April 10-11, 2025 | Orlando, FL

Frequently Asked Questions

Event Details

Location
JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort and Spa
14900 Chelonia Pkwy. Orlando, FL 32821

Conference Hours 
April 10, 2025
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM. Doors open at 8 AM

April 11, 2025
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Doors open at 8 AM

Companies

Amedisys
BAYADA Home Health Care
Enclara Pharmacia
Fairmont Healthcare
Great Lakes Home Health and Hospice
Home Health and Hospice Care, Inc.
Hope Hospice
LHC Group
Michigan Palliative & Hospice Care
Oasis Hospice & Palliative Care Inc
Trinity Health at Home
VITAS Healthcare
Silverstone Hospice
YoloCares

Titles

Business Development Manager
CEO
CFO
Chief Medical Officer for Hospice
Chief Operating Officer
Director of Palliative Care
EVP, Chief Development Officer
Medical Director for Hospice
Regional Director of Hospice Operations
SVP Strategic Finance
Vice President of Business Development
Vice President of Hospice Operations
Vice President of Product Development
Vice President of Sales

Continental Breakfast & Networking

8:00 – 9:00 AM

9:00 - 9:10 AM

Derrel Walker
CMO
The Pennant Group

9:15 -10:00 AM

C-suite leaders from well-established hospice companies provide their insights on issues impacting the hospice space during 2023 and what they foresee in 2024, including a discussion of reimbursement andregulatory trends and the changing competitive landscape.

Jonathan Fleece
CEO
Empath Health

Jessica  McGlory
CEO
Guaranteed

Jeanne Kalvaitis
EVP of Hospice
Enhabit

10:30 - 11:00 AM

11:00 - 11:30 AM

In 2024, a wave of new and updated regulations are being implemented – or have already impacted the hospice industry. This panel will take a deep dive into what’s changed and how hospice providers should adapt their businesses.

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Kara Justice
VP of Strategic Consulting
Trella Health

2:30 - 3:00 PM

Ana Torres
Executive Director
Grace Health Puerto Rico

Fred Bentley
Managing Director
ATI Advisory

Marian Grant, DNP, ACNP-BC, ACHPN, FPCN, FAAN
Senior Regulatory Advisor 
The Coalition To
Transform Advanced Care

David Turner
VP of Special Projects & Initiatives
St. Croix

Teresa Lin
VP of Cultural Market Development
VNS Health

Welcome Reception
April 9, 2025 | 5:00 - 7:00 PM ET 
Location: JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort Resort and Spa 
Beer Garden Terrace Restaurant from 5 -7pm

April 10, 2025 | 3:30 - 5:30 PM ET 
Location: JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort Resort and Spa 
Event Hub from 3:30 -5:30pm

9:10 - 9:25 AM

Dr. Balu Natarajan
Chief Medical Officer
AccentCare

Hospice and palliative care providers do not operate in a vacuum, and community engagement is often essential to public education, addressing issues like social determinants of health and more.

Explore the barriers that hospice patients face in accessing necessary home medical equipment and discuss potential solutions to improve access and affordability.

Patrick Harrison
Sr. Dir. of Regulatory & Compliance
NHPCO

1:35 - 2:05 PM

The possibility exists that hospice care will change more in the next few years than it has during the previous four decades. catalysts are at work that could spur gradual movement towards system integration and care coordination. This forward-looking panel will discuss the forces that are shaping the future of hospice.

David DeGumbia
Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer
Compassus

Private equity and venture capital firms have entered the hospice space in droves. All the while, strategics have remained active in end of life care. This panel will discuss the major investment trends and what they signal for the future of hospice.

This panel will explore the latest technological innovations in home medical equipment and diagnostics that are specifically tailored to meet the needs of hospice patients, such as advanced pain management devices or remote monitoring systems.

Chris Morrissette
COO
Teleios Collaborative Network

Join us as executive leaders within the hospice space share their thoughts on the current state of the industry, its key trends and outlook for the future.

2:05 - 2:30 PM

3:05 - 3:35 PM

Payment models like VBID, GUIDE, and Medicare Advantage are creating longitudinal pressures affecting providers across the care continuum. This session will explore the impact of alternate payment models on hospice and palliative care providers. Join this interactive discussion on how the value-based payment market is shifting, and how providers are responding.

Daniel Schwartz
Chief Strategy Officer
Elara Caring

Devin Woodley
Vice President of Managed Care Contracting and B2B Sales
VNS Health

This panel will discuss how health equity measures have grown among hospices in recent years and how hospices' diversity, equity and inclusion efforts have taken shape.

The hospice component of the value-based insurance design model is in its fourth year. In this panel, three participating providers give their perspective on the demonstration, which some have heavily criticized.

Hotel Accommodations
Please click here to access our room block.
The cut-off date to make reservations is May 22, 2024.

Altonia Garrett
COO
Blue Ridge Hospice

Dr. Aditi Mallick
Acting Director
CMS Office of Minority Health

Matthew Schulz
Partner
The Vistria Group

Carlos Graveran
CEO
Frederick Health Hospice

Skelly Wingard
CEO
By The Bay Hospice

Mary Shankster
Chief Development Officer
Stillwater Hospice

Tom Lillis
Partner
Stoneridge Partners Strategic Consulting 

You likely know that hospice M&A was down substantially in 2023. So, the question shining brightly is will it come back? But first, why did it fall off in the first place? Was it a referendum on buyers' interest in the space? If a rebound is in the offing, how long will it take? What could derail it? And what does the trendline look like regarding valuations?

Mark Kulik 
Senior Managing Director
The Braff Group 

U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer 
(D-Oregon)
Member of Congress 

Pamela Duncan Owens
Chief Compliance Officer
Agape Care

Gavin Baumgardner
Vice President, National Medical Director Complex and Palliative Care Contessa Health

Eugene Goldenberg
Managing Director
Edgemont Partners 

Susan Ponder-Stansel
President & CEO
Alivia Care

Dean Forman
Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer
VIA Health

Hotel Accommodations 
Click here to book your stay at JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort and Spa

Ticket Prices
Provider - $1000
Vendor - $2000

Which ticket should I buy?
Provider tickets are palliative care program executives and other care providers. Vendor tickets are for professionals in finance, technology, staffing, legal, sales, and marketing.

My company or organization owns or is an active investor in a provider. Which ticket type can I purchase?
If your organization owns or invests in a provider or providers in this space, your firm is classified as a private equity investor. If you wish to get the provider pricing, you would need to use that organization's email system/domain to register for the ticket to qualify as a provider. No exceptions. 

What is an audio recordings ticket?
This ticket provides access to audio recordings only. Audio recordings will be provided within 48 hours after the in-person event.

What does my ticket include?
A ticket to the Elevate Conference includes access to all sessions, breakfast, refreshments, lunch, coat / bag check, and a networking reception.

What is the refund policy?
For all tickets, no refunds are available 45 days out from the event. No exceptions.

Will there be vendor booths?
There are options for sponsor exhibit space. Please click here to request information on sponsorship opportunities.

How do I contact the organizer?
Email us at [email protected].

When are other HPSN events being held?
Click here to see all upcoming HSPN Events.

Tony Kudner
Chief Strategy Officer  Transcend Strategy Group 

Liz Fowler
CEO
Bluegrass Care Navigators

Dean Forman
Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer
VIA Health Partners 

Perry Farmer
CEO
Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care

Dr. Rebecca MacDonell-Yilmaz
Medical Director of Pediatric Supportive Services 
HopeHealth

April 10, 2025

9:00 - 9:30 AM

April 11, 2025

9:35 - 10:05 AM

10:10 - 10:25 AM

Phillip Ward
CEO
Community Hospice & Palliative Care 

In 2024, a wave of new and updated regulations are being implemented – or have already impacted the hospice industry. This panel will take a deep dive into what’s changed and how hospice providers should adapt their businesses.

Managing the complex issue of the hospice payment cap can be a challenge for hospices, with the twin goals of ensuring their financial health as well as their ability to meet patients’ needs, particularly those with long lengths of stay. In this session, experts will share strategies for effective management of the cap.

A rising number of hospice providers are developing disease-specific programs to offer enhanced support for patients with certain conditions, such as dementia and congestive heart failure. In this session, hospice leaders will discuss the value of these programs and strategies for building them.

Despite government pullbacks on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, health equity remains a priority for many hospices.  This session will explore the outlook of future health equity initiatives, regulations and reimbursement models that could have impacts in the hospice space.

Hospices have increasingly diversified their services and delved deeper into partnerships with other service providers both upstream and downstream of end-of-life care. Many have cited a growing need to drive more individualized, person-centered care that better supports a broad range of medical and nonmedical needs.

Pediatric hospice care is clinically, financially and emotionally complex. In this session, experts will discuss the keys to building greater access to pediatric hospice and achieving sustainable growth, as well as the unique challenges of delivering and seeking reimbursement for these services.

Hospices have long contended that annual payment rate increases have not kept pace with rising costs of care delivery. This session will discuss the current state of hospice reimbursement and how it could change as the nation moves towards new payment models and lawmakers seek reform.

As competition heats up for referral sources, hospices need to find ways to stand out in the marketplace. This session will discuss strategies for securing more referrals by differentiating yourself from the competition. 

Later this year, the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will begin requiring utilization of the HOPE tool for quality measurement, presenting a learning curve for hospices and their staff. Here, experts will explain the key features of the tool and how providers should prepare to implement it.

The pandemic-era flexibilities for telehealth utilization expired at the end of 2024. Nevertheless, expanded use of telehealth has become ingrained throughout the health care system. In this session, hospice leaders will discuss the ways hospices can continue to use telehealth, the current regulatory framework and what the future may hold.

With a shrinking labor pool to hire from, staff retention is becoming ever more essential for hospice sustainability. One of the key elements to support retention is ensuring that employees feel supported in an organization’s culture. In this session, hospice employers will share their retention strategies and how they factor into culture.

Palliative care is designed to care for the whole person with the aim of improving a seriously ill patient’s quality of life. Some contend that in order to fully achieve this mission, providers must address social determinants of health. This session will discuss strategies for integrating social determinants services into a palliative care program, including partnerships with other organizations.

In this session, hospice leaders will explore the keys to referral partner and public outreach among palliative care providers, discussing successful strategies to differentiate their business and define their services.

Medicare Advantage offers one of the few pathways to reimbursement for palliative care. In this panel, experts will discuss their strategies for negotiating with health plans to ensure their financial viability and quality patient care.

Viki Jingle
CEO
Community Healthcare of Texas

Dr. Tom McNalley
Medical Director
George Mark Children’s House

Patrice Austin
Director of Community PedsCare
Community Hospice & Palliative Care

Sheila Clark
President and CEO 
California Hospice and Palliative Care Association

Judi Lund Person
Principal 
LundPerson & Associates

Altonia Garrett
COO
Blue Ridge Hospice 

Amy Scheu
Associate Vice President Hospice & Palliative Care
Advocate Health

Dr. Cameron Muir
CMO
National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) 

Catherine Hamel
Executive Vice President of Continuing Care and President 
Gilchrist

Leslie Friedel
CEO
Stillwater Hospice

Anita Angstadt
Senior Executive Vice President of Clinical Operations
New Day Healthcare

Monica Escalante
Chief Strategy & Information Officer
Hospice of the Chesapeake

Tiffany Hughes
Chief Clinical Officer
Pallicare

Scott Levy
Chief Government Affairs Officer
National Alliance for Care at Home

Susan Ponder Stansel
CEO
Alivia Care

10:00 - 10:30 AM

11:30 - 12:00 PM

VNS Health has developed predictive analytics that are successfully enabling better end of life experiences for their patients and families. Join this session to hear how they have incorporated these predictive analytics into their care delivery, and what results they are driving for patient and family satisfaction and reimbursement.  

Anthony Spano 
Director, Client Development
Netsmart

Kathy Ford
Chief Product Officer
Trella Health

Carlin Brickner, DrPH
Vice President of Data Science
VNS Health

In an increasingly competitive hospice care market, leveraging technology, data, and analytics is essential for sustained growth and operational efficiency.
Join our panel of experts, including Trella Health's Chief Product Officer, Kathy Ford, as they discuss how data-driven decision-making can fuel agency expansion, enhance performance, and improve patient outcomes.
This session will explore technology trends, innovative strategies, and practical applications of data-driven decision-making to support agency growth and address operational, clinical, and payer relations needs.

Stephanie Adair 
Vice President of Hospice Services, Liberty HomeCare & Hospice Services

Alicia Bloom
Senior Vice President of Operations
Empassion Health

Priscila Feijó Mattingly
Chief People Officer
Compassus

Dr. Julia Frydman
Senior Medical Director 
Thyme Care

Bivek Pathak
CIO
Empath Health

Jen Malko
Vice President of Business and Development
Haven Hospice

Victor Couzens
Owner, Founder and CEO
Mahogany Home Health and Hospice

Kelly Gadison, RN, BSN, MBA
Vice President of Clinical Practice and Quality, Hospice
Amedisys, Inc.

Evan Dressel
Director of Strategy, Program Development and Innovation
Lower Cape Fear Life Care 

Brandy Sparkman-Beierle
Chief Clinical Officer
Homecare Homebase

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

3:30 - 5:30 PM

Cheryl Hamilton Fried
CEO
Kirva Hospice

Megan Turby Weaver
Vice President of Quality, Compliance, Health Information Management
Gulfside Healthcare Services

Dr. Tracy Romanello
Medical Director
Catholic Hospice and Catholic Palliative Care Services

Dr. Darren Schulte
CEO 
Vynca

Hannah Patterson
Vice President & General Manager, Care at Home
Netsmart

Maureen Lehsten, CPA
Director
Freed Maxick

David Brooks, CPA
Senior Manager
Freed Maxick

Sara McKay
Chief Executive Officer
Hospice of Washington County

Darren Schulte, M.D., M.P.P.
CEO
Vynca

Dr. Claritza Rios
Chief Medical Officer
By the Bay Health

Dr. Amy Moss
SVP - Clinical Operations Hospice
Amedisys

Jason Banks
VP of Post-Acute Business Development
nVoq

Stephen Phenneger
CFO 
St. Croix Hospice

Demetress Harrell
CEO 
Hospice of the Pines

Howard Young
Healthcare Partner  
Morgan Lewis & Bockius

Wendy Conlon MSPT
Senior Vice President of Client Experience
Axxess 

Carlos Palomino
Vice President, Clinical Services and Development
Chapters Health System

Patty Mathews
Director of Quality
Chapters Health System

April 10, 2025

5:00 - 7:00 PM

Cara McCarty Abbott
Founder and CEO
Betterleave

Lloyd Wilson
CEO
Sonder Hospice & Palliative Care

Monica Cutia
VP of Clinical Operations
HealthView

Scott Levy
Chief of Government Affairs
National Alliance for Care at Home

Tiffany Richter
Medical Officer
Agape Care Group

Stephen Phenneger
President and Chief Financial Officer
St. Croix Hospice

Tom Maxwell
Chairman
Maxwell Healthcare Associates

Palliative care providers are preparing for rising demand amid staffing shortages and limited reimbursement structures that do not support the full interdisciplinary scope of their services. This session will explore the biggest keys to unlocking sustainable palliative care delivery when it comes to building a solid foundation of operational efficiencies, financial/payment strategies and a dedicated, trained workforce.

Jennifer O'Neill
National Director of Palliative Care
VITAS Healthcare

Guinivere (Wendy) Winokur
Vice President, Traditions Health Palliative Care
Traditions Health LLC

In this session, experts will unveil the investment trends fueling palliative care growth today and where it’s headed in the future, including the greatest obstacles and opportunities.

David Jackson
CEO
Choice Health at Home 

Eugene Goldenberg
Managing Director
Edgemont

Ganesh Sundar
Director
KanTime

Scott Brown
President & CEO
MyDirectives

Matt Timmins
Principal & Chief Operating Officer
Advanced Revenue Cycle

Dr. Amy Moss
SVP - Clinical Operations Hospice
Amedisys

Jason Yu
CEO
Levo

Monica Escalante 
Chief Strategy & Information Officer
Hospice of the Chesapeake

Sara Nigro 
Director of Partnerships
BetterRX