Area Agency on Aging to Host 30th Annual REACH Conference to Educate Individuals Who Work with Seniors

East Texas Council of Governments • September 29, 2021

Join us Virtually on October 6-7

A person is typing on a laptop computer with a group of people on the screen.

Area nursing facility administrators, practitioners, caregivers, and others who work with seniors will receive training at the 30th annual REACH Conference (Regional Education on Aging, Caregiving, and Healthcare) next week. The conference is hosted each year by the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to provide educational workshops, plenary sessions, and networking opportunities. This year's conference, themed Refresh, Renew, Refocus, will be held virtually on October 6-7 and is ideal for professionals, caregivers, social workers, case managers, individuals serving older adults and persons with disabilities, and anyone interested in aging issues.

"We are excited to bring to you this year's REACH conference celebrating over 30 years of exceptional training and learning opportunities provided to caregivers, administrators, and professionals serving seniors throughout East Texas. We have dynamic keynote speakers addressing communication, senior relationships regarding finance and self-care. Our closing keynote panel (physicians and community leaders) will be facilitated by our ETCOG Executive Director, David Cleveland, on how to Refresh, Renew, and Refocus while living in a pandemic as well as moving forward. REACH 30: Refresh, Renew, and Refocus provides an excellent opportunity to learn and continue serving seniors," said Bettye Mitchell, Director of the Area Agency on Aging. "We are thankful to our partners, speakers, and to the Aging Committee for their zeal in presenting this conference."

Special keynote presentations include:

Colors of Communication: Communication Styles Every Team Needs to Know

Scott Abel, Leadership and Innovation Manager with Texas Health and Human Services Commission – This fun, engaging presentation will enable participants to identify their innate communication style and practical tools to help modify their message when working with people who communicate differently.

Trainer Insights for Growth

Michael Curtis, Leadership Consultant and Trainer at iLead Consulting & Training – The Leadership Challenge books and workshops have helped leaders improve leadership practice for over 30 years. Join me as we learn more about the art of leadership and gain practical ideas for unleashing the leader in you.

Cybersecurity: Prevent A Breach

Mark Seguin, Trainer/Owner of TBG Solutions, Inc. – Become proactive, not reactive, for data security and prevent a breach! Learn ways to avoid data breaches and identity theft.

The Top 10 Reasons to Live in Sin

John Ross, IV, Partner with Ross & Shoalmire, PLLC – Let's "Refocus" our thoughts and hear the most recent published paper for the University of Texas by John Ross on the Top 10 Reasons why SENIORS should not get remarried later in Life…

Mask on First: Self Care for the Caregiver

Bobbie Burks, Board Certified Professional Christian Counselor – How do you give when you have nothing left? That is the situation many caregivers - personal and professional - find themselves in each day as they provide essential services to people who can no longer care for themselves. This presentation will deal with caregiver burnout and how to refresh with changes across the lifestyle spectrum.

Refresh, Renew, Refocus – Moving Past a Pandemic Environment

Panelists ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland, Reverend Ralph Caraway, and Paul McGaha, D.O. – The panelists will discuss current scientific evidence, best practices, and expert opinions to help individuals adjust and move on while living in a pandemic environment.

This conference provides an opportunity to obtain Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) for ethics, social work, Licensed Professional Counselors, Activity Directors, and Long-Term Care Administrators. REACH is partially funded by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. To register for the event or more information, call the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas at (903) 218-6500 or visit our conference website at www.aaa-reachconference.org.

REACH Conference Website

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By East Texas Council of Governments • September 4, 2025

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