Conference Schedule: Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Mental illness doesn’t have a single, identifiable appearance. Its many harmful forms affect people across all demographics and impact every area of life—at home, in worship, at school, and in the workplace. Recent suicides of well-known figures, successful individuals, and those who seemed happy highlight how much can be hidden behind a forced smile, a distracting joke, or an outwardly perfect life.

In this keynote, I share my journey from the edge of suicide to discovering mental health. Through personal stories and insights, I explore what mental illness truly feels like, the underlying causes of my struggles, the lessons I’ve learned, and simple steps we can all take to foster the most life-affirming gift: connection.

• What mental illness feels like, what it is, and what it isn’t.
• The difference between attention, contact and connection
• Simple ways to create what can be a life-saving difference
• Steps you and your organization can take to create an environment where individuals feel comfortable to acknowledge mental illness in themselves and in others.
• Learn how to identify and assist those who may be struggling in your life and your workplace.

Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

David Woods Bartley

Employee engagement in the U.S. has dropped to an alarming low, silently eroding morale, productivity, and profits across organizations. Yet some companies achieve engagement rates as high as 70% and thrive in ways others dream of. What’s their secret?

In this session, we’ll uncover why traditional engagement programs often fail to create lasting change, explore why knowing your engagement baseline is critical for organization-wide improvement, and reveal the missing piece that separates thriving teams from struggling ones. Whether you’re a leader, HR professional, or champion for change, you’ll gain practical strategies to assess engagement holistically, identify root causes, and drive measurable improvements that align employees with organizational goals.

• The Cost of Disengagement: Understand the hidden toll disengagement takes on morale, productivity, and profits—and why addressing it is a priority for success.
• Engagement Baseline: Learn why knowing where your team stands today is the first step toward meaningful, measurable improvement.
• Incorporating Culture: Explore ways to make Employee Engagement part of your corporate culture.
• The Missing Piece: Discover the missing piece that separates thriving teams from struggling ones and unlock the potential for a thriving workplace.

Intended Audience: Private Sector

Kelli Risse is passionate about helping organizations and teams who want strategies and tools to reduce workplace anxiety, stress and overwhelm that will ultimately lead to increased productivity, a healthy culture and improved employee wellbeing. Kelli has been featured on ABC, NBC, FOX and CBS, as well as many other online media outlets. Kelli is the CEO of Rise Up and Live Wellness, a two-time #1 International Best-Selling author and the host of the podcast Winning in Business.

Today’s workforce struggles with a critical skill:  Thinking.

We’ve all experienced it.  Lots of opinions, with little basis for those opinions.  Dumb questions — and yes people can and do ask dumb questions.  Knee-jerk reactions based on the current emotional climate.  A “I found it on Google™ so it must be true” frame of reference. And a propensity to hear something and immediately take action.   

We might be consumers of someone else’s thinking (AI) but many of us are not using the grey matter between our ears.  And that puts you and your organization at a competitive disadvantage. 

So, whether YOU’RE the one not thinking, or YOUR TEAM isn’t optimizing their cognitive potential – at this workshop you’ll interact with the author of THINK and:   

• Recognize how weak thinking is impacting organizations
• Learn how organizational and leadership behaviors impact employee reasoning skills 
• Make Thinking part of your organizational culture.
• Discover tools and techniques to overcome your poor thinking habit(s) to achieve peak mental performance

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Tammy K. Rogers is a Master Facilitator, Storyteller and Author.  She’s been instrumental in eleven business start-ups.  She’s held Vice President titles in both Human Resources and Operations – and has had the opportunity to lead more than 200 employees in remote offices from Boston to Los Angeles and Minneapolis to Atlanta.  Tammy has written five books, designed and developed more than 50 internationally distributed training programs, and worked with best-selling authors like James Autry and Bob Nelson.

Today, Tammy is best known for helping leaders experience “Aha” moments in order to develop new ways of thinking, new attitudes and new behaviors that transfer to the real world.  And throughout Tammy’s 30+ year career, she has partnered with hundreds of companies – both large and small – to help them improve results through the building of people, processes and procedures.

In any company setting great companies are going to have great culture, benefits, mission, vison, financial stability, and employee retention. How do you maintain and hold these together? Relationships!

• How to develop authentic relationships
• How to maintain strong relationships
• How to create mutualistic dynamics in relationships that grow all parties
• How to make relationships part of your organizational structure and goals.

Intended Audience: Private Sector

• Mississippi Boy, born and raised, moved to Missouri 12 years ago
• Graduate and Former Football Player for the MISSISSIPPI STATE Bulldogs #hailstate
• Former High School Biology, AP Biology Teacher, Football, Baseball, Track, Strength & Conditioning Coach
• Banking Industry for 9 years
• 7 ABA Certifications
• Fitness & Yoga Enthusiast, & Fitness Instructor
• Traveler and Philanthropist
• FinTech Industry trainer
• Manager / Coach Retail
• Entrepreneur
• Podcaster
• Social Media Influencer
• High School and College Referee
• Reggie is known for his holistic and enthusiastic approach to presenting, facilitating, consulting, and coaching. He has a wide variety of experiences with people and organizations that have shaped and molded his approach.
• Reggie has been trained in a variety of presentation methods, personality assessments, emotional intelligence, time management, company culture, diversity and inclusion, strength finders and with his background as an educator and thru his life experiences, he has developed a unique approach to solving problems, motivating, consulting and leadership.

This session will provide training on specific physical, behavioral and performance indicators of drug and alcohol use. 

We will take you through the correct procedures when an employer suspects an employee of being under the influence of drug or alcohol. We will outline the proper responses to any information that the employer may receive or observe, highlighting how to observe, what documentation is needed, how to confront the employee, and how to direct them to a test facility.

We will also speak on the legalization of THC and how that may affect your employees while protecting your business.

• What establishes Reasonable Suspension
• What are the correct procedures when you suspect impairment.
• How THC use may affect your employee and your business

Afterwards, we will leave time for questions and answers.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Mid Missouri Drug Testing Collections, Inc.  MMDTC
Chief Operating Officer

I have been a part of MMDTC since May of 2023 and co-owner of the business since August 2023.  MMDTC has been a family-owned drug and alcohol testing business since 2000.   We have clients all over Missouri and surrounding states.  We also act as a TPA (third party administrator) for business small and large over different variety of businesses including trucking companies, municipalities, factory, construction, banking, government agencies, healthcare, and court options.  Our services include federal and non-federal drug testing, breath alcohol, hair and nail testing, background checks, DMV driving records, DNA testing, and patch management.   MMDTC is certified to conduct reasonable suspicion training to clients.  Our office is located in Columbia but we are able to connect with other testing sites over the entire country.  We also offer some on-site testing where we come to your facility. All collectors are certified and professional.

Overview: In this presentation, you’ll learn about the top benefit trends, key legal considerations, and innovative cost containment strategies to protect your health plan’s financial wellbeing and ensure compliance in a complex healthcare landscape.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn the top benefit trends for 2025 that you should be monitoring to protect the financial wellbeing of your health plan and remain compliant.
2. Gain an understanding of key metrics and strategies for containing costs for your benefit program.
3. Discover practical Human Resources strategies and best practices to ensure your organization achieves health plan financial goals and remains compliant with current laws and regulations, without sacrificing employee well-being.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Vice President, Employee Benefits
Cottingham & Butler

Julie previously held the role of Vice President and Head of Human Resources at Cottingham & Butler for seven years before joining the Employee Benefits division. In her role, Julie was responsible for driving the strategic vision for Human Resources and lead the function through double digit headcount growth and navigated challenges through COVID-19.  Julie has served as a member of the Executive Team, Benefits & Retirement Committee, and lead the Human Resources functions of Training, Organizational Design, Payroll, Benefits, Recruiting and Employee Relations.

Julie graduated from University of Northern Iowa. She spent time living in Boston developing her recruiting and HR generalist skills before moving back to Iowa in 2005. She spent over 10 years in Des Moines and has experience working in HR consulting and held roles in corporate procurement as well as HR Leadership in the financial services industry. She now resides in Dubuque, IA with her husband and three children.

Trust is the foundation for effective leadership and team performance, yet research reveals that only around half of all employees trust their manager.

Explore the critical factors that enable managers to foster trust and strengthen relationships with employees. Participants will gain insights into practical approaches for enhancing trust and how it can drive greater engagement, collaboration and success with teams.

• Identify three primary drivers of trust.
• Explain how HR professionals can support managers in building trust.
• Develop practical strategies managers can implement to enhance engagement and psychological safety with their teams.

 Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Jason Herman is a dynamic leadership and organizational effectiveness consultant with 25 years of experience guiding companies to achieve exceptional results by unleashing the full potential of their people. His strategic insights and passion for transformation have driven success across diverse industries, including insurance, higher education, telecommunications, and hospitality. Jason takes pride in his ability to empower leaders, with one of his most rewarding accomplishments being his work with healthcare executives, helping them navigate unprecedented challenges during the pandemic.

Beyond his professional achievements, Jason finds joy and balance through theater outings and live music experiences with his wife and two daughters. A runner and basketball referee, he thrives on staying active and engaged. When he’s not on the move, you can find him immersed in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, embracing his inner superhero.

We will review all the changes in the Medical Insurance Compliance world when it comes to the new compliance requirements/ filings a company is now required to complete.

• Know what compliance forms are relevant to your company
• Know the timing of new requirements
• Know how to complete the requirements

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Kent joined Bukaty Companies with 30 years of experience building, running and consulting for companies ranging from small to Fortune 500.

He understands what it takes to design an employee benefits program that is attractive to both employers and employees. With all his talents in the finance and operations world, Kent works diligently to provide solutions across the nation the many services Bukaty Companies can assist companies and executives with — Group Health Insurance, Commercial P&C, HIPAA compliance, COBRA administration and payroll, to mention a few.

By keeping the client’s needs as the driver, Kent implements a strategy that allows his clients to stay focused on what they do best.  His new clients have been averaging over a $1,600 per year savings per employee… and they now have better benefits.

Kent is a seasoned public speaker on multiple topics and is known a ones of the nation’s leading expert on Wellness programs, Contributions Strategies, Strategic Plan Design, Direct Contracting and Cost Containment programs. No one brings more passion to their clients than he does.  Kent and his team deliver a world class benefit / insurance experience -so his clients can stay focused on running their company. 

Kent graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia, with a combined degree in Marketing/ Management/ Public Relations.

Licensed in Life & Health / Commercial Property & Casualty 

Verticals

 All companies over 10 employees – Associations, Auto, Banks, Churches, Construction, Distribution, Food Industry, Gaming and Hospitality, Manufacturing, Marine, Medical providers, Public, Schools, Utilities, 501-c3’s,

Kent Friend

National Strategic Benefit Consultant

Commercial Property & Casualty

4601 College Boulevard, Suite 100 | Leawood, KS 66211

Direct: 913.777.7535 | Cell: 816.803.7406

KFriend@bukaty.com

www.bukaty.com

During this session we’ll review recent updates to Form I-9 including remote examination of documents.  We’ll also cover Form I-9’s companion, E-Verify, and discuss how to handle a tentative non-confirmation (mismatch) case along with valuable best practices.  We’ll wrap up the session with an exciting preview of E-Verify’s future – E-Verify+ (plus).  Even the most ‘seasoned’ HR professionals will walk from this high energy conversation saying “I didn’t know that”! 

• Accurately complete Form I-9 and perform I-9 self-audits
• Enroll in E-Verify and perform Program Administrator functions
• Efficiently resolve E-Verify tentative nonconfirmation (mismatch) cases

 Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Joel Grauer is an Engagement Analyst for the Verification Division at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of Homeland Security.

As a subject matter expert on Form I-9 and E-Verify, Mr. Grauer has conducted over 500 presentations to local, regional and national audiences that included corporate legal counsel, immigration attorneys, workforce development, human resources and payroll professionals. 

Before joining the Verification Division, Mr. Grauer served in the United States Air Force for 30 years.  As a communications manager, he provided strategic and survivable communications systems at both stateside and overseas locations including Greece, Japan, Korea, Hawaii and throughout Southwest Asia.

 Mr. Grauer holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Master of Arts in Management from Bellevue University. 

Riley Trotter is an Engagement Analyst for the Verification Division at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of Homeland Security.       

Mr. Trotter conducts webinar-based training on Form I-9 and E-Verify educating local, regional and national audiences.  The training provided by Mr. Trotter ensures growth in program enrollment as well as program compliance.

Before joining the Verification Division, Mr. Trotter served in the United States Army including two overseas deployments and has worked as a Federal civilian employee since 2001. 

Mr. Trotter graduated U.S. Army Basic Training, Military Police School, Military Police Investigations Course, and USCIS Immigration Services Officer Basic Training. 

Cybercrime is a human problem. You can have the best firewall, anti-virus or VPN, but all it takes is for you to accidentally click on a link in an email, text message, or give out information over the phone and you’re hacked. There’s no way to predict a cyberattack, whether by a lack of security solutions or a careless employee opening some type of malicious attachment. Get crucial tips to keep your business safe and secure.

• Learn how to build your human firewall to keep yourself safe
• Learn how criminals are using AI to hack you
• Find what processes you need to implement to stop cyber attacks forever

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Burton Kelso is the owner and Chief Tech Expert at Integral, an computer repair and IT support and managed services company. He is also a 2x TEDx Keynote Speaker and Expert on Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Social Media Marketing as well as a TV & Radio Tech Expert regularly appearing on networks across the globe offering viewers easy tips on computers, technology, Internet lifestyle, and gadgets. As computers and their related gadgets become more and more part of our everyday lives, he’ here to help you get the most out of your devices. His vision is to remove the frustrations and complexity of computers and technology and open people up to a world of new ideas, experiences, and opportunities with their devices\ and gadgets. He loves technology, he’s read all of the manuals, and he’s serious about making technology fun. safe, and easy to use for everyone!

Dive into the colorful world of personality insights with this engaging 2-hour True Colors workshop. Using the True Colors personality assessment, participants will uncover their unique personality type, better understand their strengths, and learn how to navigate differences with others. Through interactive activities, group discussions, and practical applications, this workshop will provide tools to enhance communication, build stronger relationships, and improve team dynamics.

By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for your own style and actionable strategies for working more effectively with others—whether in the workplace or beyond.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify your primary and secondary personality colors through the True Colors assessment and understand how they reflect your strengths and preferences.
2. Compare and contrast different personality types to recognize how varying styles influence communication, decision-making, and teamwork.
3. Apply practical techniques to leverage personality insights for improving collaboration, resolving conflicts, and fostering inclusive environments.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Evoto

Lyon Coaching Group, led by Rae Lyon, brings an incredible 30+ years of experience in management, leadership, and training across a diverse range of industries, including banking, education, finance, government, human resources, insurance, law enforcement, and manufacturing. Rae’s career is a testament to her passion for empowering individuals and organizations to thrive.

For over 15 years, Rae served as the associate director of the University of Missouri’s Missouri Training Institute, where she designed and delivered engaging, research-based training programs in supervision, management, and leadership to organizations across the state and beyond. She was also co-host of The Weekly Workplace, a top-ranked podcast in Missouri. Before that, she spent 7 years inspiring students as a high school teacher and a decade leading teams as a banking center vice president.

Rae is an ICF-certified coach and holds certifications in Gallup’s CliftonStrengths, Emotional Intelligence (EQ-i 2.0), and the Energy Leadership Index (ELI), bringing a wealth of tools to every coaching session. Whether working with individuals or groups, Lyon Coaching Group is committed to sparking growth, unlocking potential, and driving meaningful change with energy and expertise.

The Great Exhaustion. What am I talking about? We are the busiest, most consumed, and burnt out society the world has seen in a long, long time. Maybe not since the Industrial Revolution of the late 19th and early 20th century have societal norms, technology, and daily life changed as quickly and forcefully as they have in the last 20 years. And we’re just at the knee bend in the curve.

More and more, clients walk into my office and when I ask them what brought them to counseling, they use the word burnout to describe what they’re feeling. Most aren’t clinically burnt out, but they’re all describing a pace and volume of living and working that is untenable. They know it. I know it. But what are we doing about it?

As leaders in our organizations, we are often squeezed between “caring for our people” and “running our business.” But it doesn’t always have to be so mutually exclusive. What if caring for our people was HOW we ran our business…and how we got results? How would someone build a culture like that? We need to put a different lens on what it means to be “people-first,” especially when we are all moving so fast and running so hard.

• Participants will learn the (early) warning signs of burnout
• Participants will learn four key leadership actions to intentionally build culture
• Participants will learn how to generate change-orientated conversations in the workplace about stress, burnout and wellness.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Leadership Coach
Health Mind Counseling & Wellness

Josh Dix is a therapist and leadership coach in the St. Louis area. For over 20 years, he has been a leader and strategy consultant for large companies and non-profits. Now at Healthy Mind Counseling & Wellness, Josh spends most of his time as a therapist helping individuals, couples, and executives build and maintain healthy lives and relationships. Through his company LeadershipXD, Josh also provides training bootcamps and speaking engagements to show leaders how to do the real work of leadership on a day-in day-out basis.

Come with us as we explore good workplace habits and routines that will help improve productivity and advance your career.

We will define success in the workplace place and identify the habits that build success with studies and sources. We will also identify those comfortable but “bad” habits and how to overcome them.

• Identify those habits that highly successful professionals attribute to their success.
• Discuss which habits should avoided.
• Explore ways to bring these successful habits to your workplace and your teams.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Parker Cooke is a 2024 graduate of Lindenwood University, where he earned his B.A. in Finance. He is currently pursuing his MBA at Lindenwood, driven by a strong passion for growth and pushing beyond his comfort zone, both professionally and personally. This mindset has allowed Parker to seize opportunities across various departments at Holt & Patterson, including accounting, marketing, and processing, in a relatively short time. By cultivating simple yet effective habits, he has been able to make meaningful contributions and develop a well-rounded skill set that benefits the organization as a whole.

This presentation will provide HR professionals and managers with an overview of significant legal updates in employment law for 2024 and 2025, including minimum wage increases, restrictions on non-compete agreements, and new protections for workers such as the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). Attendees will gain practical insights into new regulations, compliance requirements, and emerging trends that impact workplace policies, employee rights, and organizational practices.

• Gain awareness of important changes to the legal landscape in the employment context.
• Learn actionable strategies to align organizational policies and practices with new legal requirements.
• Gain clarity on recent employment law changes.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Holly Morrison is an associate in the St. Louis office of Ogletree Deakins. She represents management in all aspects of litigation from inception through resolution. In addition to litigation, she provides advice and counseling to employers to avoid work-related legal exposure. Holly obtained her law degree from Saint Louis University and previously served as the Managing Editor for the ABA Journal of Labor and Employment.

Maddie Nebel is an associate in the St. Louis office of Ogletree Deakins. She is from Nebraska and attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

She attended the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Law. During law school she served as an editor on the UMKC Law Review Board and worked as a Rule 13 Certified Intern at the UMKC Family Law Clinic.

Before joining Ogletree Deakins, Maddie interned during law school with the Honorable Roseann Ketchmark of the U.S. District Court of Missouri- Western District and the Honorable Cynthia Martin of the Missouri Court of Appeals- Western District. Maddie also worked as a summer associate with the firm, and assisted in various areas, including position statement drafting, discrimination claims, and reasonable accommodation claims.

Opportunity for attendees to present questions to labor and employment attorneys. We will take unscripted questions from the audience. Bring your trickiest questions.

• Brainstorm questions for the attorneys.
• Get responses to practical issues for employers and professionals.
• Speak informally with attorneys.

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Maddie Nebel is an associate in the St. Louis office of Ogletree Deakins. She is from Nebraska and attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

She attended the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Law. During law school she served as an editor on the UMKC Law Review Board and worked as a Rule 13 Certified Intern at the UMKC Family Law Clinic.

Before joining Ogletree Deakins, Maddie interned during law school with the Honorable Roseann Ketchmark of the U.S. District Court of Missouri- Western District and the Honorable Cynthia Martin of the Missouri Court of Appeals- Western District. Maddie also worked as a summer associate with the firm, and assisted in various areas, including position statement drafting, discrimination claims, and reasonable accommodation claims.

Sean Oliveira is an associate in the St. Louis office of Ogletree Deakins. He joined the firm with nearly fifteen years of experience as a federal investigator with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.  During his time as an investigator, he handled all aspects of the administrative process including systemic and class investigations and the negotiation of complex conciliations under every type of discrimination claim. He was also deeply involved in providing training on the anti-discrimination statutes before large and small employers, and ultimately served on an EEOC committee formed to make recommendations for the Commission’s Quality Control Plan regarding Quality Practices for Effective Investigations and Conciliations.

Sean has brought his investigator experience and deep understanding of administrative agencies into advising and defending employers before state, local, and federal agencies such as the Missouri Commission on Human Rights, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and  the Department of Labor. Sean has also continued to utilize both his workplace investigatory skills and ability to train large and small audiences. He often provides workplace investigations and speaks on employment law topics for his clients.

During his time as an attorney, Sean has exclusively represented employers. He has defended employers in both state and federal court in multiple districts and across a variety of employment related claims, settling cases and winning multiple motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgment. Sean works to determine his clients’ legal and practical needs related to employment law and then does not stop until he gets the best possible outcome.

Holly Morrison is an associate in the St. Louis office of Ogletree Deakins. She represents management in all aspects of litigation from inception through resolution. In addition to litigation, she provides advice and counseling to employers to avoid work-related legal exposure. Holly obtained her law degree from Saint Louis University and previously served as the Managing Editor for the ABA Journal of Labor and Employment.

In our rapidly evolving digital age, modern marketing has transformed into a dynamic and multifaceted field. Today, businesses can leverage data analytics, social media, and innovative strategies to engage with consumers in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago. With the right approach, any mom-and-pop shop can turn into a household name!

Learning objectives:

• The Importance of Client Engagement,
• Technical Strategies to Gain and Retain Clients,
• How to Stand Out From Competitors

Intended Audience: Private Sector/Public Sector

Growing up on a farm in eastern Missouri, I learned the values of hard work and perseverance from a young age. I spent my childhood helping with various chores, developing a strong work ethic, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys in life. My passion for communication and creativity led me to pursue a degree in marketing. Shortly after graduation, I began my career at an accounting firm where I was the first-ever hire for Holt & Patterson’s marketing department. Less than a year later, I grew into my official title as the Director of Marketing and Communications, taking on challenging projects to drive the company’s growth. I find this career path to be one that is ever-changing and full of self-growth!