Action Learning Projects have been a foundational element of the Larry Minnix Leadership Academy since its inception nearly 20 years ago. The Action Learning process empowers fellows to translate innovative ideas into action, explore diverse concepts, and experiment with tools and theories introduced throughout the program year. Through Action Learning, fellows foster innovation while gaining deeper insights into their leadership styles. They uncover their unique strengths, push beyond their comfort zones, and expand their perspectives—all while addressing a cause within the aging services field that ignites their passion.

The Leadership Academy program year serves as a “launch year” for fellows to define and refine the focus of projects aimed at driving innovation or improvement within their organizations. The goal of these projects extends beyond completion within a single year; instead, the projects are about fostering ongoing development and ultimately creating a significant impact over several years or beyond. Numerous fellows have successfully achieved the long-term objectives of Action Learning, contributing significantly to the field of aging.

The 2024 Action Learning Projects demonstrate how this group of Academy alumni will shape the future of our field for years to come. The fellows chose to focus on critical areas such as ageism, mental well-being, staff retention and workforce development, technology, dementia care practices, middle-market and affordable housing opportunities, and much more. Check out the 2024 Leadership Academy Fellows’ projects below!

• Alexandra Flannery | Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay
  Building Bridges Between Healthcare and IT (HIT)
• Amber Jedlicka | Oaknoll Retirement Residence
  Change Beliefs – Grow our Workforce
• Anita Adkins | Westminster Canterbury Richmond
  Innovation: From Buzz Word to Action
• Ashley Cummings | Plymouth Harbor on Sarasota Bay
  Aging Courageously Together
• Candice Pietrzak | The Parker Health Group
  Growing in Place, The Employee Experience
• Cara Schuster | Ohio Masonic Communities
  Connecting to Our Dementia Residents through Music Therapy
• Christa Baumes | Nascentia Health
  Transforming Perceptions: Reducing Stigma through Inspirational Moments
• Dennis Graham | Trinity Woods
  Middle Market, The Forgotten Seniors
• Donald Lilly | The Woodlands at Furman
  Breaking Down Barriers: Dementia Inclusive Communities
• Donna Yatsko | The Chesapeake
  The Value in our Voices
• Erin Strain | Givens Choice
  Increasing Access to Geriatric Care Management
• Ezra HaLevi | Jewish Home Family
  Technology to Enhance Dignity and Independence
• Felicia Gennetti | RiverWoods Manchester
  Going A.W.O.L. (Against Working Over Living)
• Heather March | Croasdaile Village
  Enhancing Resident Services with Artificial Intelligence
• Izveth Leon | Channing House
  Embracing Diversity: Multicultural/generational Aging
• Jeanette Martinez | Bethany Community Services
  Empowering Purpose, Reducing Isolation
• Jennifer Popp | Bethesda Health Group
  Fostering Future Leaders through Formal Mentoring
• Jonathan Boyar | Judson Park/Humangood
  Keep Leading. Keep Learning.
• Josh Hillegass | WhiteStone: A Masonic & Eastern Star Community
  Growing Together: Expanding our Mission
• Kari Kuhn | St. Ann’s Community
  Purpose over Task, Connecting Elders and Caregivers
• Kathleen Sousa | North Hill
  Empowering Healthcare Professionals: A Mentoring Platform
• Kathy Russell | Chelsea Retirement Community
  Barriers Faced by Direct Care Workers
• Kelly Schallenberger | St. John’s United
  Rules of Engagement: Intention Retention
• Kendra Couch | Otterbein SeniorLife Lebanon
  Ascend Within – Leadership Development
• Kim Kling | Covenant Village, Inc.
  ARISE: Empowering Seniors Against Financial Exploitation
• Kim Pratt | Brookhaven at Lexington
  Youth Exposure to Senior Living Careers
• Kristin Morris | RiverSpring Living
  KIDS: Health Care Leaders of Tomorrow
• Laurie Moyer | Acts Retirement Life Communities
  Resident Storytelling
• Lee Ann Bailey-Clayton | The Forest at Duke
  Dual Inner Bias: Know Me
• Linda Dailey | United Church Homes
  Beyond the Numbers: Overcoming Ageism in Healthcare
• Marah Shiels | Springpoint Senior Living
  Creating a Culture of Learning
• Meg Clouser | Foxdale Village
  Not a New Solution, Intergenerational Living
• Meghan Rose | LeadingAge California
  100th Day to End Ageism
• Meghan Vu | Panorama
  Erasing Ageism Through Connecting Generations
• Michael Jones | Well-Spring
  Workforce Development: Staff Retention/Engagement
• Michael Youmans | Kendal at Ithaca
  Forward-Thinking Dementia-Friendly Senior Living
• Monique Cole | Living Branches
  Beyond The Shortage: A Staffing Story
• Nikki Nelson | The Sharon at SouthPark
  Connecting Community Residents Through Technology
• Nikki Robertson | Still Hopes Retirement Community
  The Silent Crisis: Mental Health Matters
• Robert Ware Jr. | Galloway Ridge
  Cultivating Safer Communities: Proactive, not Reactive
• Shannon Sears | ThriveMore
  Workforce Development: Retaining the Present and Inspiring the Future
• Stephanie Kramer | Covenant Living Communities and Services
  Recruitment Marketing Tool Kit: Hiring for All
• Tanya Issacs | The New Jewish Home
  Employee Retention Across Generations
• Tracy Blaubach | Cedar Community
  Enhanced Care With Specialized Solutions
• Tristin Benjamin | Eskaton
  Prioritizing Middle Market Today for Tomorrow
• Yelena Yadgarova | Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center
  Wellness Center for Young Adults with Medical Complexity
• Yuvette Bozman-Wright | McGregor Foundation
  “Senior Housing: The Project”
• Zenae Merchant | The Osborn
  Healthcare Administrators Bridging International Territories (HABIT)