Checkout the online Conference Program - we've gone paperless!
Thank you to OPRA Headline Sponsor and Vendor Partner!
General Conference Questions?
Contact Melissa Fannon, Director of Events & Strategic Partnerships: mfannon@opra.org
Hotel
Venue: Hilton Columbus/Polaris
The OPRA room block is now closed.
You may visit their website to see what rates they are currently offering.
Other recommended hotels:
Schedule
| Breakout Sessions: 17 - 20 |
| 11:15 am - 11:45 am |
Sessions
| 2025 OPRA ANNUAL CONFERENCE - DAY 1 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2025 |
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| Thurs. 10/23 9:00am - 9:15am |
WELCOME - Peter Moore, OPRA President | |||
| Thurs. 10/23 9:15am - 10:00am |
KEYNOTE SESSION - Embrace the Challenge: Finding Purpose, Power, and Partnership - Zach Anner | |||
| 15 Min. Break | ||||
| Thurs. 10/23 Sponsored Sessions 10:15am - 11:15am |
GIV. | GLADEGY | THS REMOTE SUPPORT SERVICES | I AM BOUNDLESS |
| Sponsored Session 1 | Sponsored Session 2 | Sponsored Session 3 | Sponsored Session 4 | |
| How Leveraging Data is Transforming Industries, Innovation, and Everyday Life | Stop the Spin: Coaching to Transform Turnover into Tenure | Future-Proofing In-Home Care: Leveraging Technology to Overcome Workforce Shortages | Whole Person Integrated Care: Non-Sedation Dental | |
| Danny Laneri & Alec Fowler Giv. |
Stacy Sufka Gladegy Consulting |
David Ilg THS Remote Support Services |
Katie Babcock & Timothy Hafer Boundless Health |
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| 15 Min. Break | ||||
| Thurs. 10/23 Breakout Sessions 11:30am - 12:30pm |
LEADERSHIP | HUMAN RESOURCES | ICF | BEHAVIORAL HEALTH |
| Breakout Session 1 | Breakout Session 2 | Breakout Session 3 | Breakout Session 4 | |
| Designing for Sustainability: Acuity-Based Rates, Selective Contracting, and the Future of HCBS | Giving Feedback With Confidence: Learn the Feedback Formula That Works | Strong Enough to Withstand the Storm: Training DSPs who Have to Do It All | Bridging the Gap: Partnering Effectively with Mental and Behavioral Health Providers | |
| Lilia Teninty Burns & Associates |
Andrea Applegate Applegate Talent Strategies |
Brad Wyner Milestones Autism Resources |
Nathan Henniger & Lauri Livingston-Roberts I Am Boundless |
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| Thurs. 10/23 12:30pm - 1:30pm |
ATTENDEE & EXHIBITOR LUNCH | |||
| Thurs. 10/23 Breakout Sessions 1:30pm - 2:30pm |
LEADERSHIP | HUMAN RESOURCES | ICF | BEHAVIORAL HEALTH |
| Breakout Session 5 | Breakout Session 6 | Breakout Session 7 | Breakout Session 8 | |
| Provider-Driven Innovation: New Models for Financing and Managing HCBS | Unshakeable: Inner Strength and Mental Agility for Leaders | ICF Reimbursement Update & Benchmarking Trends | Comprehensive Assessment for Complex Needs: Reducing Placement Disruptions through Meaningful Planning | |
| Mary Pat Ambrosino, CTF Illinois & Shane Spotts, DEON Health |
Shyam Suchak Anne Grady Services |
TJ Ely & Denise Leonard Plante Moran |
Nikki Jaras, Ashleigh Putney & Allison Hamrick Lifeworks Autism Services |
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| 15 Min. Break | ||||
| Thurs. 10/23 Breakout Sessions 2:45pm - 3:45pm |
LEADERSHIP | HUMAN RESOURCES | ICF | BEHAVIORAL HEALTH |
| Breakout Session 9 | Breakout Session 10 | Breakout Session 11 | Breakout Session 12 | |
| The Walk Away Warrior | Thriving While Surviving | Immigration and Employment Law Update | How to Have Difficult Discussions and Productive Disagreements | Crisis Intervention and De-escalation Strategies for People with Co-occurring MI/DD | |
| Julia Hage The HageCo., LLC & Anne Grady Services |
Bob Harris Vorys |
Tom Speaks The Impact Group |
Joe Smith, Victoria Broxholm and Ashleigh Watson Lifeworks Autism Services |
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| 15 Min. Break | ||||
| Thurs. 10/23 4:00pm - 5:00pm |
LEGISLATIVE & STATE BUDGET UPDATES | |||
| Thurs. 10/23 5:00pm - 6:00pm |
EXHIBITOR HAPPY HOUR & ZACH ANNER MEET & GREET | |||
| Thurs. 10/23 7:00pm - 10:00pm |
OPRA CASINO NIGHT | |||
| 2025 OPRA ANNUAL CONFERENCE - DAY 2 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2025 |
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| Fri. 10/24 Breakout Sessions 9:00am - 10:00am |
DAY & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES | HEALTHCARE | RESIDENTIAL WAIVER | MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT |
| Breakout Session 13 | Breakout Session 14 | Breakout Session 15 | Breakout Session 16 | |
| Empowered Expression: Reimagining Support Through Innovation and Art | The Autistic Brain and Pain | So You Think You Can HR? What Every Non-HR Leader Needs to Know | Grantin’ Ain’t Bland: Creative Funding for EPIC Impact | |
| Tiffany Martin, Dywan Bright & Gary Gebhart Goodwill Columbus |
Dr. Michelle Failla, PhD The Ohio State University’s College of Nursing |
Stacy Sufka Gladegy Consulting |
Shawn Valentine Sup Gurl |
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| 15 Min. Break | ||||
| Fri. 10/24 Breakout Sessions 10:15am - 11:15am |
DAY & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES | HEALTHCARE | RESIDENTIAL WAIVER | MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT |
| Breakout Session 17 | Breakout Session 18 | Breakout Session 19 | Breakout Session 20 | |
| Person-Centered Pathways: Tools for Supporting Transitions in Every Stage of Life | The Ins and Outs of Waiver Nursing Billing | Electronic Visit Verification and Claims Validation in DODD Waivers | Make an Impact with Your Presentations | |
| Jenna Allen & Alissa Otani-Cole OCALI |
Kristi Black & Charlotte Hampton Nineteen Services |
Brandi Nicholson Ohio Department of Medicaid |
Beth Whelley Fahlgren Mortine |
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| 30 Min. Break | ||||
| Fri. 10/24 11:45am - 1:30pm |
OPRA ANNUAL AWARDS LUNCHEON | |||
OPRA Annual Fall Awards
The Ohio Provider Resource Association is thrilled to recognize and honor the exceptional individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond in supporting and empowering Ohio’s intellectual and developmental disabilities service system. The 2025 OPRA Annual Awards spotlight those who exemplify excellence, innovation, leadership, and dedication — from frontline direct support professionals and job coaches to teams and business leaders whose behind-the-scenes efforts make high-quality support possible.
Congratulations to all of the 2025 OPRA Annual Award winners for their remarkable achievements and ongoing commitment to excellence in service and support!
Questions? Contact Sonya Summers
