Sharing our Hearts & Homes Pennsylvania’s Lifesharing Conference

Pennsylvania’s
Lifesharing Conference
2014
Sharing our
Hearts & Homes
Monday, October 20, 2014
&
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Ramada Conference Hotel
1450 S. Atherton Street
State College, PA 16801
In Collaboration with members from:
PAR
STATE COALITION
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DPW/ODP
Pennsylvania’s
Lifesharing Conference
Sharing our Hearts and Homes
Registration Information
The registration fee is $120.00 for both days. If you choose to attend only one day, the fee is
$60.00. All registration will be completed through Eventbrite.com. (Link Below) You will
need to print the tickets and bring them to the conference. Please remember to check off
which t-shirt size you want for all tickets purchased. If you have any questions, please contact
Becki Levan at (610)487-1582 ext. 2507.
Space is limited so register early!
All participants must register online:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pennsylvanias-lifesharing-conferencetickets-12433395621
All registrants will
receive a
T-shirt!
Cancellations
If you are unable to attend the conference,
you must cancel your registration by October 10, 2014, by contacting Becki Levan
(BLevan@Kencrest.org) or your registration
fee will not be refunded.
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Keynote Speakers
Social Capital: The Power and Potency of Relationships
Al Condeluci, CEO of Community Living and Support Services (CLASS)
Al is CEO of Community Living and Support Services (CLASS), and teaches at the
University of Pittsburgh. He writes, speaks, and consults on issues related to
culture, community, and social capital. Al has emerged as a national leader and
consultant on human services and community issues. He speaks annually to
national and international audiences reaching some 15,000 people each year. His
books have won praises and awards for their thoughtful approach to culture and
community and are now used at many colleges, universities and in-service settings.
To find out more about Al, please visit his website:
http://alcondeluci.com
Excellence in Lifesharing Award Presentation & State Proclamation of
Lifesharing Awareness Month
Thomas Murt, Pennsylvania State Representative
Serving as a Pennsylvania State Representative, of the 152nd Legislative District,
Rep. Murt has become one of the leading advocates in Pennsylvania for people
with disabilities and their caregivers. Rep. Murt has testified before the powerful
Appropriations Committee, every year since he was elected, to seek additional
funding for families who care for adult children with special needs. Rep. Murt has
visited numerous group homes and facilities across Pennsylvania where individuals
with special needs live and receive care. To learn more about Representative Murt,
please visit his website:
http://www.repmurt.com/
Office of Developmental Programs Update
Patti McCool, Bureau Director for the Bureau of Supports for People with an
Intellectual Disability
Ms. McCool began her career at the Butler County MH/ID Office and was
instrumental, as the director of ID services, in implementing the Butler County
Lifesharing program. In 2002, Ms. McCool moved to the Central Region Office of
ODP as the Regional Program Manager. In 2007, she became the Director of the
Division of Community Services. Since May of 2010, Ms. McCool has been the
Bureau Director for the Bureau of Supports for People with an Intellectual Disability. Throughout her career, Ms. McCool has been a staunch advocate of quality
services and supports for people with an intellectual disability, and is a firm believer
in Lifesharing as an option for a more inclusive life.
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Lodging
The Ramada Inn has agreed to block out rooms for guests of the Lifesharing Conference
and will, in-turn, offer a special rate of $71 per night, plus tax.
Call for your reservation. Code word is SKILL
Space is limited so please book your room soon!
Ramada Conference Center State College
1450 S Atherton Street, State College, PA 16801
Phone: 814-238-3001 Fax: 814-237-1345
http://www.ramadasc.com/door/
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CONFERENCE SPECIALTIES
The Activity Room
For people who don’t like the “Ordinary Conference Experience”
We have a room and activities scheduled for people who want a different conference experience. This
agenda item is noted in the full brochure, but the following will be offered.
Penn State Students and Lifesharing agencies will be here to help entertain and engage people in
a variety of fun activities, which will include:

Introductory Ice-breaker Dance

Fire Safety Training

Meeting New People

Arts and crafts

Quiet Activities

Movies
THIS IS SOMETHING NOT TO BE MISSED!!
Evening Social Gathering
Located in the Hotel Atrium
Join us on Monday night, October 20, 2014 from 6 PM—8 PM for great food, drinks and dancing!
This is a chance to spend some time with new and old friends, share stories and have fun. There will be
hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar and music! Come join us for some special time to “let your hair down!”.
Thanks to our conference sponsors!
Things to do
Please visit the following website to learn about all of the excitement Central PA has to offer! This website will take you through the various activities, entertainment, dining, and attractions that will be available
to you during the down time from the conference.
http://www.visitpennstate.org/activities/
Some highlights are below:

Visit the Creamery located at 119 Food Science Bldg, University Park. This is the largest university creamery in the nation
and is famous for its ice cream, sherbet and cheeses.

Check out the Penn State All Sports Museum located at 1 Beaver Stadium, University Park.. Displays include photographs, memorabilia, artifacts and trophies tracing the history at Penn State featuring 31 varsity sports

Attend a free concert at Esber Recital Hall, Building 1, University Park. Concerts are 8 PM. October 19th is a Graduate
Recital and October 20th is a Horn Studio Recital

Take a walk in the Arboretum adjacent to campus near the intersections of Park and Bigler Sts. Open dawn to dusk.

Visit the Palmer Museum of Art at PSU located on Curtin Rd.
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Admission is free and the hours are 8 AM-5 PM.
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Monday, October 20, 2014
8 AM—12 PM
*******REGISTRATION*******
10 AM—11 AM
Keynote:
Al Condeluci
SOCIAL
CAPITAL: The Power and
Potency of Relationships
Grand Ballroom A & B
All of us are interested in a better community where all people are safe,
have an opportunity for accessible and affordable homes, jobs or meaningful daytime opportunities and lifestyles of their choice. In spite of
our many years of work on this goal, the outcomes in this area are still
not satisfactory for people who are vulnerable due to disability or other
compromises. Many of these vulnerable people, children and adults,
find themselves in isolated situations with limited options for friendships
and important social relationships. Many times these vulnerable people
become victims of abuse and neglect. This presentation takes a close
look at the reasons why our systems have not been more successful in
these goals, defines and delineates the concept of social capital, and offers a community building perspective designed to shift the culture to be
more inclusive and supportive to all people.
11 AM—11:15 AM
Break
11:15 AM—12:15 PM
Keynote Continues—Al Condeluci
12:15 PM—1:30 PM
Lunch– Hotel Atrium
1:30 PM—2:30 PM
Break-Out Sessions—Choose 1 of 3 options
Option 1
Darlene McConnell
My Quality of Life
Grand Ballroom A
Option 2
Update of the Fair Labor
Standards and its Impact on
Shared Living
Grand Ballroom B
Option 3
Break-the Ice Dance Party!
Directors Room
This session will feature a panel of individuals from around the state
who receive Lifesharing services. Participants will share a little of
their story and tell why they chose Lifesharing. They will discuss what
they like about the service and what kind of advice they would give to
a friend who was thinking about choosing Lifesharing. This session
will be facilitated by Darlene McConnell, a member of the PA
Lifesharing Coalition and Lifesharing Provider.
Jill Lashay
Please join us for a legal summary of the updated FLSA law and how
it pertains to traditional Lifesharing, Reverse Lifesharing, Substitute
Care and Respite.
Kick off your shoes and boogie down with the oldies...Don’t want to
dance? Relax and listen to the music while working on a puzzle, craft,
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or mingle with friends.
Monday, October 20, 2014 Continued
2:30 PM—2:45 PM
Break
2:45 PM—3:45 PM
Break-Out Sessions—Choose 1 of 3 Options
Option 1
Donna Donnelly
Family Systems within the
Lifesharing Model
Grand Ballroom A
Option 2
A person’s relationship with his/her biological family is highly valued
and must be respected and supported. Family connections provide a
sense of identity and fond memories of love and laughter with those
held dear. The Lifesharing provider’s role is not to replace the individual’s biological family, but to assist the individual in maintaining
these valued relationships. Additionally, the Lifesharing provider
takes on a ‘helping’ role, guiding and assisting the individual in working toward the accomplishment of his/her goals and aspirations.
Donna will share from her previous experiences as a Lifesharing provider and director. She will also provide practical insights from the
perspective of being a mother of a son with a disability.
Shawn McGill
Shawn is a dynamic speaker who has a no-holds-barred approach that
Positive Approaches & Being audiences love. Combined with her clear understanding of what it
means to be person-centered, Shawn will masterfully guide us
Person-Centered
through the principles of Positive Approaches in a way that makes
sense and, more importantly, makes a difference. She talks a lot
about ways to best support a person, including core clinical issues
Grand Ballroom B
(psychiatric, medical, neurological, social history, communication
needs, etc.)
Option 3
Learn Not to Burn
Directors Room
Kevin Godshall
Since October is Fire Safety Month, come and learn or come for a
refresher on Fire Safety. Learn how your smoke detector can save
your life. Don't want to attend fire safety? Relax doing foam crafts or
a puzzle. If you just need a break, visit us we will be open all day.
Kevin is a certified Fire Safety trainer and also is certified
in CPR and First Aid.
End of the day
*FREE TIME ON YOUR OWN*
6 PM—8 PM
Evening Social Gathering-including food, drinks, dancing
and fun! Thanks to our conference sponsors!
Hotel Atrium
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CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
8 AM—12 PM
*******REGISTRATION*******
9:30 AM—10:30 AM
Break-Out Sessions—Choose 1 of 3 Options
Option 1
Stephanie Brown
Lifesharing Stories
Grand Ballroom A
This informal session will feature a panel made of up of Lifesharing
providers and people receiving Lifesharing services telling their stories. They will discuss their day to day experiences in Lifesharing
and tell the story of how they met and how they came to live together. They will share some of the wonderful experiences that they have
had together as well as some of the challenges they have faced together. They will talk about what the experience has meant to them and
how it has enriched all of their lives. Stephanie Brown, a member of
the PA Lifesharing Coalition, will facilitate this discussion.
Option 2
Matt Jones
Bureau of Human Services
LicensingFocus on Lifesharing
Have questions about licensing? Bring your licensing questions and
join us for a current and relevant presentation on current licensing
initiatives, trends and information.
Grand Ballroom B
Option 3
Activity Room
Flower Pots
Come spend some time in the activity room. We will be making special crafts and decorating flower pots. There will also be games, puzzles and cards available if you want to relax and take a break
Directors Room
10:30 AM—10:45 AM
Break
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Tuesday, October 21, 2014 - Continued
10:45 AM—11:45 AM
Break-Out Sessions—Choose 1 of 3 Options
Option 1
Amy Simon
Grand Ballroom A
This session is designed to look at the variety of technologically based
tools which may enhance daily life and communication in a variety of
ways for the people that we serve. However they may also present a
safety risk. We will address how to assist in the safe use of technology
to prevent becoming a victim, or committing victimization
unknowingly.
Option 2
Patti McCool & Bridget Thrash
Technology and Safety
Services Definitions: How to
Confusion still remains around the service definitions and how they
use them to benefit your
can be applied to benefit participants in Lifesharing. Patty McCool
Lifesharing Program
and Bridget Thrash will clarify some of the misconceptions surroundGrand Ballroom B
ing what services can be received in Lifesharing homes such as community habilitation, companion care, SH/AIS, etc.
Option 3
Activity Room
Crafty-Green Thumb
Continue to expand on your craft by adding a live plant or flower.
There will also be games, puzzles, and cards available if you want to
relax and take a break.
Directors Room
11:45 AM—1 PM
Lunch– Hotel Atrium
1 PM—2 PM
Tom Murt & Patti McCool
Keynote Speakers
This presentation will provide updates on current Lifesharing
initiatives, trends and future goals outlined by the Office of
Developmental Programs
Proclamation Presentation
and ODP Update
Hotel Atrium
2 PM—3 PM
Excellence in Lifesharing
Award Ceremony
Hotel Atrium
3 PM
Awards Presented by State Representative, Tom Murt & State
Coalition Leaders
Join us in recognizing individuals/families who have exemplified the
vision and mission of Lifesharing during the past year. Individuals
and families have been nominated based on exemplary achievement in
advocacy, creativity, quality and commitment.
End of Conference and Farewell
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PRESENTER BIOGRAPHIES
Matt Jones,
Director of Operations for Department of Public Welfare,
Bureau of Human Services Licensing
Matt is a graduate of Shippensburg University in Communications. He has worked for
various agencies under the Department of Public Welfare for the past 28 years including
the press office. ODP Licensing, ODP Policy, the Attendant Care Program, and the Office of Income Maintenance, Child Care and Family Support Services. He has been with BHSL for the
last 10 years.
Shawn McGill, MSW, LSW
Shawn McGill, MSW, LSW received her Masters Degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh in 2000. After 16 years in the field, Shawn started the company
Shawn McGill MSW Consulting Inc. Shawn has built the company on a positive, person-centered approach that focuses on the needs of the person rather than their diagnosis. Shawn McGill MSW Consulting Inc. specializes in providing supports for
adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorders
who face complex behavioral challenges, which includes problematic sexual behaviors. Shawn is also the mother of a child with autism. The diagnosis of her son, and
their experiences together, have propelled her become more of an advocate, teacher,
and mentor to those living with disabilities.
Bridget Thrash, Deputy Administrator, Chester County MH/IDD
Bridget graduated from Indiana University of PA (IUP) with a degree in Education. After a short experience in teaching hearing impaired students, she returned to
Chester County in 1986. She started her career at Chester County MH/IDD in May
of 1987 as a Case Manager (now Supports Coordination) and has worked her way
through various positions in the organization. She currently serves as the Deputy
Administrator for Intellectual Disability Services. Bridget is committed to having
individuals receive needed supports to successfully participate and contribute in their
communities. She has particular interest in holistic physical and behavioral health approaches, gainful
and meaningful employment for individuals who have an Intellectual Disability and the importance that
building natural supports within families and communities play in achieving success.
Amy Simon, RN, Health Services Consult
Amy works for the American Association of Diabetic Educators for Community
Health Connections, the Western Health Care Quality Unit. She graduated from
Penn State and Citizens General Hospital School of Nursing. She worked for
Allegheny General Hospital in several management positions before coming to
Community Health Connections in 2001.
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Jill M. Lashay —Attorney at Law
Jill Lashay represents management in both traditional and non-traditional areas of labor
and employment law, providing counsel to both union and non-union employers to
avoid costly employment-related litigation regarding: compliance with discrimination
laws; hiring, evaluating and discharging employees; managing employee leaves of absence; FLSA compliance – time records, exemptions, etc.; drug and alcohol testing; social media and technology challenges within the workplace; employment agreements; arbitration; restrictive covenants; and day-to-day human resource matters. When litigation cannot be avoided, Jill's practice
includes representing employers before federal and state courts, the Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the National Labor Relations Board
and various state human rights commissions across the country. She has worked with large and small
employers in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, construction, property development and
management, hospitality, real estate, retail, social services, medical/hospital and long-term care, technology, energy, mass transit, primary and secondary education, food service and correctional institutions. Jill
has also represented public sector governmental entities.
Donna Donnelly—ACCESS Services
Donna Donnelly is a Speaker/Trainer and the Host Family Recruiter for Lifesharing,
Therapeutic Foster Care, and Respite, for the Southeastern Region at Access Services. She is also the Chair of their agency-wide Provider Review Committee. With an
education in Health Services, for the past 27 years she has served in a variety of roles
directing, supervising, training/speaking, and coordinating services for children and
adults with developmental disabilities and mental illness at Access Services. Donna and her husband Joe
have been married for 27 years and have two cherished adult children, the youngest of whom has a
disability.
Darlene McConnell– Director, Fayette Resources
Darlene McConnell is the Director of Residential and Lifesharing Programs at Fayette
Resources, Inc., where she has been employed since 2000. Previously, she was the owner
of a personal care home and worked as a Lifesharing Program Specialist for a provider
agency. Darlene has been a Lifesharing Provider for 13 years, and has two ladies who reside with her. She enjoys advocating for the Lifesharing program and believes strongly that
those who want to be part of a family should be given the opportunity to do so.
Stephanie Brown—-Lifesharing Team Leader, KenCrest Services
Stephanie Brown is the East Team Leader for KenCrest Lifesharing, where she has
been employed for over 25 years. She has worked in a number of departments, including River Crest group home and KenCrest day program. Within Lifesharing she served
as Interim Director and Referral Team Leader. She currently provides substitute care,
respite, and emergency respite services in her home and is an active member of the
Lifesharing Coalition leadership and focus groups. She has spent over 22 years in
Lifesharing and has seen the difference that it has made in people’s lives and remains a passionate
advocate for those she serves.
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Thank you to our generous Sponsors for supporting
the Annual Lifesharing Conference!
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Thank you to our generous Sponsors for supporting the
Annual Lifesharing Conference!
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THANK YOU TO THE VOLUNTEERS OF THE PENNSYLVANIA COALITION
CONFERENCE VOLUNTEERS. THIS COULDN’T HAVE BEEN DONE
WITHOUT YOU!
Maggie Rothenberger
Marilyn Shiwarski
Jamie Walker
Alison Karnish
Brian Petocz
Sarah Shaw
Kathy Trumbore
Eileen Murphy
Mary Rhodes
Kevin Godshall
Becki Levan
A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEER WEBSITE COORDINATOR
CODY KREISCHER
Thank you for your countless hours updating and keeping our website current and running.
For more information visit us at
www.palifesharing.com
For More Information
Registration:

Becki Levan: BLevan@KenCrest.org
Program Content:

Western Region: Jamie Walker, Westmoreland County AE
(724) 830-3944 walkerj@westmoreland.swsix.com

Central Region: Sarah Shaw, Skills of Central Pa.
(814) 949-4800 ext 824 sshaw@skillsgroup.org

Northeast Region: Allison Karnish, Spectrum Community Services
(610) 717-4980 akarnish@spectrumcommunityservices.org

Southeast Region: Maggie Rothenberger , KenCrest Services
(610) 487-1582 ext 2501 mrothenberger@kencrest.org
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