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California Dreaming
Agile & Akeso are now one
A new standard in occupational medicine with 43 clinics throughout California & Arizona
Agile Occupational Medicine and Akeso Occupational Health have merged to form the second-largest statewide occupational health solution, o ering employers and patients a superior choice in care.
We aim to become the foremost provider of occupational health services across California and beyond, o ering a compelling solution that prioritizes quality care, innovation, and patient outcomes. By combining forces, we’re not just growing – we’re rede ning what is possible in occupational medicine.
For more info and a map of our 43 clinics, please scan
SAN DIEGO
2025 WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LEADERSHIP
Dear Friends,
I couldn’t be more excited to welcome you to ELEVATE® 2025, San Diego’s premier Workers’ Compensation and Leadership conference! This year promises to be nothing short of inspiring and unforgettable. Hosting at the iconic Hotel del Coronado has been a longtime dream, and seeing it come to life with all of you here makes it even more special.
ELEVATE® is always one of the highlights of my year. It’s a chance to reconnect with old friends, build new relationships, and take part in conversations that matter. My hope is that, just like me, you have come to look forward to this event as an annual tradition filled with both learning and fun.
If you have joined us before, you know that each year ELEVATE® grows and evolves – welcoming a wider range of attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and speakers. This year is no exception! The buzz around our Keynote Presenter, Tyler Gillum, Head Coach of the viral sensation Savannah Bananas, has been incredible. On top of that, we are honored to bring you 19 educational sessions and more than 70 outstanding speakers, some of the most influential voices in our industry.
I want to give a special thank you to our Education Committee, led by Education Chair Yvonne Guibert, with members Carlos Luna, Felicia Amenta, Sandy Avina, Stuart Colburn, Rafael Gonzalez, Judge Robert Rassp, Michelle Sebring, Joseph Sousa, Dawn Watkins, Scynthia Syfrett, and Bill Zachry. Your hard work and dedication made this powerful lineup possible – we are deeply grateful.
Finally, none of this would happen without the incredible team working tirelessly behind the scenes. From planning and logistics to making sure you are supported, informed, and entertained, their efforts are what bring ELEVATE® to life. I am truly honored to work alongside such talented and passionate people in this important industry.
Thank you for being here and for being part of the ELEVATE® family. Let’s make the next few days unforgettable.
Let the fun begin!
Duane Johnson
Duane Johnson Founder, ELEVATE® Conference
PRE-CONFERENCE: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Registration Desk Open Carousel Room
Exhibitor Install Carousel Room & Ocean Ballroom
Self-Care Workshop: Vision Boards & Mind-Body Renewal Coronet Room
ELEVATE® DAY 1: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
6:30 AM - 7:30 AM
7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
7:00 AM - 4:30 PM
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
9:10 AM - 9:30 AM
Sunrise Beach Walk Benefiting Kids’ Chance of California Boardwalk
Alliance of Women Pre-Conference Session Coronet Room Register Here
Exhibitor Install Carousel Room & Ocean Ballroom
Registration Desk Open Carousel Room
Morning Coffee/Tea & Expo Carousel Room & Ocean Ballroom
Welcome & Announcements Ocean Ballroom
ELEVATE® DAY 1: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
WORK COMP & RISK ESSENTIALS GENERAL SESSION
LEGAL AND MED-LEGAL ISSUES
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
General Session 1
Ocean Ballroom
The Economics of Engagement: Creating Value Through WorkerCentered Care
Bill Zachry, David Chmeil, Joseph Sousa, Raja Sundaram, Dr. Gene Ma
Networking Break & Expo
Carousel Room & Ocean Ballroom
Work Comp and Risk Essentials
Pearl Room A/B
The Art and Science of Subrosa: Maximizing ROI in Workers’ Compensation Investigations
Dalene Bartholomew, Frank Christine, Brenna Hampton, Scynthia Syfrett
Legal and Med-Legal Issues
Coronet Room
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Unfiltered: Tackling Ethics and Controversial Issues in Workers’ Compensation
Elizabeth Trimm, Jeff Adelson, Tyrone Spears, Keith More
Leadership Toolbox
Magnolia Room
Emerging Leaders Charting the Course for the Future of Workers’ Compensation
Carlos Luna, Eric Guzman, Bridgette Ferarro, Sandy Avina
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM Lunch
Windsor Lawn
Networking Break & Expo
1:15 PM - 1:45 PM
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
Carousel Room & Ocean Ballroom
Work Comp and Risk Essentials
Pearl Room A/B
The Impact of Degenerative & Comorbid Conditions in Workers’ Compensation Claims
Felicia Amenta, Sandy Avina, Joseph Sousa, Scott Stettler, Dr. Garland Tang
ELEVATE® DAY 1: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
WORK COMP & RISK ESSENTIALS GENERAL SESSION
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
2:55 PM - 3:55 PM
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
LEGAL AND MED-LEGAL ISSUES
Legal and Med-Legal Issues
Coronet Room
Medicare: Adapting to the Latest Changes
Rafael Gonzalez, Esq., Bridget Smith, Esq., Dan Anders, Esq., Louis Porrazzo, Esq., Annie Davidson, Esq.
Leadership Toolbox
Magnolia Room
Thriving Over Surviving: How Leaders Create Space for Wellness and Growth
Dr. Les Kertay, Tyrone Spears, Ken Hernandez, Sara Mulick
Work Comp and Risk Essentials
Pearl Room A/B
Complex Cases: Navigating Care Through a Biopsychosocial Lens
Bill Zachry, Dr. Heechin Chae, Zack Craft, Angie Jung, Scynthia Syfrett
Legal and Med-Legal Issues
Coronet Room
Difficult Conversations about the Failure to Communicate
Stuart Colburn, Kurt Leisure, Alan Gurvey, Negar Matian, Dr. Yolanta Petrofski, Dr. Kayvon Yadidi
Leadership Toolbox
Magnolia Room
Change with Purpose: Keeping Culture Strong During Transformation
Barry Bloom, Neetu Trivedi, Matthew Howard, Lisa Paroly
General Session 2
Ocean Ballroom
Meet Kai, Your New Claims Assistant
Lee Shute, Dr. Minh Nguyen, Phil Remaker, Gia Sawko
Welcome Reception
Windsor Lawn
“Karaoke for a Cause” Benefiting Hazel’s Hands
Ocean Ballroom
ELEVATE® DAY 2: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
WORK COMP & RISK ESSENTIALS
LEGAL AND MED-LEGAL ISSUES
GENERAL SESSION LEADERSHIP TOOLBOX
6:00 AM - 7:00AM
7:30 AM - 12:00 PM
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM
8:45 AM - 9:35 AM
9:35 AM - 10:00 AM
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Sunrise Activities: Yoga, Spin Beach
Yoga Registration Spin Registration
Registration Desk Open
Carousel Room
Morning Coffee/Tea & Expo
Carousel Room & Ocean Ballroom
Welcome & Announcements
Ocean Ballroom
Keynote Presenter
Ocean Ballroom
Bet on Yourself
Coach Tyler Gillum of the Savannah Bananas
Meet/Greet, Networking Break & Expo
Carousel Room & Ocean Ballroom
General Session 3
Ocean Ballroom
Refining Workers’ Compensation through Public Policy & Market Innovation
Joe Paduda, Alex Swedlow
Work Comp and Risk Essentials
Pearl Room A/B
Early Intervention, Lasting Results: A Blueprint for Claims Excellence
Joseph Sousa, Yvonne Guibert, Tanya Parker, Eric Taylor, Melissa Shute
Legal and Med-Legal Issues
Coronet Room
11:05 AM - 12:05 PM
Navigating the Intricacies of Orthopedic and Psychiatric Medical-Legal Reporting - Part 1
Judge Robert Rassp, Dr. Leslie Cadet, Michelle Sebring, Jack Don, Dr. Kimberely Tilley, Judge Douglas Webster
Leadership Toolbox
Magnolia Room
What We Permit, We Promote: Shaping Culture with Intention
Dawn Watkins, Justin Romine, Jeffrey Sickles, Kurt Leisure
ELEVATE® DAY 2: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
12:05 PM - 1:30 PM
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
3:10 PM - 4:10 PM
4:10 PM - 5:30 PM
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Lunch & Changemaker© Awards
Windsor Lawn
Networking Break & Expo
Carousel Room & Ocean Ballroom
Work Comp and Risk Essentials
Pearl Room A/B
Enhancing Workplace Safety Through Effective Communication
Adam Lopez, Amalia Sanchez, Jesus Arredondo, William Beattie
Legal and Med-Legal Issues
Coronet Room
Navigating the Intricacies of Orthopedic and Psychiatric Medical-Legal Reporting - Part 2
Judge Robert Rassp, Dr. Leslie Cadet, Michelle Sebring, Jack Don, Dr. Kimberely Tilley, Judge Douglas Webster
Leadership Toolbox
Magnolia Room
Leverage and Leadership: Conflict Management in High-Stakes Environments
Heywood Friedman, Robert Nickell, Roxana Figueroa, Tom Ash
General Session 4
Ocean Ballroom
The Road to Recovery: A Conversation with Injured Workers
Yvonne Guibert, Dr. Josh Schuette, Mario Latona, Dr. Shelby Moreira, Josh Shutts
Closing Celebration Reception
Windsor Lawn
Exhibitor Dismantling
Ocean Ballroom
Services:
Behavioral and Psychological Interventions
Work-Focused Cognitive Behavioral
Psychiatric Evaluation and Medication Management
Neuropsychological Screening and Evaluation
Pre-surgical Evaluation and Intervention
Neurocognitive screening evaluation has been the backbone of our head injury program, big kudos to Ascellus and the reports that come with that Really successful!
– Third Party Administrator
or email info@ascellus.com
Recupe by Plethy bridges care beyond the clinic—reducing claim durations, enhancing outcomes, and supporting the entire recovery journey.
West Coast Workers Compensation Mail Order Pharmacy Services
CHOOSE TRISTAR
When a nursing home client engaged us to manage their claims portfolio, our review of their data identified a statistical trend confined to four specific hours each week. We recommended they increase staffing during these critical morning hours, and Workers’ Compensation claims dropped 40% - a savings they used to hire more caregivers.
Contact us: info@tristargroup.net or 888.558.7478
