Closing Session and Remarks

5 (2 votes)

Includes a Live Web Event on 05/07/2026 at 3:30 PM (EDT)

Only available as part of a package

3:30 to 4:30 PM ET: Workforce and Community Strategies to Support Older Adults Living with Serious Mental Illnesses

Older adults living with serious mental illness face complex challenges that intersect with aging, physical health, and social determinants of health. This session will highlight innovative approaches from Boston University’s SILVER (Supporting Individuals to Live as Vibrant Elders in Recovery) program and the Oregon Center for Excellence for Behavioral Health and Aging (OCEBHA) to improve health, independence, and quality of life for this population.

Learning Objectives:

Describe the complex health and social needs of older adults living with serious mental illness.
Examine evidence-based practices and training models from SILVER and OCEBHA that enhance integrated, age-friendly behavioral health care.
Implement collaborative strategies and tools to improve service delivery and quality of life for older adults with serious mental illness.

Speakers:

Marianne Farkas, Sc.D., Director of Training, Dissemination and Technical Assistance; Clinical Professor, Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Boston University
Walt Dawson, D.Phil., Assistant Professor of Neurology, School of Medicine; Assistant Professor, OHSU-PSU School of Public Health; Co-Director, Oregon Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health & Aging

Moderator: Amanda Krisher, Associate Director, Behavioral Health, NCOA

4:30 to 4:50 PM ET: Mind-Body Practices for Mental Wellness: Tai Chi for Arthritis

This interactive session highlights the role of evidence-based programs in preventing falls and promoting behavioral health among older adults. Participants will learn about the Tai Chi for Arthritis program and its impact on balance, strength, and overall well-being, followed by a brief demo of the program.

Learning Objectives:

Describe the evidence supporting Tai Chi for improving balance, strength, and fall prevention in older adults.
Demonstrate selected Tai Chi exercises and movements used in the program to enhance stability and reduce fall risk.
Apply strategies for integrating the Tai Chi program into community or clinical settings to support behavioral health and overall well-being.

Speaker: Bailey Rickels, MPH, CHES, Injury Prevention Coordinator, University of Iowa Health Care

4:30 to 5:00 PM ET: Closing Remarks

Eligible for 1.5 CEU with live participation

Walt Dawson, D.Phil.

Assistant Professor of Neurology, School of Medicine; Assistant Professor, OHSU-PSU School of Public Health

Co-Director, Oregon Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health & Aging

Marianne Farkas, Sc.D.

Director of Training, Dissemination and Technical Assistance

Clinical Professor, Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Boston University

Bailey Rickels, MPH, CHES

Adult Injury Prevention Coordinator

University of Iowa Health Care Level 1 Trauma Center

Bailey Rickels is the adult injury prevention coordinator for the University of Iowa Health Care Level 1 Trauma Center. She graduated with her Master of Public Health with an emphasis in community and behavioral health in 2021 from the University of Iowa College of Public Health. She graduated with her bachelors degree in criminal justice with minors in legal studies, psychology, and writing in 2018 from Mount Mercy University. She currently serves as the co-director on an ACL falls prevention grant and is certified as a health education specialist, Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention instructor, Seated Tai Chi instructor, and Stepping On facilitator. Bailey has a passion for working with older adults in her community and beyond.

Amanda Krisher (Moderator)

Associate Director, Behavioral Health

NCOA

Amanda Krisher, MSW, LCSW, brings over 15 years of direct practice and program management experience to the National Council on Aging where she serves as the Associate Director for Behavioral Health in the Center for Healthy Aging. A seasoned professional in the older adult care industry, she previously was the Senior Director for a live virtual training program for older adult care professionals and a clinical social worker for a community health program and hospice organization. She received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Maryland School of Social Work in Baltimore and is a Licensed Certified Clinical Social Worker in Maryland and Virginia. As a leader in older adult care, she has presented at national conferences and statewide meetings.