Welcome to the
Iowa State Conference
on Aging!

Join us for a day filled with insightful discussions, engaging presentations, and networking opportunities. This event is designed for individuals passionate about improving the lives of older adults in our community.

August 8, 2025
The Meadows Events & Conference Center

You’ll have the chance to connect with experts in the field, learn about the latest research and trends, and discover innovative solutions to support aging populations.

Mark your calendar and plan to join us at the Iowa State Conference on Aging! We look forward to seeing you there.

Conference Topics

State of Aging in Iowa
Innovations in Dementia Care
Older Adult Home Modifications Program
Open Forum: Community Resource Navigation
Lunch & Networking
Caregiver Panel
Rural Care Delivery
Public Policy and Advocacy
Neurodiversity in Aging

Our Speakers

Yogesh Shah M.D., MPH, FAAFP

Medical Director, Memory Clinic

Dr. Yogi Shah is board-certified in family medicine and geriatric medicine. He did his Geriatric Fellowship at the Mayo Clinic with a special focus on the early detection of dementia. He also holds a Master in Public Health (MPH) from Des Moines University.

He was the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Vice President (VP) of Medical Affairs for Broadlawns Medical Center during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2023). Before joining the medical staff at Broadlawns, he served as the Founding Associate Dean of Global Health at Des Moines University.

He serves as the Medical Director for GUIDE by CMS, Site PI for the University of Iowa GWEP, and Board Member of the Iowa Alzheimer’s chapter.

He has given talks on Early detection and prevention of dementia at national, and international levels. His current focus is on early detection, especially in minority populations through biomarkers, and improved brain health for all.

Dave Williamson

Housing Services Manager, Polk County Public Works

Housing Services provides a number of programs and assistance for residents of Polk County including Emergency Repair, Weatherization Assistance, and partners on other programs with a variety of organizations including Energy Crisis Intervention (ECIP) and Healthy Homes Des Moines.

Derreck Stratton

Founder & CEO
HUDU - The Odd Job Marketplace

“Derreck Stratton: a dynamic leader, a proud Iowan, and the heart and soul behind HUDU. As a dedicated single father and an ambitious entrepreneur, Derreck knows a thing or two about juggling responsibilities and dreams. He’s always believed in the boundless potential of people when given the right opportunities. With HUDU, he aims to not only create these opportunities but also cultivate a community where everyone feels valued and empowered.”

Davis Carmack, MS, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Davis is an occupational therapist with a passion for supporting autistic and neurodivergent individuals. Utilizing a neurodiversity-affirming approach inspired by the Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-based (DIR) model, Davis focuses on meeting individuals where they are and building on their unique strengths. Through this approach, Davis fosters meaningful growth and development, empowering adults to thrive in their everyday lives.

Angie Arthur

Executive Director
Homeward

Homeward leads a community-wide homelessness planning effort to ensure that one day, everyone in Polk County will have a safe place to call home.

Lina Tucker Reinders, MPH

Executive Director, Iowa Public Health Association

Lina Tucker Reinders is the Executive Director of IPHA. She earned a bachelor’s degree in human services, and a Master of Public Health from the University of Minnesota. Prior to serving as IPHA’s Executive Director, Lina began her career in public health as an AmeriCorps VISTA community organizer in Minneapolis, later becoming the legislative liaison for tobacco control at the MN Department of Public Health, and a member of the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. Since returning to the US, Lina has spent her time consulting on various public health projects ranging from social protection, global health system development, and maternal/child health, always with a focus on health equity. She became an active member of IPHA upon moving to Iowa in 2013, saying in her introductory speech as Executive Director, “I knew that if I wanted to be a part of the public health community in Iowa, I needed to join IPHA.”

Sonita Oldfield-Carlson

Health Promotion & Home Safety Director
Milestones Area Agency on Aging

Milestones Area Agency On Aging provides programs and services to help older Iowans live safely and independently at home. Programs for older Iowans include nutrition, information and assistance programs, caregiver support programs, health promotion, and elder abuse prevention. Milestones’ planning and service coverage area includes 17 counties in Iowa: Appanoose, Clinton, Davis, Des Moines, Henry, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lee, Louisa, Lucas, Mahaska, Monroe, Muscatine, Scott, Van Buren, Wapello and Wayne.

April Stotz, MS, CRC

Resource Manager, Vocational Rehabilitation Services

April started her career with Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation in 2006 working with individuals with disabilities to reach their employment goals. In the course of her career she has worked directly with individuals in high school, college students, individuals with newly disabling conditions, and elderly workers all looking for support to move forward with their current goals. April currently works as the Training Resource Manager with IVRS providing and arranging training in numerous areas to enhance the services to individuals with disabilities in Iowa.

Our Sponsors

Sponsors interested in supporting the Iowa State Conference on Aging are encouraged to email for sponsorship opportunities. By partnering with us, sponsors will gain visibility among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community leaders while contributing to meaningful discussions and initiatives that enhance the lives of Iowa’s aging population. Don’t miss the chance to showcase your commitment to advancing care and services for older adults!

Welcome to the
Iowa State Conference
on Aging!

August 8, 2025
The Meadows Events & Conference Center

Conference Topics

Our Speakers