houston-area

March Speaker: Debby Posso

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 21:52:40 GMT

SPEAKER: Debby Posso

Executive Director

Senior Rides and More

Keeping Seniors Moving, Nourished and Connected

Debby Posso joined Senior Rides and More in April 2007 as a part-time Volunteer Scheduler. She graduated from The University of St. Thomas (Houston) in 1986 with a BA in Political Science, has worked in the Office of the District Counsel of the Internal Revenue Service, as a paralegal at a large Houston law firm, and a legal secretary/assistant at a small Intellectual Property law firm. Shortly before the birth of her first son in 1993, she left the legal field to become a stay-at-home mom and community volunteer. Debby is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Houston; a volunteer for Tourette Syndrome Association of Texas, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science; was the 2007-2008 Volunteer Guild President of the Houston Museum of Natural Science and served on the HMNS Board of Trustees during that year. Through her service with the Junior League of Houston, Debby volunteered with BEAR (Be a Resource for Kids) – Harris County Children’s Protective Services, Aids Foundation Houston’s Stone Soup Pantry, and Texas Children’s Hospital Cancer Center.

In November 2013, Debby became the Executive Director at Senior Rides and More. She has worked with the Board in securing grants for Senior Rides so that its programs can continue to help senior citizens in the Houston and Fort Bend areas. During the last ten years, the Senior Rides budget has more than tripled as the cost of transportation, groceries, and personal care has skyrocketed.

Debby is passionate about working hand-in-hand with the Board of Directors to ensure the success and growth of Senior Rides and More.

February Speaker: Ann Marie McDonald MBA, M.Ed.

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 17:59:37 GMT

SPEAKER: Ann Marie McDonald MBA, M.Ed.

Alzheimer's Association

The Impact of Alzheimer’s and Dementia in Our Community

Ann Marie McDonald is the Chief Program Officer for the Houston & Southeast Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, where she oversees strategic development, implementation, and management of community programs and client services across 36 counties in Southeast Texas. With more than 15 years of experience in multiple roles within the Association, she is dedicated to educating communities about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Ann Marie holds master’s degrees in Business Administration (MBA) and Education (M.Ed.), and her areas of expertise include business communications, strategic planning, organizational development, project management, recruiting, mentoring, and training. She has also served as a media spokesperson for the Alzheimer’s Association on numerous occasions.

In addition to her leadership role, Ann Marie is an adjunct professor at Lone Star College–CyFair. She is committed to ensuring that programs and services effectively reach underserved and minority communities. She can be contacted at amcdonald1@alz.org.

January Speaker: Alan Rosen

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 23:28:32 GMT

SPEAKER: Alan Rosen

Constable

Harris County, Precinct 1

The Role and Duties of a Constable

Having worked in Law Enforcement for over 23 plus years, and with the Harris County Constable’s Office for over 14 of those years, Constable Alan Rosen’s training, education, and depth of experience makes him uniquely qualified to provide the leadership and management skills needed for the success and growth of the Precinct One Constable’s Office.A life-long Houstonian, Constable Rosen completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Houston, where he graduated with honors. He is deeply committed to keeping families safe, aggressively addressing crime issues and improving the quality of life for all residents of Precinct One.

Holiday Celebration with HGS and HACOC

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 17:59:40 GMT

LOCATION:

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at River Oaks

DATE:

Dec 9, 2025 from 5:30pm to 8pm CST

Please join us for a night of fun!

Join the Houston Gerontological Society and the Houston Area Continuity of Care organization in a joint holiday celebration! There will be door prizes, heavy appetizers, and cocktails. Valet parking will be available for those who register.

For HGS members, a suggested donation of $25 is requested per ticket, benefiting Second Servings. Second Servings is a local non-profit that helps fight hunger and eliminate food waste by donating perishable food directly to non-profits. More information can be found here: Second Servings of Houston

HACOC is collecting donations for the Houston Food Bank: Self-stable snacks, granola bars, crackers, trail mix, nuts, dried fruits, canned goods (low sodium, pull top preferred), meats, fruits, vegetables,pastas, beans, soups, toothpaste, toothbrush, feminine hygiene, deodorant, toilet paper.

November Speaker: Russell Klein, CAPS

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 18:14:12 GMT

SPEAKER: Russell Klein, CAPS

Technology Coach

RK Media Services

Are You Protecting Your Clients from Artificial Intelligence (A.I.)?

The conversations are everywhere: Was that image real? That ad? That email? Can we even trust what we see, hear, or read anymore?

Artificial Intelligence isn’t just generating content—it’s generating uncertainty. And older adults, even those who claim zero tech literacy or interest in high-tech devices, are increasingly exposed to it in ways that blur fact, fiction, and intent.

Before long, A.I. will shape seniors’ choices in medical, legal, and personal matters—sometimes through targeted manipulation, and sometimes simply because a “helpful” digital agent (computer) coached them with authoritative-sounding nonsense.

This session examines how A.I. reaches older adults through convincing images, voices, or personalized scams, and how misunderstandings of these systems’ limitations can draw even intentional users into actions that may not serve their best interests.

Join Russell Klein of RK Media Services for a fast-moving, interactive look at how A.I. is already shaping the world your clients live in, and what simple, smart conversations can assist them (and you) to stay a step ahead.

October Speaker: HACOC: Connect and Collaborate

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 17:40:44 GMT

HACOC: Connect and Collaborate

This is your chance to grow your network with like-minded professionals who share a passion for ensuring continuity of care for senior adults in the Houston region. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or new to the field, this semi-annual event offers the perfect opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and stay current in the ever-evolving healthcare industry.

September Speaker: Silvia Goodman

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 16:21:28 GMT

SPEAKER: Silvia Goodman

Territory Specialist

ReSkin Medical Wound Care

We Take it Personal, ReSkin Medical Your Trusted Wound Care Partner - Because Wounds Happen

Silvia Goodman is a highly accomplished Senior Account Executive at ReSkin Medical Wound Care, where she specializes in educating clients on effective wound care management to facilitate superior healing outcomes. She excels as both a client advocate and patient liaison, providing consultative support that ensures top-tier service satisfaction.

Silvia's professional background is diverse, with experience spanning multiple industries. Before her current role in healthcare sales, she focused on healthcare recruitment and retention, home health provider services, and media marketing and advertising. This broad expertise allows her to bring a unique perspective to her work. Driven by a strong sense of passion and purpose, Silvia is dedicated to delivering managed results in every client interaction. She takes personal responsibility for sharing the impactful work and positive outcomes of ReSkin Medical, understanding that quality healthcare is deeply personal, especially when it involves a loved one in need.

August Speaker: Abigail Wright

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 15:59:21 GMT

SPEAKER: Abigail Wright

RPh, PharmD, BCGP, MS Founder

Wright Geriatric Consulting

Better Together: Supporting Medication Safety Across the Healthcare Continuum

Abigail Wright, RPh, PharmD, BCGP, MS is a consultant pharmacist and the founder of Wright Geriatric Consulting. With a PharmD from the University of Houston and both a BS and MS from Rice University, Abigail brings a strong foundation in clinical care and health policy to her work. She is a Board-Certified Geriatric Pharmacist and an Age-Friendly Health Systems Champion through the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists. Abigail partners with healthcare providers across care settings to promote safe, coordinated, and person-centered medication use—especially during transitions of care. Through her integration of the 4Ms framework (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility), she supports improved outcomes, regulatory compliance, and quality of life for older adults. Abigail is also a dedicated preceptor and advocate for collaborative care that puts patients and families at the center of decision-making.

July Speaker: Dr. Brian Lepow

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 18:49:01 GMT

SPEAKER: Dr. Brian Lepow

Chief of Podiatry, Director of Clinical Operations

HOPE Vascular and Podiatry

The Toe and Flow Model for Multidisciplinary Care of the Diabetic and Senior population

Dr. Brian Lepow is a native Houstonian. He graduated from Westbury High School and attended the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. He earned his medical degree from Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine in Miami, Florida. Dr. Lepow completed his surgical residency training at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, where he served as chief resident in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery.

Following completion of his residency program he served as Fellow in Diabetic Limb Salvage and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Arizona. In addition, Dr. Lepow held an academic appointment in the department of surgery at the University of Arizona College of Medicine.

It was during his fellowship that Dr. Lepow became acutely aware of the need for early diagnosis and formation of aggressive treatment plans in diabetics with lower extremity complications.

Dr. Lepow is a highly experienced Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) with an extensive background in podiatric medicine and surgery specializing in Limb Preservation. Currently he serves as, Chief of Podiatry and Director of Clinical Operations at HOPE Vascular and Podiatry in Houston, Texas. In addition, Dr. Lepow has served as an Assistant Professor at the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, demonstrating his commitment to medical education and clinical expertise. His diverse roles in academia, clinical practice, and leadership underscore his dedication to advancing podiatric patient care.

In his free time Dr. Lepow enjoys spending time with his wife and 3 sons as well as traveling, participating in outdoor activities and exploring the growing Houston community.

June Speaker: Christopher Hunt

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 17:24:33 GMT

SPEAKER: Christopher Hunt

Founder & CEO

MedVendor

Modernizing Care Coordination: A Smarter Way to Connect Healthcare

Christopher Hunt is the Founder and CEO of MedVendor, an innovative B2B SaaS platform revolutionizing how healthcare professionals connect with post-acute care providers. With a deep background in digital health, business development, and healthcare navigation, Christopher created MedVendor to eliminate referral inefficiencies and support faster, smarter patient discharges—without system integration or IT burden. His work empowers hospitals, discharge planners, and providers with a real-time, no-cost solution that improves care coordination, expands access, and enhances patient outcomes.

May Speaker: Christy Medlin

Thu, 15 May 2025 17:26:31 GMT

SPEAKER: Christy Medlin

Market Director of Strategy and Integration

PAM Health Rehab Hospitals: Houston

Post-Acute Care: Criteria and Outcomes

Christy is a nurse with 25 years of experience in acute and post-acute care settings in the Houston area. With extensive knowledge of the care continuum, she will be speaking on post-acute levels of care, highlighting criteria for appropriate placement and transitions to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

April Speaker: James Morrison

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 19:14:00 GMT

SPEAKER: James Morrison

Cyber Security for Seniors

James Morrison is the Senior Director for Security Programs for Intelisys, a ScanSource company. He joined Intelisys in May 2022 after working as a Chief Information Security Officer and Distinguished Technologist - Cyber Security at Ntirety and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). Prior to working at HPE, James spent 22 years with the FBI as a Senior Computer Scientist, focused on cyber security. He worked on numerous national security and criminal intrusion investigations, as an active Cyber Security Expert, identifying security vulnerabilities and implementing solutions. He was a Regional Program Manager for the FBI Computer Science program and Adjunct Faculty Member for the FBI, teaching multiple classes at Quantico and internationally. Prior to his career in the FBI, James was an engineer for Lockheed Martin and a System Administrator the US Air Force at Schriever AFB and Clark AB, RP.

March Speaker: Houston Area Continuity of Care (HACOC) is bringing together the best in healthcare, senior care, and community resources for an incredible March Networking Event!

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 16:08:11 GMT

Houston Area Continuity of Care (HACOC) is bringing together the best in healthcare, senior care, and community resources for an incredible March Networking Event!

This is your chance to connect, collaborate, and grow your network with like-minded professionals who are passionate about continuity of care in Houston. Whether you're a seasoned expert or new to the industry, this event is the perfect opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and stay ahead in the field!

February Speaker: Barbara Bronstein

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 18:30:13 GMT

SPEAKER: Barbara Bronstein

Second Servings Helps Seniors Fighting Hunger, Ending Waste

A New York-native, Barbara Bronstein has called Houston home for over 40 years. After graduating from Tufts University, she earned an MBA in Marketing from New York University. After a successful career marketing some of America's leading brands for Unilever, Mars, and Coca-Cola, Barbara founded Second Servings. Under her pro bono leadership, Second Servings has become one of the city’s fastest-growing nonprofits.

Barbara has been honored with the City of Houston’s “Hadassah Women Who Do” proclamation, Houston Woman Magazine’s “Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women” Award, the Houston Business Journal’s “Women Who Mean Business” Award, the “Mayor’s Proud Partner” Award, the Houston Humanitarian Award, the “Compassionate Action Leader” Award, and was named a “Houston Hero” by the Houston Chronicle.

January Speaker: Rhonda Minardi

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 23:07:56 GMT

SPEAKER: Rhonda Minardi

The Impact Of Pet Caregiving On Seniors: Understanding And Support

The benefits of owning a cat or dog for individuals over 60 have been extensively researched. Pets provide emotional and physical benefits to senior citizens. However, caring for a cat or dog can become more challenging as people age. Recognizing the signs of pet caregiving struggles is crucial, as this understanding can make a significant difference, helping seniors feel understood and validated in their experiences.

Since 2020, Living Grace Canine Ranch, a nonprofit in Central Texas, has been pioneering innovative programs to enhance the quality of life for aging pet parents and their lifelong canine companions. Rhonda Minardi, the founder and executive director of LGCR, will emphasize the importance of a professional caregiver relationship that benefits senior clients and their beloved companions.

November Speaker: Tacara Soones, MD MPH

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 16:21:02 GMT

SPEAKER: Tacara Soones, MD MPH

The Medicare GUIDE Model Explained: A New Initiative For Comprehensive, Coordinated Dementia Care

Dr. Tacara Soones is a board-certified internist and geriatrician with a passion for developing innovative healthcare programs that allow older adults and their family members to spend more quality time together and less time thinking about healthcare. She completed her undergraduate studies at Harvard University, attended medical school and public health school at Columbia University, and pursued her internal medicine residency and geriatric medicine fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco. She has been practicing in the Houston area for over seven years and has a particular interest in models that move healthcare out of brick-and-mortar buildings and into patients' homes, such as telemedicine, hospital-at-home programs, and housecalls.

September Speaker: Judith Joseph, OTR, MA, CDRS

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 23:03:02 GMT

SPEAKER: Judith Joseph, OTR, MA, CDRS

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Geriatric Care

Judith Joseph has been the Executive Director of the Texas Occupational Therapy Association since 2017. She worked in outpatient neuro-rehab for ten years until June 2020. She has been an ADED Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist since 2013 and developed the clinical driving evaluation program at Houston Methodist.

Judi obtained a BS in OT from Western Michigan University and a Post Professional MA from Texas Woman’s University. She has been an OT for more years than she cares to admit but if you need to count, 39 years have passed. Judi is currently an adjunct faculty member at San Jacinto College, OTA program in Houston, TX.

My personal philosophy is “you should have at least one good laugh a day, even if it’s at yourself”.

August Speaker: Angie Galatas BCPA, MA CCC/SLP

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 16:23:02 GMT

SPEAKER: Angie Galatas BCPA, MA CCC/SLP

The Power of Patient Advocacy: The Role of Speech Language Pathologist in Cognitive Care and Patient Advocacy

Angie Galatas is a Board Certified Patient Advocate. She has worked in the healthcare field for over 30 years as a former Speech-Language Pathologist. Her specialities include guidance and assistance with adults who suffer from chronic disease including stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, head and neck cancer, cancer, autoimmune diseases and medical billing. Angie is also an advocate on disease prevention. She is passionate about educating you so you are more informed about your healthcare decisions.

July Speaker: Shonah Jefferson

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 15:47:19 GMT

SPEAKER: Shonah Jefferson

Sweet Choices: Navigating the Glycemic Index of Your Favorite Sweeteners

Shonah P. Jefferson, Owner and Executive Chef

Chefs for Seniors – North and Southeast Houston Metro

Shonah Jefferson began her culinary career at the tender age of 11 – by helping her dad at his local Houston restaurant. After spending many years in business and as a practicing attorney, she returned to her culinary roots by managing the family restaurant for a few years while obtaining a degree in Culinary Arts from San Jacinto College.

Shonah has always had an interest in giving back to others because “to whom much is given, much is required.” Being a Chefs For Seniors owner and personal chef gives her an opportunity to “do well by doing good” and to combine her love of people, business and the culinary arts. She and her team of talented chefs serve the seniors of the North and Southeast Houston Metro areas.

June Speaker: Robyn Horn

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 18:05:23 GMT

SPEAKER: Robyn Horn

HOW SENIORS DEFINE QUALITY OF LIFE

Robyn Horn is the founder of H.I.S. Cornerstone, a CEU provider. She has her Master's degree in Gerontology and served as both a licensed nursing home and Alzheimer’s assisted living administrator. Robyn has facilitated several caregiver support groups in facility and community settings and published a book Transforming the Mundane into Sacred: Spirituality in Caregiving for the Elderly where she shares her journey to finding spiritual purpose and fulfillment in caring for the elderly and their caregivers.

May Speaker: Katie Scott, MPH

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 18:56:16 GMT

SPEAKER: Katie Scott, MPH

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN HEALTHCARE AND SOCIAL SERVICES…

Supporting Caregivers’ Physical And Mental Health While Accommodating Their Loved Ones’ Needs, Interests, And Abilities.

Founded in 1986, CarePartners is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization providing high-quality care for older adults and people with dementia, as well as their caregivers.

Bio: Katie Scott, MPH is the President of CarePartners, a nonprofit organization that provides care, education, and support to older adults and their families. She is a proud Rice University alum and holds a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Texas School of Public Health. Katie has worked in health-related nonprofit programs for nearly 20 years, and she is committed to developing quality programming and innovative interventions for individuals and families to improve their wellness and quality of life. Katie has directed a dementia specific adult day center, developed nationally recognized dementia case management and caregiver support programs, and led multiple federally funded projects focused on improving the community's response to people with dementia and their caregivers. Outside of the office, Katie enjoys traveling, hiking and baking with her husband and two children.

April Speaker: Merhnaz Gill, M.S.G

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Wed, 08 May 2024 15:59:50 GMT

Merhnaz Gill, M.S.G

Mehrnaz S. Gill is the Clinical Training and Faith Care Connection Manager at Amazing Place. She has a Master of Science degree in Gerontology from Baylor University and for the past 30 years has devoted her time both professionally and personally to causes that relate to the elderly and their well-being. Mehrnaz has an expertise in multidisciplinary and intergenerational education and training. For 23 years she managed and developed geriatric/gerontology specific educational programs for the Huffington Center on Aging and Texas Consortium of Geriatric Education Centers at Baylor College of Medicine. She has served as a presenter at local and national meetings including the American Society on Aging Conference and The Governor’s Conference on Aging.

Meet Our Event Speaker

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 22:01:56 GMT

Houston Area Continuity of Care Conference

TOPIC: HAPS 101 & Research Updates

Dr. Maggie Abbott, PT, DPT

Houston Area Parkinson Society (HAPS)

Houston Area Parkinson Society (HAPS) is a non-profit organization that services, educates, and advocates for those affected by Parkinson’s disease in our community. Founded in 1974, HAPS is one of the oldest independent, local Parkinson’s disease social service organizations in the United States.

Learn about the comprehensive social services HAPS offers, free of charge, to the eight counties in the metropolitan Houston area, and how you can refer someone to get involved in the organization. HAPS sees a world in which all affected by Parkinson’s have the hope and confidence and support needed to live life to its fullest.

About Our Speaker

Dr. Maggie Abbott, PT, DPT has a background practicing physical therapy for 13 years in Texas in outpatient, acute, home health settings, and in assisted living and independent living facilities. Dr. Abbott graduated with a BS in Kinesiology from The University of Texas at Austin and received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Texas Woman’s University in 2010. She has worked with the non-profit organization Houston Area Parkinson Society (HAPS) since 2015 as a group exercise instructor and worked on staff since 2019. Dr. Abbott is also an adjunct professor at Texas Woman’s University School of Physical Therapy in Houston, an LSVT BIG certified clinician, and a member of the American Physical Therapy Association. When she isn’t working, you can find her singing in her church choir and enjoying life on Galveston Island with her family.

What can we do about Alzheimer’s disease? A neurologist perspective.

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 22:54:09 GMT

May HACOC presentation with Dr. Masdeu

What can we do about Alzheimer’s disease? A neurologist perspective.

Biographical Sketch of Joseph C. Masdeu, MD, PhD

Joseph C. Masdeu, MD, PhD is the director of the Nantz National Alzheimer Center at the Houston Methodist Hospital and is a professor of Neurology at Cornell University. He has been a professor of neurology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, in New York, and Chairman of Neurology at the New York Medical College. He is the author of 147 peer-reviewed papers, 61 book chapters, and of seven books, including “Localization in Clinical Neurology,” now in its 7 ^th edition. His research centers on developing new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia.

HACOC Presents Roberta Levy Schwartz, Ph.D., FACH

orders@agencydesigns.com (Design Support) — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 22:54:09 GMT

Roberta Levy Schwartz, Ph.D., FACH

TUESDAY, MARCH 16th @ 11:30 a.m.

Roberta Levy Schwartz, Ph.D., FACH,

Executive Vice President

Chief Innovation Officer

Houston Methodist Hospital

Methodist Hospital is one of the Texas Medical Center’s founding institutions. Roberta is responsible for overseeing all operations at the 952-bed hospital, which has been named by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 hospital in Texas for nine straight years and has also been named to the publication’s prestigious “Honor Roll” of America’s best 20 hospitals four times. In her role as chief innovation officer, Roberta is responsible for advancing and expanding Houston Methodist’s digital innovation platforms, including telemedicine, artificial intelligence and big data. Prior to joining Houston Methodist, Roberta worked as director of business development for Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, as a consultant and project manager to several academic medical centers for APM/Computer Sciences Corporation, and for CMS (HCFA). Roberta earned a Masters in Health Science from Johns Hopkins University and an honors undergraduate degree from Barnard College at Columbia University. She has a Ph.D. from the University of Texas School of Public Health. Roberta is involved in many non-profit organizations such as Lifegift OPO, Robert M. Beren Academy and the UOS Synagogue, Young Survival Coalition and many breast cancer organizations. Roberta has been recognized nationally for her professional and non-profit work.