Jeff Smith has over 30 years of experience in healthcare policy and management specializing in providing strategic and financial consulting services for health reform planning initiatives and public-sector programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and national health insurers. He has assisted 11 states with the design, development, implementation, and operation of their Medicaid managed care programs, including waiver development and submission, capitation rate certification, health plan procurement, reinsurance design, and financial oversight. Jeff designed, developed, and operated Medicaid risk adjustment programs in 10 states and worked with CMS and the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (CCIIO) on Medicaid and Affordable Care Act (ACA) projects.  Prior to joining HMA, Jeff was a principal in Mercer’s Government Human Services Consulting practice, served as vice president of finance for United Healthcare’s Medicaid line of business, was the state practice leader for The Lewin Group, and was a specialist leader at Deloitte Consulting.

Helena Whitney effectively bridges the policy and the politics of healthcare with her combination of public health, legislative affairs, and community outreach experience. Her areas of expertise include U.S. – Mexico border health, immigration, the social determinants of health, culturally responsive care, behavioral health integration, and delivery system transformation.  Previously, she served as a senior health and human services policy advisor at the Arizona Legislature for over nine years with a focus on budgeting, healthcare, and social services.  Prior to joining HMA, Helena served as vice president, Government Relations & Legislative Affairs, for the University of Arizona Health Network (UAHN) for over five years. In this role she assisted UAHN’s leadership in clearly defining its official public policy position on all critical issues. Under this role a supplemental payment pool for Arizona hospitals was created, which ultimately resulted in Arizona receiving an additional $1 billion dollars in Medicaid funding between 2012 and 2014.  Helena has also served as director of Governmental Relations & Legislative Affairs with Maricopa Integrated Health Systems (MIHS), legislative research analyst/senior policy advisor with the Arizona House of Representatives; interim director for Special Transportation Services with Maricopa County Human Services; and community services director with Maricopa County Human Services.

Dr. Dan Davidson is the Director of Program Training for Intermountain Centers for Human Development in Arizona. Prior to that he was the Positive Behavior Support program director at the Institute for Human Development at Northern Arizona University. There he created the state’s first BACB®-approved Graduate Certificate program for behavior analysts. He also directed PBISAz, which is focused on building the state’s capacity to support Head Starts, preschools, schools and districts in their efforts to implement effective and alternative discipline practices.

Dan has worked in K-12 education, residential services, universities, and in private consulting. He has served the field for close to 38 years as direct support provider, school principal, residential services administrator, consultant, university instructor, advocate, and policy shaper. Throughout his career, he has been a tireless advocate for people who behave in challenging ways and are often misunderstood. Many of these individuals are on the autism spectrum, have intellectual or developmental disabilities, and/or behavioral health challenges.

Through his students, his advocacy, his consultation and his example, Dan has translated research to practice for many parents, teachers and other caregivers, helping them reduce challenging behavior, improve relationships, and live up to their own highest expectations.

Dr. Tom Pomeranz is a nationally recognized authority, trainer, clinician and consultant in the field of services for people with disabilities, and is the President and CEO of Universal LifeStiles with offices located in Indianapolis, IN.

Over the last fifty years, Tom has conducted thousands of seminars and programs throughout the United States and Canada. His audiences praise his ability to combine information, humor, passion and storytelling into an informative whole that does not just present the information, but really communicates it in a memorable fashion.

Laura has over 30 years of experience as a national leader in the disability employment field. She is currently the President of TransCen, Inc. (TCI) and a Professor at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee (UWM) in the Exceptional Education Department. TCI, based in Rockville, Maryland, provides direct placement services to individuals with disabilities; develops and evaluates new service models through research of evidenced-based practices leading to improved employment outcomes; and provides training and technical assistance to improve educational and employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. From 2008 to 2014, Dr. Owens served as the Executive Director of APSE, a national organization focusing on the advancement of integrated employment for citizens with disabilities based in Washington, DC. She is an internationally known speaker and has published widely on transition and employment topics. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

Jennifer Baier is the Senior Program Manager, Vocational Services at VALLEYLIFE. Jennifer has over 16 years of experience managing vocational training and workforce development programs, working with individuals with developmental, cognitive and physical disabilities, and serious mental illness. Jennifer has extensive experience developing innovative programs and service platforms that effectively prepare individuals for employment and career advancement. Jennifer is currently serving as the Vice-President of the Arizona APSE Chapter.

Prior to working in the vocational services field, Jennifer was a Special Education teacher for youth ages 5-14 with significant developmental disabilities and behavioral needs.
Jennifer holds a Masters’ and Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Arizona State University. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys attending auto-racing events and is an avid hockey fan.

Gina Griffiths serves as the Director of Programs at AFH, a nonprofit providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities for over 50 years. Gina has spent her career working with individuals with special needs whether by being an advocate, volunteer, direct service provider, DDD support coordinator or non-profit program manager. Gina also serves on the board of Neighborhood Outreach Access to Health (NOAH) and on the Foundation for Senior Living Home Health Agency Advisory Board.

Gina has a Bachelors degree in Social Work from Northern Arizona University and a Masters degree in Social Work from Arizona State University. She is the proud mom of three energetic and active boys. She and her husband love to take the kids camping and traveling.

While he may have a degree in Architecture, Mark Jacoby has spent the last 25 years of his life dedicated to services for adults and children with disabilities. Jacoby has worked at all levels of disability services including front line staff, Case Management, Branch Manager and Assistant Executive Director both in Michigan and Arizona. As Gompers Habilitation Center’s Executive Director since December 2006, he is most proud of the continuing evolution of Gompers already exceptional programs and the caring and dedicated staff that make it happen. In addition, Jacoby has been on a variety of state and local associations and committees helping to advance services for individuals with disabilities.

Melita K. Winnick provides strategic leadership to Program Services at TCH through Home and Community Based services.  Her background includes more than 20 years’ experience in corporate positons; including, Regional Vice President for VistaCare in Scottsdale, Director of TCH, Regional Manager of American Express, and Consultant for Banner hospitals.  Melita has served on the Society of Human Resources Management team since 2001.  She participates in community programs through business affiliations with Arizona State University, Medtronic, AZ Fashion Apparel Foundation, Aramark, and others in support of the TCH employment services program.  She joined TCH in April of 2015 with extensive healthcare related experience that she brings to the organization.  Her commitment in helping individuals with disabilities commences in her family life and continues through her dedication to serving the members of The Centers for Habilitation.  She holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s in Psychology.   She is a Board Member of the Association for People Supporting Employment (APSE) Arizona chapter, a member of the Arizona Department of Education Employment First strategic initiative, and an active participant in the Arizona Association of Providers for People with Disabilities.  Melita works closely with the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Arizona Developmental Disabilities Division, Vocational Rehabilitation, and local School Districts in support of the company mission.