What You Need to Know About Starting an Adult Day Program

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Event Schedule
May 21, 2026  I  10:30–11:30 a.m. CT

Location
Virtual/Zoom

Event Description
As organizations look ahead to serving a rapidly growing older-adult population, many leaders are exploring how to expand into home- and community-based services. But determining where to begin- and how to build a sustainable, high-impact program can feel overwhelming.

In this webinar, you’ll hear directly from innovators who have successfully launched adult day programs, including panelists who opened their doors earlier this year. They will share practical strategies, lessons learned, and insights to help visionaries like you confidently take the next steps toward developing or expanding community-based supports.

Speakers
Nicole Moodie is the Program Manager for Integrated Day Services (Adult Day, Day Habilitation, and Alzheimer’s Dementia Care) at Goodwill of the Great Plains. She holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus in Management from Western Governors University. Nicole has over seven years of experience in human services and more than 25 years of leadership and management experience across healthcare and business environments. In her role, Nicole oversees the clinical, financial, and administrative operations of Integrated Day Services, ensuring regulatory compliance and high-quality, person-centered supports. She has contributed to program growth through service integration, community collaboration, and staff development. Nicole began her career with Goodwill of the Great Plains in 2022.

Denise Hanks is a speech-language pathologist with over 30 years experience in inpatient rehabilitation, acute care hospitals, and long-term care settings across Southeast Iowa. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Truman State University and her Master of Arts from Wichita State University. In March 2026, Denise opened Heart Song Adult Day Center, inspired by the growing need for safe, supportive, daytime options for adults who cannot remain home alone and their supporting caregivers.

Julie Reed, is the Director of Dahl Adult Day Services at Wesley on Grand Community for Healthy Living in Des Moines. For the past six years she has overseen all clinical and day-to-day operations of the 40-year old program. Julie attained her nursing degree from Mercy College along with a degree in Aging Services Management from Des Moines Area Community College. Her 25-year career in healthcare has included intensive care unit and hospice care but most prominently dementia care and education. In addition to being a registered nurse, Julie is also a certified dementia practitioner.

Beth Plautz, is a Family Navigator at the University of Iowa’s Child Health Specialty Clinics. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in family services from Iowa State University. She had her husband have two sons, the youngest diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome at age 3. Beth and four other Fort Dodge community members established a non-profit agency named Golden Day Adult Day. In January 2022, Golden Day opened an adult day staffed with only volunteers until licensing and additional funding could be established. In July 2024, Golden Day officially opened with paid staff and is currently open three days a week with plans to expand.

Continuing Education Information
There will be no CEs offered as this is an informational event and not educational.                               

Registration & Other Information
LeadingAge Iowa Member       FREE
Prospective Member                $99  
Click here to register now.                                

What’s Included
Registration fee includes digital handout and one connection to the live webinar.  A recording of this webinar is included in the registration fee.

Cancellation/Refund Policy
There will be no refunds approved for this webinar. Registered attendees who miss the live webinar can request the recording following the webinar.

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