Keynote Presentation:

Aging Well: Social and Health Trends Shaping Communities*

Laura Trejo, DSW, MSG, MPA, Director, Los Angeles County Aging & Disabilities Department 

Dr. Laura Trejo is the Director of the Los Angeles County Aging & Disabilities Department. She has over 36 years of experience serving the residents of the Los Angeles region and is responsible for overseeing programs and operations such as Adult Protective Services, the Area Agency on Aging, fourteen Community and Senior Centers, and the work of the Commission on Older Adults and Commission on Disabilities. 

Dr. Trejo is committed to creating culturally competent and impactful programs to ensure that all older adults and adults with disabilities can live with dignity and independence. Her advocacy work elevating the needs of the most vulnerable populations has been recognized by Justice in Aging, the Los Angeles Aging Advocacy Coalition, the Mexican American Opportunities Foundation, Fearless Caregiver.com, and City of Hope.  

A national leader and trailblazer, she has consulted with and trained leaders throughout the United States and internationally on the development of policy, program and systems development for older adults.  

Dr. Trejo’s commitment to excellence has earned her recognition as an influential leader in program innovation, including the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Community Health Leadership award, considered the nation’s highest honor in community health. Dr. Trejo has also received Excellence in Leadership awards from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (now USAging), American Society on Aging, and National Hispanic Council on Aging. 

Dr. Trejo holds a doctorate in Social Work, Master level degrees in Gerontology and Public Administration, and a Graduate Certificate in Long Term-Care Administration, all from the University of Southern California.

Older Adults, Mental Health, and the Geriatric Evaluation Networks Encompassing Services Intervention Support Program (GENESIS)*

Haydeh Fakhrabadi, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist II Outpatient Care Services Division, LA County Department of Mental Health.

Dr. Haydeh Fakhrabadi is a licensed Clinical Psychologist who is fluent in English and Farsi. She received her M.A. in Clinical Health Psychology in 2001 and graduated from Pepperdine University with a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology in 2006. She has been working with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health GENESIS Older Adult Program since 2011. Dr. Fakhrabadi provides training to clinicians and the community on various topics related to mental health and older adults. Dr. Fakhrabadi is the lead trainer for the Outpatient Services Division providing training to the LACDMH workforce, mental health providers, and other community-based organizations on various mental health related topics. She is also frequently a guest speaker on mental health topics at local and national conferences and media outlets. 

Edith Gonzalez, LCSW, Psychiatric Social Worker II, GENESIS Program, LA County Department of Mental Health.

Edith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a master’s in social work. She has over 13 years of experience providing mental health support to individuals facing psychiatric disorders, emotional challenges and crises and has been in the field of geriatrics since 2012. Currently, Edith serves as a psychiatric social worker in the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health GENESIS Older Adult Program at the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. In her current role, she collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to provide clinical assessments, personalized therapeutic interventions, and case management for older adults with chronic mental and physical health problems, as well as crisis intervention. 

Martin Ayala, LCSW, Mental Health Clinic Supervisor, GENESIS Program, LA County Department of Mental Health.

Martin Ayala is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker working in the mental health field for 22 years providing services to populations through the life span. Mr. Ayala has experience working in outpatient clinics, emergency room social work services, working with older adults at various mental health facilities, offering individual and group therapy sessions, and connecting them to community resources. He is currently the mental health clinical supervisor for the Genesis Older Adults Program at LAC/DMH. He supervises clinicians and therapists who provide mental health services to older adults throughout Los Angeles County.  

Rachel Figueroa, RN, Mental Health Counselor, GENESIS Program, LA County Department of Mental Health.

Rachel has over two decades of experience in the field of geriatrics and has conducted numerous training sessions on various older adult topics. Rachel joined the GENESIS Older Adult Program at LACDMH in 1998 and left in 2005 to become the Director of Nursing Health Services at Silverado Senior Living. At Silverado Senior Living she provided both direct and managerial care for older adults with dementia, psychiatric, behavioral, and co-morbid physical health problems. Rachel returned to the GENESIS Older Adult program as a Mental Health Counselor and RN in 2012, providing direct clinical care for older adults with chronic mental and physical health issues. 

Coming Together: Integrating Services for Older Adults Experiencing Homelessness*

Morgan Sutton, MA, Manager, Homelessness Initiatives (Older Adults), Community Impact, United Way of Greater Los Angeles

Morgan is the Manager for Homelessness Initiatives (Older Adults) at United Way of Greater Los Angeles, focusing on homelessness systems change, legislation, and cross-sector coalitions for older adults, with an emphasis on racial equity. She drives improved performance in homeless service delivery systems by managing the implementation of a roadmap to end homelessness for this population.  

Previously, Morgan was Legislative Deputy for Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Krekorian, specializing in homelessness policy, and served as Field Deputy for Council District 2, addressing city homelessness policies in the field. She spearheaded successful initiatives like seRVeLA, the Neighborhood Based Unified Homelessness Response Team, and the Homeless Multi-Disciplinary Street Team. Prior to her service in the City of Los Angeles, Morgan interned with Senator Bob Hertzberg’s Field Office conducting research and organizing community events. She thrives on working with elected leaders, community advocates and various coalitions to facilitate improvements across service providers, government agencies and strategic policies. 

Morgan holds a master’s degree in political science with Distinction from Cal State University, Northridge and a bachelor’s degree in political science from UC Santa Barbara; and is an active Coro Women in Leadership alumni. 

Delaney Rogers, MA, Coordinator, Homelessness Initiatives (Older Adults), Community Impact, United Way of Greater Los Angeles

Delaney is the Coordinator for Older Adult Homeless Initiatives at United Way of Greater Los Angeles, contributing to the Home for Good Initiative. In this role, she supports program implementation and fosters cross-sector collaboration to improve services for individuals experiencing homelessness.  Previously, Delaney was a Project Manager at The Advocacy Project, where she supported grassroots organizations in amplifying their voices and mobilizing global support. Delany has three years of experience in policy analysis, advocacy, and nonprofit leadership, with a focus on housing and community well-being. Her experience includes legislative analysis, program management, and policy research to support vulnerable populations.  

Delaney holds a master’s degree in public policy from UCLA, specializing in sustainable development and nonprofit leadership, and a bachelor’s degree in political science from UC San Diego. 

Combating Ageism in Workforce Services: The AdvantAGE Los Angeles Plan 

Sophia Jimenez, Consultant, Cause IMPACTS Consulting.

Sophia’s work focuses on enhancing collaboration, equity, and systems change by building cross-sector partnerships and innovative projects that drive change from multiple levels. Prior to joining Cause IMPACTS, Sophia worked in the non-profit sector for over a decade. She served on the national leadership team for CollegeSpring as their Head of Partner Success where she oversaw program operations, implementation, and partnerships across 3 regions. She also served as the Executive Director of Spark Los Angeles, a middle school career exploration program.

At Cause IMPACTS, Sophia leads and supports projects that are people-centric and equity–driven, most of which focus on economic mobility. Her expertise in strategic planning, research, analysis, and facilitation are incorporated in projects across the public and private sectors. Most recently, she supported the City’s Economic and Workforce Development Department in developing AdvantageLA: A Blueprint for Employing, Retaining, and Advancing Older Workers Across LA.  

Concurrent Breakout Sessions:

Breakout Session 1: Roundtable Discussion: Creating Meaningful Connections with Socially Isolated Older Adults

Ashley Eddington, MPH (Co-Moderator), Community Health Consultant, Kaiser Permanente

With over 20 years of progressive experience in public health and project management at county, state, and federal agencies, community-based organizations, health care systems and health foundations, Ashley has a strong track record serving under-resourced communities and addressing health equity in community-based health and social service agencies. Her demonstrated experience in project management and grants management coupled with hands-on experience working with county, state, and elected officials and practicing authentic listening to community leaders has led to her ability to cultivate strategic partnerships and stakeholder relationships to inform strategic planning and build organizational capacity.  She received public health degrees from the University of Southern California and Emory University and began her career with a fellowship at the CDC. She is currently a Community Health Consultant for Kaiser Permanente Southern California.

Isela Monterrosas (Co-Moderator), Community Health Manager, Kaiser Permanente

Isela Monterrosas is a dedicated nonprofit professional with extensive experience in community engagement and health management. Currently, Isela leads the development and management of community health programs in the San Gabriel Valley at Kaiser Permanente Southern California. Her work focuses on identifying community health needs and driving strategic initiatives to enhance regional health outcomes and strengthen community partnerships.

Before joining Kaiser Permanente, Isela was the Community Liaison Officer at Shell Oil USA, where she played a pivotal role in mediating between the company and local communities. She managed interactions with stakeholders, resolved conflicts, and ensured Shell’s operations adhered to its commitment to being a good neighbor. One of her noteworthy accomplishments includes managing the remediation efforts at Shell’s largest active site in Carson, CA, and minimizing disruptions for over 1,500 community members. Isela’s tenure at the Arthritis Foundation Inc. spans over a decade, during which she held various leadership positions. Her efforts in program development, volunteer management, and stakeholder engagement significantly expanded the foundation’s reach and impact across Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, and Hawaii. Isela’s ability to secure funding, foster partnerships, and implement innovative health programs helped to drive the foundation’s mission forward.

A graduate of California State University, Long Beach, with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science, Isela is fluent in both Spanish and English, further enhancing her ability to connect with diverse communities.

Autumn Holmes, Board President, SET for LIFE

Autumn Holmes is a dedicated healthcare professional with over 20 years of experience spanning various facets of the industry including for profit and non-profit organizations. Autumn blends strategic expertise with a deep commitment to service. Her passion for creating life-changing opportunities is rooted in lived experience—witnessing firsthand the barriers to quality care and resources that many communities face. This personal insight fuels her work in advocating for accessible healthcare, community wellness programs, and initiatives that bridge gaps in care for underserved populations. Beyond her professional achievements, Autumn is a compassionate leader who believes in empowering individuals, fostering connections between generations, and ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of health and well-being. Through her work, she remains committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of those she serves.

Diana Chung, MS, LMFT, Program Director & Clinical Supervisor, Asian Youth Center

Diana Chung serves as Program Director and Clinical Supervisor at the Asian Youth Center, overseeing programs that support low-income and immigrant families.  She is a licensed mental health therapist with a background of providing culturally responsive services within community health and school settings.  She approaches her work through a systems perspective, addressing individual needs through a village framework.  Diana is overseeing the launch of AYC’s United Mental Health Promoters to provide outreach, education, and resource navigation to seniors in the SGV.  Diana is local to the San Gabriel Valley, where she returned to raise her family.  You can find her in the garden or enjoying the bountiful noodle soups in our neighborhood restaurants.


Breakout Session 2: Advancing Science: The Latest in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research*

Linda Loera, MA, Program & Education Manager, Alzheimer’s Association

Linda Loera, MA is a Program and Education Manager with the Alzheimer’s Association, CA Southland Chapter.  She has spent two decades as a community educator, focusing on healthcare topics like regulations, government programs (Medicare and Medi-Cal), and dementia care. Her responsibilities include educating the community about Alzheimer’s disease, building partnerships in the community to bring awareness to the disease, and supporting families and caregivers through care consultations, support groups and providing information and resources.  She is bilingual in Spanish and English. Ms. Loera earned a B.A. and M.A. in Latin American Studies as well as an M.A. in Urban Planning from the University of California, Los Angeles.

 

Breakout Session 3: Elevating the Quality of Healthcare of Seniors in the SGV Through an Innovative Patient-Centered Program*

Tarick Jackson, MPH, AVP, Senior & Complex Care Operations, AltaMed

As the Assistant Vice President of Senior & Complex Care Operations at AltaMed, Tarick oversees strategic initiatives that enhance care delivery for senior and complex care programs, ensuring patient-centered, high-quality services. Previously, he held leadership roles at Martin Luther King Jr. Community Medical Group and Boston Medical Center. Tarick has over 12 years of healthcare leadership experience focused on developing operational workflows, processes, and policies to improve patient access to high-quality, compassionate care. Tarick also has experience with addressing the unique healthcare needs of aging populations, enhancing care coordination, and implementing strategies to optimize healthcare delivery for seniors. He has worked to bridge gaps in healthcare access, improve patient outcomes, and drive initiatives that support the well-being of older adults in the community he serves. Tarick holds a master’s in health policy and healthcare management and a bachelor’s in psychology and biology from the University at Albany. 


Family Caregiver Insights: Statistics and Support Strategies

Grace Avila, MSCM, CDP, Family Consultant, USC Family Caregiver Support Center.

Grace Avila is a Family Consultant at the USC Family Caregiver Support Center at the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, bringing over 20 years of experience advocating for family caregivers. She is deeply committed to supporting caregivers through counseling, training, education, and resource development, recognizing their critical role in the well-being of their loved ones. Grace holds a master’s degree in Community Medicine from the Keck Graduate Institute. With her expertise, compassion, and unwavering dedication, she empowers caregivers to navigate their journeys with confidence and resilience.