CALA News & Views | Issue 54 | Impact

impact INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION ADVOCACY IN ACTION STRONG VOICES REAL RESULTS

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As we reflect on 2025, one truth stands out above all others: we are stronger togethe r. What truly makes CALA special among associations is the people who make up our community: members who serve residents every day in Assisted Living, Memory Care and CCRCs; members who lead and support those teams; and associate members whose products, services and expertise strengthen our collective work. Together, this network of professionals forms the foundation of CALA’s success, advancing our shared mission to elevate the quality of life for those we serve. That same spirit of engagement drives CALA’s strategic plan – a roadmap built around advocacy, workforce development, education and member connection. The impact of this work is seen daily through our committees and volunteers, whose leadership, expertise and collaboration shape the future of senior living in California. From influencing legislation and expanding workforce pathways to delivering dynamic education and innovative resources, their contributions embody CALA’s purpose and vision. As we close our 30th anniversary year and look ahead, our shared commitment ensures CALA remains a strong, united voice for senior living – and a powerful reminder that we are, and always will be, stronger together. Stronger Together: Celebrating a Year of Impact

Strong Voices, Real Results: CALA Members Drive Advocacy Wins Advocacy in Action: Amplifying the Voice of Assisted Living Across California and Beyond Two Conferences, One Mission: Inspiring Leadership and Innovation Across California Shining Stars: Celebrating Our Southern California Award Recipients Growing the Next Generation: Building Career Pathways in Senior Living THIS ISSUE Celebrating Over 10 Years of Transforming Lives & Careers Through the CALA USC Graduate Degree Scholarship! Inspiring the Next Generation of Senior Living Professionals Pam Amundsen, Director of Meetings & Events pam@CAassistedliving.org Denise Brandt, Director of Workforce Development denise@CAassistedliving.org Selena Coppi Hornback, Senior Director of Public Policy selena@CAassistedliving.org Agnes de la Vega, Senior Workforce Development Specialist agnes@CAassistedliving.org Daniel Gonzalez, Advocacy Engagement Specialist daniel@CAassistedliving.org Heather Harrison, President & CEO heather@CAassistedliving.org Katherine McLoskey, Director of Operations katherine@CAassistedliving.org Danielle Parsons, Vice President of Government Affairs danielle@CAassistedliving.org Haty Pietrasz, Director of Creative Design haty@CAassistedliving.org Brandi Pittman, Administrative Specialist brandi@CAassistedliving.org Kevin Swartzendruber, Director of Marketing & Communications kevin@CAassistedliving.org Jan Trifiro, Vice President of Professional Development jan@CAassistedliving.org CALA Celebrates 2025 Workforce Champions Joining Together Cindi Alvidrez, Membership Manager cindi@CAassistedliving.org

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CALA STAFF

Heather Harrison President & CEO

455 Capitol Mall, Suite 222 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: (916) 448-1900 www.CAassistedliving.org

Copyright © 2025 California Assisted Living Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form - print, electronic or otherwise - without written permission from CALA.

Thank You! CALA’S 2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS

TREASURER Laura Fischer Integral Senior Living

PAST CHAIR Rick Jensen Northstar Senior Living

SECRETARY Courtney Siegel Oakmont Management Group

CHAIR David Eskenazy Cogir Management USA, Inc.

VICE CHAIR Danielle Morgan Clearwater Living

DIRECTORS

Josh Allen Allen Flores Consulting Group

Michel Augsburger Chancellor Health Care, Inc

Mark Cimino CiminoCare

Dave Coluzzi Carlton Senior Living

Tara Cope Vi Senior Living

Denise Falco Sunrise Senior Living

Paula Hertel Senior Living Consult

Darolyn Jorgensen Kares, Continuing Life, LLC

Michelle Kelly National Health Investors, Inc.

Rodger Lederer Marsh

Ray Leisure Brookdale Senior Living

Joel Goldman Hanson Bridgett, LLP

Douglas Lessard Belmont Village Senior Living

Tana McMillon Silverado | Memory Care Communities

Nancy Schier Anzelmo Alzheimer’s Care Associates, LLC

Todd Shetter ActivCare Living

Jay Thomas Atria Senior Living

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Advocacy Impact

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Navigating the universe of payor sources, including the Assisted Living Waiver Program (ALWP), the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and the more recent CalAIM initiatives, is undeniably challenging. Fortunately, CALA, with its strong connections and robust Public Policy Team, makes this navigation much more productive. When serious issues arise, we can leverage the full membership of CALA to advocate effectively with these agencies. As a recent member of the CALA Public Policy Committee, I have gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of the dedication and focus of our Public Policy team towards all government initiatives – whether legislative or administrative. The committee, led by Heather, Danielle and Selena, spends countless hours meticulously reviewing all legislation and department actions that impact our work.

Mark Cimino, CEO, CiminoCare

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Strong Voices, Real Results:

CALA had a successful legislative year and was able to stop multiple pieces of legislation that would have been catastrophic to senior living, including a web posting of daily staffing ratios, extended eviction notice periods, rent control in ALW/CalAIM programs and a generator requirement. From bills targeted directly at RCFEs, to bills that would have affected every employer in California, CALA worked to educate the Legislature on the negative consequences these proposals would have on providers and ultimately the residents they serve. CALA approaches all legislative advocacy with the end goal of ensuring our members can continue to provide person-centered care that offers choice and independence to residents. CALA members, from the teams in the communities, to CALA committee members and board leadership, provide the perspective that helps guide our advocacy efforts and deliver results – thank you! Here are some highlights of CALA’s advocacy efforts this year. Click here to see a list of all bills that CALA engaged on. CALA Members Drive Advocacy Wins

CALA'S BILL CHART

Defending Senior Care

Several bills were introduced this year that specifically dealt with RCFEs. Unfortunately, these bills would not have benefited residents. CALA worked to educate the authors on the outcomes their bills would actually have on Assisted Living residents and the negative impact they could have on capacity of Assisted Living statewide.

AB 508 (Aguiar-Curry) would have required RCFEs to advertise a daily average staffing ratio. This would be misleading to prospective residents because it does not reflect the services they will receive but is instead an average of all care provided to all residents in the community at that time. CALA had the opportunity to take Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry on a tour of an Assisted Living community in her district where she saw firsthand the interactive care each resident is given. The bill was defeated.

SB 433 (Wahab) would have initially implemented price caps on Assisted Living services for providers who participate in the Medi-Cal Assisted Living programs. CALA opposed this and worked closely with the author and sponsors to secure amendments that removed rent control language, thus removing our opposition. The bill did not end up moving forward, but CALA will continue to advocate for a sustainable and accessible program for providers who participate in the Medi-Cal Assisted Living programs and for individuals who benefit from these services. SB 434 (Wahab) would have further delayed the process of moving a resident out of an RCFE when the community is no longer the appropriate place for the resident’s needs to be met. CALA worked closely with committee members and staff to show the negative impacts this bill would have on the other residents of a community who would be negatively affected by new rules around extended evictions. The bill was stopped. SB 435 (Wahab) would have required RCFEs to have permanently installed generators or another source of onsite backup power that lasts 72 hours. CALA has been a leader in promoting strong emergency preparedness, including planning, training, drills, sharing successful practices and collaborating on workable solutions for emergency situations. Unfortunately, this bill would have created an impossible standard for RCFEs to meet, ultimately threatening the growth of capacity in Assisted Living that California needs as part of a continuum of care to address the needs of a quickly growing aging population. This bill would have also put major financial pressure on residents, as the cost to install backup power would have inevitably resulted in higher costs.

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Bills Further Complicating California’s Legal and Employment Environment

AB 1221 (Bryan) would have prohibited employers from using workplace surveillance tools (which were defined very broadly) in any employment decision. Together with a wide coalition of advocates, CALA was able to stop the bill because it would have prevented RCFEs from using technology to provide enhanced resident safety. AB 485 (Ortega) would have forced the Department of Social Services (DSS) to deny license renewals for any company that had an outstanding wage order, taking away DSS’s ability to act in the best interest of residents. CALA helped stop this bill. Unfortunately, CALA was unable to stop AB 251 (Kalra) which allows courts to lower the standard of evidence in claims against RCFEs, skilled nursing facilities and adult community care facilities in a case alleging neglect or abuse of an elder if spoliation occurs. Spoliation is the intentional destruction of information that may be requested in a court case. CALA will be hosting a legal webinar for CALA members to discuss best practices for record retention in light of this new law on December 1 at 10am. Click here to register.

CALA was instrumental in stopping several bills that would have made operating in California more difficult due to the legal environment. While these bills did not pass this year, CALA does expect to continue seeing similar bills in future years and we will continue advocating for a balanced and fair operating environment in California. CALA was an integral part of the coalition that stopped SB 29 (Laird) , a bill that tried to extend a COVID-era allowance for a successor to collect pain and suffering damages for a plaintiff that passes away before a court proceeding concludes in addition to the already allowed remedies for a survivor, such as wrongful death. Since California does not have caps on tort damages, this would have skyrocketed settlement amounts, which would have driven up costs for residents to live in senior living communities. SB 310 (Wiener) was a direct attempt to allow trial attorneys to circumvent the PAGA reforms that the Legislature passed last year. CALA worked with a large business coalition to stop this bill.

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Emergency Preparedness

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While CALA opposed a statewide generator mandate, we have a long history of being on the forefront of emergency preparedness, and we plan to continue that mission. The year began with the devastating fires in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. CALA worked with DSS to identify which regulations would be helpful to waive so that Assisted Living providers had the flexibility needed to care for residents during these challenging circumstances. DSS provided blanket waivers during the COVID-19 pandemic and as needs were identified, which provided a template to draw from for future emergencies. CALA is grateful for our partnership with DSS and their leadership on these issues. The Legislature introduced several bills aimed at improving emergency preparedness and other measures to help in the aftermath of the wildfires. Two bills that CALA supported are AB 1068 (Bains) and SB 582 (Stern) . AB 1068 would have established a workgroup to create best practices for emergency preparedness for Long-Term Care. Unfortunately, this bill did not move forward, but CALA’s internal workgroup has updated best practices and resources available to CALA members. SB 582 will allow DSS to offer licensing flexibility for RCFEs that experience a total loss from a declared disaster. Should this allowance be necessary, it will be a small convenience towards recovery for a community that has experienced a total loss. After the devastating Northern California fires in 2017, CALA led the charge to strengthen existing emergency preparedness requirements by sponsoring AB 3098 (Friedman) . Since then, CALA has provided members with conference sessions and created a dedicated webpage with useful tools and resources. CALA regularly refreshes this information, building on proven practices highlighted by our emergency preparedness workgroup. CALA is grateful for the perspectives our diverse workgroup members bring and their time and input on this important topic. CALA offered facilitated conversations on the topic at each of our conferences this year led by Glenn Thomas, director of safety & risk management, Continuing Life. Conference attendees appreciated the ideas and suggestions shared for meeting emergency preparedness requirements. Check out CALA’s Emergency Preparedness webpage to access these valuable tools and resources.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Expanding Access The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has discussed integrating the Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) into other waivers to allow expansion statewide on a few occasions. Renewed discussions began this year and CALA staff and CALA board member and ALW provider, Mark Cimino, CEO of CiminoCare , are part of DHCS’s Medi-Cal Home and Community Based Services Integration Planning Workgroup. The state is exploring options for integration that would shift the management of the waivers to the Medi-Cal managed care plans, with state oversight, no sooner than 2028. While the state intends for the waivers to be statewide, there will still be a limit on the number of participants and other mechanisms for ensuring cost neutrality, which is a requirement for federal waiver programs. More details will be provided in the following months when the state releases their roadmap. The CalAIM Community Supports program will continue to operate separately from the waiver program and Assisted Living Facility Transitions will remain an optional benefit that managed care plans can choose to offer. CALA will continue to focus on ensuring members are informed of upcoming changes; advocate for processes that provide a streamlined and effective contracting or licensing system; advocate for rates that provide geographic variability and account for higher levels of care; and engage with managed care plans to build relationships and learning opportunities prior to rollout of a new integrated waiver program. Once a bill becomes law, the Department tasked with implementing the law is responsible for writing regulations if additional clarity is needed. Since regulations often evolve over the years, CALA engages with the departments to ensure they continue to meet the needs of residents. Regulatory Updates

CALA created a new workgroup for members who participate in the ALW program and CalAIM or are interested in learning more – thank you to everyone who participated this year! The workgroup is a place for members to share successes with these programs and discuss challenges and pain points to help CALA understand where there are opportunities for advocacy. Workgroup members are also occasionally asked to weigh in on legislative and policy issues related to the Medi-Cal Assisted Living programs. Mark Cimino is chairing this workgroup and also facilitated discussions at both CALA conferences this year on the ALW program and CalAIM. These discussions were well attended and provided an opportunity for conference attendees to learn more about the programs and discuss their experiences.

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Educating Members on the New Dementia Care Requirements The new dementia care regulations went into effect on Jan. 1, 2025. These were the first updates since the original implementation and brought significant changes – the biggest being the requirement to no longer use a diagnosis as the measure for when to implement heightened restrictions but instead use ongoing evaluations for behavioral expressions that could put a resident or other residents at risk. CALA held a webinar at the end of 2024 to help prepare members for the coming changes and then held three additional webinars and a dedicated conference session to provide ongoing education about the regulatory changes and an opportunity for members to have their questions answered. CALA also launched a dedicated Dementia Care Resources webpage with significant resources to help CALA members understand the changes. CALA members have access to the following resources on the Dementia Care Resources webpage: » An “as amended” version of the regulations that integrates the new dementia care requirements into the previous regulations so that updates are easily identifiable. Comments on the document provide information and context about current requirements that were relocated or updated, etc. » CALA’s version of the LIC 602A, the medical assessment form, has been updated to reflect changes made by the dementia care regulations. » A Plan of Operation for Dementia Care, courtesy of Allen Flores Consulting Group , to help with any needed updates to the plan of operation, and a Behavioral Expression Appraisal and Plan to help monitor and address resident behavioral expressions. » A link to the DSS Dementia Care in RCFEs and Miscellaneous Regulation Changes Information and Resources webpage, which serves as a hub for communications, resources and documents related to this regulation package. » Links to helpful information from the Alzheimer's Association and other related resources. » CALA’s updated Toolkit for Reducing Antipsychotic Use.

2026 ADVOCACY DAY SAVE THE DATE April 7, 2026 Stay tuned for more details. www.CAassistedliving.org

ADVOCACY ACTION CENTER The Advocacy Action Center provides tools needed to work with legislators to build meaningful, productive relationships. .More Info

DEMENTIA CARE RESOURCES

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Outreach Impact

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Advocacy in Action:

This year, CALA members played a vital role in advancing our advocacy efforts by participating in CALA-sponsored events that educated policymakers and their staff – at both the state and federal levels – on the value and impact of Assisted Living. Amplifying the Voice of Assisted Living Across California and Beyond

Earlier this year, Advocacy Day brought nearly 110 CALA members to the State Capitol to meet with approximately 70 legislative offices. Members discussed a broad range of issues, including the variety of services provided in Assisted Living, resident eligibility for Medi-Cal programs and CALA communities’ commitment to emergency preparedness. These meaningful conversations and ongoing relationships are essential to strengthening the voice of Assisted Living within the Legislature and shaping the future of senior living policy. For real change to happen, your voices must be heard! For years, CALA has hosted Day in Your District during the Legislature’s summer recess, when state legislators are in their district offices focusing on constituent work. Once again, this year’s event was a success, with over 50 members visiting their Senators or Assemblymembers locally. These visits help members build on relationships established during Advocacy Day and other events, while sharing the real-life stories of Assisted Living residents and the quality care provided within each legislator’s district. For the second consecutive year, CALA also held a Federal Day in Your District , giving members the unique opportunity to educate federal representatives about Assisted Living, Memory Care and Continuing Care Retirement Communities – and their critical role in residents’ and families’ lives. CALA members also reinforced Argentum’s federal priorities, including expanding access, addressing workforce challenges, promoting social connection among older adults and encouraging representatives to join the Congressional Long-Term Care Caucus in Washington, D.C. Many CALA members have used these advocacy events as opportunities to invite their representatives to community celebrations such as Veterans Day or Labor Day – further strengthening those personal connections. Now that the Legislature has adjourned for the year, CALA’s focus has shifted to coordinating site visits for state legislators at CALA member communities across the state. Legislators are eager to experience Assisted Living firsthand in their districts – after all, your residents (and many of your team members) are also their constituents.

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You are the experts on Assisted Living. If you’re interested in hosting a legislator for a tour of your community or inviting them to an upcoming event, please visit our Advocacy in Action page on our website at this link or contact Daniel Gonzalez, CALA’s advocacy engagement specialist.

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Education Impact

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Putting together not one, but two CALA conferences each year is both an honor and responsibility we take seriously because education impacts all aspects of CALA’s mission. Behind every session is months of thoughtful planning by the Education Committee. Each proposal is carefully reviewed, every speaker vetted and every topic measured against the needs of our members. The committee brings a wealth of expertise across disciplines, giving generously of their time and talent to shape a program that balances innovation with practical strategies that attendees can put to use right away. The result is a wide range of educational opportunities and professional development designed to support diverse learning styles and all levels of experience. It’s a rigorous, collaborative process that not only informs but inspires, strengthening our profession and enriching the lives of those we serve. We’re incredibly proud of the committee’s dedication and of CALA’s commitment to excellence in education.

Paula Hertel & Nancy Schier Anzelmo, Co-Chairs, Education Committee

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Two Conferences, One Mission: Inspiring Leadership and Innovation Across California

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Each year, my team and I look forward to CALA’s conferences because they consistently deliver real value. The sessions are thoughtfully designed, addressing both the challenges we face today and the opportunities on the horizon. Beyond the education, these events give our team the chance to connect with peers, share best practices and bring back fresh ideas that make a difference in our communities. Attending CALA conferences year after year has become an essential investment in our people, our residents and the future of senior living.

The 2025 CALA Conferences & Trade Shows brought together more than 1,500 attendees, presenters and exhibitors from across the state and beyond. Guided by expert input from the Education Committee, sessions were content-rich and packed with practical takeaways that attendees could immediately put to use. In addition to Top Takeaways, each handout packet included an Action Plan template to help attendees articulate and implement their next steps. The Spring Conference was highlighted by a special CALA 30th Anniversary celebration featuring reflections from individuals who played key roles in CALA’s growth, along with a commemorative rap written and performed by founding board member Joel Goldman, partner, Hanson Bridgett, LLP . Sally Michael, CALA’s outgoing president & CEO , was honored for her many contributions over an illustrious 25-year tenure. The conference also welcomed Heather Harrison, CALA’s new president & CEO. Monday’s program featured a deep-dive track entitled Mastering Multi-Site Leadership alongside intensives on Conquering Conflict Resolution and Strengthening Support through the Dementia Journey . The day concluded with an inspiring keynote by Grammy Award winning songwriter Jimmy Yeary, who – with input from the audience – wrote and performed a heartfelt song capturing the “why” behind providing care and services to residents. New this year – and well received at both conferences – were small-group Elevating Conversations designed to foster dialogue around critical topics, including: ● Tackling Emergency Response in Real Time , facilitated by Glenn Thomas, director of safety & risk management, Continuing Life ● Navigating ALW & CalAIM , facilitated by Mark Cimino, CEO, CiminoCare Also featured at both conferences, the Innovation & Technology Showcase gave attendees the opportunity to engage directly with groundbreaking technologies and their developers. From a humanoid robot that interacts with residents, to an AI-driven data platform and a VR

Laura Fischer, President, Integral Senior Living

tool for assessing fall risk at the Spring Conference – to an exoskeleton designed to reduce caregiver injury, an advanced gait-analysis app and a realistic robotic animal to help relieve stress at the Fall Conference – attendees witnessed innovation firsthand and gained a glimpse into the future of senior living. Breakout sessions at both conferences addressed real world challenges with forward-thinking, solution-oriented content. Topics ranged from resident care and engagement to the latest dementia care practices; leadership and workforce strategies; sales and marketing insights; and legal, regulatory and risk management guidance – all aimed at supporting exceptional care and effective operations. The Fall Conference program featured a Next-Level Multi Site Leadership track, along with intensives on Winning with Well-Being and Navigating the Challenges of Senior Living. It concluded with a highly interactive keynote, Breakthrough Leadership , where attendees identified personal and professional barriers and then symbolically broke through them – literally breaking boards labeled with what awaited them on the other side. The energy and enthusiasm were palpable, leaving attendees inspired and focused on their shared mission as they headed into the Trade Show. Special thanks to CALA’s Education Committee – aptly referred to as the “secret sauce to success” – for their talent, dedication and commitment to excellence, which continues to drive record attendance and high marks year after year.

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Thank you to our #CALA Elevate Conference Sponsors Thank you to our generous sponsors for their vital support of Elevate: CALA’s Spring and Fall Annual Conference & Trade Show. Your partnership and commitment are instrumental to our success and help us deliver a truly valuable experience for all our attendees. We are grateful for your investment in our mission and the support you bring to providers throughout the state. Spring                              

CALA 30th Anniversary Dinner

Monday Dessert Break

Name Badge Kiosk

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Name Badges

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CALA 30th Anniversary Dinner

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Awards Celebration Luncheon

Fall

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Conference App

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Name Badge Kiosk

Cocktails with CALA

Opening General Session

Information Counters

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Awards Celebration Luncheon

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Celebrating Our Southern California Award Recipients Shining Stars: The Excellence in Service Awards is a celebration of the exceptional contributions made by those who serve within Assisted Living communities. These individuals stand out among their peers, exemplifying the values and qualities that distinguish someone dedicated to providing exceptional service to residents. This esteemed recognition highlights their commitment to creating a vibrant, engaged and joyful community for residents.

These Southern California Excellence in Service Award winners were honored at CALA Elevate : Fall Conference & Trade Show in Palm Springs in November:

OUTSTANDING CAREGIVER Holly Nguyen | Medication Technician, Glenbrook (Continuing Life LLC)

Holly’s resilience, devotion and attention to detail elevate her residents’ daily lives. She exemplifies dignity, fosters a warm, hospitality-focused environment and models professionalism that lifts teammates and reassures families. Her quiet kindness turns routine interactions into moments of belonging. Colleagues rely on her steadiness, empathy and detail-oriented follow-through daily.

OUTSTANDING TEAM MEMBER Betty Murrell | Driver, Atria Hillcrest (Atria Senior Living)

OUTSTANDING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Brandy McCauley | Executive Director, The Palms at Bonaventure (Integral Senior Living) Brandy leads through connection and inclusion – learning each person’s story, uniting teams and cultivating a stable, positive culture where residents feel they belong and team members are empowered to grow. Her consistency nurtures retention, resilience and a shared purpose. Her leadership inspires innovation, accountability and everyday acts of inclusion. OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY NURSE Jazzmyne Jefferies | Health Services Director, Ivy Park at Laguna Woods (Oakmont Management Group) Jazzmyne partners closely with families and strengthens team culture through recognition, education and practical problem-solving. Her guidance promotes confidence, continuity and measurable improvements in outcomes. She cultivates collaboration, clarity and confidence across multidisciplinary care teams. Betty is a steady, compassionate presence who pairs professionalism with genuine care. She builds trust through calm leadership, thoughtful communication and everyday acts that strengthen connection among residents, families and colleagues. Her reliability fosters confidence and a comforting sense of safety. She embodies dependable service that residents and coworkers consistently trust. OUTSTANDING DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR Jorge Escobar | Maintenance Director, The Village at Sherman Oaks (Senior Resource Group) Jorge combines technical mastery with a resident-first mindset. A hands-on mentor and collaborator, he sustains a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment while developing a reliable, service-oriented team. His steady presence builds trust and operational excellence across departments. Residents appreciate his integrity, responsiveness and tireless pride in craftsmanship.

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Workforce Impact

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CALA is advancing career pathways in senior living for students across California. We’re expanding opportunities for real-world experience through college partnerships, onsite rotations and student sponsorships to CALA conferences – where students meet and learn directly from community and regional leaders. These experiences are opening doors to meaningful careers and helping students envision their future in this rewarding field. By investing in the next generation, CALA is building a stronger workforce and contributing to the long-term success of senior living.”

Sara Padilla, Vice President of Health Services, Senior Resources Group

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Growing the Next Generation: Building Career Pathways in Senior Living

In 2025, CALA made meaningful progress in workforce and professional development through initiatives designed to strengthen partnerships, expand educational opportunities and connect students with career pathways in senior living. The year has been filled with impactful programs and collaborations that highlight the collective commitment of our members to ensuring a strong, prepared workforce for the future.

Elevating Students Through Conference Scholarships The Elevate Conference Scholarship remains one of CALA’s most effective outreach strategies. At the spring conference, eight scholarship recipients and one student attendee participated in networking events, where multiple students interviewed with member organizations. One student accepted a job offer directly because of these connections. The fall scholarship program continued with high student engagement and attendance numbers, thanks to generous member sponsorships and ongoing promotion through social media and college partnerships. Partnerships with Higher Education CALA’s collaboration with Washington State University’s Granger Cobb Institute introduced the newly redesigned “Aging Business Operations Certificate” to our Workforce Development Committee in July. Valuable feedback was provided to further tailor the program for member needs. With its online, asynchronous format, this certificate is a flexible and affordable option for advancing employees into management and director-level positions. With a 10% cost savings available to members and a fresh new design, we expect the program to become an increasingly valuable resource. College partnerships also remain a priority. CALA partners in numerous ways with private, state and community colleges to bring students into direct contact with the senior living field. These events highlight the career pathways available to students in psychology, business, hospitality, culinary arts, healthcare and gerontology, while increasing CALA’s presence in higher education settings.

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Career Fairs and Workforce Events To connect students and job seekers with our member organizations, CALA hosted and supported several career-focused events. In Sacramento, the Hillsdale Job Center Senior Living Career Fair introduced job seekers to opportunities with member companies such as Sunrise Senior Living, Carlton Senior Living and Ivy Living . Positions promoted ranged from caregivers to human resources professionals and culinary staff. In October, CALA hosted its first Virtual Workforce Symposium, bringing together members, educators and workforce leaders to collaborate and share workforce trends and data as well as CALA member career pathway programs for students. We learned about members who are partnering with community colleges to bring non-credit classes to their residents and received an update on the Master Plan for Aging. This event served as the springboard for a larger in-person symposium in 2026 in partnership with Argentum.

Expanding CALA’s Reach Through Instagram Earlier this year, CALA launched an Instagram account, @calavoiceofal, to connect directly with scholarship applicants through colleges, career centers, student clubs and veteran organizations. Since then, our audience has grown to 170 followers, and we’ve maintained a steady rhythm of about 10 posts per month. Follow us! Culinary content has been our top performer – highlighting community college students visiting member communities and spotlighting the talented chefs who bring dining in senior living to life. In July, our feature on Executive Chef Jorden Crozier of Oakmont of Fair Oaks, who won the Professional Chef Challenge at the California State Fair, reached more than 1,400 accounts! As we continue building our presence, CALA will keep showcasing members who are advocating for seniors, collaborating with colleges and sharing their expertise at events like CALA’s Elevate Conferences .

Connections with Colleges Through Handshake To expand awareness of senior living career opportunities, CALA’s workforce development team began posting member job openings on Handshake this past July. Handshake is a widely used online career platform that connects students with jobs and internships across community colleges and universities. Our initial outreach focused on member communities that already had a Handshake profile, current job openings and listed pay ranges. We identified 11 member companies across the state that met these criteria and posted positions ranging from caregiver, human resources and sales to activities and culinary (cook, server, dishwasher). The response was strong: 309 students from multiple schools applied to 25 of the 29 openings. If your community is on Handshake but not yet posting, or if you’d like help setting up an account, please email Denise Brandt. By working together, we can connect more students with rewarding careers in senior living.

Looking Ahead Looking toward the close of 2025 and into 2026, CALA will continue to strengthen our workforce efforts. These initiatives demonstrate the shared commitment of our members to cultivate a strong, future-ready workforce for senior living. By supporting scholarships, championing career pathways and celebrating the voices of our members, CALA is building the foundation for the next generation of leaders in our field.

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                              CALA is proud to celebrate our 2025 Workforce Champions who go above and beyond to support workforce outreach. These leaders bring senior living to life for students by speaking in classrooms, presenting at conferences and opening their communities for tours. By sharing their stories, they inspire curiosity and help students discover meaningful careers in senior living. CALA Celebrates 2025 Workforce Champions Lindsey Flores – Senior Vice President of Operations, Carlton Senior Living Lindsey Flores was recognized for her inspiring outreach to future professionals. She spoke with De Anza College’s Psychology Club about how her psychology degree shaped her leadership and career growth at Carlton. Lindsey also introduced students to the Elevate Conference Scholarship and recorded a statewide video encouraging psychology majors to explore senior living careers. CALA thanks Lindsey for her energy and commitment to supporting the next generation. James Arp – Senior Executive Director, Belmont Village La Jolla CALA recognizes James Arp for his continued support of workforce initiatives. James has shared his career story in virtual sessions, illustrating how his background in communication disorders and psychology prepared him for leadership. He offered his educational experience as a highlight for CALA’s college career flyer and continues to speak with students statewide about career opportunities in senior living. We appreciate his ongoing partnership and advocacy. Eric Hostetter – Former Executive Director, Bruceville Point, Tenfold Senior Living With more than 25 years in senior living, Eric Hostetter embodies dedication and leadership. A proud veteran, he began as a maintenance director and advanced to executive director of Bruceville Point in Elk Grove and principal of Tenfold Senior Living. He hosted Cosumnes River College culinary students for a tour on dining services in senior living. Eric also volunteered at CALA conferences, greeting scholarship recipients and helping them feel welcome. CALA thanks him for his service, leadership and mentorship of future professionals. Jonathan Karp – Regional Director of Operations, Agemark Senior Living Jonathan Karp has been instrumental in connecting hospitality students to senior living. With more than 30 years of leadership experience, he has shared his journey with hospitality management students at College of the Desert for the past two years. His presentations have sparked growing interest in CALA’s scholarship program, leading to nearly 10 additional applicants. CALA thanks Jonathan for his dedication and inspiring outreach in Southern California. Sara Padilla – Vice President of Health Services, Senior Resource Group With over 25 years of clinical, long-term care and technology experience, Sara Padilla oversees resident-centered health services across SRG communities. A registered nurse and CALA Workforce Development Committee member, she has shared her professional journey through CALA-hosted webinars, inspiring students to explore healthcare careers in senior living. Through her mentorship and outreach, Sarah continues to open doors for students pursuing meaningful careers in senior living. Laura Fischer – President, Integral Senior Living Laura Fischer brings more than two decades of leadership to her role as president of Integral Senior Living. A CALA board treasurer, she has shared her educational and professional journey through CALA webinars, helping students see the many pathways available in senior living. CALA celebrates Laura’s leadership, generosity and a deep commitment to workforce development.

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Celebrating Over 10 Years of Transforming Lives & Careers Through the CALA USC Graduate Degree Scholarship!

Since 2014, in recognition of CALA members' unwavering dedication to providing outstanding care and upholding sound business practices, the University of Southern California, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology has granted a full scholarship to a deserving CALA provider member, paving the way for the recipient to pursue a master’s degree of their choice. Each past recipient has shared how transformative the experience has been, impacting their personal and professional development and opening pathways for career advancement.

Further Your Career – Apply for the 2026 USC Scholarship! Key Dates & Deadlines ● March 15: Graduate School Application Priority Deadline* ● June 12: Scholarship Application Deadline** ● Aug. 24: Fall Semester Classes Begin *Admission to the USC School of Gerontology does not guarantee scholarship support. **Scholarship Application Deadline: June 12, 2026 (All required documents, including transcripts, must be received by CALA by this date.) Please note: The full scholarship includes tuition. The student selected is responsible for books and other fees. Award contingent upon acceptance into graduate school.

Here's What You May Not Know: ● Program values range from $36,000 to $100,000. ● Courses can be completed either online or on-site. ● Scholarship recipients can choose among seven degree programs best suited to their needs, interests and past experience. ● The opportunity to apply for the scholarship is available to any CALA member that works in a senior living community or corporate position that resides in California – from regionals to executive directors, program directors, rising stars and beyond. ● Applicants must first apply and be accepted into graduate school.

Apply to Graduate School Upon Acceptance, Submit Scholarship Application Items to CALA Seize this golden opportunity to enhance your knowledge and propel your career forward – submit your application today!

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We are pleased to announce Sadie Spear-Harness as recipient of the 2025 USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology Scholarship, a full-tuition award that will support her pursuit of a master’s degree in senior living hospitality. This full-tuition scholarship, valued at nearly $100,000, will support Sadie in her pursuit of a master’s degree, recognizing her commitment to make a real difference in the lives of her residents and the future EDs and Administrators she plans to train. Sadie has served as executive director for GlenBrook Health Center for more than five years. Her leadership has helped earn the community a “ U.S. News & World Report ’s Best Nursing Homes 2025” award. Sadie’s career in senior living began as a home health aide while working her way through college. She went on to become a licensed nursing home administrator in several states, and earn her RCFE certification in California, as well as the respected Argentum “Certified Director of Senior Living” credential. Receiving the CALA USC scholarship is a dream come true for Sadie. She has envisioned pursuing a master’s degree for many years and obtaining a degree from USC, in addition to a certificate in hospitality received in conjunction with Cornell University, will open many doors and help her contribute to her community in untold new ways. Through this experience, Sadie will help influence how her organization engages with seniors in ways that make them feel special and appreciated. Sadie was honored at the CALA Elevate Fall Conference on Nov. 12, recognizing her dedication to compassionate care and her innovative vision for the future of senior living. 2025 USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology Scholarship Recipient Celebrating Sadie Spear-Harness

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Through CALA’s Elevate Scholarship, students, recent graduates and veterans have the opportunity to discover rewarding careers in senior living. Scholarship recipients attend CALA’s Elevate Conference & Trade Show at no cost, with meals and a travel stipend included, through the generous sponsorship of member organizations. This immersive program allows participants to learn directly from senior leaders, network with top level professionals, gain insights from educational sessions and connect directly with employers during an exclusive career event. By opening doors for emerging talent, CALA members are helping to build awareness of senior living career pathways and strengthen the workforce pipeline for the future. CALA Elevate Scholarships Inspiring the Next Generation of Senior Living Professionals

Farid Taheri, Assistant Executive Director,

Caligraphy Westwood Village, Discovery Senior Living USC: BS, Human Development and Aging, Gerontology Attended 2022 Fall Conference

Walking into the conference as a scholarship recipient, I immediately felt a sense of belonging, surrounded by peers who have since become lifelong friends across senior living. Each year has strengthened not only my professional network but also my passion for this field, as I’ve had the chance to connect with leaders and recruiters from across the country. These experiences have been transformative for my career and I feel truly fortunate to be part of such a supportive community. Now, I look forward to paying it forward by welcoming and mentoring the next generation of first-time attendees.

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Innes McFarlane, Sales Director, Carlton Senior Living, Davis CSU, Sacramento: BS, Gerontology Attended 2019 Fall Conference

I received the scholarship and attended CALA while a student at California State University, Sacramento studying Gerontology. It was a great opportunity to meet various company leaders and get exposed to the world of Assisted Living. I met Dave Coluzzi and Lisa Schumann during my experience, and they offered me a position at their community in Sacramento. I started with Carlton Senior Living Sacramento as a care partner, completed their internship program, where I worked every line position, and then went on to be the sales director at their Davis location. I have been with Carlton since attending CALA, and I have grown significantly in my career. It may not have happened so quickly without the relationships I made. I am thankful for the opportunity I got to meet executives who have continued to champion my success.

Hayley Morales, Brand Content Specialist, Carlton Senior Living Cal Poly San Luis Obispo: BS, Applied Nutrition Attended 2016 Fall Conference

When I attended the CALA conference in 2016 on scholarship, I didn’t realize just how much it would shape the course of my career. I already knew I enjoyed working with seniors, but the conference gave me a deeper appreciation for the impact of this work and the people who make it possible. Since then, I’ve been able to grow, learn from incredible mentors and be supported through many life changes, both personally and professionally. I’ll always be grateful that CALA played a role in helping me find a career and company I love – one that will only become more important as more seniors than ever before are in need of care and connection.

Gianni Amari, Executive Director, Carlton Senior Living, Fremont Sonoma State: BBA, Marketing Attended 2023 Spring Conference

Attending the CALA conference on a scholarship was a turning point in my career. It was there that I was first introduced to Carlton Senior Living, which led to my initial role with the company as a sales director and ultimately to my current position as executive director. The conference not only opened the door to these opportunities but also provided lasting connections and insights that continue to guide my work today. I am truly grateful for the scholarship program and the profound impact it has had on my professional growth.

Attending the CALA conference through the scholarship program granted me the opportunity to learn about the senior living profession as a college student. My biggest takeaways were the connections I was able to make through attending educational sessions where I was surrounded by professionals and the relationships I established with fellow scholarship recipients as we continue to develop our careers in senior living together. Through being able to directly speak with senior living professionals, I was able to build a network of supportive connections, and this allowed me to obtain a caregiving position at one of my local senior living communities. Thank you to the CALA team for creating a fruitful pathway of opportunities for passionate scholarship recipients attending your senior living conferences and especially, the CALA members that support the scholarship program that provides students with career influencing experiences. Allen Baldazo, Medtech, Brookdale Senior Living West Coast University: Pursuing BSN, Will be doing his clinical internship with Continuing Life Attended 2025 Spring Conference

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