CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
12:00 - 1:00 PM LUNCH
1:00 - 1:15 PM WELCOME AND KICKOFF
1:15 - 2:15 PM KEYNOTE SESSION | Leaders Who CARE, Change Everything | Gaelin Elmore
The CARE Model has inspired tens of thousands of leaders across the continent through simple challenges. The simple challenge is to be Compassionate, Authentic, Resilient, and Empowering leaders. Which quality do you need to CARE about more?
2:15 - 2:35 PM BREAK (20 MINUTES)
2:35 - 3:35 PM GENERAL SESSION | Creating Environments of Belonging | Gaelin Elmore
3:35 - 3:45 PM BREAK (10 MINUTES)
3:45 - 4:45 PM Executive Leadership | BREAKOUT SESSION | Making the Case for Hope – Opportunities in Place Based Strategies for Care | Dr Crystallee Crain
3:45 - 4:45 PM Program & Practice Leadership | BREAKOUT SESSION | A Leading with Heart: Authentic Leadership in Today’s Non-Profit World | Alisa Otto
5:15–7:00 PM Snack & Dips, Bar & Crystal Coaster Alpine Slide – Enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres under the mountain-view tent, then head to the Loki chairlift for VIP access to the Alpine Slide with unlimited rides.
7:00 PM | Group Photo – We'll capture the moment next to the Lodge Mountain View Pavillon Tent.
7:00–8:30 PM BBQ Dinner & Networking – Relax, reconnect, and network over a delicious BBQ dinner.
Theme: Wear Your Agency Branded Apparel! – Come dressed in your agency's branded attire or colors or join the Federation team by wearing Royal Blue!
Thursday, September 11, 2025
7:45 – 8:45 AM BREAKFAST
9:00 – 10:30 AM KEYNOTE SESSION | Opportunities to Do Good | Jerry Milner & David Kelly | Family Justice Group
We will discuss opportunities in the current social services environment to impact families, children and communities in positive ways. We will share examples of successful private sector and public/private efforts to build community-driven family support networks that help families to be strong and adaptive.
10:30 - 10:50 AM BREAK (20 MINUTES)
10:50 – 11:50 AM GENERAL SESSION | Nonprofit AI: Distinguishing between hype, harm and hope | Lauri Goldkind, PhD, Professor, Graduate School of Social Service, Fordham
11:55 AM -12:45 PM LUNCH
12:55 – 2:25 PM GENERAL SESSION | Children's Services Administration Updates: The Future is Now | Demetrius Starling, Senior Deputy Director for the Children’s Services Administration
MDHHS MODERATED PANEL | Partnering for Impact: Collaboration and Community Engagement | Moderated by Janet Reynolds Snyder, President/CEO, Michigan Federation for Children and Families
PANEL | Demetrius Starling, Senior Deputy Director for the Children’s Services Administration | Patricia Neitman, MS LLP, Bureau Director (she/hers), Bureau of Children’s Coordinated Health, Policy, and Supports | Jennifer Wrayno, BSC 5 Director
2:25 – 2:35 PM BREAK (10 minutes)
2:35 – 3:35 PM Executive Leadership | BREAKOUT SESSION | Future-Ready Leadership: AI-Enhanced Tools for Multigenerational Strategy, Self-Awareness, and Impact | Erica Curry Vanee
2:35 – 3:35 PM Program & Practice Leadership | BREAKOUT SESSION | A Youth-Centered Approach to Reimagining Programs and Services | Jean K. Elder | Elizabeth Wynter | Bryanna Harlan J.K. Elder & Associates
3:35 - 6:00 PM BREAK
6:00 PM Networking & Photos – Mix, mingle, and strike a pose at our step-and-repeat backdrop with a photographer on hand.
6:30 PM Dinner – Buffet dinner with plenty of time to chat and catch up.
8:00–9:30 PM Trivia Night – Grab up to 10 teammates for our classic pub-style trivia competition! A Federation favorite for many years, this fun, fast-paced event is fiercely competitive.
Friday, September 12, 2025
7:45 – 8:45 AM BREAKFAST
9:00 - 10:00 AM GENERAL SESSION | Mindful Leadership: Cultivating Resilience, Well-Being, and Focus in Your Team | Dr. Danyell Taylor-White
10:00 - 10:15 AM BREAK (15 MINUTES)
10:15 - 11:00 AM GENERAL SESSION | 'Ted Talk' Style Presentations answering, What is your big idea in action?
11:00 - 11:15 AM BREAK (15 MINUTES)
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM CLOSING KEYNOTE SESSION | Strategy for Turbulent Markets: Keeping Your Plan on Top of Market Changes | Elizabeth Carey
The human service industry is facing an era of uncertainty. Shifting policies, evolving payer models, workforce shortages, and rising service demands create a volatile landscape that can challenge even the most established organizations. How can human service leaders not just survive—but thrive—in this environment? This session will provide practical, real-world strategies that organizations can implement to remain financially stable, expand access to care, and continue delivering high-quality services in an unpredictable market. We will explore proven approaches that have helped organizations weather market turbulence sharing tools and examples from real situations.
12:15 PM CONFERENCE WRAP UP | ADJOURN | BOX LUNCH TO GO
Crystal Conference Center