VCPEA Conference Agenda At-A Glance
*Please note the agenda will continue to be updated.
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
12:00 - 3:00 PM: Registration & Check Out Exhibits! - Grand Ballroom Foyer
1:15 - 1:45 PM: Orientation for Scholarship Recipients - Pearl Salon I
Exhibits (Open throughout Conference) - Grand Ballroom III-V
2:00 - 3:15 PM: Breakout Sessions (Choose One)
Workshop A: “Hoarding - The Basics” - Pear Ballroom II & III: Sooner or later every first responder will encounter a hoarded environment. The sights and smells are overwhelming and you may not know how to respond. We’ll discuss what Hoarding Disorder is, what causes it, why it's important to address it, its dangers, and tips and techniques to help the client. Presented by Maria Spetalnik, Maria Spetalnik LLC, Conquer the Clutter
Workshop B: “Do You Believe in Miracles? How to Tear Down Silos to Build Collaboration” - Pearl Ballroom I : Someone once said, “Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success.” While most of us appreciate the value of collaboration, we also recognize that it doesn’t come easily and requires significant effort. Some might even say it takes a miracle to achieve true collaboration. So, how do we break down silos and work successfully together? In this training, protective services caseworkers will learn how to foster collaboration within their scope of influence and work environment. Presented by Donna Creager, Temple University
Workshop C: “Elder Financial Abuse - Through The Eyes Of The Predator”- Grand Ballroom I & II:: In 2023, AARP estimated the annual cost of elder financial abuse (EFA) at approximately $28.3 billion. Our Center examines EFA through the ""eyes of the predator"" and provides education on how to detect and prevent financial attacks on vulnerable seniors. Presented by John R. Schwartz, Center for Combatting Elder Financial Abuse
Workshop D: “Interviewing Is Not ‘One Size Fits All’ - Part I- Blue Point Room “Interviewing Is Not ‘One Size Fits All’ - Part I”: Interviewing isn’t just about asking questions; it’s about asking the right questions, at the right time, in the right way. Interview with the purpose of gathering factual information in a supportive, non-leading, and developmentally appropriate manner. This workshop will help you turn your list of questions into meaningful conversations utilizing research based forensic interview techniques and question types. Presented by Lanis Geluso, Sergeant, Virginia Beach Police Department, Detective Bureau, Special Victims Unit
3:30 - 4:45 PM: Breakout Sessions (Choose One)
Workshop E: “Interviewing Is Not ‘One Size Fits All’ - Part II - Blue Point Room: Interviewing isn’t just about asking questions; it’s about asking the right questions, at the right time, in the right way. Interview with the purpose of gathering factual information in a supportive, non-leading, and developmentally appropriate manner. This workshop will help you turn your list of questions into meaningful conversations utilizing research based forensic interview techniques and question types. resented by Lanis Geluso, Sergeant, Virginia Beach Police Department, Detective Bureau, Special Victims Unit
Workshop F: "Reframing Aging: How and Why to Change the Way We Talk About Older Adults” - Pearl Ballroom I: We are all aging. Yet the language we use can hinder our efforts to prevent elder abuse and drive effective policy change. Learn how to reframe your communications in your personal and professional lives to make a real difference. Presented by Donya Lynn Currie, National Council on Aging
Workshop G: “When I’m 64”: Discussion of Financial Crimes Committed Against Aging Parents” - Grand Ballroom I & II: In this high energy session, Alison Martin will walk the learners through the particular pitfalls of prosecuting cases where children commit financial exploitation against their parents. Presented by Alison Martin, J.D, Henrico County
Workshop H: “Everything Everywhere, All At Once: How to Advocate In a Time of Uncertainty” - Pearl Ballroom II & III: Presented by Emily Hardy, Virginia Poverty Law Center
6:00 PM: Networking at Cove Tavern - 711 Town Center Dr, Newport News, VA 23606
Drinks and food on your own.
Thursday, May 15, 2025
7:30 - 9:00 AM: Continental Breakfast - Grand Ballroom I & II
8:00 - 10:30 AM: Registration - Grand Ballroom Foyer
9:00 - 9:30 AM: Welcome Address - Grand Ballroom I & II
Welcome by Howard Gwynn, Commonwealth Attorney of Newport News
9:30 - 11:15 AM: Opening Session - Grand Ballroom I & II
“Compassionate Caregiving” presented by Lisa Marshall: Lisa Marshall’s husband Peter passed away 12/26/21 from Early on-set Alzheimer’s at the age of 56. She shared her raw and transparent view with the world as they struggled down the road of demise, educating and enlightening those on the same journey.
11:45 - 1:15 PM: Luncheon followed by Special Presentations & Prize Drawings - Grand Ballroom I & II
Welcome by Bill Massey, CEO, Peninsula Area Agency on Aging
Presentation of the Helen C. Napps Award of Excellence
1:30 - 3:00 PM: Breakout Sessions (Choose One)
Workshop I: “If You’re Not into Yoga: Strategic Interventions to Prevent Burnout” -Pearl Ballroom I: Many, if not all protective service workers do this work because they want to help people. What happens when the helpers need help? Who helps the helpers? This training will give practical and effective strategies to help reduce compassion fatigue and build compassion resilience to prevent burnout. Presented by Donna Creager, Temple University
Workshop J: "Elder Justice Shelter Innovation: Lessons in Communication, Collaboration, and Cooperation" - Grand Ballroom I & II:: Richmond has seen the number of older adults seeking homeless services nearly double in the last six years. This staggering increase prompted the creation of an elder justice shelter model that aims to bring wrap-around services to older adults experiencing abuse. This workshop will offer insights into the development process. Presented by Gigi Amateau and Aisling Clardy, Virginia Commonwealth University
Workshop K: “Lisa's Lookback: A Conversation on Early Onset Alzheimer’s” - Blue Point Room: Join us for an intimate and insightful session with keynote speaker Lisa Marshall, who shares her journey as a caregiver for her late husband, Peter, who passed away at the age of 56 from Early-onset Alzheimer’s. In this open forum, Lisa offers transparency and honesty, providing a unique perspective to those navigating the challenges of dementia. This is an opportunity to gain valuable insights into the realities of Early Onset Alzheimer’s, with 60 minutes dedicated to an open Q&A session, followed by a 30-minute book signing of her memoir, Oh Hello Alzheimer’s. Presented by Lisa Marshall
Workshop L: “Stalking and Older Adults” - Pearl Ballroom II & III: This session examines stalking in the context of elder abuse – its prevalence, dynamics, implications, and resources available for survivors. As a result of this session, attendees will be better able to recognize stalking behavior, understand how stalking impacts older adults, and identify resources to improve their response to stalking. Presented by Dana Fleitman, Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center
3:15 - 4:45 PM: Breakout Sessions (Choose One)
Workshop M: “Beyond Alzheimer’s: Vulnerability in Other Dementias” - Pearl Ballroom I: This session will help participants understand distinct vulnerabilities that can heighten the risk of abuse and exploitation for people living with non-Alzheimer’s dementias (such as Lewy body dementia). Presented by George Worthington, DARS
Workshop N: “Addressing the Needs of Perpetrators as a Method of Increasing APS Client Safety” - Grand Ballroom I & II:: This workshop will explore research on what we know about elder abuse perpetrators, take a “not all perpetrators are alike” stance and explore what that means for interventions, and look at several collaborative programs that align with clients’ preferences and decrease offending, consequently increasing safety for APS clients and the community. Presented by Shelly Jackson, Department of Justice
Workshop O: “Hidden in Plain Sight – Uncovering Undue Influence” - Blue Point Room: Undue influence is often hidden and can only be uncovered if professionals can identify it, address it, and explain it to others. Whether you are a mandated reporter, APS professional, law enforcement professional, or prosecutor, this workshop has the potential to improve outcomes for victims and potentially save their lives. - Presented by Jordan Matthew Ford, J.D, and Nancy Warren, North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys
Workshop P: “Everything Everywhere, All At Once: How to Advocate In a Time of Uncertainty” - Pearl Ballroom II & III: Presented by Emily Hardy, Virginia Poverty Law Center
5:15 PM: Networking Reception - Grand Ballroom III-V
Friday, May 16, 2025
7:00 - 7:30 AM: Yoga on the Green (in front of hotel) *Bring your own mat
7:30 - 9:00 AM: Continental Breakfast - Grand Ballroom
9:15 - 10:45 AM: Breakout Sessions (Choose One)
Workshop Q: "First Ever Federal Regulations for Adult Protective Services (APS): Is Virginia Ready?" - Pearl Ballroom I: In June 2024, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) issued regulations to elevate best practices and bring consistency to APS programs nationwide. For years, APS programs have operated under state laws and regulations with no oversight from the federal government. What will federal regulations mean for APS and its service population? Presented by Paige McCleary, DARS
Workshop R: “Strangulation in the Older Adult” - Blue Point Room: Elder physical abuse is often undetected and unreported. While physical abuse in the older adult may take many forms, strangulation carries increased risk for homicide. Physical examination findings are often mistaken for normal sequelae of aging, medications or underlying disease processes. Evaluation of findings requires evaluating the history of the reported event, knowledge of the normal aging process, understanding injury pathophysiology, recognizing abnormal findings, and assessing the patient’s functional status. After attending the presentation, the participant will be able to identify injuries concerning for strangulation and discuss care considerations in the older adult with strangulation. Presented by Melissa Harper, MSN, APRN, SANE-A, SANE-P, AFN-C, Coordinator, Ultra Health PEDS Forensic Nursing; Forensic Nurse, SAFE Center of SWVA
Workshop S: “Hoarding Community Response Teams” - Pearl Ballroom II & III: Because hoarding is a complex behavioral problem that creates a dangerous living situation to the individual(s) involved, it often requires a multidisciplinary response. A hoarding community response team ensures a coordinated response and a compassionate approach to hoarding. Presented by Stephanie Edwards, York-Poquoson Social Services
11:00 – 12:30 PM Closing Session- Grand Ballroom
“Caring For Me” presented by Cathy DeVore: Join Cathy DeVore for an engaging presentation on self-care. Working in the human services field often means putting yourself on the backburner. Sharing her wisdom from working for 43 years in the field of social work, Cathy will teach attendees how to destress and take time to care for themselves.
12:30 – 1:00 PM Final Thoughts and Prize Drawings - Grand Ballroom
