NHLA - CAHF

Nursing Home Leader Academy (NHLA)

The Nursing Home Leader Academy is a dynamic leadership experience designed for today’s long-term care professionals who are ready to lead with confidence and purpose. Participants gain timely, real-world insight into today’s operational and regulatory landscape while sharpening the leadership skills that drive quality outcomes and resident-centered care. Through interactive learning, guided discussion, and powerful peer connections, participants develop practical, ready-to-use strategies to inspire teams, maintain compliance, and build a culture rooted in compassion, accountability, and excellence—delivering immediate and lasting impact within their organizations.

This exclusive nine-month initiative is crafted to enhance nursing home quality outcomes and operational success.

Who Should Apply

Administrators
Directors of Nursing (DONs) and Assistant DONs
Department heads and managers
High-potential, emerging leaders

NHLA Participants Will

Engage in dynamic exercises and discussions covering essential leadership topics.
Benefit from personalized mentorship.
Receive structured support through virtual and in-person engagement.
Work on a meaningful quality improvement project tailored to your facility’s needs.
Forge lasting connections with fellow NHLA participants.

Meet in-person during the following events (included with NHLA registration):

March – CAHF Spring Advocacy
July – CAHF/QCHF Summer Conference
November – CAHF Annual Convention & Expo

In addition to in-person gatherings, the program includes:

Two educational webinars
Four one-hour virtual meetings

Faculty

DeAnn Walters, LNHA, QCP

Director of Clinical Affairs &

Quality Improvement

CAHF

Meagan English

Chief People Officer

Marquis | Consonus | AgeRight

Lori Cooper, Ph.D.

Chief Operating Officer

O’Connor Woods

Continuing Education Credit

Participants can earn up to 60 CEs!

Up to 28 CEs : NHLA participation

Up to 5 CEs: CAHF Spring Advocacy Day*

Up to 15 CE: CAHF/QCHF Summer Conference*

Up to 12 CEs: CAHF Annual Convention & Expo*

*Registration for these events is included with your NHLA participation.

Special Opportunity

A QCHF Scholarship is open to Administrators or Directors of Nursing from 1–2 Star facilities.

Applications for NHLA 2027 will open Monday, April 6, 2026.

Applications for NHLA 2027 will be accepted April 6–September 15, 2026.

Congratulations to the NHLA Class of 2025!

Dominic Bastone

Rosemarie Castro

Jasleen Cheema

Jarrod Christensen

Taylor Ellis-Sherinian

Krystle Gonzales

Chad Middleton

Maricris Rizzo

Brandi Souza

Kecia Friesen

See what past participants had to say about the program:

"This program has been an incredible experience and has taught me new ideas on how to approach, address, and resolve difficult and unique situations in my role as an administrator."

"It has really made me grow as a leader and search within to improve myself to be a stronger more caring Administrator."

"The instructors were supportive and truly invested in our growth, sharing insights that will stay with me throughout my career."

"Content, strategies, tools and discussions were outstanding."

"The academy has also given me the opportunity to build lasting relationships with such wonderful individuals, and I know the bonds we have formed will remain strong well beyond this program. Most importantly, I have deepened my understanding of how leadership connects directly to achieving quality health outcomes, and this has reaffirmed why I love what I do and why I am so passionate about making a difference in long-term care."

"This has been a great experience. I have learned a lot from the others in the class. Thank you for the privilege to participate in this class."