1:30 - 4:30 pm CDT (UTC-5)

 Leadership Incubator
 Sponsored by:  Eleos Health

Strategic Growth Through Mergers and Acquisitions: A Roadmap for Nonprofit Provider Organizations

Facilitators: CJ Davis PsyD, CEO, of Burrell Behavioral Health; Tom Weber CPA CIA, CAO, of Burrell Behavioral Health; and Stacy DiStefano MC, CEO, of Consulting For Human Services

We’ve all heard the saying - you’re either at the table or you’re on the menu. This session will provide mental health executives with a tactical roadmap for taking control  of strategic expansion, covering key factors such as securing board buy-in, identifying your ideal partner, understanding why deals fail, defining non-negotiables, and knowing when to  compromise. Through case studies and real-world examples, we explore how to leverage consultants, avoid common pitfalls, and execute a growth strategy that strengthens both  mission and financial sustainability.

 5:00 - 6:30 pm CDT (UTC-5) 

 Welcome Reception
 Sponsored by: MHRRG & Negley Associates

All attendees and their travel companions are invited to join us for drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

 7:30 - 8:30 am CDT (UTC-5)

 8:30 - 10:00 am CDT (UTC-5)

 Welcome & General Session
 Sponsored by: ContinuumCloud 

What’s Your Pink Cadillac? The Transformational Power of Prioritizing Joy

Presenter: Ryan Campbell, Author & Speaker

Dive into the joy-fueled resilience hidden in our hobbies, interests, and simple pleasures. In a fast-paced world where our challenges are relentless and the solutions seem  out of reach, Ryan delivers a message of accessible, attainable change. From the highs of a world record-breaking expedition to the most unimaginable low of a plane crash and  paraplegic diagnosis, Ryan uses his story to highlight the realities of adversity and the role of resilience. Get ready to smile like a kid, step back, and show up better.

 Morning Break
 Sponsorship Available!

 10:30 - Noon CDT (UTC-5)

 General Session
 Sponsored by:  Martyn Family Foundation

The Future is Human: Creating People-First Work Cultures  

Presenter:  Hannah Ubl, Co-Founder, of Good Company Consulting

We are entering a new era of work, one where businesses win when leaders are compassionate, communication is empathetic, and people are prioritized. But that  transformation, much like any kind of change, requires a great degree of intention and care, especially during a time when workplaces are shifting because of AI, a new lens on work- life balance, and shifting attitudes and behaviors at work. By embracing these trends that are shaping today’s work environment, there’s an opportunity to design the kind of  organization we all want to work in, and a culture we can all be a part of.

 Noon - 1:30 am CDT (UTC-5) 

 Grab Lunch with a Few of Your mhca Peers

 Noon - 1:30 am CDT (UTC-5)

 Orientation Lunch for New & Prospective mhca Member CEOs (by invitation only)
 Sponsored by:  INCITE Consulting Solutions

 1:30 - 3:00 pm CDT (UTC-5)

 Breakout Sessions

What’s Your Pink Cadillac? A Deeper Dive

Presenter: Ryan Campbell, Author & Speaker

Join Ryan for a ‘fireside’ deep dive into additional story and insight behind the Pink Cadillac conversation. This is your chance to ask questions and spend some time  completing your very own JoyAudit.

Strategic Resilience: Best Practices for Guiding Behavioral Health Through Political and Policy Upheaval 

Moderator: C.J.Davis PsyD, CEO of Burrell Behavioral Health
Panelists: Kelly Phillips-Henry PsyD MBA, CEO of Aurora Mental Health & Recovery; James H. Stewart II MBA, CEO of Grafton Integrated Health Network; J. Tuerk Schlesinger MBA, CEO of AltaPointe Health; and Deb A. Flores LSW MPA, CEO of Zepf Center

In today’s rapidly evolving political and legislative environment, behavioral health organizations are facing unprecedented levels of uncertainty. Shifting policies, legal challenges, and conflicting state and federal mandates can create operational confusion, staff anxiety, and organizational paralysis.

This session will explore practical strategies for navigating political volatility, focusing on how leaders can remain grounded, responsive, and resilient. Attendees will gain insight into proactive scenario planning, risk assessment, and decision-making models that help maintain organizational focus amid external chaos. Special attention will be given to internal leadership practices that support staff well-being, sustain morale, and foster a sense of stability—even when the road ahead is unclear.

Through real-world examples and interactive discussion, participants will walk away with tools to calm the waters for their teams, communicate effectively without over-promising, and guide their organizations through the storm with confidence and clarity.

Key Takeaways:

• Tools for scenario planning and strategy development in shifting policy environments
• Techniques to reduce staff anxiety and maintain organizational morale
• Leadership practices that promote stability and resilience during external uncertainty
• Approaches to aligning internal priorities with evolving legislative realities

 Afternoon Break
 Sponsored by:  Genoa Healthcare

 3:30 - 5:00 pm CDT (UTC-5)

 Breakout Sessions

Communicate So People Can Hear You

Presenter:  Hannah Ubl, Co-Founder, of Good Company Consulting 

Strong communication is what separates great people managers from the not-so-great. It’s the secret sauce to making employees feel heard, valued, and engaged. This presentation  gives everyone the time they may otherwise not take to pause, reflect, and refresh those ol’ communication skills. From learning how to share ideas or run a meeting in an engaging  way to learning best practices to give feedback, you’ll walk away with new communication skills that make for a better work environment for everyone.

Hiring With Heart: Turning Culture Into a True Recruitment Asset

Presenter: Timothy A. Zercher, CEO, of A-Train Marketing

In today’s talent market, your culture can be the game-changer you need. This workshop equips leaders with actionable strategies to turn their organization’s culture into a recruitment  and retention powerhouse by aligning it with marketing efforts and leveraging it as a competitive advantage. You’ll leave knowing how to: position your company culture to attract both talent and clients, effectively leverage employees and brand advocates in campaigns, and use storytelling to build authentic connections with candidates and clients.

 Reception
 Sponsored by:  Genoa Healthcare

All attendees and their travel companions are invited to join us for a casual reception.

 7:30 - 8:30 am CDT (UTC-5) 

 Registration & Continental Breakfast
 Sponsored by: Doxy.me 

 General Session
 Sponsored by: Martyn Family Foundation

Navigating the Changing Federal Landscape 

Presenter: Elizabeth M. Wroe JD, Principal, of Leavitt Partners (a Health Management Associates (HMA) company)

With full Republican control, Congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration have sought to quickly leverage the budget reconciliation process and administrative actions to advance their policy agenda. This environment creates both opportunities and threats for health and behavioral health stakeholders, especially providers. Join us as we discuss the latest federal health and behavioral health policy developments and strategies that providers and stakeholders can use to navigate the changing federal landscape.

 10:00 - 10:30 am CDT (UTC-5)

 Morning Break
 Sponsorship Available!

 Innovation Expo!

Innovation Expo!

Come hear about a variety of innovative initiatives your mhca peers are involved in! Each presentation will be 20 minutes long.

1. Burke: "Seeing the Forest for the Trees - Partnering with Schools in the Piney Woods of East Texas to Address Trauma and Promote Wellbeing"
   Presenter: Stephen Lantis, Director of Children & Adolescent Services
   Explore how a unique collaboration expands awareness and understanding among our regional partners and community members about the impact and treatment of trauma to insure that families and schools have what they need in order to address risks and promote recovery.
   
   
2. Tropical Texas Behavioral Health: "Blending Crisis Services for Youth in South Texas"
   Presenters: Terry Crocker MBA MA, CEO; and Michael Taylor MS, Deputy CEO/COO
   Learn how Tropical Texas is implementing and/or working with: TCHATT (Tx Child Health Access Through Telemedicine) services in schools, Tropical’s own school-based programs, MST (Multisystemic Therapy), and YES (Youth Empowerment Services) Waiver programs.
   
   
3. The Center for Health Care Services: "Crisis Continuum: Utilizing Community Collaboration to Reduce Barriers for Consumers"
   Presenter: Jelynne LeBlanc Jamison BA MA, President/CEO
   Learn about the Southwest Texas Crisis Collaborative (STCC) in Bexar County - a comprehensive integrated crisis system across all major public players, hospital providers, philanthropy, law enforcement and behavioral health providers. This system has spawned LE Nav (Law Enforcement Navigation) and the multi-disciplinary response teams to respond in real time to 911 calls to de-escalate individuals and provide proper psychiatric care.
   
   
4. Emergence Health Network: "Innovation Across the Crisis Continuum"
   Presenters: Kristen Daugherty LCSW-S MBA, CEO; and Chrystal Davis MA LPC, Chief Clinical Officer
   EHN has enhanced crisis care throughout the region by introducing innovative programming at various intercept points including: School-based CIT through partnerships with ISDs in the catchment area; co-location and integration between 911 and 988 services; and the deployment of Mobile Clinical Assessment Vehicles to provide remote services for both children and adults.

 Noon - 1:30 pm CDT (UTC-5)

 Grab Lunch with a Few of Your mhca Peers

 1:30 - 2:00 pm CDT (UTC-5) 

 Afternoon Break
 Sponsorship Available!

 1:30 - 3:00 pm CDT (UTC-5)

 General Session

eTMS: Stimulating Brain Wellbeing in Military Veterans, Law Enforcement & First Responders

Presenters: Jeffrey S. Morris MD MBA, eTMS Physician & Healthcare Speaker; and Alyssa Love RN, Executive Vice President, of JLC Services Inc.

EEG-guided Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (eTMS) is a unique, personalized approach to TMS that utilizes advanced diagnostic and cutting edge therapeutic  techniques to address a variety of mental health and neurologic conditions, either as a complementary modality to more traditional measures or as a standalone modality for those who are not being treated at all. The presenters will describe the innovative eTMS Ohio program and how it has helped Military Veterans, Law Enforcement & First Responders access and derive the benefits of this pioneering modality at no cost to them. They will also discuss how the eTMS Ohio model is being utilized to expand these services across other States.

 3:30 - 5:00 pm CDT (UTC-5)

 Free Time

Time to connect with your mhca peers is the most valuable benefit of attending our conferences - take this time to gather with your friends old and new for some relaxation and conversation.

 3:30 - 5:00 pm CDT (UTC-5)

 mhca Board of Directors Meeting
 Chair:  Kelly Phillips-Henry PsyD MBA

 5:00 - 6:30 pm CDT (UTC-5)

 The After Party!
 Sponsorship Available!  

Contact Gena ASAP to secure this opportunity to make a splash with mhca members and keep your brand top of mind all quarter.

All attendees and their travel companions are invited to join us for drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

Spring Conference Sponsors & Exhibitors

a-train marketing communications, Inc. - Exhibitor - atrainmarketing.com
Askesis Development Group - Exhibitor - www.askesis.com
BBC Technology Solutions - Exhibitor - www.bbctechnologysolutions.com
Care Management Technologies - Exhibitor - www.cmthealthcare.com
Credible Wireless- Exhibitor - www.credibleinc.com
DATIS - Exhibitor - www.datis.com/
Genoa - a QoL healthcare company - Exhibitor & Wednesday Reception/Dinner Sponsor - www.genoa-qol.com
Innovative Benefit Solutions - Exhibitor -  inbeso.com
Janssen Pharmacuticals - Exhibitor & General Sponsor www.janssenpharmaceuticalsinc.com
Martyn Family Foundation - Education Sponsor www.martynfoundation.org/
mhca's Customer Satisfaction Management System - Exhibitor - www.mhca.com
MHRRG/Negley Associates - Exhibitor  - www.mhrrg.com
Netsmart Technologies - Exhibitor & WiFi Sponsor - www.ntst.com
PharmBlue, LLC - Exhibitor -www.pharmblue.com
Qualifacts Systems, Inc. - Exhibitor - www.qualifacts.com
Relias Learning - Exhibitor - www.reliaslearning.com
TenEleven Group - Exhibitor - www.10e11.com
Valant - Exhibitor - www.valant.com

Tuesday, May 10

1-5 pm

Innovation Incubator

Managing Sustainable Primary Care Service Lines

Facilitator: Robert Dunbar, MPA, MEd, Senior Associate, OPEN MINDS
Panelists will include: Amelia Clark, Vice President of Community Health, Meridian Health Services; Allen Brown, Chief Executive Officer, Adult & Child Center; Kim Newlin, Operations Director, Jane Pauley Community Health Center; and John Wernert MD, Secretary, Indiana Family and Social Services Administration

From employed primary care physicians, to co-located service agreements, to telehealth, there are a range of new models for delivering a seamless primary/behavioral health care experience for consumers. But while these models are getting great reviews for improving the consumer experience and consumer outcomes, making them financially sustainable is a challenge. In this session, our panelists will explore the issue of sustainable primary care service lines. What reimbursement models are preferred? What is best practice in primary care operations and productivity management? In compensation of primary care professionals?

5-6:30 pm

Welcome Reception

Wednesday, May 11

7:30 am

Registration & Con. Breakfast

8:30 am - Noon

General Session

The Idea-Driven Organization- Unlocking the Power in Bottom-up Ideas

Presenter: Dr. Alan Robinson, Author/Educator/Speaker/Consultant

Knowing how to tap the enormous potential in bottom-up ideas is a core competency for any manager today. This session is about how high-performing idea processes work, and how to build and lead an idea-driven organization – one whose employees are solving problems and proposing improvement ideas, tied to management’s important goals, on a daily basis as a part of the organization’s culture and the way it operates.

10:30 am

Morning Break

Noon -
1:30 pm

Lunch on Your Own

Orientation Luncheon by Invitation

1:30 - 3 pm

Breakout Sessions

Avoiding ER & Jail Admissions with RACs

Presenters: Edgewater Behavioral Health Services CEO Danita Johnson Hughes, Ph.D; Chief Crisis Officer Ronald Williams, MS, LCAC; and Chief Clinical Officer Timothy Thomas LCSW

The Rapid Access Center (RAC) is an innovative pilot program in which law enforcement, local hospitals and the Indiana Division of Mental Health & Addictions work together to provide an alternative for adults in a mental health crisis, who are often homeless and suffering from co-occurring medical conditions. The program includes a 23-hour crisis stabilization unit and a short-term sub-acute unit. This presentation discusses the application of RAC programs to provide services that are client-centered and self-sustaining, reducing unnecessary emergency room usage and inappropriate incarceration.

The ServiceNet Experience

Presenters: Alan Robinson, Author/Educator/Speaker/Consultant, and ServiceNet CEO Sue Stubbs, Chief Information Officer James Saccento and Director of Quality Management Seth Dunn

ServiceNet has been implementing a high-performing idea system for a year and a half. This workshop will share that experience and articulate the lessons learned and the potential pitfalls to avoid, from leadership issues to the details of the processes that ServiceNet used to encourage, gather, and implement large numbers of ideas.

3 pm

Afternoon Break

3:15 -
4:45 pm

Breakout Sessions

Care Management Approaches to Community Reintegration of the SPMI Population

Presenters: Grand Prairie Services President/CEO Sharronne Ward, Senior Director of Community Development Tim Moore, Director of Strategy and Business Development Brady Harden, Housing Coordinator Wendell Brown, Drop-in Upward Center Coordinator Adrien Teverbaugh and Medical Director Cynthia Thomas

Illinois is helping people transition from institutional settings to the community setting of their own homes. This session will provide an overview of the specific, person-centered processes employed to improve the lives of people who elect to make this life-changing transition.

Going Google @ Aspire: a Case for Disruption

Presenters: Aspire President & CEO Rich DeHaven, Executive VP & COO Barbara Scott, and Senior Director of Information Systems David Speicher

How can today’s healthcare leaders develop a scalable, secure, flexible infrastructure that allows the organization to achieve its strategic initiatives and focus on the true mission? For Aspire Indiana, the answer was disruption! See why Aspire opted to go Google. Learn about the power of search, collaborating instead of attaching, video conferencing, internal polling and feedback, and machine learning and assistance.

5-8 pm

Reception and Banquet

Hosted by: Genoa - a QoL Healthcare Company

Thursday, May 12

7:30 am

Registration & Con. Breakfast

8:30 -
10:15 am

General Session

Self-Direction: A Promising Approach to Meet Recovery Goals

Presenters: Kevin J. Mahoney, Ph.D., Professor, Boston College School of Social Work and Founding Director, National Resource Center for Participant-Directed Services; Fran Silvestri, President and CEO, International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership (IIMHL); Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Managers Pam Werner and Pat Carver

Learn the key elements of self-direction and discuss the Multi-State Demonstration and Evaluation that is underway. Representatives from Michigan will discuss implementation experiences and provide examples of the types of participants who have benefited from this option.

10:15 am

Morning Break

10:30 am - Noon

General Session

Care Management Decision Support Manual

Presenters: Robert Dyer, CEO, Foothills Behavioral Health Partners & Consultant to the mhca Care Management Taskforce; Mary Ruiz, CEO, Centerstone of Florida; and Margarita Labarta PhD, President & CEO of Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

mhca’s Care Management Taskforce recognized the need to promote the delivery of effective and efficient care management and ultimately a Care Manager Decision Support Manual has been developed.  Learn how this new mhca product might be a valuable resource not only to your care managers, but also to the industry.

Noon -
1:30 pm

Lunch on Your Own

Executive Committee Meeting

1:30-3 pm

Breakout Sessions

Reports Don’t Improve Outcomes - How To Make Meaningful Improvements Using the Data-to-Wisdom Continuum

Presenter: Alex Alexander, Co-Founder of TenEleven Group

Learn the 4 components of the Data-to-Wisdom Continuum and practical strategies for making data-informed changes enterprise-wide to ensure your agency is constantly evaluating and improving the services you provide.

Funding Options for Employee Benefits

Presenters: Assured Neace Lukens Managing Director, Partner & Attorney Eric Chelovitz, PhD, and Senior Account Executive David Spring

Should I be fully insured, self-funded or a variation? How do I know which is best for my company? Because employer budgets are being stretched tightly, many employers are considering their options. This session will provide an overview of each funding type with a focus on fully-insured vs. self-funded. Outlining the pros and cons of each will help you determine what is right for you. We will also help you understand how each of these programs fit into ACA.

3 pm

Afternoon Break

3:15 -
4:45 pm

Breakout Sessions

ViewPoint

Facilitator: Dale Shreve, mhca President & CEO

Learn other members’ points of view on important topics currently facing behavioral healthcare leaders.

5-6:30 pm

Reception

Friday, May 13

Summer Conference Sponsors & Exhibitors

a-train marketing communications, Inc. - Exhibitor - atrainmarketing.com
Askesis Development Group - Exhibitor - www.askesis.com
CARF International - General Sponsor - www.carf.org
Credible Wireless - Exhibitor - www.credibleinc.com
DATIS - Exhibitor - www.datis.com
Dr Cloud EHR - Exhibitor - www.drcloudemr.com
Genoa - a QoL healthcare company - Exhibitor & Wednesday Reception/Dinner Sponsor - www.genoa-qol.com
Innovative Benefit Solutions - Exhibitor - www.benefitslimited.com
Janssen Pharmacuticals - Exhibitor & General Sponsor - www.janssenpharmaceuticalsinc.com
Martyn Family Foundation - Education Sponsor - www.martynfoundation.org/
mhca's Customer Satisfaction Management System - Exhibitor - www.mhca.com
MHRRG/Negley Associates - Exhibitor & Thursday Evening Reception Sponsor - www.mhrrg.com
The Meyers Group - Exhibitor - http://mr-themeyersgroup.com
Netsmart Technologies - Exhibitor & WiFi Sponsor - www.ntst.com
PharmBlue, LLC - Exhibitor - www.pharmblue.com
Qualifacts Systems, Inc. - Exhibitor - www.qualifacts.com
Relias Learning - Exhibitor - www.reliaslearning.com
Valant - Exhibitor & Welcome Reception Sponsor - www.valant.com
Welligent, Inc. - Exhibitor - www.welligent.com

 Tuesday, August 16

 1 - 5 pm

 Innovation Incubator

The Dynamics of Mergers, Acquisitions & Consolidations

Facilitator: OPEN MINDS President/CEO Monica Oss

Invited Panelists: The Braff Group President Dexter W. Braff MBA; Vertess President/Managing Partner Tom Schramski, PHD, CMAA

 5:30 - 7:00 pm

 Welcome Reception
 Sponsored by Valant

Wednesday, August 17

 7:30 am

 Registration & Continental Breakfast

 8:30 - 10:15 am

 General Session

Activity is Not Productivity: Lifting Execution Through Reclaiming White Space

Presenter: Juliet Funt, CEO, WhiteSpace at Work

 10:15 am

 Morning Break

 10:30 am - Noon

 General Session (continues)

Practical Implications of the New FLSA Overtime Regulations

Presenter: Kathy Hindman, Bullard Law

 Peer Collaboration Lunch & Learn

Peer Collaboration Lunch & Learn

Reserve your seat to join us for lunch and learn about how Peer Collaboration can help you tap into the expertise, guidance, and support you need to address industry and organizational challenges.
 

 1:30 - 3 pm

 Breakout Sessions

How Much Revenue Are You Leaving on the Table?

Presenters: Afia, Inc. CEO Jeremy Nelson and VP of Financial Services Cynthia Sikina

Getting to the Nuts and Bolts of White Space Application

Presenter: Juliet Funt, CEO, WhiteSpace at Work

 3 pm

 Afternoon Break

 3:15 - 4:45 pm

 Breakout Sessions

A Lean Six Sigma Approach to Developing Efficiencies in Delivery of Mental Health Services

Presenters: Monarch CEO Peggy Terhune, PhD; COO Daniel Brown, MSW, LCSW, EVP; VP of Business Intelligence and Process Lee Fandel

Taking it to the Streets: Working with Law Enforcement for Effective Crisis Intervention

Presenters: HRDI President/CEO Joel K. Johnson and Clinical Supervisor Tiffany Patton-Burnside, LCSW; and Chicago Department of Public Health Office of Violence Prevention and Behavioral Health Program Director Erica B. Davis, MS, MA

 5:30 - 8:30 pm

 Reception and Banquet
 Hosted by: Genoa - a QoL Healthcare Company

Thursday, August 18

 7:30 am

 Registration & Continental Breakfast

 8:30 - 10:15 am

 General Session

Predictive Analytics - Guiding the Future of Service Delivery

Presenters: CMT CEO Carol Clayton, PhD; CMT Senior Clinical Systems Analyst Abel Wright, MS; and Associate Professor Christopher Reist, MD MBA

 10:15 am

 Morning Break

 10:30 am - Noon

 General Session (continues)

2 People Locked in Closets, Keeping Them Alive with the Right Questions, Risk Management & Potentially Violent Patients

Presenter: Ron Zimmet, MHRRG

 Noon - 1:30 pm

 Lunch on Your Own
 Orientation Luncheon (invitation only)

 1:30 - 3 pm

 Breakout Sessions

Effective Treatments to Improve Patient Outcomes and Decrease ER Usage

Presenter: Lifeworks Director of Integrated Behavioral Health Lexy Vanorio Kilewer, LCSW and Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center CEO Gil Muñoz, MPA

Through a grant with Providence Health Systems, LifeWorks Northwest and Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center have created a collaborative and integrated team that identifies patients who frequent ERs and provides those patients with access to a healthcare team that can help address social challenges in addition to medical problems.  In the first years of the program, LifeWorks and Virginia Garcia have found success in reducing ER usage and inpatient hospital visits.

Marketplace Innovation

Presenters: ncgCare CEO Frank Viera, VP of Corporate Development and General Counsel Nick Riehl, and COO Sean Blair LPC

 3 pm

 Afternoon Break

 3:15 - 4:45 pm

 Breakout Sessions

ViewPoint / PEER Collaboration  Follow-Up

Facilitator: Dale Shreve, mhca President & CEO

Member CEOs interested in forming PEER Collaboration groups are invited to this special session where they can ask questions about other members' experiences with such groups, get help finding a group that's right for them, and get tips for getting their group up and running. A great follow-up for CEOs who attended Wednesday's Lunch & Learn, or CEOs who are interested in joining a PEER group but aren't sure where to start.
 

 5:30 - 7 pm

 Reception
 Hosted by:  MHRRG & Negley Associates

Friday, August 19

 8 - 10 am

 mhca Board of Directors Meeting
 Chair:  Dale K. Klatzker PhD