2026 Forum on Aging
The Forum on Aging is a two-day conference providing continuing education units for certified care managers, social workers, nurses, activity professionals and nursing home administrators.
2026 Conference
Save the Date
Date: March 3-4, 2026
Location:
Sharonville Convention Center
11355 Chester Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45246-4002
(513) 771-7744
Conference Contact
Amy Leonhardt
2025 Conference Schedule
| Tuesday – March 4 | |
| 7:30-8:30 a.m. | Registration, Breakfast, Networking and Exhibit Hall |
| 8:30-11:30 a.m. | Intensive Concurrent Workshops |
| 11:30a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Buffet Lunch, Networking and Exhibit Hall |
| 12:30-1:45 p.m. | Welcome: Ken Wilson, VP, Council on Aging Keynote Introduction: Marion Byndon, State Government Affairs Director, Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky Opening Keynote – Chanté Meadows, Ph.D., LISW-S Resilience in Care: Understanding Mental Health and Practicing Self-Care |
| 1:45-2 p.m. | Break |
| 2-4 p.m. | Concurrent Workshops |
| Wednesday – March 5 | |
| 7:30-8:30 a.m. | Registration, Breakfast, Round Table, Networking and Exhibit Hall |
| 8:30-9:30 a.m. | Welcome and Introduction: Tina Loudin, VP of Business Development, Global Meals Keynote: Amanda Snow Bulgarelli, M.A. The Typical Progression of Dementia and How to Help |
| 9:30-9:45 a.m. | Break |
| 9:45-11:45 a.m. | Concurrent Workshops |
| 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. | COA Annual Meeting & Awards, Buffet Lunch and Exhibit Hall |
| 1-2 p.m. | Introduction: Suzanne Burke, CEO, Council on Aging Closing Keynote: James H. Collins, Ph.D. Younger Adults in Skilled Nursing: Ethical Dilemmas and Challenges |
| 2-2:15 p.m. | Break |
| 2:15-4:15 p.m. | Concurrent Workshops |
2025 Keynote Presenters
Chanté Meadows, Ph.D., LISW-S
Keynote: Resilience in Care: Understanding Mental Health and Practicing Self-Care
Join us for an insightful keynote that explores how understanding mental health and practicing self-care are crucial components for sustaining overall well-being. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of mental health impacts in caregiving roles and the importance of self-care as a professional responsibility. Attendees will leave with evidence-based strategies and actionable self-care plans to help manage stress, prevent burnout and build resilience in their demanding careers. This session offers a supportive space for professionals to learn, share and set realistic goals to prioritize their own well-being.
Dr. Chanté Meadows is the Founder and CEO of Meadows Counseling Group, a successful mental health practice with a diverse team specializing in various mental health challenges. The practice emphasizes culture, diversity and trauma, attracting individuals from underrepresented communities facing systemic issues related to race, identity and marginalization.
Meadows is a therapist specializing in BIPOC individuals, women and clients facing life transitions, relationship issues, anxiety and depression. Her collaborative, person-centered approach utilizes various evidence-based therapies to meet each client’s unique needs.
Meadows is a dedicated educator and lecturer at The Ohio State University’s College of Social Work, mentoring future social workers. She serves as Board President for the National Association of Social Workers, Ohio Chapter, advocating for progressive policies and enhanced mental health resources in the state.
Amanda Snow Bulgarelli, M.A.
Keynote: The Typical Progression of Dementia and How to Help
This session will introduce learners to a new way of looking at the progression of dementia: the GEMS states of brain change, with each state corresponding to a particular gemstone. The GEMS states recognize the shifts in skills and abilities that occur for all individuals in different moments, not just those living with brain change. When dementia is involved, progression may look quite different for each individual, but the movement through each of the GEMS states is fairly predictable. The session will address the different characteristics of each GEMS state. It will then explore the most effective ways to offer support for each state, with the goal of improving interactions and relationships.
With a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration, Bulgarelli worked in education for over ten years before joining the Positive Approach to Care team as Lead Mentor, Speaker and COO.
Growing up with Teepa Snow as a mother, Bulgarelli has been a part of Positive Approach to Care from the beginning, serving originally as a teenage volunteer while Snow developed and refined her approach and techniques.
Bulgarelli’s skills and experience working with students and adults from around the globe have proven to be a tremendous asset. Through her years of teaching, she developed the ability to give each person in the room an individual experience while learning new information and skills.
Recently, Snow and Bulgarelli co-founded Snow Approach Foundation Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Hillsborough, NC. Snow Approach provides services and education for those living with brain change and those that support them. Bulgarelli enjoys helping to improve awareness about brain change, with the goal of developing a more inclusive global community.
James H. Collins, Ph.D.
Keynote: Younger Adults in Skilled Nursing: Ethical Dilemmas and Challenges
Join us for a reflective keynote presentation that addresses the challenges and dilemmas of younger adults in skilled nursing. This discussion will explore the distinct characteristics of younger adults entering skilled nursing, the unique challenges they face and the potential ethical issues along with solutions for long-term care providers.
Dr. Jim Collins is a nationally recognized gerontologist based in Ohio. He spent his early career receiving a bachelor’s degree in Gerontological Studies, a master’s degree in Sociology and Psychology of Aging, a Certificate in Gerontology and Life-Span Development and a Ph.D. in Health Administration.
Collins’ first business was Geropsychiatric Practice in Northeast Ohio, where he managed a group of psychiatrists and psychotherapists for several years. He then began a long-term care consulting company, consulted several companies and began public speaking.
Collins developed Collins Learning in 2010, which provides senior care facilities, continuing education and compliance training. Another company, CEU Academy, was formed seven years ago and provides continuing education to individual licensed healthcare professionals like nurses, social workers, HR directors and administrators.
Collins has written extensively in healthcare publications, wrote the first book on person-centered care in the U.S., entitled The Person-Centered Way: Revolutionizing Quality of Life in Long-Term Care. He writes regularly for his blog drjimcollins.com and has published his second book, Living Longer and Stronger with CBD.
Forum on Aging 2025 Sponsors
Presenting
Keynote
Corporate
Lunch
Gold
