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TomTOM GUETZKE
THE HAPPOLOGIST, LIVE HAPPY, INC.
HAPPY TEAMS, HAPPY DREAMS: THE KEY TO SUCCESS IN AL!
TUESDAY OPENING KEYNOTE  |  8:00 AM  |  TUESDAY, APRIL 15

In the compassionate world of AL, the well-being of your team is the cornerstone of your success, but here’s the secret: happy, thriving teams start with happy, thriving leaders. Discover the Five Happy Habits that will transform how you lead and live: practicing gratitude, fostering deep connections, staying physically active, engaging in mindfulness, and cultivating a growth mindset. These simple yet powerful practices not only boost your own well-being but also create a ripple effect that uplifts your team and residents alike. This session will inspire you to prioritize your health and happiness, equipping you to lead with renewed energy, compassion, and clarity. When leaders embrace self-care, happy teams follow—and happy teams turn dreams into reality. Let’s create a workplace where everyone thrives, together.

Award-winning speaker and best-selling author, Tom Guetzke has inspired audiences around the world with his insights on happiness and self-care. Having traveled to over 65 countries, Tom has explored self-care practices that anyone can adopt to elevate happiness. As an expert in the science of happiness, he developed The 5 Happy Habits, grounded in research from positive psychology, neurology, and sociology. Tom holds a Master’s degree and has pursued advanced studies in Positive Psychology and Happiness at the University of Pennsylvania, UC Berkeley, and Harvard. His contributions are featured in Think Positive, Live Happy. Additionally, Tom is a certified humor professional (CHP)—one of only 75 globally—and was recently honored with induction into the National Speakers Association Speakers Hall of Fame (MN). Known as "The Happologist," Tom is dedicated to helping people enhance their health and well-being through the transformative power of happiness, laughter, and joy.

Jill Schewe, Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs, National Center for Assisted Living &
Rachel Heilskov, Senior Director of Network Management, American Health Care Association
TRENDS AND REGULATORY UPDATES IN AL: NAVIGATING CENSUS, DEMOGRAPHICS & POLICY CHANGES
KEYNOTE  |  8:00 AM  |  WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16

This session will explore key trends shaping the AL sector, including census fluctuations, shifting demographics, and the growing importance of population health management and risk management. Participants will also receive a comprehensive regulatory and legislative update, with a focus on new policies and their implications for providers. Additionally, the presentation will address the impact of the upcoming minimum staffing rule, its potential challenges for staffing levels, and strategies for compliance while maintaining quality care. This session is essential for AL leaders looking to stay ahead of industry changes and policy developments.

Speaker imageJill Schewe is the Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs for the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL). Jill works with assisted living provider members and State Affiliate staff to provide guidance and support to aid in their success, including topics related to licensing, policy and regulatory requirements, payment, and operational systems. Jill also works with state and federal stakeholders to assure assisted living providers’ needs and concerns are represented. Prior to joining NCAL, Jill spent 10 years with Care Providers of Minnesota, the AHCA/NCAL state affiliate, working directly with assisted living members and state agencies providing resources and support. Jill also has many years of operational experience as a provider where she opened and managed several assisted living communities. Jill is a licensed assisted living director who understands the needs of providers, older adults and home and community-based services alike.

Speaker imageRachel is a licensed nursing home administrator with a master’s in healthcare administration. Rachel has worked at AHCA/NCAL for three years. Prior to her role at AHCA/NCAL, she was a nursing home administrator in Iowa for eight years. Rachel is on AHCA/NCAL’s integrated networks team and works closely with AHCA/NCAL providers who are members of provider-owned networks in several states. Rachel started her journey on the integrated networks team working directly with our Iowa providers who are owners of the Iowa Health Care Quality Partners, helping them pave the way to clinical integration for other states who have developed networks for their membership. In her current role as senior director of network management, Rachel oversees operations of multiple states’ provider-owned networks and negotiates VBP contracts with national managed Medicaid and Medicare payors on the networks’ behalf





Questions?

Contact us for questions about registration or educational content for summit. We're here to help! Our toll-free number is 1-800-462-0024.


Shauna Kapsner
Shauna Kapsner
Director of Education & Events
952-851-2490

Aby Tesfaye
Education Support Specialist
952-851-2494