die.” Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of the Modern Hospice. Tammie is a proud board member of Casting for Recovery, Southwestern Idaho and Expedition Inspiration, both programs for breast cancer survivors and their families.
Dee Childers
Short Film Viewing and Discussion: Improv for Caregivers
Description: This session shows a short excerpt for the St Alphonsus Memory Centers Improve training for caregivers of individuals living with dementia. We know that the challenges that these folks experience are like those of many caregivers, across the lifespan. The intention of this workshop was to teach care partners how to be in the moment with their loved ones and improve communication skills. Using improv to teach the value of finding joy in caregiving, use the “yes, and” prompt and other Improve techniques to help loved ones feel heard. Using theater helps caregivers let their guard down and live in the now. This workshop also dramatically improved dementia family caregiver wellbeing. We will all be sharing with each other similar tools for connecting with those whom we are caring for, i.e., Role Playing Groups (RPG).
Biography: Dee Childers, founder of Life Changes Elder Care, is a certified care manager (CMC), she has BS in Psychology and a MS in Marriage and Family Therapy. She started Life Changes Elder Care Consulting, LLC in 2012. Dee comes to this profession with 30 years as a Human Resources Executive with extensive experience in interpersonal dynamics, crisis management, conflict resolution, mediation, benefits, and health and safety. She was a family caregiver for over ten years and personally understands the demands and emotional turmoil of caregiving and the tolls it takes on you, your aging loved one and the family. She recently published “Winning Strategies for Family Caregiving” with two colleagues.
Kathleen Mullen
Sarah Toevs
Sheila Weaver
General Session: Family Caregiver Listening Session
Description: Join members of the Idaho Caregiver Alliance for an interactive listening session focused on the experiences of family caregivers. This session aims to gather insights on the rewards and challenges of caregiving, the resources caregivers rely on for support, and the services they wish were more accessible. Participants will have the opportunity to share their perspectives in a confidential setting, contributing to a broader effort to enhance caregiver well-being and improve community-based support systems. Findings from this session will inform future initiatives of the Caregiver Alliance. Come share your voice and help shape the future of caregiver support in Idaho!
Biography:
Kathleen Mullen is a doctoral candidate in the Public Policy and Administration at Boise State University, with over two decades of experience in applied research and personal experience as a caregiver.
Dr. Sarah Toevs is a professor emeritus in the School of Public and Population Health. Her tenure at Boise State University spans 24 years during which she directed the interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Aging and established the Idaho Family Caregiver Alliance. Dr Toevs is passionate about actively engaging students, faculty, and community partners in efforts to maximize quality of life for individuals of all ages. Dr. Toevs holds a doctoral degree from the University of Utah with an emphasis in Gerontology. Her research expertise is in the areas of program evaluation and assessment and have resulted in several state and regional reviews such as the Idaho Needs Assessment of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia, Idaho Family Caregiver Needs Assessment, Idaho Fit and Fall Proof Evaluation, and Valley County Age-friendly Assessment. These efforts reflect her commitment to generating real-time evidence for use in community-based planning and decision making. Dr. Toevs maintains an extensive network of local and state partners including colleagues with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and District Health Departments, the Idaho Commission on Aging and regional Area Agencies on Aging, LEARN Idaho, and the Idaho Public Health Association, Alzheimer’s Association, and AARP, to name a few.
Sheila Weaver, LCSW, AADC, is the Program Manager for the Family Caregiver Navigator project and works as a therapist at a local behavioral health agency. With extensive experience in supporting individuals and families, Sheila specializes in caregiving, substance abuse, and behavioral health. She is proud to have served in state government since 2005 in a variety of roles at Boise State University and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Sheila holds both a Master and a Bachelor of Social Work, along with a minor in Gerontology and a certificate in Dispute Resolution from Boise State University. She is a board member for the Idaho Society for Clinical Social Work and leads the National Association of Social Workers’ Legislative Education and Advocacy Days Idaho committee, fostering engagement among students and social workers in lobbying and understanding political issues. Sheila is deeply committed to cultivating a community where everybody can thrive.
Steven Millward
General Session: Minimum Standards of Care in a Certified Family Home
Description: A thorough exploration of Section 170 of IDAPA 16.03.19, “Certified Family Homes.” This section describes the care services a CFH provider offers to his/her resident(s) including implementing the resident’s plan of service, assisting with and/or monitoring the resident’s medications, intervening on behalf of the resident in the event of an emergency, coordinating other supportive services for the resident, protecting the resident’s rights, and providing a safe living environment.
Biography: Steven Millward has worked for the State of Idaho, Department of Health & Welfare, in various licensing and certification positions since 2000. He has been a member of the Certified Family Home (CFH) Management Team since 2014, through which the department helps ensure vulnerable adults living in CFHs have a safe home environment, receive effective care, and enjoy their rights. As the state-wide program manager since 2016, Steve directs survey and investigation operations, and leads education and outreach efforts for the CFH program. He studied business management at Boise State University. Steve and his wife, Misti, live in Meridian, Idaho.
Brooke Ambrose
Thais Lacar
Sarah Weber
Afternoon Breakout Session: Empowering Caregivers: Resources and Community Initiatives for Dementia Support – SESSION CANCELLED
Description: In this session, the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) program team will share valuable insights and resources to empower caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Thais Lacar, Sarah Weber, and Brooke Ambrose will discuss key initiatives, including Idaho’s Dementia Friends program and the collaborative efforts of the Idaho ADRD Alliance. Attendees will gain practical tools, learn about opportunities for community engagement, and explore how statewide partnerships are shaping a more supportive environment for caregivers and their loved ones.
Biography:
Brooke Ambrose, MPH is the Program Manager for the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) program at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. She works to support family caregivers by promoting access to resources, enhancing community partnerships, and advancing innovative approaches to address the challenges associated with ADRD in Idaho.
With a Master of Public Health in Systems Analysis and Innovations and a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a minor in Nonprofit Management from Boise State University, Brooke has dedicated her career to improving health outcomes and supporting families through public health initiatives. Her work includes developing programs that empower caregivers and improve the quality of life for individuals living with ADRD. Brooke is honored to present at the Idaho Family Caregiver Conference alongside two program interns to share insights into caregiver support, discuss initiatives that address caregiver well-being, and highlight collaborative strategies for strengthening Idaho’s caregiving communities.
Thais is an intern at Idaho Health and Welfare’s Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Related Dementias program with her focus being on the Dementia Friends and Dementia Friendly Communities part of the ADRD Strategic Plan 2023-2028. She received her bachelor’s degree in public health with a minor in Spanish through Boise State University and is continuing her education by pursuing her master’s degree in Boise State’s Population and Health Systems Management Program. She has a background in teaching and a close connection with our Idahoan Hispanic Communities. Her connection with the Hispanic community has also led her to work for Saint Alphonsus as a Patient Service Representative in their Seasonal Mobile Clinics and volunteer for Genesis as a Community Health Worker and Spanish Medical Translator.
Sarah Weber is an intern at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias program, with her focus being on Family Caregiver Supports and Brain Health. She is a current caregiver and is the president of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America Southern Idaho Affiliate. Sarah also co-chairs the annual local HDSA Team Hope Walk, the premier fundraiser for the HDSA. She has worked extensively with the Huntington’s community in Idaho, providing resources and support for affected people. She is a certified health and life coach, with a focus on maintaining brain health. She also has a background in media and marketing and enjoys utilizing those skills to create meaningful messaging for outreach campaigns.
Alexandria Childers-Scott
Jennifer Moorman
Yvette Primero
Afternoon Breakout Session: Changes in Insurance Plans for Those Qualifying for Medicare and Medicaid
Biography:
Jenny’s healthcare career spans three decades during which she has held positions as a clinic director, patient advocate and project manager. At Blue Cross of Idaho, she was a member of the startup team launching True Blue and now at Molina Healthcare she oversees healthcare Quality and Population Health activities. Her passion for supporting Molina members and their caregivers have resulted in new programming to recognize the efforts of caregivers and the impact they have on the health and wellbeing of those they care for.
Yvette has been working in the elder care community since 2020. Through her local roles with the Southwest Idaho Area Agency on Aging, the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Idaho and in her role as Sr. Community Engagement Specialist with Molina Healthcare of Idaho she has had the opportunity to work alongside community members to improve access to healthcare resources and navigate healthcare systems. She enjoys engaging with members and caregivers across the state to support their health and wellness goals by actively supporting health-related education and community resource events.
Annique Dayley
Sarah Toevs
Raven Weaver
Afternoon Breakout Session: Maximizing the Use of Hospice Services for Caregivers Panel
Description:
Hospice chaplain, Annique Dayley, will be educating on the basics of hospice care, including: (1) What are the goals of hospice care? (2) Who is eligible for hospice? (3) What services does hospice provide? (4) Who is part of the hospice team and what are their roles and responsibilities? Dr. Weaver will focus on empowering caregivers to navigate end-of-life care discussions with confidence. She will provide guidance on how to initiate difficult conversations with healthcare providers and family members, ensuring that caregivers can advocate effectively for their loved ones. Additionally, Dr. Weaver will offer tangible tips, resources, and strategies to help caregivers cope with the emotional and logistical challenges of end-of-life care, including bereavement support. Attendees will leave with practical tools and reassurance that they are not alone on their journey.
Biography:
Annique Dayley was born and raised in Kingman, Arizona. She moved to Idaho in 1993 and has claimed Idaho as her home ever since. Annique has always enjoyed learning about spirituality and religion for her personal knowledge and growth. She went to work for Enhabit (formerly Encompass) Home Health & Hospice in 2016. Just a couple of weeks after starting her new job, her stepfather was placed in hospice care. Thus, Annique was able to observe the hospice team not only from a co-worker’s perspective, but from a family member’s perspective as well. Annique was so impressed with the care the hospice team gave her stepfather and the support they gave her mother that she began to explore where she could fit on the hospice team. It turns out, chaplain was the perfect spot! Annique has been serving as a hospice chaplain for the last six years and has loved supporting patients and families, focusing on their spiritual and emotional needs. Annique thoroughly enjoys educating on the benefits of hospice care and feels it a great privilege to be a part of such an important service. Annique is currently working toward her goal of obtaining a degree in counseling.
Dr. Sarah Toevs is a professor emeritus in the School of Public and Population Health. Her tenure at Boise State University spans 24 years during which she directed the interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Aging and established the Idaho Family Caregiver Alliance. Dr Toevs is passionate about actively engaging students, faculty, and community partners in efforts to maximize quality of life for individuals of all ages. Dr. Toevs holds a doctoral degree from the University of Utah with an emphasis in Gerontology. Her research expertise is in the areas of program evaluation and assessment and have resulted in several state and regional reviews such as the Idaho Needs Assessment of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia, Idaho Family Caregiver Needs Assessment, Idaho Fit and Fall Proof Evaluation, and Valley County Age-friendly Assessment. These efforts reflect her commitment to generating real-time evidence for use in community-based planning and decision making. Dr. Toevs maintains an extensive network of local and state partners including colleagues with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and District Health Departments, the Idaho Commission on Aging and regional Area Agencies on Aging, LEARN Idaho, and the Idaho Public Health Association, Alzheimer’s Association, and AARP, to name a few.
Dr. Raven H. Weaver is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Development and Prevention Science at Washington State University. Dr. Weaver holds a doctoral degree from Virginia Tech, with an emphasis in Adult Development and Aging. She teaches undergraduate courses on adult development, aging, death and dying, and families in poverty. Dr. Weaver’s research focuses on older adults and families, specifically the experiences of older adults living with unmet needs and their use of formal and informal long-term services and supports. The broader research orientation of her work centers around vulnerable and near-risk populations (e.g., low-income, rural-dwelling, insufficient care) and adequacy of services and supports designed to promote health behaviors and deter adverse health outcomes in late life. Dr. Weaver’s research aims to understand care needs and health risks over time and to inform delivery and targeting of health services and supports, including end-of-life care.
Dan Canfield
Bill Muck
Andrea Parker
Afternoon Breakout Session: Where to Look for Respite Panel
Biography:
Dan earned a Masters of Public Health degree from Indiana University. Throughout Dan’s career, his entrepreneurial spirit has led him among several ventures – but ultimately starting a nonprofit was his vision. But that vision was put on hold when he became a full-time live-in caregiver. After being a caregiver for his grandparents, when they passed, just months apart, he started hiking. He had always loved the outdoors but this time was different. Over the course of that year, he hiked over a thousand miles rediscovering his life’s mission. This experience led Dan to re-discover his life’s mission of helping others connect and begin healing through eco-therapy. Founded in 2018 as a 501(c)3 charitable organization, John & Junes Mission creates a community for caregivers through outdoor healing experiences through the Hike 2 Heal program and the Blessing Bike program. Dan’s mission is to be a passionate community member, helping people find their better quality of life and showing them Idaho as a great place to live, work and play.
Bill Muck is the Executive Director of One Site for Seniors, a nonprofit organization located in Coeur d’Alene, ID. His passion for caregivers came from taking care of his mother with Alzheimer’s and understanding the complexities and difficulties of being a 24-hour a day caregiver. Bill’s consistent focus is on empowering seniors and their caregivers, particularly those navigating Alzheimer’s and dementia care. His expertise lies in developing compassionate resources, impactful marketing strategies, and comprehensive training materials designed to enhance understanding and reduce caregiver stress. Passionate about fostering community and well-being, Bill is working to integrate the latest research and technology (including Artificial Intelligence) to improve the quality of life for seniors and their families. He holds two master’s degrees and has recently completed studies to earn the designation of Chief AI Officer.
Dr. Andrea Parker is the THRIVE Director at the Treasure Valley Family YMCA. She has a Bachelor’s in Public Health with an emphasis is health promotion and education and a Master’s in Nonprofit Administration. Andrea has worked and volunteered in many capacities supporting individuals with disabilities such as residential, education, vocational, and recreational. The THRIVE Center was opened in March of 2020 with the vision to create inclusive spaces and adaptive programing. She takes pride in connecting with the community and seeking feedback to improve programming.
Lisa Anderson
Richelle Tierney
Afternoon Breakout Session: Policy Update: Our Care Can’t Wait and Other Topics
Biography:
Lisa Anderson has joined the Idaho office of AARP as the Associate State Director of Advocacy working within the organization’s structure to provide state and federal government relations, grassroots organizing, and community outreach. Lisa has over two decades of experience identifying and shaping advocacy opportunities and strategies. She critically monitors the political state of play at the state, local and national level to leverage opportunities that engage elected officials. Throughout her career, she has maintained relationships with key Congressional offices, administrative agencies, state and local elected officials, non-governmental organizations, and other relevant partners and stakeholders. Lisa served as the Director of Constituent Services for two U.S. Congressmen – one Republican Member of Congress and one Democratic Member of Congress. She has also directed multiple political campaigns for democratic and republican hopefuls, and previously served as Vice President of Government Relations for Idaho CuMo Mining/American CuMo Mining Corp. Most recently, Lisa was the Director of Public Policy/Regional Lead for the Alzheimer’s Association. Lisa studied Political Science at Idaho State University. She has been married to her husband Michael for 31 years, has two children, and two grandchildren. She is highly involved in her community and has the honor of coaching basketball for the Special Olympics, as well as serving on the board of directors for multiple non-profit agencies.
Lisa Anderson has joined the Idaho office of AARP as the Associate State Director of Advocacy working within the organization’s structure to provide state and federal government relations, grassroots organizing, and community outreach. Lisa has over two decades of experience identifying and shaping advocacy opportunities and strategies. She critically monitors the political state of play at the state, local and national level to leverage opportunities that engage elected officials. Throughout her career, she has maintained relationships with key Congressional offices, administrative agencies, state and local elected officials, non-governmental organizations, and other relevant partners and stakeholders. Lisa served as the Director of Constituent Services for two U.S. Congressmen – one Republican Member of Congress and one Democratic Member of Congress. She has also directed multiple political campaigns for democratic and republican hopefuls, and previously served as Vice President of Government Relations for Idaho CuMo Mining/American CuMo Mining Corp. Most recently, Lisa was the Director of Public Policy/Regional Lead for the Alzheimer’s Association. Lisa studied Political Science at Idaho State University. She has been married to her husband Michael for 31 years, has two children, and two grandchildren. She is highly involved in her community and has the honor of coaching basketball for the Special Olympics, as well as serving on the board of directors for multiple non-profit agencies.
Richelle Tierney is a policy analyst at the Idaho Council on Developmental Disabilities. Her career in disability policy and advocacy began after her son was diagnosed with Autism. She worked alongside her husband as co-presidents of the Autism Society Treasure Valley Chapter for over 10 years. As co-presidents they ran a support group, planned activities for individuals and families, and started an annual fundraiser for the chapter. Richelle sat on a variety of workgroups and committees for autism and disability related issues over the years. She has worked with non-profit, for profit, and disability organizations coordinating a statewide annual training conference for human service professionals, organizing statewide grassroots advocacy efforts, and conducting community outreach. Richelle uses her personal experience as a parent and her desires for her own son to guide her work and advocacy efforts.
Janet Miller
Afternoon Breakout Session: Understanding and Overcoming Loneliness
Biography: Janet Miller is a Program Specialist with the Idaho Commission on Aging. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Boise State University with an emphasis in marketing. Janet has spent most of her career in healthcare marketing for both long-term care and multi-specialty physicians. For the past four years she has led a statewide loneliness collaborative group including many industry professionals. She has also served as a loneliness subject matter expert in media interviews and healthcare and education panels.
Misty Harmon
Roseanne Scammahorn
Self-Care Reflection: Laughter Yoga
Biography:
Misty Harmon, Assistant Professor and Family and Consumer Sciences Educator with The Ohio State University, is passionate about helping others realize their potential. Misty’s programming focuses on health and wellness including exercise and physical activity, healthy aging, mental health, parenting, and prevention. Misty is a Buckeye Wellness Innovator. She is part of the OSU Extension Healthy People and Healthy Relationships Teams. Prior to joining Extension, Misty worked as an exercise physiologist in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation helping patients recover and to achieve their health and wellness goals.
Dr. Roseanne E. Scammahorn, Associate Director, Southern Rural Development Center (SRDC), which serves the 13 Southeastern states and two U.S. territories. Roseanne has served communities, addressing national issues that span regions — such as mental health, financial education, healthy aging, and regional economic development. Prior to joining SRDC, Roseanne served as a Family and Consumer Sciences Educator with Ohio State University Extension. There she co-authored the Simplify Your Space and The Health Benefits of Laughter curriculums focused on bringing holistic wellness across the lifespan. Dr. Scammahorn holds a PhD in Agricultural and Life Sciences and an EdS in Counseling from Mississippi State University, and an MBA from Wright State University. She is a National Board-Certified Counselor and a Mental Health First Aid (youth and adult) instructor.