AGENDA

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

7-9 a.m. Exhibitor Setup

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Registration Open

9 - 11:30 a.m. Expo Hall Open

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Welcoming Lunch with Robin Wiessmann, PHFA Executive Director & CEO

12:45 - 2:15 p.m. Block 1 Sessions

  • Speakers:
    Khalifah Harding, Senior Housing Management Representative, PHFA
    Heather Black, Manager of Tax Credit Compliance, PHFA

    The PHFA Policies and Procedures session provides a comprehensive overview of Agency Compliance Monitoring guidelines. In addition, we will discuss annual deadlines and the Average Income policy, among other topics. Participants will have an opportunity to gain clarification on outstanding compliance issues with a question-and-answer segment. 

  • Speaker:
    Debra Carl, Senior Asset Manager, Pennsylvania Multifamily Asset Management

    The Understanding EIV Reporting and Documentation session will provide attendees with an understanding of the importance of EIV in both the Master Binder and tenant files.  Emphasis is placed on the need for notations on all reports as well as the process to conduct follow-up. At the conclusion of the session, attendees will work through the New Hire and Income Discrepancy Reports together, providing a hands-on understanding of EIV. 

  • Speaker:
    Rick Capozzi, Founder/President, Capozzi Group & Survival Mindset

    Who motiviates the motivator when chaos ensues? To motivate your team more efficiently and sucessfully, you must first motivate yourself. Join us in this session to identify ways to keep the team motivated through chaotic times.

  • Speakers:
    Steve Chopek, Supportive Services Director, American Healthcare Group
    Cindy Grimm, Service Coordinator, American Healthcare Group
    Crystal Deitch, American Healthcare Group

    Intergenerational programming refers to activities or initiatives designed to bring together people from different age groups, typically younger and older generations, to interact, share experiences, and learn from one another.  This session will show you supportive services can set up on-site programming at your family or senior affordable housing community. 

  • Speakers:
    Jennifer Crotsley, Director of Employment, Education and Financial Empowerment, Tri County Community Action
    James Stafford, Region 5 Veterans Specialist, PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

    There are barriers to housing that create additional challenges for an already overwhelmed population. Working together toward a common goal, agencies can create a clear path to services that is built on collaboration and is easier to navigate. By considering the needs of the community, the goal of stable housing is more achievable for all members.   

  • Speakers:
    Lisa Scott, Housing Services Representative II, PHFA
    Danielle Rudy, PHFA

    This session is for service coordinators, property managers who provide supportive services and service providers who work at family properties. Share, learn and express your opinions and ideas freely. Be a part of this great networking experience for anyone who provides supportive services. Please email question or discussion topics in advance to Lisa Scott at: Iscott@phfa.org or to Danielle Rudy at: drudy@phfa.org 

  • Speaker:
    George Dillman, Consumer Outreach Specialist, Pennsylvania Department of Banking & Securities

    Whatever your age, understanding how to keep your information safe and secure online is vitally important for everyone. This presentation covers key topics like using secure websites, creating strong passwords, being aware of what you put on social media, and even tips for shopping online safely. 

2:15 - 6 p.m. Expo Hall Open

3 - 4:30 p.m. Block 2 Sessions

  • Speaker:
    Jan Bechtel, HDC MidAtlantic
    Jaime Shillady, Director of Property Management, HDC MidAtlantic

    This session will focus on reducing barriers to affordable housing, providing resources to alleviate barriers, and formulating an implementation plan for updating resident selection processes to remove barriers for individuals who have been involved in the judicial system. This session will provide valuable information for anyone in the Affordable Housing industry. Attendees will receive guidance on how to help vulnerable populations secure stable and affordable housing after returning to their communities from incarceration. Additionally, attendees will learn how HDC MidAtlantic revised their resident selection processes by using a trauma-informed approach for reviewing criminal records, significantly reducing barriers to affordable housing for individuals with criminal backgrounds.

  • Speaker:
    Lisa Santiago, PHFA

    Join PHFA staff to test your knowledge on calculating income and assets. The case studies will include sample documentation in which participants will need to determine if they are acceptable forms of verification per PHFA standards. Next we will identify deficiencies in the documents where additional information is requird. Once the deficiencies are satisfied, we will calculate the income and determine what should be included on the household's certification.

  • Speaker:
    Corporal Aaron Allen, PA State Police Officer of Community Engagement, PA State Police

    This presentation discusses the benefits of having diverse cultures in America.  Additionally, it depicts many of the cultural practices that Officers may encounter while on patrol, and how to be more receptive to those practices.  This presentation also touches on the topic of Immigration. 

  • Speaker:
    Patricia Washington, Financial Education Officer, PHFA

    A perfect opportunity to connect and network with colleagues while having fun sharing your knowledge about PHFA programs & affordable housing procedures.  

  • Speaker:
    Josh Ercole, Executive Director, Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania

    Today, more people are participating in gambling activities than ever before. While most individuals are able to gamble without developing issues, there are a small percentage who are not. Unfortunately for these individuals, things often progresses to a point where several areas of their lives are negatively impacted. 

     

    This training will review definitions problem gambling and the impact that it may have on an individual. The presentation will focus on those who are at an increased risk of developing a gambling issue and discussion will include strategies that can be utilized to address problem gambling concerns. 

  • Speaker:
    Terri Bowling, Manager, Highmark Caring Place
    Alexa Livelsberger, Education Coordinator, Highmark Caring Place

    We often associate grief with a loss due to a death. Yet, housing insecurity is a significant loss for many families. These non-death losses and the grief that accompanies them often go unrecognized. This workshop will expand your view of grief and offer tools to support families in your community. 

  • Speaker:
    Tony Delonti, Manager, Health Promotions, American Lung Association in Pennsylvania

    Using real life examples attendees will learn about the various products individuals are using to vape in numerous environments.  A discussion about the new evidence about health effects and gain knowledge about the effects of new nicotine products.  

4:30-6 p.m. Expo Hall Open and Reception with Exhibitors

6 p.m. Dinner on Your Own

Thursday, June 5, 2025

7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Registration Open

8 - 9:15 a.m. Keynote Breakfast

Leading Through Chaos and Calm

Joseph Robinson, Jr.
President, Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Institute

Using the leadership model developed in Mr. Robinson's book, "7 Leadership Imperatives from a Wild Man" attendees will learn a practical leadership model that can establish a common language and methodology throughout the organization. Using anecdotes and interactive exercises, the attendees will leave inspired to take on the challenges inherit in their jobs. 

9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Block 3 Sessions

  • Speaker:
    A.J. Johnson, President, A.J. Johnson Consulting

    The session will focus on the responsibilities of multifamily rental managers in accommodating the needs of disabled applicants and residents. It will cover the difference between a “modification” and an “accommodation,” as well as who is responsible for paying for these modifications and accommodations. Multiple court cases will illustrate the requirements of the law.

  • Speakers:
    Tina Chilla, Housing Management Representative I, PHFA
    Lisa Santiago, Housing Management Representative I, PHFA

    Please join us in the Preparing for a Sucessful File Audit session to review PHFA tenant certification requirements for properties layered with Agency funding, such as HOME and Housing Trust Funds. In this session we will review: the forms required for tenant Move-Ins, Annual and Alternate Certifications; where to locate documents and resources on the PHFA website and common compliance errors to avoid when completing required forms. In addition, we will cover a general overview of income and asset documentation requirements. For a more in-depth review of the required income and asset documentation, we recommend attending Income and Assets: Case Studies.

  • Speakers:
    Kara Rea, Administration & Compliance Specialist, HCCP, COS, BOS, Trek Development Group
    Gemma Graven, Director of Lease-up & Property Administration Trek Development Group

    You’re invited to participate in a session focused on the successful preparation of management documents for a streamlined review and approval process. During this session, we will go over the PHFA checklists and requirements for documents such as the Tenant Selection Plan, Grievance Procedure, and Affirmative Fair Housing Management Plan etc. 

  • Speaker:
    Deborah Allen, Executive Director, PennCares

    Wits Workout is an Engaging and Interactive Brain Health Program usually focused for Older Adults. This interactive model serves a need in increasing socialization, reducing isolation, and promoting intellectual engagement in older adults, all of which complement current aging brain health research. Through its interactive dialog and experiential activities, this program seeks to maintain or adopt long-term health-promoting behaviors through ongoing brain exercise classes.  This training will aim to build motivation and empowerment among older adults. Come join in the fun as this is an interactive class. No lecture--all activities to get your brain working!  Prizes given too!

  • Speakers:
    Jennifer Schneck, Resident Services Coordinator, HDC MidAtlantic
    Emmalee Leed, Coordinator, HDC MidAtlantic

    Stable and affordable housing is a human right and an evidence-based way to support mental 

    health. In this session, participants will explore impactful programs designed to support and strengthen communities.  We will highlight several initiatives HDC has launched with both residents and employees with a focus on our newly launched Mental Health and Wellness Employee Resource Group. As well as programs such as a Trauma Informed Approach, REDI, department collaboration and community partnerships. 

  • Speaker:
    Maria Tagliaferri, Veterans Service Specialist, PA Department of Military & Veterans Affairs

    Overview on essential veteran resources is a one-hour training that reviews all levels of which veterans and their families can access critical services to support them whether it be for accessing federal and state benefits as well community services specific to supporting veterans such as transitional housing, financial assistance, education gratuity, aging services, home modifications, etc.

  • Speakers:
    Ralph Shires, Technical Services Representative II, PHFA
    Caleb Alexander, Technical Services Representative I, PHFA

    Join us for an in-depth look at what you need for your Preventative Maintenance Program.  Engage in discussions and learn best practices to sharpen your Preventative Maintenance Program.   

10:30 - 10:45 .m. Break

10:45 - 11:45 a.m. Block 4 Sessions

  • Speaker:
    A.J. Johnson, President, A.J. Johnson Consulting

    On January 9, 2023, HUD published a final rule implementing The Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA), signed into law on July 29, 2016. This final rule was published in the Federal Register on February 14, 2023, and will become effective for HUD projects on July 1, 2025. Virtually all HUD programs are impacted by the rule, as are the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program and the Rural Development Section 515 Program. The final rule makes sweeping changes to HUD programs and will significantly impact the income determination for the LIHTC Program. This three-part training will explain the changes that must be implemented in 2025 and will cover the following areas: (1) Definitional changes relating to earned and unearned income, non-recurring income, and foster children; (2) Revised Income Exclusions; (3) New requirements relative to Student Financial Assistance; (4) Changes to the HUD permitted deductions from gross income, including a full review of the new “hardship exemptions;” (5) Brand new rules regarding assets; (6) New Interim Recertification requirements; (6) Changes to the HOME Program; and (7) the new definition of “annual income.” This session is a must for all managers of HUD, Rural Development, and LIHTC properties and will provide plenty of opportunity for Q&A

  • Speaker:
    Dawn Cieri, Property Accountant and Yardi Affordable Support, Altman Management Company

    Managing an affordable property can be complex, especially when time is limited and unexpected issues arise. The session will be an interactive discussion to help create a cheat sheet and calendar for on-site staff to locate, understand, and organize the important numbers that identify their property.

  • Speaker:
    Susan Delgado, PHFA

    In today’s competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent in the affordable housing sector can be challenging! This session, " Building a Strong Foundation: Recruiting and Retaining Exceptional Talent in Affordable Housing," will provide actionable insights and innovative approaches to help navigate these challenges. Attendees will explore proven recruitment techniques, learn how to foster a supportive workplace culture, and discover real solutions to workforce retention issues.

  • Speaker:
    Tylin Colston, Housing Services Representative I, PHFA

    A revamped presentation for “Supports Coordinators and Property Managers Working Together.” A presentation designed to introduce, review and reignite strategies and methods for supports coordinators and property managers to work together to create a strong working relationship for the betterment of the community they serve.  

  • Speaker:
    Natashia Woods, Service Coordinator, JLD Property Management

    In this interactive workshop, participants will explore the importance of establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries and relationships in a professional setting. We will discuss how to develop self-awareness, communication techniques, navigating workplace relationships, and how to handle difficult situations where boundaries are being challenged. 

  • Speakers:
    Laura S McAnulty, M.A., CCC-SLP, ASDCS, CYMHS, Executive Director, Neurodiversity Employment Network of Philadelphia
    Cheri Fishbaugh, Director D-CAP, West Chester University

    Two presenters, one with experiential perspective on Neurodivergence will offer an overview of the characteristics and needs of individuals on the spectrum.  A focus will be placed on Housing need, challenges and helpful supports.   

  • Speaker:
    Brittany Mellinger, Fair Housing Training & Outreach Coordinator, Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission

    Everyone plays a key role in ensuring fair housing opportunities for residents! Join us to for a lively discussion on defining fair housing and implementing best practices to avoid discriminatory policies. In addition, we will discuss ways to ensure individuals with disabilities obtain housing with accessibility features.

11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. Lunch and “PHFA Housing Policy Fellows Present Emerging Insights on Financial Literacy and Fair Housing” with PHFA Fellows

1:15 - 2:45 p.m. Block 5 Sessions

  • Speaker:
    A. J. Johnson, President, A.J. Johnson Consulting

    On January 9, 2023, HUD published a final rule implementing The Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA), signed into law on July 29, 2016. This final rule was published in the Federal Register on February 14, 2023, and will become effective for HUD projects on July 1, 2025. Virtually all HUD programs are impacted by the rule, as are the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program and the Rural Development Section 515 Program. The final rule makes sweeping changes to HUD programs and will significantly impact the income determination for the LIHTC Program. This three-part training will explain the changes that must be implemented in 2025 and will cover the following areas: (1) Definitional changes relating to earned and unearned income, non-recurring income, and foster children; (2) Revised Income Exclusions; (3) New requirements relative to Student Financial Assistance; (4) Changes to the HUD permitted deductions from gross income, including a full review of the new “hardship exemptions;” (5) Brand new rules regarding assets; (6) New Interim Recertification requirements; (6) Changes to the HOME Program; and (7) the new definition of “annual income.” This session is a must for all managers of HUD, Rural Development, and LIHTC properties and will provide plenty of opportunity for Q&A

  • Speaker:
    David Zerbato, Managing Director, Morton, Valihura & Zerbato, LLC

    Join David Zerbato Esquire, Managing Director, at Morton, Valihura & Zerbato, LLC, for his session on Best Practices to Avoid Lawsuits and Liability. This one-hour session will focus on best practices in the affordable housing industry, how to avoid liability and lawsuits by focusing on the lease, rules, and regulations. This session will provide valuable information for anyone in the Affordable Housing industry, and thus, those in attendance will receive guidance on how to make informed decisions by ensuring that they fully understand and are knowledgeable of their company’s policies and procedures. 

  • Speaker:
    Stacy Bampton, Housing Management Representative I, PHFA
    Chris Williams, Assistant Housing Management Representative, PHFA

    Let's play Jeopardy! Join us for this interactive game-show style session. All attendees will be broken into teams to compete for the win. Questions will include topics ranging from LIHTC, HOME, HOTMA, Section 8, and more. Whether you are a seasoned property manager or brand new to the industry, come test your knowledge and maybe learn something new.

  • Speaker:
    Linda Shumaker, RN, GERO-BC, MA, Executive Director, Optimize Aging, LLC

    Suicide rates for older white men are the highest yet little is discussed of cause and prevention. This presentation will discuss the incidence and common characteristics of depression and suicide specific to late life. The review of treatment options as well as complications such as suicide will be emphasized.

  • Speakers:
    Richard Stephenson, CFO/COO, Acting Executive Director, Allegheny County Housing Authority
    Cheryl Messner, FSS Coordinator/Supervisor, Westmoreland County Housing Authority
    Kayla Lucotch, FSS Case Manager, Westmoreland County Housing Authority
    Robin Meadows, FSS Case Manager, Westmoreland County Housing Authority

    Staff currently implementing FSS programs at various properties will discuss the basics of the FSS program including recruiting techniques, case management and documentation. We’ll then discuss various partnerships developed with various agencies including, the job corps, UPMC pathways to work, trade institute of PGH and others. This will be an interactive sessions where participants are encouraged to ask questions and peer learn.  

  • Speaker:
    Amanda Stengal, M.A., MFT, Housing Services Representative PHFA

    The Mental Health Round table is an opportunity for open discussion and feedback on the topic of Mental Health. The session facilitator will guide participants in offering questions, case studies, solutions and resources for the challenges and impact that mental health can present for the residents of affordable housing communities. 

  • Speakers:
    Caleb Alexander, Technical Services Representative I, PHFA
    Ralph Shires, Technical Services Representative II, PHFA
    Kevin Hankins, Vice President of Maintenance, Pennrose

    Please join us with your questions and offer your expertise at this Maintenance Roundtable Sessions.  This session is an open forum and a great opportunity to share your experience and gain knowledge from other housing professionals and PHFA Staff.   

2:45 - 3 p.m. Break

3 - 4:30 p.m. Block 6 Sessions

  • Speaker:
    A.J. Johnson, President, A.J. Johnson Consulting

    On January 9, 2023, HUD published a final rule implementing The Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA), signed into law on July 29, 2016. This final rule was published in the Federal Register on February 14, 2023, and will become effective for HUD projects on July 1, 2025. Virtually all HUD programs are impacted by the rule, as are the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program and the Rural Development Section 515 Program. The final rule makes sweeping changes to HUD programs and will significantly impact the income determination for the LIHTC Program. This three-part training will explain the changes that must be implemented in 2025 and will cover the following areas: (1) Definitional changes relating to earned and unearned income, non-recurring income, and foster children; (2) Revised Income Exclusions; (3) New requirements relative to Student Financial Assistance; (4) Changes to the HUD permitted deductions from gross income, including a full review of the new “hardship exemptions;” (5) Brand new rules regarding assets; (6) New Interim Recertification requirements; (6) Changes to the HOME Program; and (7) the new definition of “annual income.” This session is a must for all managers of HUD, Rural Development, and LIHTC properties and will provide plenty of opportunity for Q&A

  • Speakers:
    Allison Hendrick, Director of Operations, NDC Asset Management LLC
    Molly Smith, Housing Management Representative II, PHFA
    Lori Staggart, HMR, PHFA

    Please join us with your questions and offer your expertise and/or concerns at this Property Management Roundtable Session. This is an open forum and a great opportunity to share your experience and gain knowledge from other housing professionals and PHFA staff.

  • Speaker:
    Corporal Aaron Allen, PA State Police Office of Community Engagement, PA State Police

    During this presentation we observe and discuss several examples of poor de-escalation, as well as some examples of favorable de-escalation.  We also teach Officer’s how to recognize anger in both themselves, as well as the violator and how to overcome such emotions. 

  • Speaker:
    Linda Shumaker, RN, GERO-BC, MA, Executive Director, Optimize Aging, LLC

    Hoarding behaviors present a social, mental health and community concern.  Individuals who hoard have difficulty discarding belongings due to the emotional attachment to the belongings. This program will discuss hoarding as a disease, as well as demographics, assessment and treatment. Understanding the complexity of treatment for individuals will be emphasized.

  • Speaker:
    Pat LaMarche, Author/Advocate, Charles Bruce Foundation

    Learn from a family who has navigated homelessness and housing insecurity while permanently disabled as a result of autism. We will present generalized information about housing, housing assistance for the permanently disabled as well as testimony from those who struggle within a system designed for people without communication disability. 

  • Speaker:
    Holly Zugay, Senior Financial Education Officer, PHFA

    We all know that servicer coordinators are not in it for the money. Many face the same financial challenges as their tenants. This session will address making the most of your paycheck and employee benefits in order to set yourself for a financially secure present and future.

  • Speakers:
    Caleb Alexander, Technical Services Representative I, PHFA
    Ralph Shires, Technical Services Representative II, PHFA

    Join us for an in-depth look at what you need to know to prepare for NSPIRE and the PCC Inspections. 

4:30 p.m. Evening on Your Own

Friday, June 6, 2025

7 - 9 a.m. Registration Open

8 - 9:15 a.m. Keynote Breakfast

Responding to Times of Civil Unrest: Proactive Strategies for Preparation and Response

Rick Capozzi
Founder/President, CapozziGroup & Survival Mindset Co.

How can your organization effectively prepare for and respond to civil unrest? Join nationally recognized expert Rick Capozzi as he leads you through essential strategies for preventing escalation—what he refers to as “vent and prevent”—and navigating situations when prevention efforts don’t go as planned. 

Through insightful case studies and real-world examples, Rick will teach you how to train your team and develop a plan to manage potential unrest at your organization. Whether you're confronting protest movements, social tensions, or unforeseen crises, this session will provide you with practical tools and strategies to create a safer, more informed environment. 

9:30 - 11 a.m. Block 7 Sessions

  • Speaker:
    Rick Capozzi, Founder/President, Capozzi Group & Survival Mindset

    We are facing many of the biggest disruptors our world has ever seen. It has created both mentally and economically challenging times that have not only impacted businesses but also our personal lives. What is the foundation on how peple and organizations can adapt? Wht are the secrets to overcoming?

  • Speakers:
    Tram Le, Senior Financial Analyst, PHFA
    Caleb Alexander, Technical Services Representative I, PHFA
    Ralph Shires, Tech Services Rep, PHFA

    This session aims to breakdown the intricacies of the Reserve for Replacement Withdrawal process. A panel of PHFA staff members from Financial Operations and Technical Services will provide a thorough breakdown of the process to complete a drawdown requests.  

  • Speaker:
    Bette Newcomer, Director of Compliance, M&L Compliance

    This informative session will provide a review of changes in the HOME Final Rule and to the multi-family rental assistance program. The Final Rule was released on January 6, 2025, and is effective on April 20, 2025.  The training is designed for site personnel who manage properties with HOME funds.  Tenant Protections and  Lease Requirements; Income Determination Methods; Tenant Based Rental Assistance & Rent Limits; Utility Allowances, and Security Deposits & Fees are the focus of the session. 

  • Speaker:
    Cindy Richard, Director, Suicide Prevention of York

    Just like CPR, QPR is an emergency response to someone in crisis and can save lives. QPR is the most widely taught suicide prevention gatekeeper training in the world. QPR is taught in a clear concise format.  

  • Speakers:
    Alicia Spencer, Senior Housing Services Representative, PHFA
    Tamara Diggs, Housing Services Representative, PHFA

    ​​This session is for service coordinators, property managers who provide supportive services and service providers who work at senior properties.  Share, learn, and express your opinions and ideas freely.  Be a part of this great networking opportunity for anyone who provides supportive services.  ​

  • Speaker:
    Patricia Washington, Financial Education Officer, PHFA

    A practical workshop designed for residence to master budgeting. Learn to prioritize essential needs, tap into local resources, use budgeting apps, and build a supportive community.

2025 Sponsors