2025 CAPA State Conference
Colorado Activity Professionals’ Association
Ginger Clark, Treasurer
4902 Herndon CIRCLE
Colorado Springs, CO 80920-7048
Colorado Activity Professionals’ Association
Presents
National Activity Professionals’ Day Workshop
“Beyond the Ordinary”
Friday, January 23, 2026
8:00am - 5:00pm
Frasier Retirement
350 Ponca Place
Boulder, CO 80303
Directions to Frasier Retirement:
Your GPS is going to be your best friend this year! It’s a little tricky to find, but park to the right of the main entrance and we will be on that side of the community all day. Please contact Stephanie at 720-562-4339 if needed.
HOMEWOOD SUITES BY HILTON $109 (King) or $119 (2 Dbls) (plus taxes and fees) (breakfast included);
4950 Baseline Rd., Boulder, CO 80303; 303-499-9922
Phone reservations can be made by calling 1-888-251-5084 & asking for the "CAPA Workshop" group rate.
HOTEL Booking
You must book your room by12/26/25!
SPEAKER INFORMATION
Miekka Zanders
Miekka is a social worker who has served in administration at all levels of senior living, including the rollout of a company-wide dementia care and communication program for 32 SNF, AL & IL communities. She has a strong ability to create a shared vision and lead teams through change toward a whole-team approach where culture is key. Miekka is also the author of Being with Dementia: A Soulful Approach.
Paula Levy, DCS
Paula has had a life-long passion for the elderly. She has spent the last 36+ years working to make a difference in the lives of people living with dementia while supporting their family members along their arduous caregiving journey. Besides her decades of volunteering as a caregiver support group facilitator, she has worked as an activities therapist, a nursing home administrator, nonprofit founder, executive director of a self-created adult day program, and is currently a dementia care specialist/caregiver consultant.
Susan Whytock, AC-BC, ADC, CDP
Susan has worked with the senior population since 1990. She has worked with seniors who are totally independent, living in Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-Term Care. She has been a Recreational Consultant since 2014 and has spoken multiple times at CAPA functions and NAAP conferences.
Audra Van Dellen, BA in Biology
Audra earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Nutrition at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She is now a Presidential Diamond Leader with doTERRA.
Session DescriptionS
“Lessons in Leading: A Whole Team Approach”
Miekka Zanders, VP Operations, Frasier
Each of us can stand out as leaders. Learn Miekka’s approach to creating dynamic teams who are passionate about serving older adults. She will share stories, lessons and tips learned along the way.
“Shining Bright Like Precious GEMS”
Paula Levy, DCS
Using Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care GEMS State Model, participants will learn to view their residents as precious GEMS – focusing on their abilities rather than limitations.
“So, You’re the ONE Who Has ALL the FUN…”
Susan Whytock, AC-BC, ADC, CDP
…What does it take to make the MAGIC happen? We know the FUN does NOT magically appear; it takes work. We will explore some of the personal needs it takes to be able to focus on making it happen.
“A Touch of Love: Supporting Senior Wellness Naturally”
Audra Van Dellen
Discover simple, natural ways to support rest and connection in senior living communities. This hands-on workshop teaches activity directors how to use doTERRA essential oils and gentle hand massage techniques to ease sundowning, promote sleep and enhance well-being for both residents and staff. You’ll definitely want to plan to stay for this session. Not only will you get to experience a hand massage, but she plans to do a foot soak with a specially-made sugar scrub!
SCHEDULE
Friday, January 23, 2026
8:00am – 8:30am
Registration & Check-in
8:30am – 8:45am
Welcome & Announcements
8:45am – 10:15am
“Keynote Address: Team Approach to Leading”
Miekka Zanders, CSW,N HA
10:15am – 10:30am BREAK
10:30am – 12noon
“Shining Bright Like Precious GEMS”
Paula Levy, DCS
12noon – 12:15pm
Photo outside
12:15pm – 12:45pm
Lunch Provided
12:45pm – 1:15pm
Live Auction: bring cash/checks!
1:15pm – 1:30pm BREAK
1:30pm – 3:00pm
“How to Make the MAGIC Happen”
Susan Whytock, AC-BC, ADC, CDP
3:00pm – 3:15pm BREAK
3:15pm – 4:45pm
“Hand Massages for Seniors by DoTERRA”
Audra Van Dellen, BA Biology
6 contact hours possible!
Have a safe trip home