2025 Conference  |  Sept 9–12 at Hershey Lodge!

Registration Now Open! • Sponsor and Advertise

Keynote: Tuesday, September 9, 9:15 am – 10:30 am
K01 | Impacts of Federal Issues on the Human Services System
Presenter: Al Guida, JD, Owner of Guide Consulting Services, Inc.

Tracks: BI, CH, DEI, EL, FM, HRF, IDD, LD, MR, MH, PDA, SUD, TH, VBP/R, VR
Room: Red Ballroom

A new keynote speaker in our lineup! Al Guida, JD, Owner of Guide Consulting Services, Inc., will be discussing Impacts of Federal Issues on the Human Services System. Guida is a nationally recognized advocate and strategist who has provided valuable federal policy and regulatory solutions for Guide Consulting Service’s health care clients in the provider, technology, and public health sectors. He has helped clients realize measurable goals in mental health parity, biomedical research, child poverty, and child welfare, and his legislative portfolio includes successful collaborations with major Congressional committees, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Health and Human Services. In 2024, Guida was recognized as one of DC’s 500 Most Influential People. With the current confusion and chaos surrounding federal policies, Medicaid, future funding, and their effects on the health and human services landscape, you won’t want to miss this informative opener!

Keynote: Wednesday, September 10, 9:00 am – 10:15 am
K02 | Applying Resilience and Mindfulness to Enhance Leadership
Presenter: Judge Victor Reyes, Retired Judge, Master Life Coach

Tracks: BI, CH, DEI, EL, HR, IDD, LD, MR, MH, PDA, SUD, VR
Room: Red Ballroom

Living in a mindful manner increases our awareness of what is happening around us and places us in a better position of accessing our innate wisdom. This session explores what it means to be mindful, the research supporting this concept, and tools that leaders can easily access to help them stay focused while maintaining a sense of calmness. We will also discuss stressors that are inherent in the work and the tools that may lead a more balanced, healthier life. Stress and secondary trauma are realities which affect us on a gross and subtle level. Recognizing that fact begins the process of healing and developing lifelong tools so that we can better serve our communities.

Keynote: Thursday, September 11, 9:00 am – 10:15 am
K03 | The EEOC is NOT Messing Around: Harassment Prevention in 2025 and Beyond
Presenter: Michael Cohen, JD, Duane Morris LLP

Tracks: BI, CH, CO, DEI, EL, HR, IDD, LD, MR, MH, PDA, SUD
Room: Red Ballroom

The EEOC has made clear that preventing workplace harassment is a meaningful priority for 2025 and beyond. The federal agency’s 2024 Workplace Guidance to Prevent Harassment has changed the game. As a result of the Guidance as well as the massive changes we have seen, the workplace (both in-person and remote) has become even more complicated and, in many instances, even more open to claims of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. Given the current realities, we are seeing a proliferation in workplace harassment complaints. And, as we (hopefully) all appreciate, no organization is immune! As potential targets, therefore, we must be ready! As employees and organizational leaders, we are the key to ensuring that our workplaces are as comfortable as possible, for as many as possible, as much of the time as possible. In addition to discussing the traps into which we fall regarding their own conduct, this fast-paced and business-focused session will address the importance of bystander responsibility and taking care of each other.

Keynote: Friday, September 12, 10:30 am – 11:30 am
K04 | Rediscovering You: How to Reconnect, Recharge, and Rise
Presenter: Kory Shrum, MFA, Bestselling Author, Podcast Host

Tracks: BI, CH, DEI, EL, HR, IDD, LD, MR, MH, PDA, SUD
Room: Red Ballroom

The health care and human services fields are facing unprecedented challenges. Staffing shortages are stretching providers thin, making work-life balance feel impossible. Anxiety levels are rising, and many professionals feel more disconnected than ever. When your role is centered on caring for others, it can be easy to sacrifice your own well-being — until the cost becomes too great. In this empowering keynote, Kory deconstructs the most common self-care myths that keep providers stuck in cycles of stress, exhaustion, and disconnection, revealing why traditional approaches to wellness often fail. Through a practical framework, attendees will learn how to cultivate sustainable self-care practices that not only reduce anxiety and burnout, but also strengthen resilience, enhance professional fulfillment, and foster deeper connections in both work and life.

Plenary: Tuesday, September 9, 10:45 am – 11:15 am
P01 | State of the State
Presenter: DHS Secretary Val Arkoosh, MD, MPH

Tracks: BI, CH, DEI, EL, HRF, IDD, MR, MH, PDA, SUD, TH, VBP/R, VR
Room: Red Ballroom

Secretary Arkoosh will lead a discussion about current critical issues for human services providers, DHS initiatives for workforce development, and updates regarding Performance-Based Contracting for IDD services. She will also discuss the PA perspective on value-based payments and telehealth, and any other priorities for DHS, as well as upcoming initiatives for 2026.

Plenary: Friday, September 12, 9:00 am – 10:30 am
P02 | National Outlook: The Turbulent Landscape of 2025/26
Presenters: Donna Martin, MEd, CAE, Vice President, State Partnerships & Innovation, ANCOR
Mohini Venkatesh, MPH, Chief of Staff, Strategic Leadership, National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Tracks: BI, CH, DEI, EL, FM, HRF, IDD, MH, PDA, SUD, TH, VBP/R, VR
Room: Red Ballroom

RCPA’s national partner associations ANCOR and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing will share their insights on national trends in policies and workforce. This year, we have seen an unusual amount of federal rules and policies changing, and it remains a challenge for organizations to stay current. Discussion will include a review of trends across the states in dealing with the challenges faced every day. We will also discuss the increasing use of technology in service delivery and the implementation of new payment methodologies, workforce trends, implementation of the HCBS Settings Rule, and the use of 14(c).