2026 Summit

Presented by: Moderator Tracy Wodatch, CT Association for Healthcare at Home; Mario D’Aquila, Assisted Living Services; Laura Lusebrink, VITAS Healthcare; Brooke Erickson-Mignogna, Careforth; Chrissie Schettini, Complete Care Health Services.

This session emphasizes the importance of navigating systems, accessing care, and delivering services. An esteemed panel of experts will define key in-home & community-based service roles, including personal care assistants (PCAs), companions, home health aides, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), and hospice providers.

Panelists will explore the rules, limitations, and benefits associated with each service type, including eligibility requirements, scope of practice, and funding options. Special attention will be given to the barriers individuals and families face in accessing appropriate care, particularly within public programs. We’ll take a glimpse into adult day centers and also talk about Connecticut’s Adult Family Living guidelines.

This discussion highlights the professional role in advocacy, care coordination, and translation of complex systems. Attendees will gain practical knowledge to better guide clients and caregivers, helping them make informed decisions, access appropriate support, and maintain safety, dignity, and quality of life in the home setting.

Tracy Wodatch
CT Association of Healthcare at Home
President and CEO

Tracy is President and CEO of the CT Association for Healthcare at Home, advocating for quality, cost-effective home health, hospice, and community-based care. An RN with more than 40 years of experience in acute, long-term, and home-based care, she leads efforts in state and federal advocacy, clinical practice, and regulatory compliance. Tracy serves on several state committees, including MAPOC, the MOLST Advisory Committee, and the Long Term Care Advisory Committee. She earned her BSN from the UCONN School of Nursing.

Chrissie Schettini
MA Complete Care Health Services
Senior Vice President

Chrissie Schettini is the Senior Vice President of Complete Care Health Services in Massachusetts and Connecticut, with more than 20 years of healthcare administration experience. She has opened and operated 12 Adult Day Health Centers throughout New England and previously served as a Home Health Care Agency Administrator. Chrissie serves on the Executive Committee of the National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA) and is President of the Connecticut Association of Adult Day Services. She is a dedicated advocate for adult day services and expanding access to home and community-based care for older adults. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Business Management and Mathematics from Bridgewater State University.

Mario D’Aquila
Assisted Living Services, Inc.
Chief Operating Officer/Co-Owner

Mario is the Chief Operating Officer/Co-owner of Assisted Living Services, Inc. , Senior Vice President of Assisted Living Technologies, Inc., and Managing Member of My Guardian Angel PRS, LLC. He has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Construction Management from Central Connecticut State University and has earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Southern Connecticut State University.Mario is responsible for helping both Assisted Living Services, Inc. and all affiliated companies look for new ways to grow and to have a positive impact on each company’s long-term future. He has experience with business strategy, mergers & acquisitions, as well as company formation.

Brooke Mignogna
Careforth
Director of Sales & Community Partnerships

Brooke Mignogna is the Director of Sales & Community Partnerships at Careforth, leading strategic growth initiatives across the Northeast to expand access to community-based care. With more than 25 years of experience in home- and community-based health services, she is passionate about helping individuals remain safely in their homes by connecting them with quality care and resources. Brooke is committed to advancing health equity and innovative care solutions that support evolving community needs.

Laura Lusebrink
VITAS Healthcare
General Manager

Laura Lusebrink is the General Manager at VITAS Healthcare with more than 20 years of experience in hospice and long-term care, including 15 years in leadership roles at VITAS. She is a dedicated advocate for compassionate, patient-centered end-of-life care and works to improve hospice awareness and access across Connecticut. Laura has also contributed to statewide initiatives through her involvement with the Connecticut End of Life Care Coalition and has received multiple honors for her leadership and commitment to excellence in care.