Behavioral Health: Clinically Integrated Networks (CINs): Should You Form One or Join One? -

• Greg Moore, Taft Law

Building a Better World: 4 Key Areas for Business Success -

• Millie Chu, Global Entrepreneurship Business Lab 

Demystifying Artificial Intelligence for Nonprofit Excellence -

• Scott Caesar, WoodWorks AI
• Kevin Hardin, AI Consulting

Employment Law Update -

• Lindsay Raymond, Danbrook Adams Raymond PLC

Federal Disability Policy -

• Tim Tansey, Technical Assistance Center for Quality Employment

Leadership Alumni: Sharing and Advocating as a Leader -

• Katie Kinde, Incompass Michigan

Leadership Panel: Sharing Institutional Knowledge -

• Cherie Johnson, MMI
• Carol Bergquist, Project Visions
• Emilia Gutierrez, Do-All Inc.
• Paul Blatt, Gesher Human Services

Michigan Politics in an Election Year -

• Rep. Felicia Brabec
• Malcolm Kletke, MHSA

Michigan Nonprofit Landscape -

• Kelley Kuhn, Michigan Nonprofit Association

Nonprofit Marketing Brands that Inspire! -

• Jeff Terpstra, Scott Allen Creative

The Way I See It -

• Austin Darga, Grand Traverse Industries
• Becky Westphal, Northwest Education
• Courtney Gilbert, Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Authority 
• Dayna Ryan, Grand Traverse Industries

Wholistic Leadership: Igniting Change from Within -

• Kimika Garrett, Organizational Kimistry

More Presenter Bios Coming Soon!
 

Rep. Felicia Brabec -

State Representative Felicia Brabec is serving her second term representing the 33rd House District. Rep. Brabec is a practicing clinical psychologist with a PsyD in clinical psychology and over two decades of experience in the field. As a practicing psychologist, she sees up close how decisions made by our state government affects peoples’ everyday lives and has pledged to bring the full breadth of her experience with clients to the bargaining table every day. Rep. Brabec chairs the House Health Policy Subcommittee on Behavioral Health where she is dedicated to supporting the behavioral health workforce while increasing affordability of and accessibility to mental health care in our state.

Scott Caesar - 

Scott Caesar is the founder of WordWorks AI, a generative AI research and innovation consulting organization. With over 15 years of experience in the enterprise software industry and a BS in Computer Science from the University of Michigan, Scott is a proven leader in driving growth and launching innovative products.

Scott is passionate about the potential of generative AI to drive innovation and positive social impact. His approach to leading and innovating is grounded in continuous learning and agile methodologies.

Millie Chu - 

Since 2007, Millie Chu has dedicated herself to education, economic development, and inclusion programs to advance equity and equality for historically under-resourced groups. Millie was featured in Forbes as an immigrant leader who inspires other immigrants to become entrepreneurs. Her insights have been highlighted in US World News Report, Detroit's Channel 7, and numerous public media outlets. With over a decade of Higher Ed experience teaching business and entrepreneurship at universities, she has supported over 500 organizations and launched more than 90 startups.
As an architect of inclusive entrepreneurship and workforce programs, Millie designs accelerators to help companies attract and access diverse talent. Her global work benefits BIPOC, immigrants, refugees, returning citizens, neuro-diverse and underrepresented entrepreneurs. Millie is the founder of the Global Entrepreneurship Business Lab (GEBL), a social impact consulting firm specializing in strategic planning, program design, entrepreneurship, and workforce training from a holistic lens that drives inclusion and community impact worldwide.

Austin Darga -

Austin Darga is a man of many talents, but he is probably best known for his golden radio voice, “I have always had a passion for broadcasting,” explains Austin with a smile. “I like helping people, and talking with them.” As the official team member spokesperson at GTI, Austin has had the opportunity to use his skills as an interviewer during the recent Friends Giving Campaign. “I worked hard, and I am really proud of what I did to help raise money for our Field of Dreams.” Austin is totally blind, and uses a white cane to navigate his environment. If there is a situation where Austin needs assistance, he prefers verbal direction rather than physical. “I am very capable of getting around on my own, I might need a little help though if it’s a tricky situation. 

Austin totally rejects the idea that his life is less enjoyable because he has a disability, “There is no reason to feel sorry for me,” laughs Austin. “With accommodation, I am just as strong and capable as anybody else.” Some of Austin’s favorite activities include swimming, arcade games, eating at fine restaurants, and going to the movies. There are also three places that are really meaningful to Austin. “I love all of the sensory opportunities at Higherself Bookstore and the WTCM Radio Station represents all that I am passionate about with broadcasting. But my bedroom at my Dad’s house truly feels like it is a part of me because when I am there, I am surrounded by memories of my dog, Bree, who passed away in 2005.” When asked what he would want to share with others, Austin said, “The one thing I have learned is to not be ashamed of who you are.”

Kimika Garrett -

Kimika Garrett is the CEO of Organizational Kimistry (an organizational culture and change management consulting firm) and the HR Business Operations Manager at Ford Motor Company. She is an experienced leader in organizational development and effectiveness, change management, process and performance improvement, strategic planning, and more. She is passionate about helping organizations achieve operational excellence through strategic planning, process improvement, and human capital management.

As a versatile, forward-thinking organizational improvement champion with HR transformation experience in the technology, pharmaceutical, retail, automotive, non-profit/government, and chemical/R&D industries, Kimika is passionate about helping organizations achieve operational excellence through strategic planning, process improvement and human capital management.

Courtney Gilbert -

Courtney Gilbert, Adult IDD Case Manager, Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Authority (CMH), works collaboratively with consumers and their guardians to assess consumer needs; develop treatment goals, objectives and timelines; and evaluate progress towards goals. She is also responsible for developing Individual Plan of Services that covers a variety of areas including, housing, finances, employment, health, community inclusion, education, protective services and family relationships. Courtney began working with Austin Darga, a now 29year-old young man with severe Bilateral Septo-Optic Hypoplasia which resulted in blindness, about two years ago. In listening to Austin and his father, she learned he wanted to be more independent and earn an income; specifically, he wanted to be a motivational speaker and was interested in talk radio. Courtney referred him to Grand Traverse Industries (GTI) and connected him with a Community Living Supports (CLS) agency so he could spend time in the community. After over two years at GTI, he has become their spokesperson, while still working on the bag machine, has become a pod-caster, and is doing public speaking engagements, all of which he gets paid for. Recently, Austin’s father told Courtney that she listened to what Austin wanted, which hadn’t been their experience with some of his previous social workers. Prior to working at CMH, Courtney was an early Head Start Education and Family Services Coordinator for the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. Courtney received her Bachelor of Social Work from The University of Texas at Arlington and a Post-Baccalaureate in Teacher Education from Eastern Michigan University.

Kevin Hardin -

Driven by the belief that generative AI can be a force for good, Kevin Hardin is on a mission to empower non-profits and social entrepreneurs to amplify their societal impact using AI tools and workflows. Kevin has a background in engineering and education and uses the combination to make AI accessible and immediately beneficial to non-profit organizations. By targeting a significant reduction of mundane tasks through generative AI, Kevin Hardin enables non-profit teams to dedicate more energy to high-impact activities, significantly increasing both job satisfaction and revenue.   

Cherie Johnson -

Cherie Johnson has worked for community rehabilitation organizations for over 36 years, serving in entry-level, professional, supervisory, and management positions during that time. In her current role as CEO at MMI, Cherie leads an organization that provides a range of services to over 900 youth and adults in the Central Michigan area. She is a CARF surveyor and she serves on a variety of local and statewide committees to support the development of inclusive communities. Cherie also consults as a subject matter expert for the US Department of Labor’s NEON project and serves on the Incompass Board of Directors.

Katie Kinde -

Katie is a 33 year old Autistic woman, who loves learning and helping others learn. Katie graduated with a Masters in Education with a focus in Learning Design and Technology. While at Wayne State, she also was the Dean of Social Works secretary, and managed much of the continuing education events and certificate distribution. She currently works for Incompass Michigan as the Education Coordinator, creating trainings, coordinating events, and handling certificate distribution. She completed multiple Leadership programs in 2023, and has presented multiple times about Autism in the workplace. In her spare time, she loves making jewelry and miniature houses.

Malcolm Kletke - 

Malcolm Kletke joined MHSA in 2020. Malcolm previously held the position of Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs for Governor Whitmer, serving as the chief contact between the Michigan Legislature and Governor Whitmer on all legislative issues. He was involved in historic changes to Michigan’s Auto No-Fault system, the Raise the Age package, sports-betting and online gaming legislation, Rebuilding Michigan Plan, and dealing with the COVID-19 response.

Prior to serving Governor Whitmer, Malcolm served as a policy analyst for the Michigan Senate Democratic Caucus. In this role he provided research, analysis, and policy advice on matters coming before the Transportation, Commerce, Natural Resources & Environmental Quality, and Agriculture Committees. He was also responsible for overseeing the Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development budgets. Malcolm began his career in the Michigan Senate working as a legislative assistant for then-Senate Minority Leader Gretchen Whitmer.Malcolm holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science – Pre Law from Michigan State University.

Kelley Kuhn - 

Kelley Kuhn (she/her) lives and breathes the business of nonprofits. Holding what she considers the ideal role, Kuhn leads Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) as its president and CEO. This charitable organization is committed to supporting nonprofits and the communities they impact, with a strong focus on advancing antiracism and social justice. Through her work, Kuhn plays a pivotal role in enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities alike.

“A solid and resourced nonprofit sector makes the world a better place and my mission is to ensure all nonprofits have access to capital, human and other resources they need to deliver on their missions,” she said.

It wasn’t always numbers and meetings though. Kelley fell in love with the power of change nonprofits can create when she was in college and volunteered as a Special Olympics Unified Sports coach. After that, an internship in Jackson County sealed the deal. Nonprofits also need safety nets, and Kelley aims to be the fuel that helps keep all nonprofit programs moving forward here in Michigan.

In her moments away from championing Michigan's nonprofits and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusivity, Kelley enjoys spending quality time with her family in Saline, along with their new puppy, Tracker.

Greg Moore -

Greg Moore is a highly experienced healthcare attorney with a career spanning over 30 years. He specializes in representing and counseling healthcare and behavioral healthcare providers across various segments of the industry. Notably, he is recognized for his expertise in integrating behavioral and physical healthcare.
Throughout his career, Greg has demonstrated a commitment to offering comprehensive services to his clients, covering regulatory compliance, transactional matters, and litigation. He has diversified his knowledge base across various segments of the industry to adapt to market conditions, regulatory changes, and evolving payer policies.
Greg is a trusted advisor for complex legal and regulatory issues that arise in the healthcare and behavioral healthcare spaces. He has a proven record of successful and innovative projects that range from wholesale behavioral health system redesign, care continuum expansion projects, meaningful value based care initiatives, clinically integrated network design, legislative projects to establish psychiatric urgent care levels of service and psychiatric residential levels of care to litigation. Projects involving behavioral health providers seeking parity and classes of families seeking redress for wrongfully denied medically necessary behavioral health benefits, such as ABA Therapy or wrongfully denied appropriate levels of care needed for recovery or maintenance of behavioral health, to name a few.
He has also facilitated transactions involving private equity investment in Physician Practices, Medical Office Buildings, Surgery Centers, Mobile Cardiac Cath / CT labs, Healthcare Management Companies, and Behavioral Healthcare Facilities across all levels of care.   Greg’s expertise also extends to representation of Trade Associations, and their members, at the state and federal levels which focus on behavioral health provider matters.

Lindsay Raymond - 

Lindsay J. Raymond is a Partner and owner of Danbrook Adams Raymond PLC. As an experienced management-side labor and employment attorney, she represents employers in all aspects of employment litigation, arbitration, and matters governing the workplace. She also counsels employers regarding the development and implementation of management practices and policies, and regularly conducts workplace investigations, trainings, and culture assessments. Lindsay serves as a Member and Grant Review Chair of the Board of Directors for Impact100 Traverse City, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Old Town Playhouse in Traverse City, and is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and the Traverse Area Human Resources Association.

Tim Tansey -

Dr. Tansey received his Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He is a professor in the Rehabilitation Counselor Education program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Tansey has almost 30 years experience as a rehabilitation counselor, educator, or rehabilitation researcher. He has published over 110 peer-reviewed articles in the areas of applying novel technology in vocational rehabilitation and rehabilitation counselor education, evidence-based practices in vocational rehabilitation, self-regulation, and self-determination. Dr. Tansey has extensive experience in adapting technology and utilizing social media for knowledge translation and dissemination activities. Dr. Tansey is the principal investigator on the Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center for Quality Employment, a project sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. He is currently the principal investigator, co-principal investigator, or co-investigator on several other federally-funded research or national technical assistance center grants from the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Social Security Administration and the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research). These current projects seek to ascertain evidence-based practices in the vocational rehabilitation of youth with disabilities, identify employer practices in the recruitment, hiring, retention, and promotion of persons with disabilities, and provide technical assistance to state vocational rehabilitation toward increasing competitive, integrated employment of persons with disabilities living in areas of extreme poverty. Dr. Tansey has developed doctoral level training focused on online and hybrid pedagogy as well as established numerous online, hybrid, and technology-enhanced courses. He serves on the co-editor of the Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin and on the editorial boards for numerous other journals.

Jeff Terpstra -

Jeff began his professional artistic career at the age of 14 when he began painting fine art for commissions. Jeff has a BFA from Kendall College of Art & Design and is a winner of a National Society of Illustrators Award. After college Jeff volunteered for six months in Ivory Coast, West Africa, drawing the life and culture of local language groups. For the past 42 years Jeff has designed brands and marketing campaigns for nonprofits and corporations in manufacturing, finance, education, hospitality and retail. In 1996 Jeff founded the marketing agency Scott Allen Creative. In 2015 the agency made a purposeful decision to be totally dedicated to nonprofit work. With an office in West Michigan, Scott Allen’s clients' locations span from Arizona to Maine. Jeff has seen how powerful storytelling attracts key stakeholders and donors who become loyal brand ambassadors. His passion is to see nonprofits thrive and enjoy financial sustainability. Jeff has been a speaker for the AFP of Greater Arizona Statewide Event, AFP West Michigan, and for Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy. Jeff is currently writing a book planned for publication in 2024 and titled, “Passion Inspires”, a nonprofit guide for branding and messaging.

Becky Westphal - 

Becky Westphal is a special education teacher at the Life Skills Center at Northwest Education Services.  Northwest Education Services is an intermediate school district (ISD) that assists local school districts in providing education programs and services in the five counties it serves. Becky has worked in education for over 23 years assisting her students with learning transition skills.  Transition services are defined as a "coordinated set of activities for a student with a disability that facilitates the student’s movement from school to adult life and includes the development of skills in the areas of employment and adult living, daily living skills and community participation. Transition services are integrated activities and supports that, not only provide academic support, but also help students achieve the greatest degree of independence possible.  Becky was also the 2021 recipient of the Outstanding Educator Award by demonstrating educational excellence in her field of special education.  When she isn’t teaching, she is watching her daughters play sports, baking sweet treats and spending time with family.

Behavioral Health: Clinically Integrated Networks (CINs): Should You Form One or Join One? - Greg Moore

We are coming up on the 15^th Anniversary of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.  The Act was responsible for a resurgence in the development of CINs in the healthcare marketplace.  We have even witnessed the evolution of behavioral health provider initiated CINs.  Together, let’s take a look back at the origins of CINs, study their intended purposes, and examine whether they are having any impact in the healthcare marketplace.  All of this should assist in the decision making process of whether to form a CIN or join one.

Building a Better World: 4 Key Areas for Business Success - Millie Chu

Whether you want to help your community, country, or make the world a better place, creating a non-profit or social impact business is rewarding, yet challenging. For the good of people, pets, or the planet, this introductory workshop will reveal areas to improve your chances of success with solutions, information, systems, and leveraging resources to have a better understanding so your social impact business can 
launch and thrive.

Leadership Panel: Succession Planning - Todd Culver and Panelists

Join us for an insightful panel discussion featuring esteemed executives from diverse nonprofit organizations as they share their strategies and insights on executive level succession planning. In today's dynamic nonprofit landscape, effective leadership transitions are crucial for organizational continuity and success. This session will explore best practices, challenges, and innovative approaches to succession planning at the executive level. Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit leader, aspiring executive, or simply interested in organizational leadership, this discussion promises to provide valuable insights and actionable takeaways.

Non-Profit Marketing, Brands that Inspire! - Jeff Terpstra

Jeff has a passion to see nonprofits thrive and enjoy financial sustainability. If you work in marketing or donor engagement for non-profits, you may have asked, “How do we create messaging that attracts more people to join our cause?” In the past 18 years we have discovered three timeless truths that apply to all nonprofits:: 1. Attract with your heart, 2. Inspire with your hero, 3. Engage with your dream.

In this session you’ll discover:

● How to attract supporters of all generations

● How to go beyond sharing information and make a deep emotional and heart connection

● How to conduct market research that leads to effective messaging

● How powerful storytelling inspires key stakeholders and donors to become loyal brand followers and ambassadors.

Michigan Nonprofit Landscape - Kelley Kuhn

Kelley Kuhn, president, and CEO of Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) will discuss the resilience and significance of the nonprofit sector, particularly through the 501(c)(3) campaign. She will explore how nonprofits are essential in making Michigan a better place and detail their response and adaptation during the pandemic and the levels of collaboration across the sector.  She will also address current challenges including workforce shortages, and employee burnout and how they are being managed. The session will feature inspiring stories from MNA’s We are 501 C 3 campaign which showcases the impacts and enduring spirit of community and cooperation in our sector.

Michigan Politics in an Election Year - Malcolm Kletke and Representative

Join us for an engaging discussion with Representative Felicia Brabec as she provides valuable insights into Michigan politics, particularly in the context of an election year. With her wealth of experience and firsthand knowledge of the legislative landscape, Representative Brabec will offer a comprehensive overview of recent developments, key issues, and legislative priorities shaping policy decisions in Lansing. Whether you're a nonprofit executive navigating advocacy efforts, a community leader seeking to understand the political landscape, or simply interested in the dynamics of Michigan politics, this panel promises to provide valuable perspectives and actionable insights.

The Way I See It - Austin Darga and Panelists

Austin will give a summary of his career and life experiences to date, emphasizing how he has overcome various obstacles in life and how specific people helped him to become a better person. There will be a panel at the end of the presentation to show how a collaborative effort of organizations can change lives. 

Wholistic Leadership: Igniting Change from Within - Kimika Garrett

Change is hard. Period. But imagine if you could successfully implement change within your organization, within your team, and even…within yourself using the same approach. This is possible through the Wholistic Leadership framework. During this session, you will receive a systematic approach (to organizational and individual change management) that you can immediately activate in your organization…on your team, and most importantly…within you. 

Round Table Topics Include:

• Historical Knowledge
• Succession Planning
• Policy 
• Employer Engagement Group
• VR - Leadership Connect 
• Community Partnership, Fundraising, Capital Campaigns
• AI
• Supporting Employees, Retention, Peer Support
• Trainings
• DEI
• Social Enterprises
• Credentialing and Apprenticeship Program 
• Human Resources
• Marketing

The following presentations were approved for Social Work CEU's

• Leadership Alumni: Sharing and Advocating as a Leader 
• Leadership Panel: Sharing Institutional Knowledge 
• Michigan Politics in an Election Year 
• Michigan Nonprofit Landscape 
• The Way I See It