CLASS Tavern brings revolutionary-era exchange to life
The College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences at Central Connecticut State University invites allied health professionals, researchers, educators, administrators, and students to join us for a landmark event focused on the future of healthcare.
Advancing Allied Health & Sciences: Innovation, Integration, Impact for Sustainable Healthcare will bring together leaders and visionaries to explore cutting-edge innovations, collaborative models, and measurable strategies that build stronger, more sustainable healthcare systems. This conference is an opportunity to connect with colleagues across the region, engage with experts, and spark ideas that can shape the next generation of healthcare delivery.
Registration is OPEN! Click here to secure your spot today. Allied Health Sciences | Powered by Give Smart
The conference will feature:
- Interactive panels discussing innovation, workforce development, and interdisciplinary integration
- Breakout sessions and workshops
- Poster presentations showcasing emerging research and student-led projects
- Networking sessions connecting professionals across diverse allied health fields
Introducing the Keynote Speaker, Mike D. Ryan , PT, ATC, CES, PES
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Central is proud to announce that, on April 1, 2026, Mike was inducted into the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Hall of Fame! We would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to Mike for this honor!
Make an Impact Today
Consider a tax-deductible donation to the College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Your generosity provides valuable resources and programming to enrich our students' education experiences. Every contribution makes a meaningful difference! All conference proceeds will benefit the College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Dean's Fund..
Schedule of Events
8:00am – 8:45am: Check-In
Check-In / Light Breakfast
Location: Alumni Hall, Student Center
9:00am – 9:45am
Welcome and Introduction of Keynote Speaker
Speaker: Dr. Jayanthi (Jay) Kandiah, Central
Location: Alumni Hall, Student Center
Personal Leadership: Mastering Your 4 M’s [Keynote Presentation]
Speaker: Mike Ryan, PT
Location: Alumni Hall, Student Center
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Break the Silence: Reproductive and Sexual Health Stories [Documentary]
Presenter(s): Brad Heck, Central; Willow O’Feral, Haptic Pictures
Location: Sprague-Carlton
Building Resilience in Future Health Care Professionals: Integrating Student Self‑Care into Your Classrooms [Workshop]
Presenter(s): Dr. Jacqueline Cantor, Central; Dr. Laurie Walter, Central; Dr. Tamara Holland, Central
Location: Alumni Hall/Mezzanine
RN-BSN Nursing Student's Reflection on Maternal Health in the Community - A Qualitative Exploration [Poster Presentation]
Presenter(s): Dr. Jacqueline Cantor
Location: Alumni Hall/Mezzanine
Facilitating Professional Development of Marriage and Family Therapist Trainees Through Community Presentations (20 minutes) [Paper Presentation]
Presenter(s): Dr. Mary Nedela, Central; Dr. Arpita Lal, Central; Dr. Tatiana Melendez-Rhodes, Central
Location: Philbrick Camp
Supporting Marriage and Family Therapy Clinical Trainees with Individualized Remediation Plans (20 minutes) [Paper Presentation]
Presenter(s): Dr. Mary Nedela, Central; Dr. Arpita Lal, Central; Dr. Tatiana Melendez-Rhodes, Central
Location: Philbrick Camp
Strengthening the Allied Health Talent Pipeline: Workforce Enhancement Innovation Through the Capital Workforce Partners (CWP) and the Capital Area Healthcare Partnership (CAHP) [Invited Talk]
Presenter(s): Maureen Jenks, Capital Workforce Partners
Location: Clock Tower
Health and Engineering: Advancing Technology for the Medical Device and Diagnostics Industries [Presentation]
Presenter(s): Dr. Brian Romano, Central; Arthur G. Russell Co. (AGR)
Location: N/A
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
Foam Rolling Workshop [Workshop]
Presenter(s): Mike Ryan, PT
Location: Barnard Community Room
Perioperative Care of the Transgender Patient [Round Table]
Presenter(s): Dr. Filomena Ruggiero, Yale New Haven Hospital
Location: Clock Tower
State Medicaid HCBS Spending and Disability-Related Disparities in Aging-in-Place Outcomes Among Older Adults [Poster Presentation]
Presenter(s): Dr. Ferdous Sardar, Central
Location: Sprague-Carlton
Adoption and Impact of Mobile Health Services: Experimental Evidence [Paper Presentation]
Presenter(s): Dr. Ferdous Sardar, Central
Location: Sprague-Carlton
Leadership Practices for Embedding Culturally Responsive Social-Emotional Learning in Secondary Schools [Workshop]
Presenter(s): Darona Hersh, Central
Location: Alumni Hall / Mezzanine
Connecticut Water Treatment for Drinking and Distribution [Invited Talk]
Presenter(s): James Papadimitrou, PE, Wright‑Pierce
Location: Philbrick Camp
12:00pm – 12:45pm: Lunch Break
Lunch Break
Location: Alumni Hall
CENTRAL President’s Remarks
Presenter(s): Dr. Zulma Toro
Location: Alumni Hall
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
Demonstration & Tour of XR Lab [Showcase]
Presenter(s): Tony DeLuca
Location: XR Lab (Applied Innovation Hub)
Dismantling Stigma: Integrative Practice to Destigmatize Substance Use Disorders Across the Healthcare Continuum [Workshop]
Presenter(s): Dr. Rachael Pelletti, Central; Scott Marcoe, Farrell Treatment Center, Gilead Community Services
Location: Philbrick-Camp
Social Mobility - and Better Life Outcomes - Using Mobile Technology [Panel Discussion]
Presenter(s): Kenneth (Ken) House, TryCycle Data Systems; Ariana (Ari) Edgar, The Hartford
Location: Sprague-Carlton
Integrating Language and Culture in Health Care: A Spanish Certificate Program to Promote Equity for Latino Patient [Panel Discussion]
Presenter(s): Dr. Lourdes Casas, Central; Dr. Rocío Fuentes, Central
Location: Alumni Hall
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Communication strategies for understanding patients [Workshop]
Presenter(s): Dr. Christopher Pudlinski, Central
Location: Philbrick-Camp
The Significance of Alternatives: Reflections on Therapeutic Touch and Applied Kinesiology [Paper Presentation]
Presenter(s): Dr. Eleanor Godway, Central
Location: Bellin Gallery
Preparing the Next Generation of Mental Health and Higher Education Professionals to Address Prevention and Intervention for Youth, Families, and Communities [Panel Discussion]
Presenter(s): Dr. Peg Donohue, Central; Dr. Sarah Evans Zalewski, Central; Dr. Ken Shell, Central; Dr. Mary Nedela, Central; Dr. Rachael Pelletti; Dr. Jelane Kennedy
Location: Sprague-Carlton
Moving Toward Longevity: Dance as a Tool for Healthy Aging [Workshop]
Presenter(s): Dr. Pascal Rekoert, Central
Location: Barnard Community Room
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