Perspectives in Long Term Care

In this episode, host Debbie Stadtler sits down with with Renee Ridling, Executive Director of the Gingerbread House, to explore quality improvement and the AHCA/NCAL Quality Award program. Ridling shares her journey into long-term care—from marketing to licensure—and her experience helping organizations earn Bronze, Silver, and Missouri’s first Gold award. They break down the progression of the program, from defining an organizati...

In this episode, host Debbie Stadtler speaks with Nisha Hammel, Vice President of Reimbursement Policy and Population Health for AHCA/NCAL, about the rapid shift from fee-for-service to value-based care and what it means for long-term care and assisted living providers. Nisha reflects on her journey from geriatric social work to national policy leadership and explains how CMS has introduced roughly 11 new payment models in the past...

In this episode, host Debbie Stadtler welcomes Heather TerHark, Chief Strategy Officer at Viva Senior Living, and Samantha Lawrence, Regional Vice President of Operations at Brightview Senior Living, for a conversation on redefining customer experience in long-term care. Together, they explore how organizations can move beyond traditional customer service to deliver more personalized, relationship-driven care. The discussion highli...

In this episode, host Debbie Stadtler sits down with David Gifford, MD, MPH, chief medical officer of the American Health Care Association, for a thoughtful conversation on building trust in long-term care. Dr. Gifford shares his career journey and explores why trust is foundational to effective healthcare systems. Together, they discuss the role of empathy, authenticity, and clear communication in strengthening relationships among...

In this episode, host Debbie Stadtler sits down with Clif Porter II, CEO of the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living, to reflect on his first year in this dual leadership role. Porter shares key accomplishments from the past year—including meaningful progress on Medicaid reform and staffing mandates—while emphasizing the importance of staying connected to the “why” behind their mission and recogn...

In this episode, host Debbie Stadtler talks with Mark Gogal, vice president of workforce development at the North Carolina Health Care Facilities Association. Their conversation focuses on the essential people management skills every leader needs—self-awareness, empathy, and active listening—and how these qualities shape effective servant leadership. They also explore strategies for recruitment and retention, the value of a welcomi...

In this episode, host Debbie Stadtler sits down with Nate Schema, president and CEO of Good Samaritan, to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the financial sustainability of long-term care. From his early days as an administrator-in-training to leading the nation’s largest nonprofit senior care provider, Nate shares lessons learned about leveraging scale, investing in the workforce, and embracing technology to enhance ...

In this episode, host Debbie Stadtler celebrates National Assisted Living Week with Scott Yaeger, regional director of operations at Chelsea Senior Living. Scott reflects on his journey from intern to regional director, the company’s beginnings, and its focus on building strong connections with both employees and residents. Listeners will also hear from Chelsea resident Mo Resner—a lifelong Cubs fan, former player and coach, and co...

In this episode, host Debbie Stadtler chats with Avi Olitzky, president and principal consultant at Olitzky Consulting Group, about navigating conflict in the workplace. Avi unpacks the essential role of tools, trust, and structure in fostering productive conversations and psychological safety. He shares practical skills—like active listening, empathy, humility, and emotional regulation—alongside proven frameworks. The conversation...

In this episode, host Debbie Stadtler sits down with Mark Klyczek, FACHE, president and CEO of Virginia Health Services, to explore how apprenticeships are helping solve healthcare’s workforce challenges. Mark shares highlights from his career and explains how structured, supportive apprenticeship programs are creating meaningful career paths, boosting retention, and attracting diverse talent—including military families. He also of...

In this episode, host Debbie Stadtler is joined by Jalene Carpenter, president and CEO of the Nebraska Healthcare Association, and Zach Shamberg, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Healthcare Association, about the pressing challenges and emerging opportunities in long-term care. Jalene shares Nebraska’s innovative approaches to workforce development, including licensing reform, hybrid training models, and early engagement strat...

In this episode, host Debbie Stadtler is joined by Kevin Dean, a security consultant and Air Force Intelligence veteran. They discuss the importance of physical security in long-term and post-acute care facilities. Together, they explore the foundational elements of facility security, including risk assessments, essential policies and procedures, and how to make the most of existing resources. The episode also dives into emerging t...

In this episode, host Debbie Stadtler is joined by Darryl Fisher, founder and president of Dream Flights. Darryl shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a senior living family to creating a nonprofit dedicated to giving seniors, especially veterans, the opportunity to take flights in vintage biplanes. He reveals how these flights have touched the lives of participants and their families, bringing joy, renewal, and unforgett...

In this episode, host Debbie Stadtler sits down with Katie Colgan, executive director of Integrated Networks for the American Healthcare Association, to explore the growing shift toward value-based care in long-term care. They discuss how provider-owned networks are reshaping the industry, the power of collaboration, and the challenges and rewards of adopting value-based models. Listeners will hear real-world success stories from s...

In this episode, host Debbie Stadtler talks with Dr. Christian A. Mason, CEO of Senior Housing Managers, and Dr. Monica Tsai, co-founder of CloudMind, to explore how AI is transforming long-term care. They discuss AI’s role in patient monitoring, predictive analytics, and AI companions for memory care residents, highlighting its potential to enhance emotional well-being, improve care quality, and support caregivers. The conversatio...

In this episode, host Debbie Stadtler talks with Tina Sandri, CEO of Forest Hills of DC, about prioritizing employee well-being in long-term care. Drawing from over 20 years in healthcare, Tina shares her approach to supporting caregivers by fostering resilience and trust. She highlights initiatives at Forest Hills, including personalized wellness programs, cultural sensitivity training, and creating a supportive work culture. Tina...

In this episode, host Debbie Stadtler sits down with Michael Bassett, Vice President of Government Relations at the American Health Care Association, to discuss the evolving legislative landscape affecting the long term care industry. Michael shares insights on key issues, including the impact of Trump's administration on the long term care industry, staffing mandates, and quality improvement initiatives. He highlights the critical...

In this episode, host Debbie Stadtler talks with Clif Porter II, the newly appointed CEO of the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living. Porter shares his career journey and deep commitment to the long-term care industry, emphasizing the importance of people and community in shaping his vision. He provides insights into the current challenges facing long-term care, including the slow recovery from t...

In this episode, host Debbie Stadtler, sits down with Dr. David Gifford, Chief Medical Officer at the American Health Care Association, to discuss the Get Vaccinated campaign, which streamlines vaccine and infection control information for long-term care providers. Dr. Gifford addresses common misconceptions about vaccines, clarifying that their primary purpose is to prevent severe illness rather than infection. He also highlights ...