Included with registration:

• Full Conference Access
• General Sessions
• Workshops
• Awards Banquet and Chillbillies Costume & Dance Party Access

Included with registration:

• Full Conference Access
• General Sessions
• Workshops
• Awards Banquet and Chillbillies Costume & Dance Party Access
• Continuing Education Credits

Included with registration:

Monday Workshops - Continuing education credits available

• Ethics Training 
• Train the trainer on elder abuse response: best practices - Elder abuse protocols & reporting
• Situational Awareness
• Conservatorships in Tennessee – Substitute Decision Making - “What Can We Do Better?” 

Included with registration:

• General Sessions
• Workshops
• Lunch
• Awards Banquet and Chillbillies Costume & Dance Party Access
• Continuing Education Credits

Included with registration:

• General Sessions
• Workshops
• Lunch

Included with registration:

• General Sessions
• Workshops
• Lunch
• Awards Banquet and Chillbillies Costume & Dance Party Access
• Continuing Education Credits

Included with registration:

• General Sessions
• Workshops
• Lunch
• Continuing Education Credits

Awards will be presented alongside dinner and networking with partners and sponsors.

Join us after the Awards Banquet for a night of fun and celebration!

Enjoy live music by The Chillbillies, don your best festive attire, and dance the night away!

Please indicate whether you plan to attend the Awards Banquet and Chillbillies Costume & Dance Party

Please select this option if you plan to bring a plus one to the Awards Banquet and Chillbillies Costume & Dance Party

With your sponsorship you are invited to attend ....

Join us after the Awards Banquet for a night of fun and celebration!

Enjoy live music by The Chillbillies, don your best festive attire, and dance the night away!

Awards will be presented alongside dinner and networking with partners and sponsors.

Platinum Benefits

Exclusive Category Partner

4 Full Conference Registrations

Exhibitor Space (Table/Table cloth/2 Chairs)

Faculty Reception & Conference Event

VIP Table: Front of Room

Name/Logo on ALL Advertising

Opportunity to Speak for 5 minutes during Conference Event, introduce a Faculty Member or Facilitate a Workshop

Name/Logo on ALL Advertising

3 Full Conference Registrations

Exhibitor Space

Name/Logo on ALL Advertising

2 Full Conference Registrations

Exhibitor Space (Table/Table cloth/2 Chairs)

Name/Logo on ALL Advertising

1 Full Conference Registration

Exhibitor Space (Table/Table cloth/2 Chairs)

Company Information & Promotional Material in Conference Bags only

For Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze sponsorship levels, please let us know if you'd like a table.

Company Information & Promotional Material in Conference Bags only

Continuing Education credits for Attorneys

Continuing Education credits for Medical Professionals and other First Responders

Continuing Education credits for Law Enforcement

Continuing Education credits for Social Workers

Continuing Education credits for Public Guardians

Check this box if you or the person you are registering on behalf of is NOT attending

Danny Fay, Special Agent III, MFCD/Chattanooga, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

Situational Awareness is a course that is designed to teach participants the strategies and techniques for maintaining personal safety in various environments and circumstances.  Identifying possible threats and understanding physical cues will be discussed.  This course benefits anyone who is a public servant and works directly with the community in either a residential setting or within a facility. 

Danny Fay, Special Agent III, MFCD/Chattanooga, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

Situational Awareness is a course that is designed to teach participants the strategies and techniques for maintaining personal safety in various environments and circumstances.  Identifying possible threats and understanding physical cues will be discussed.  This course benefits anyone who is a public servant and works directly with the community in either a residential setting or within a facility. 

Carolyn Levy Gilliam, Attorney, McDonald, Levy, and Taylor

Bill Reeves, Attorney, Wise & Reeves???

James Hatler, Investigator, 27^th District Attorney General’s Office

This will be a multidisciplinary ethics training covering the ethical do's and don'ts of guardianships, conservatorships, and fiduciary agents. As well as the ethical obligations of civil and criminal elder abuse laws, mandatory reporting, how to report, and how for the two disciplinaries to work together. 

Carolyn Levy Gilliam, Attorney, McDonald, Levy, and Taylor

Bill Reeves, Attorney, Wise & Reeves???

James Hatler, Investigator, 27^th District Attorney General’s Office

This will be a multidisciplinary ethics training covering the ethical do's and don'ts of guardianships, conservatorships, and fiduciary agents. As well as the ethical obligations of civil and criminal elder abuse laws, mandatory reporting, how to report, and how for the two disciplinaries to work together. 

Amy Willoughby Bryant, Esq, NCG, Director, Office of Conservatorship Management, Metropolitan Govt. of Nashville and Davidson County

Penny Johnson, Program Coordinator, Tennessee ARC, Substitute Decision Making

Susan Mee, J.D., Attorney and Mediator, Susan Mee Law

Conservatorships are a necessary decision making tool of last resort. This session will review the conservatorship process from start to termination. It will also detail what we know and do not know about the overall scope of conservatorships across the state. It will provide information on best practices for conservators fulfilling their fiduciary responsibilities and how lawyers can protect their clients. This presentation will describe a model of managing conservatorships that has proven to be effective and detail how courts can develop programs of oversight of conservators by outlining how conservatorship management is done in Davidson County Tennessee.

Amy Willoughby Bryant, Esq, NCG, Director, Office of Conservatorship Management, Metropolitan Govt. of Nashville and Davidson County

Penny Johnson, Program Coordinator, Tennessee ARC, Substitute Decision Making

Susan Mee, J.D., Attorney and Mediator, Susan Mee Law

Understanding the least restrictive decision-making options and how to incorporate them is crucial to support greater independence and autonomy for a person with a disability. There is no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to decision-making support planning.  This session will provide legal and practical applications for evaluating for least restrictive decision-making supports, such as supported decision-making, powers of attorney, special needs trusts, etc. Attendees will learn how to incorporate best practices and tools for individuals with a disability, supporters, and professionals to support persons with a disability to retain as much decision-making autonomy as possible providing appropriate legal protections.

Train the trainer on elder abuse response: best practices

David S. Blevins, MA, FAEMS, CEM, CEMSI, NCEE, NR-P; Director EMS Education Programs, Roane State Community College; President, Tennessee Association of EMS Providers

This session will focus on the recognition of elder abuse and neglect in the prehospital environment. The unique ability for Emergency Medical Services providers to identify potential victims of elder abuse, neglect, or self-neglect will be discussed. Evidence based research findings in the area of elder abuse identification in the prehospital setting will be presented. Attendees will learn about types of abuse and will be able to identify the risk factors associated with abuse and neglect of elderly patients. This session will explore the concepts for supporting the victims of trauma, abuse, self-neglect, and domestic violence and provide best practices for supporting these victims.

Train the trainer on elder abuse response: best practices

Dr. Todd Heffern, MD, FACEP, FAEMS, NRP

Amelia Hamilton, Assistant District Attorney General, Office of the District Attorney General, 6th Judicial District

This session will focus on the treatment considerations for vulnerable geriatric patients who have sustained abuse or neglect. The physiological differences between adults and geriatric patients will be discussed. Challenges associated with interviewing and assessing patients in the prehospital environment who may have cognitive impairments will be explored in conjunction with addressing the complex care needs of the vulnerable geriatric patient. Attendees will learn the best practices for treatment and care of these vulnerable patients. Attendees will recognize that elder mistreatment victims have significantly increased mortality and are at higher risk for adverse health outcomes including depression disability hospitalization, and placement in nursing homes.

Train the trainer on elder abuse response: best practices

John M. Dabbs, Office of Emergency Medical Services, Regional Consultant Representative for the NE district of TN, EMS Consultant and Investigator for the Tennessee Department of Health

Amelia Hamilton, Assistant District Attorney General, Office of the District Attorney General, 6th Judicial District

This session will focus on the requirements mandated for EMS professionals to report suspected elder abuse and neglect. The laws regulating the reporting requirements reporting requirements will be discussed. Policies and procedures for addressing the management of elder abuse and neglect will be explored. The use and effectiveness of screening and assessments tools for the management of suspected geriatric abuse patients in the prehospital environment prehospital will be presented along with considerations for evidence preservation and documentation. The roles of the agencies and providers in working collaboratively with others to facilitate the care of these patients will be discussed.

Train the trainer on elder abuse response: best practices

John M. Dabbs, Office of Emergency Medical Services, Regional Consultant Representative for the NE district of TN, EMS Consultant and Investigator for the Tennessee Department of Health

David S. Blevins, MA, FAEMS, CEM, CEMSI, NCEE, NR-P; Director EMS Education Programs, Roane State Community College; President, Tennessee Association of EMS Providers

Dr. Todd Heffern, MD, FACEP, FAEMS, NRP

Dr. Corey Grayson, Ed.D., NRP, J.D. Candidate, ETAAAD Health Promotions Specialist, 2024 TNEJC Planning Committee

EMS providers frequently identify potential victims of elder abuse, neglect, and self-neglect, but there are significant challenges associated with the continued care for these patients. In this session, panelists will discuss the collaborative systemic approach warranted for the prevention and provision of care to these patients. Challenges and barriers to care will be discussed as well as the best practices for the future. Strategies to empower EMS providers, improve reporting, and address the systemic challenges of caring for the geriatric victims will be discussed.

Sarah Gustin, Program Administrator, The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA)

Ricky Esqivel, Project Assistant, The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA)

This engaging and interactive session will highlight The Elder Abuse Guide for Law Enforcement (EAGLE), a comprehensive and field-ready online resource designed to support officers in the detection of elder mistreatment. The session will address elder mistreatment risk factors, interventions, and community connections; forensic interviewing, including better practice approaches to interviewing older adults; an EAGLE Website Tour; and Interactive exercises and elder abuse scenarios. 

Sarah Gustin, Program Administrator, The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA)

Ricky Esqivel, Project Assistant, The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA)

This engaging and interactive session will highlight The Elder Abuse Guide for Law Enforcement (EAGLE), a comprehensive and field-ready online resource designed to support officers in the detection of elder mistreatment. The session will address elder mistreatment risk factors, interventions, and community connections; forensic interviewing, including better practice approaches to interviewing older adults; an EAGLE Website Tour; and Interactive exercises and elder abuse scenarios. 

Philip Gentile, US Postal Inspection Service

This session will equip attendees with crucial knowledge to recognize and combat various mail fraud schemes. The presentation will cover common scams, including romance, lottery, and work-from-home schemes, highlighting how criminals target and exploit older adults. Attendees will also learn about the latest methods used by scammers to drain retirement savings, along with practical prevention strategies to protect themselves and others from financial loss.

Vanessa Bryant, Vice President, First National Bank-Oneida, TN, Bank Secrecy Act Officer

Fraud/Scams affecting the elderly has increased exponentially over the past several years. This financial abuse affects everyone – rural and urban, impoverished and affluent. This workshop will give real life examples of fraud/scams seen in Tennessee communities and demonstrate how First National Bank has educated employees and their community to protect the elderly. 

Bill Reeves, Attorney, Wise and Reeves

Lynette Edwards, Attorney, ETHRA / ETAAAD Public Guardian

Amy Willoughby Bryant, Esq, NCG, Director, Office of Conservatorship Management, Metropolitan Govt. of Nashville and Davidson County

This workshop will take a step-by-step view of the conservatorship process and clarify common questions about conservatorship, including: Differences between conservatorship and power of attorney, the authority and responsibilities of a conservator, who can file, residency requirements for conservators, tailoring conservatorship for medical or financial needs, resources for new & existing conservators, & overview of the Public Guardianship for the Elderly Program. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the conservatorship process and the role of conservators.

Check this box if you or the person you are registering on behalf of is NOT attending

Aaron Bradley, Director, East Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability

This workshop provides an overview of the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging's initiatives, specifically focusing on the Aging initiatives of the new department and the implementation of the new Residential Home Licensure Law. The session aimed to equip stakeholders with the knowledge and resources necessary to adapt to these changes effectively. 

Dr. Stephen Sutton, Chief Death Investigator, Medical Examiner’s Office; Public Information Officer, Crockett County, TN Sheriff’s Office; Asst. Director, Crockett County Ambulance Service

Stephen will be presenting on several forensic cases of interest which occurred in his jurisdiction. Join him on this forensic journey as we investigate complicated elder deaths and “see the unseen” together. 

Annette Mendola, PhD, HEC-C, Director of Clinical Ethics, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Medical Center??

?

Suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a hospitalized elderly patient can generate a variety of ethical and practical concerns, including who should make medical decisions and where the patient should go after discharge from the hospital. This session will explore ways to navigate these concerns using case studies the ethics literature, and discussion. 

Check this box if you or the person you are registering on behalf of is NOT attending

In this course, students with be introduced to the transnational cybercrime organizations that target older adults. We will discuss the most common cybercrimes and online scams, to include the anatomy of an attack, investigative methods, and victim considerations. Students will also discuss cyber security recommendations that prevent or limit victimization.

Nick Christian, TBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC)

TBI Special Agent in Charge

Dr. Odacir Oliveira, Psychologist

In an age where technology and social interactions evolve rapidly, understanding the psychological tactics behind fraud and scams is crucial, especially for vulnerable populations such as older adults. This interactive workshop delves into the psychological principles that scammers exploit, revealing the cognitive biases and emotional triggers that make individuals susceptible to deception. This workshop aims to equip attendees with the knowledge and skills to educate individuals and cultivate resilience against fraud. 

James Hatler, Investigator, 27^th District Attorney General’s Office

As with any type of investigation, what can go wrong will go wrong. This presentation includes 1) basic concepts concerning vulnerable adult cases, 2) issues facing law enforcement when conducting these types of investigations, 3) what the District Attorney’s Office needs for successful prosecution, 4) the importance of communication between law enforcement and prosecutors throughout the investigative process. 

Check this box if you or the person you are registering on behalf of is NOT attending

Dr. Patricia Speck, Professor, Coordinator Advanced Forensic Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Using the General Session, Ageism and the Impact of Trauma on Older and Vulnerable Adults ,  presentation as a foundation, the breakout workshop asks participants to explore pseudo cases and their vulnerabilities to determine the potential for harm (neglect, self-neglect, financial abuse, physical, sexual, and/or other forms of maltreatment), and subsequent recommendations for follow up. Discussions include determining the caretaker’s and person’s capacity and competency for independence or care. The goal is to align providers with recognizing a serious risk of harm by determining what if any intervention is essential to reduce the risk of intentional injury and/or death. 

Mark Fetterhoff, Senior Advisor, AARP

Paul Greenwood, Greenwood LLC / AARP Board Member

This workshop will explore AARP's National Fraud Watch initiative, providing professionals with insights into emerging scams targeting older adults and effective prevention strategies. Attendees will gain knowledge on recognizing common fraud schemes and accessing resources to safeguard individuals from financial exploitation.

William D. Johnson, Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia

Adult Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Prosecutor

Heather Strickland, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Region Eleven Field Office

Each day, older adults and adults with disabilities are trafficked for their government benefits such as Social Security and Veteran’s benefits. Benefits trafficking is a new name for a variation on human trafficking. Recruitment by traffickers happens through legitimate means such as at hospitals, jails, mental health providers, homeless shelters, and licensed facilities. Vulnerable adults are targeted and promised care and services by predators who use coercion, false representation, and other means to gain control of the adults and the adults’ monthly benefits. The adults are often locked away, live in squalor and suffer abuse, neglect, and exploitation while operators drive luxury vehicles and make lavish personal purchases all on funds belonging to the adults.

This presentation will update steps Georgia has taken to identify and address this multifaceted issue using a multi-disciplinary approach engaging state, local and federal partners. Walk through an actual case with the prosecutor and learn how this case led to the development of ground-breaking laws along with best practices developed to address this new spin on an old crime.

Check this box if you or the person you are registering on behalf of is NOT attending

Andrea Bridges, Assistant District Attorney, 8th Judicial District

Anthony Veillon, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

This 1-hour presentation will provide an overview of an active case in which multiple APS referrals were made, law enforcement made contact, and the referrals were closed by APS and law enforcement.  It is meant to serve as a cautionary tale in recognizing coercion and undue influence before it’s too late.

While we cannot disclose specific names or details due to the case's pending status, we will thoroughly explore the key elements and implications of the investigation. This workshop aims to highlight the importance of recognizing and addressing coercion within the legal and law enforcement systems, offering insights into how enhanced training and awareness can make a difference. Join us to gain valuable knowledge that can help prevent similar injustices in the future.

Joanne Sheldon, Assistant District Attorney, Tennessee 4th Judicial District

In this workshop, participants will explore the intersection of gerontology and law, focusing on the unique challenges of prosecuting cases involving elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Drawing on gerontological principles, this session will emphasize understanding the physical, cognitive, and emotional vulnerabilities of older adults and how these factors impact the legal process. Attendees will learn effective strategies for building stronger cases, working with older victims, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. The session aims to equip legal professionals with tools to better protect elderly populations and achieve justice through a holistic, informed prosecution approach.

Paul Helton, TN Department of Human Services, Senior Associate Counsel,

Office of the General Counsel 

This informative workshop will focus on the laws that the Tennessee Department of Human Services, Adult Protective Services division, and other agencies use to protect vulnerable adults in Tennessee and what legal services DHS provides to these adults. We will actively discuss protective services, court actions, conservatorships, civil search warrants, subpoenas for financial records, and interagency cooperation as part of what APS does to protect vulnerable adults. 

Check this box if you or the person you are registering on behalf of is NOT attending

Bob Blancato, National Coordinator, Elder Justice Coalition

President - Matz, Blancato and Associates

In the realm of elder justice, proactive legislative advocacy is crucial for shaping policies and ensuring protections for older adults. Join us for an engaging workshop, where we will explore the essential strategies for cultivating and leveraging key relationships to advance your advocacy goals. Understand why building relationships with legislators, policymakers, and other influential stakeholders is vital for successful advocacy. Learn how these connections can enhance your influence and effectiveness.

Mac D. Heavener, III, Assistant United States Attorney, U.S. Attorney's Office Eastern District of Tennessee

Join us for an informative and engaging workshop that delves into the pressing issue of financial exploitation of older adults. As our population ages, the vulnerability of this demographic to financial abuse continues to rise, making it essential for professionals and community members to stay informed about the latest trends and prevention strategies. In this workshop, participants will gain a comprehensive overview of financial exploitation, including its definitions, common tactics used by perpetrators, and the psychological and emotional impact on victims. We will explore current data and highlight emerging trends in financial abuse, particularly in the context of technology and changing social dynamics. 

Kim Rush-King, Ed.S, LPC-MHSP Director of CIT, NAMI TN

There will be a discussion of what CIT is and how it will benefit caregivers who are taking care of the older population. This presentation will highlight strategies for this population. It will stress the importance of different ways to communicate and how congruency is the key to effective communication. 

Check this box if you or the person you are registering on behalf of is NOT attending

Do you plan to attend the Thursday morning General Session and conference wrap-up?

Paul Greenwood, Greenwood LLC, Former Deputy District Attorney General for San Diego County Elder Abuse Prosecution Unit Opening Remarks, Moderator

David Rausch, Director, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

Greg Gonzales, Commissioner, TN Department of Financial Institutions                                                    

Amy Heaslet, Executive Vice President, TN Bankers Association

Kim Bohannon, Chief Innovation Officer, TN Credit Union League

The Tennessee General Assembly passed legislation earlier in 2024 to establish a new 911 hotline resource at the TBI to assist financial institutions in Tennessee to improve their ability to combat the growing problem of elder financial exploitation. The concept is somewhat straight forward, in that, when a staff member at a bank or credit union identifies a suspicious transaction, they can call the TBI in real time to discuss the situation and decide together a plan of action. Allow the transaction to continue or delay the transaction pending a review / investigation. Members of the TBI along with the Commission of the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions along with staff from the Tennessee Bankers Association and the Tennessee Credit Union League will share details on how this works in Tennessee. 

Dr. Odacir Oliveira, Psychologist

Dr. Bonnie Olsen, Psychologist, Keck School of Medicine

We have a prominent member of the medical community presenting with a focus on the impact of cognitive impairment on financial decision making. Seems the research clearly shows that even in the early stages of dementia some of the judgement related to making good decisions about money are diminished. Looking for signs that may help individuals recognize some of these early signs, could lead to engagement and therefore more protection for someone who is starting to see decline and mismanaging money. 

Dr. Patricia Speck, Professor, Coordinator Advanced Forensic Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Explore the impact of ageism on the vulnerable adult and how the trauma reaction is sensory, often felt, but not controlled; hence, the adaptation to the sensation of fear with trust issues, and behaviors that work to reduce social contact and result in poor health outcomes and early death.

Bob Blancato, National Coordinator, US Elder Justice Coalition

Bill Benson, Special Policy Advisor, National Adult Protective Service Association

Lance Robertson, Director, Healthcare, Guidehouse / Former US Assistant Secretary for Aging

Paul Greenwood, Greenwood LLC / Former Deputy District Attorney General for San Diego County’s Elder Abuse Prosecution Unit

This session provides an essential overview of current trends, policy changes, and emerging issues impacting the field of elder justice across the United States. Get an in-depth analysis of new federal and state legislation affecting elder justice. Obtain a better understanding of the implications of recent laws, regulatory changes, and policy shifts on the protection and rights of older adults. This session will also discuss the latest research and data that highlight emerging challenges and opportunities for intervention. Explore forward-looking strategies and initiatives aimed at strengthening elder justice systems. This workshop is an invaluable opportunity for professionals, advocates, and stakeholders to stay updated on critical developments in the field of elder justice and to network with peers committed to safeguarding the rights and well-being of older adults. 

Paul Greenwood, Greenwood LLC, Moderator

Lance Robertson, Principal, Guidehouse / Former US Assistant Secretary for Aging

David Rausch, Director, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

This session is designed to galvanize participants into meaningful action by translating insights and discussions from the conference into tangible steps for advancing elder justice. Collaboratively identify critical issues and opportunities that require immediate attention and action. Explore strategies for leveraging existing networks and building new alliances to support your action plans. Connect with fellow attendees to share ideas, form partnerships, and collaborate on joint initiatives. Build a supportive network to enhance your efforts and sustain momentum. By the end of this workshop, you will depart with a clear roadmap for advancing elder justice, equipped with the tools, strategies, and support needed to turn your commitment into impactful action. Join us to transform knowledge into change and drive forward the mission of elder justice with renewed purpose and vigor.