One of the fastest growing health issues for elders in the United States is substance use. In this session we will examine the reasons for this growth and current invisibility of the issue, as well as factors that place elders at higher risk. In addition, it will explore the age-related changes that make prescribing medication challenging and the attention given to screening and treatment.

Tracy Schroepfer, PhD, MSW, MA, UW-Madison

Dr. Schroepfer is a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Social Work. She is a recipient of the Hartford Geriatric Social Work Faculty Scholar Award, and serves on several national boards. Dr. Schroepfer’s research focuses on 1) improving the care provided to elders who are seriously or terminally ill by determining the best strategies for meeting their psychosocial, cultural and spiritual needs; and 2) health care disparities experienced by medically underserved communities. Her research is informed by her former practice as a hospice social worker and community work. 

Did you know that your voice ages? Join this session and discover why our voice ages, what to expect, and how best to care for it. This interactive session will have everyone literally talking as participants explore daily exercises to improve vocal function.

Ami Bouterse, MM, MS, SLP-CF, UW-Parkside

Ami Bouterse, M.M., M.S., SLP-CF is an Associate Professor of Music at the University of Wisconsin - Parkside where she teaches applied voice lessons and directs the contemporary a cappella group, Parkside Range. In addition to performance degrees in voice and opera, Prof. Bouterse earned a Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Emerson College for licensure as a speech language pathologist to rehabilitate those with communication challenges in healthy functional ways. 

One great way to make sure your decisions are adhered to when you can no longer speak for yourself is to draft a legally binding Power of Attorney (POA) document. This session will discuss who should have a power of attorney, when they should acquire it, and the purpose of the important document.  Also discussed are the fiduciary responsibilities created by a power of attorney document and how the agent can be held accountable to protect your fortress. 

April DeValkenaere, SBWCP, CFCI, Financial Fortress Education, LLC

April DeValkenaere is the owner of Fortress Forensic Investigations a division of Fortress Financial Education LLC, skilled in white collar criminal analysis, forensic investigations, educational trainings, and consulting. She is also an experienced Certified Paralegal with the State Bar of Wisconsin, with a demonstrated history of working in the government administration industry with a focus on Forensic White Collar Crime Investigations. She is certified as a Financial Crimes Investigator (CFCI) by the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI), where she is the Wisconsin chapter President. She is also a member of the Waukesha County Financial Abuse Specialist Team (FAST) and the Attorney General’s (AG’s) State Coordinated Community Response (CCR) Team. April enjoys her role as an adjunct professor teaching law enforcement how to investigate white collar and elder financial exploitation crimes. 

The four pillars of healing and well-being include nutrition, strengthening your immune system, changing your relationship with stress, and prioritizing health through the healing of identity and beliefs. Dr. Rediger, from Harvard Medical School, will discuss the ways in which you can improve your health and well-being while following the tenets of the four pillars of health and flourishing vitality.

Jeffrey Rediger, MD, MDiv, Harvard Medical School

Jeffrey Rediger, MD, MDiv, is a physician, best-selling author, and popular speaker. He is an Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School and the Medical Director of McLean SE Adult Psychiatry and Community Affairs at McLean Hospital. A licensed physician and board-certified psychiatrist, he also has a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. His research with remarkable individuals who have recovered from incurable illnesses has been featured on the Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Oz Shows, among others. He has been nominated for the National Bravewell Leadership Award, and has received numerous awards related to leadership and patient care. His best-selling book, Cured: Strengthen Your Immune System and Heal Your Life, is available at Amazon, local bookshops, and in multiple languages

Nearly 25% of adults aged 65 to 74 and over 50% of adults over age 75 have some form of disabling hearing loss. Learn about your body’s hearing mechanisms, the causes of hearing loss, and new and effective treatments to help mitigate the effects. 

Heather Miller, AuD, Froedtert South

Dr. Heather Miller received her Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree in 2002 from the University of Florida. She has a Master of Science degree in Audiology from the University of Wisconsin and a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from UW-Milwaukee. She has worked for Froedtert South for over 22 years and is also the educational audiologist for Kenosha Unified School District. Dr. Miller is a Board Certified Audiologist and a member the American Academy of Audiology and the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Science is constantly evolving. Learn more about recent gains in Alzheimer’s and dementia science, including risk factors for Alzheimer’s and other dementia, and the latest advancements in clinical trials, treatments, and lifestyle interventions.

Lisa Groon, Alzheimer’s Association

As Senior Health Systems Director at the Alzheimer's Association, Lisa Groon partners with health systems leaders and researchers across the upper Midwest to enhance and expand global research, drive risk reduction and maximize quality care and support programs for caregivers and people living with Alzheimer's Disease. Lisa graduated from South Dakota State University in 2006 with a degree in Human Development and Health Sciences and primarily focuses her work on healthcare quality improvement. She lives in Harrisburg, SD with her husband Jason and their three sons and serves in the SD Army National Guard and as a member of her local school board.

Aromatherapy involves the use of plant extracts, known as essential oils, with distinct and pleasant odors. Aromatherapy can help improve mood and a general sense of well-being. In this session, Nicole Pisani will discuss the basics of what essential oils are, how to use them safely, and everyday issues that essential oils and aromatherapy may improve. Attendees will also get an opportunity to learn how to make their very own aromatherapy item to take home.

Nicole Pisani, RN, Hospice Alliance

Nicole Pisani works at Hospice Alliance as a Registered Nurse and Certified Aromatherapist after spending over a decade working in emergency medicine. When joining the staff of Hospice Alliance, Nicole had a passion for essential oils and aromatherapy. To ensure a holistic approach in the care patients receive, Hospice Alliance utilizes the use of complementary therapies and supported Nicole’s passion and commitment to grow the agency’s aromatherapy program.

Additionally, Nicole is an active Master Reiki Practitioner and trained in chakra balancing and as a Death Doula. Currently, she is also completing her education in massage therapy.
Nicole received a BS from UW-Whitewater, Associates Degree in Nursing from Gateway Technical College and is currently completing her Clinical Aromatherapy Practitioner Certification and is an active member of NAHA.

What is a senior “orphan” or “solo-ager,” and how will they affect the healthcare market as we age? Senior “orphans” are adults with no nearby family members to help take care of them, and this can result in greater health risks. How can we effectively help this demographic? What referrals are most helpful to seniors with limited social networks? This presentation will teach and empower both healthcare professionals and community members who face similar challenges in caring for their loved ones and planning for their future.

Teri Dreher, RN iRNPA CCM BCPA, Northshore Patient Advocates

Teri Dreher is a nationally recognized leader in the emerging field of professional patient advocacy. In 2011, she left a long career in critical care nursing to form North Shore Patient Advocates, now one of the country’s largest professional advocacy companies. Teri is also the founder of Seniors Alone Guardianship and Advocacy Services, a nonprofit organization that serves senior orphans and disabled adults. To date, she has co-founded three national advocacy programs, including the International Conference on Patient Advocacy.

The act of standing changes as we age. Learn stretching, strength, and balance exercises designed to help older adults reduce their risk of falls, keep them more active for a longer period of time, and help ease the pains that can slow them down.

Denise Jacob, Program Director, Kenosha Senior Center

Denise Jacob is the Program Director for the Kenosha Senior Center. She has been in her position for 13 years and has over 30 years of fitness teaching experience. Her certifications include group fitness, personal training, group cycling, yoga, and Pilates. She had her own children’s fitness company for over 15 years, bringing fitness to children in daycares, preschools, and after school programs. In her role at the Kenosha Senior Center, she continues her efforts to bring wellness to people of all ages. 
Denise believes in creating a class atmosphere that makes participants of all levels feel comfortable and welcome and encourages each individual to work to their personal potential. 

Favorite Quote: The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. ~Lao-tzu 

There are currently over 16.5 million veterans in the United States, with 23.5% of them over the age of 75. Caregiving for military veterans presents a unique set of challenges, especially for the aging veteran population. This session will provide information on preventing caregiver burnout, handling stress, and services available to support caregivers of veterans.

Emily Nelson, MSW, LCSW, Captain James A. Lovell Federal Healthcare Center – Great Lakes Naval Base

Emily Nelson, LCSW, is the General Caregiver Support Coordinator at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center. She received her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and her master’s degree in Social Work with a Military Concentration. She has a background in working in various residential settings, community agencies, and for the past seven years serving Veterans and their families in various roles at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center.