12th Annual Positive Aging Conference & Resource Fair
Kavod on the Road is excited to present a day dedicated to enhancing mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Join us for an informative experience.
Wednesday, June 18
9:00am – 2:30pm
Temple Emanuel, 51 Grape St., Denver
$18 per person
Your registration includes breakfast, lunch, keynote speakers, a choice of workshops, and access to our resource fair.
We look forward to welcoming you to this enriching event!
Schedule for the Day
9:00 – 9:45am: Registration, Resource Fair & Continental Breakfast
9:45 – 11:00am: Welcome & Keynote Address – Attorney General Phil Weiser
11:15am – 12:15pm: Breakout Workshops (descriptions below)
12:15 – 1:00pm: Lunch & Resource Fair
1:00 – 2:30pm: Afternoon Keynote: Cari Levy, MD & Closing Remarks
Workshop Choices
Physical Therapy - An Insider's Perspective: What Is It and Do I Need It?
Have you ever wondered when or why you might benefit from physical therapy? This workshop will explore what happens in physical therapy, why it is recommended to restore movement and can help reduce pain. You will learn about functional mobility, balance, gait, strength and a variety of modalities that improve safety and independence in everyday life.
Alex, the presenter, is known to lighten up the room with his humor and wit so this workshop will leave you not only with excellent information but with a smile and a laugh.
Presenter: Alex Luksik, the Director of Rehabilitation at Shalom Park
Alex brings a wealth of expertise in both exercise science and physical therapy. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Health Science with a concentration in Sports Medicine, as well as a minor in Elementary Education, from Colorado State University in 1998. Later, he furthered his education by earning an Associate’s Degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant from Monroe Community College in 2007. With his diverse educational background and extensive professional experience, Alex is deeply committed to advancing patient care and rehabilitation, blending his knowledge of sports medicine, physical therapy, and education to foster a holistic approach to healing and wellness.
A Modern Approach to the Mi Sheberach Healing Prayer
Delve into the timeless Jewish tradition of the Mi Sheberach prayer and its relevance in today’s world. This program invites you to explore how this powerful healing prayer can be applied to our personal lives, our families, our communities, and beyond. Through guided activities, participants will have the opportunity to craft their own personalized Mi Sheberach prayer, focusing on health, wellness, and spiritual support. This practice is designed to uplift and inspire, offering a meaningful way to enhance daily life and provide comfort and healing to those in need of prayer and support.
Presenter: Carly Coons, Director of Education and Programming at the Blue Dove Foundation
At the Blue Dove Foundation, Carly leads the development of mental health resources that thoughtfully integrate Judaism and mental wellness into communities. With a deep commitment to fostering awareness and support, Carly ensures that these resources are curated with intention to empower individuals and communities alike. Based in Denver, Carly finds inspiration and renewal through outdoor adventures in the mountains, as well as spending quality time with her family and friends.
How to Advocate for Yourself and Your Loved Ones as You Age
Advocacy is an essential skill for older adults and their caregivers to ensure they receive the highest quality care and preserve their well-being as they age. This presentation will explore key strategies for effective self-advocacy and advocating on behalf of loved ones. Topics will include how to educate and prepare for care, identify and overcome barriers to healthcare, and navigate complex healthcare systems and community resources. Gain practical tools and actionable insights to be a confident advocate.
Presenters: Heidi Wald and Rachel Rotach from Jewish Family Service
Dr. Wald is an accomplished physician leader and board-certified geriatrician. Through September 2024, Dr Wald served as the Chief Quality and Safety Officer at Intermountain Health where she was responsible for advancing quality, patient safety, patient experience and health equity outcomes across 32 hospitals and more than 400 ambulatory sites across five states. During her tenure Intermountain Health was the PINC AI top large health system in the country. Previously, Dr. Wald served as the Chief Quality and Safety Officer for SCL Health beginning in March of 2018. Her passion is advancing safe, reliable care through cultural transformation.
Between 2007 and 2018, Dr. Wald was an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Vice Chair for Quality in the Department of Medicine. She has authored over 60 peer reviewed articles on patient safety and quality of care for the older adult population in hospitals and nursing homes.
Dr. Wald is a graduate of Harvard Medical School and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. She completed clinical and research fellowships in Geriatric Medicine and an MSPH at the University of Colorado Denver. Dr. Wald was a 2009 Atlantic Philanthropies Health and Aging Policy Fellow.
Rachel serves as the Director of the Jay and Rose Phillips Aging Care & Connections Department at Jewish Family Service, where she leads a dedicated team committed to providing a range of essential services. These include care management, counseling, homemaker assistance, support for Holocaust survivors, pantry box and Kosher meal delivery, and social lunches.
Before joining Jewish Family Service, Rachel gained extensive experience in nonprofit management, focusing on program development, advocacy, and fundraising across Western New York and Colorado. Her work was deeply rooted in supporting caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, providing education for healthcare professionals, advocating with policymakers, and fostering volunteer and community collaboration to assist older adults living independently.
Rachel earned her bachelor’s degree in public relations from The Pennsylvania State University and her master’s degree in social work from the University at Buffalo, where she was as a Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education scholar.
Embracing Change: My Life with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Two years ago, Wally received a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a turning point that reshaped his life. From processing the difficult news and understanding how it would affect his daily life to navigating relationships, communication, and support systems, Wally’s journey has been both challenging and enlightening. He explored how the Jewish perspective intersects with his condition, while also examining the role of the medical community.
This talk will delve into Wally’s journey with MCI, his plans for the future, and how his experience can offer guidance and support to you, your loved ones, and your community. Whether you’re facing a similar challenge or seeking to understand the experience of MCI more deeply, Wally’s story is one of resilience, planning, and the importance of taking control over your own future.
Presenters: Wally Klatch & Rabbi Rick Brody
Wally has been deeply involved in aging and health issues since his diagnosis with Early-Stage Dementia, an experience he shares through his platform, TheAlzheimersConversation.com. Driven by his mission to raise awareness and spark meaningful conversations on topics related to dementia and aging, Wally is committed to fostering understanding and support. Now 70 years old, Wally’s professional background includes a successful career as a Management Consultant, specializing in Organizational and Operational strategies for large manufacturing companies. His unique perspective combines both personal experience and professional expertise to advocate for greater awareness and change.
Rabbi Rick Brody is the Baskin Jewish Community Chaplain at Jewish Family Service of Colorado, a position he has held since 2018. In this role, Rabbi Rick provides spiritual care, comfort, and guidance to anyone Jewish in the greater Denver area who needs a rabbi at their time of distress and doesn’t have one of their own to call on. He meets patients and clients in hospitals, nursing homes, retirement communities, mental health institutions, correctional facilities, hospices, or in their homes. Individuals can also connect with Rabbi Rick virtually, at the JFS office, or at a coffee shop or other location of their choice. Rabbi Rick also oversees JFS’s para-chaplain program, which places volunteers in older-adult facilities to lead Shabbat and holiday services and build community and personal relationship with Jewish residents.
Happy Is the Person Who Finds Wisdom: Valuing Wisdom and Aging in the Jewish Tradition
The Book of Job teaches us that “with age comes wisdom and with length of days understanding” (12:12). Few texts in the Hebrew Bible embody wisdom as powerfully as the Book of Proverbs (Mishlei). In this workshop, we will delve into select passages from Proverbs to explore the profound value of wisdom within the Jewish tradition.
We will also examine the teachings of Halakhah (Jewish Law) regarding wisdom and the esteemed role of our elders, reflecting on how these insights continue to hold relevance in our lives today. Join us for an enriching discussion that connects ancient wisdom with modern-day experiences, and gain a deeper appreciation for the timeless teachings that guide us in navigating life’s challenges.
Presenter: Rabbi Joshua Gingsberg-Margo
Originally from New York, Rabbi Ginsberg-Margo attended the University of Southern California, earning a BA and MA, and then completing some work toward a PhD at UCLA. He relocated to Denver in 2000 for a job opportunity. He and his family left Denver in 2010, but this gave Joshua the opportunity to enroll in a rabbinical ordination program at the Academy for Jewish Religion, CA. He received his ordination in 2017 and within a month of ordination moved back to Denver. Joshua has been working for SAP, a global enterprise software company for the past 19+ years as an application consultant and a learning and development professional. Outside of this work, Rabbi Ginsberg-Margo directs the Denver Introduction to Judaism program and serves as the current president of the Rocky Mountain Rabbis and Cantors. He also works as an Adjunct Rabbi for Temple Emanuel. Like many Coloradans, Rabbi Ginsberg-Margo loves spending time outdoors.
About the Keynotes
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser - "Protecting Older Coloradans"
Phil Weiser is serving his second term as the 39th attorney general of the state of Colorado. Since becoming the state’s chief legal officer in 2019, Attorney General Weiser has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving the people of Colorado, advancing the rule of law, protecting our democracy, and promoting justice for all. Through engagement and collaborative problem solving, the Colorado Department of Law has achieved significant milestones under Weiser’s leadership.
Protecting consumers is one of Weiser’s key priorities. In 2019, he worked with the state legislature to strengthen the Colorado Consumer Protection Act to give the attorney general’s office more tools to crack down on scams, as well as unfair and deceptive business practices. High-profile investigations have resulted in more than $250 million in refunds, credits, and debt relief for Colorado consumers. Holding drug manufacturers and distributors accountable for their roles in creating and fueling the opioid crisis is a hallmark of Weiser’s work, including securing over $750 million in settlement funds for treatment, recovery, and prevention education programs across the state. Colorado was the first state recognized by the Principles Coalition led by faculty at The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health for the state’s planning and collaboration with local governments in addressing the opioid crisis.
Weiser is dedicated to improving the criminal justice system and advancing public safety. Peace officer training and recruitment is a core part of Weiser’s agenda, and as the chair of the Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training Board, he has directed the first update to the state’s officer training curriculum in 30 years. During Weiser’s tenure, the department’s Criminal Justice Section has prioritized investigating and prosecuting auto and retail theft, human trafficking, and drug trafficking organized crime rings. Additionally, Weiser has spearheaded solutions to address recidivism by supporting businesses that hire people leaving prison to create opportunities and reduce crime. Weiser also has advocated fervently for victims of crime, including the first-ever enforcement of the state’s victims’ rights law, investigating child sex abuse by Catholic clergy, defending Colorado’s stalking law at the U.S. Supreme Court, and addressing the scourge of domestic violence.
Colorado’s natural beauty is core to our way of life, and Weiser’s commitment to protecting our land, air, and water has led to several actions. These actions include leading the effort to secure more than $6.6 million in settlement funds for natural resources damages in the Bonita Peak Mining District in southwestern Colorado, shoring up the state’s interests in negotiations over the future of the Colorado River, and fighting for statewide compensation for harm caused by PFAS “forever chemicals” in our water. He has also successfully fought in courts for clean car standards and the federal Methane Rule.
A stalwart defender of equality, Weiser champions reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, and the freedom to vote in state and federal courts. He argued landmark cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, including Colorado Department of State v. Baca, where the court affirmed that the states have the exclusive authority to appoint and, if necessary, remove presidential electors when they violate their pledges.
Weiser has made youth mental health a central focus in his second term. Actively leading multistate investigations into Meta and TikTok for their impact on our children’s well-being, he also sued Juul Labs, securing $31.7 million for vaping cessation, prevention, and youth mental health programs.
Before his time as attorney general, Weiser was the dean of the University of Colorado Law School. He also served as a law clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justices Byron R. White and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and held senior positions in the U.S. Department of Justice in the Clinton and Obama administrations. The son and grandson of Holocaust survivors, Weiser is deeply committed to the American Dream and ensuring opportunity for all Coloradans. Weiser lives in Denver with his wife, Dr. Heidi Wald, and their two children.
Dr. Cari Levy - Advocating for the 4M's in Health Care, "From Gait to Great: Scientific Pearls to Optimize Body and Brain Across the Lifespan"
Explore the fascinating connection between how we move and how we age. Grounded in the latest scientific research, Dr. Levy will reveal how simple everyday habits can serve as powerful predictors of brain health, physical vitality, and even lifespan.
Dr. Levy is a geriatrician and palliative care specialist. She is Division Head of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Her research is focused on innovative models of care for older adults.
Register below by June 13!
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