Exciting speakers to follow at the event
CEO, Open Sky Community Services
Ken Bates has been at Open Sky Community Services since 2016 as President and Chief Executive Officer. He has extensive leadership experience in non-profit industry. Prior to his position at Open Sky, he served as CEO at The Bridge of Central Massachusetts and Executive Director of New Business and Financial Growth for the Commonwealth Medicine at UMass Medical School. He also served as Vice-President of Behavioral Health at Advocates, Inc and as Director of Outpatient Services at Spectrum Health Systems. He received his undergraduate degree in Urban Studies from Worcester State University and his Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Assumption University. In 2021 he was awarded an honorary Ph.D. from Assumption University. He currently serves as Vice Chairperson on the Board of the Association of Behavioral Healthcare of Massachusetts, Board Member on Parent Professional Advocacy League, Board Member of Harrington Healthcare System, Co-Chair of the Mayor’s Mental Health Task Force (Worcester) and Steering Committee Member for the Coalition for Healthy Greater Worcester. He was formerly on the board of the New England Association of Drug Court Professionals.
Track: Track 1
Date & Time: Fri, May 22, 2026 | 09:15 AM - 10:00 AM (EDT)
Location: Great Hall
CEO, SCENSOB LLC
Stephen Osei-Bonsu is an accomplished training facilitator with over 20 years of experience. Known for his strong emotional and cultural intelligence, Stephen has provided organizational training for people from diverse backgrounds in organizations across multiple continents. He is an entrepreneur, mental health and DEI practitioner, public speaker and a lifelong student of strategic leadership. Stephen's leadership is recognized through numerous awards, including the 2023 DEI Award from the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers, the 2023 Excellence in Best Practices Award from the Association for Behavioral Healthcare, 2022 Worcester Business Journal Movers & Shakers and 2021 Provider’s Council Foreign-Born Leader Scholarship Award. His education includes an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from William James College, an MBA in Management from the University of Nicosia and BSc in Chemistry from Kwame Nkrumah Univ. of Science and Technology. With his extensive experience in strategic planning, policy review, mentorship, and community engagement, Stephen is a dynamic facilitator dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment. His work has been published, and he is a speaker and presenter in the fields of diversity, equity, mental health, management, personal development and leadership. Stephen Osei-Bonsu is committed to driving positive change and empowering individuals through impactful training and leadership development
COO, SCENSOB LLC
Yaw is a Certified Healthcare Instructor with 8+ years of experience in caregiving and healthcare leadership. Currently serving as Operations Director for one of Massachusetts’ largest staffing agencies, he oversees 95+ programs and 220+ staff. Yaw specializes in compliance-focused training for group homes and residential care facilities, with expertise in crisis intervention, behavioral support, medication administration, and regulatory compliance. He holds certifications in Safety Care, Positive Behavior Support (PBS), MAP, CPR, and advanced business degrees (MBA, BA). Known for creating practical, hands-on training, Yaw improves care quality, ensures compliance, and equips professionals at all levels with real-world skills.
Director of RPM, SCENSOB LLC
Roland K. Dennis is a healthcare and human services professional with over 15 years of experience in residential operations, program development, and team leadership. As the Residential Program Support Director at SCENSOB, he leads initiatives to improve training, enhance leadership, and ensure high-quality service delivery. His career includes senior roles such as Division Director at Open Sky Community Services and Program Director at Seven Hills Foundation, where he oversaw programs funded by DDS and MRC. Roland emphasizes operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and person-centered care to improve the quality of life for individuals served. Starting in direct care and psychiatric support within the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, he developed a leadership philosophy grounded in compassion and empathy. He holds a bachelor’s in accounting and a master’s in public administration with specialization in human service mangement from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and is a Doctoral Candidate in Healthcare Administration at MCPHS University. Roland's expertise spans program management, staff development, fiscal management, and policy implementation, driving meaningful change to empower staff and strengthen communities.
Assistant Director of Residential Services, Western Massachusetts
Alicia Jacques brings several years of hands-on experience in residential programs and complex medical settings, where she has served in a variety of leadership roles. Her career has been dedicated to supporting individuals in specialized care environments, with a strong focus on safety, dignity, and quality of life. Currently, Alicia serves as the Assistant Director of Residential Services for a well-respected agency in Western Massachusetts. In this role, she oversees program operations, staff development, and quality assurance—ensuring that residential services meet the highest standards of care and compliance. In addition to her leadership expertise, Alicia is a certified CPR/First Aid Instructor. She is passionate about equipping staff and community members with the lifesaving skills and confidence they need to respond effectively in emergencies. Her trainings combine professional rigor with an approachable, engaging style that makes learning practical and impactful. Alicia’s blend of frontline experience, clinical knowledge, and leadership insight makes her a trusted trainer and mentor, dedicated to building stronger, safer teams and empowering professionals in the human services field.
Senior Manager, SCENSOB LLC
Kwasi Asare is a seasoned training facilitator and leader with expertise in project management, operations, and IT. With an MBA and certifications including PMP and AWS Cloud Solutions Architect, he brings extensive knowledge to training initiatives. Kwasi is a Senior leader at Scensob where he empowers teams across multiple service areas and creates an environment for teams to increase their understanding. Kwasi specializes in essential training for staff compliance and excels in project management, leadership, and safety training. Kwasi has had the high-level oversight and led projects in multiple countries and across United States, Africa and Europe. He has facilitated training sessions for both government and private enterprises. He optimized operations and developed training programs towards the effectiveness of systems and empowering teams to be high performers. With a strong educational background with an MBA from the Australian Institute of Business and a spectrum of certifications including PMP , Google Project Management, AWS Cloud Solutions Architect, MCSA, MCSE, and proficiency in Python programming and diverse skill set, Kwasi is well-equipped to drive strategic implementation and foster teamwork
Clinical Internship Director, Open Sky Community Services
Jessica Reid, LICSW (she/her), Clinical Internship Director at Open Sky Community Services, is a clinical leader dedicated to shaping the next generation of behavioral health professionals. She has played a key role in designing and implementing a comprehensive internship program that prioritizes hands-on experience, trauma-informed care, and equity-centered learning. In 2024, she co-presented at the NASW Conference on Building Resilient Care Communities: Holistic Approaches to Supporting Social Workers, reflecting her commitment to fostering sustainable, supportive environments for both clients and clinicians. With over fifteen years in human services, Jessica has worked across a wide range of settings including community mental health, crisis intervention, supportive housing, residential treatment, and integrated care teams. She has extensive experience supporting individuals with high-risk behaviors and co-occurring disorders. Her work is grounded in a holistic and relational approach to supervision, clinical care, and leadership. A passionate advocate for social justice, Jessica co-chairs one of Open Sky’s committees advancing DEIB and is the recipient of the organization’s 2024 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Award, as well as the 2023 ABH Best Practices Award. She holds a master's degree in social work from Simmons University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Clark University, with a minor in International Development and Social Change.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Massachusetts
Rose Seibold Fasano (she/her), is a Massachusetts Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and a certified Reiki Master. Motivated by a desire to combat mental health stigma and a desire to empower caregivers to prioritize their own wellness, Rose established her private practice, Holistic Mind Spa in March of 2020. Drawing from over two decades in the human service field, Rose emphasizes the importance of integrating all dimensions of wellness to help individuals achieve their personal goals. Her approach to individual therapy integrates evidence-based techniques with holistic principles, ensuring a comprehensive, trauma informed, and effective personalized care. Rose thrives on discovering new experiences and the beauty of the world. When she is not exploring hiking trails or soaking in the outdoors on a kayak, she enjoys Olympic weightlifting, a passion that pushes her limits and keeps her grounded. Rose also enjoys photography and documenting her travels with her family and husband. Their two dogs, Smee and Teddy, bring a level of excitement to their lives and can often be found along for the adventure. Teddy, a NEADS Service Dog, can be found alongside Rose at the office and is helpful during times of increased stress or crisis by bringing a grounding presence and a calming sense of physical touch.
Mental health advocate & Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Nonotuck Resource Associates Inc.
Serah W. Muiruri is a passionate mental health advocate and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor with a profound commitment to empowering individuals through healing and endurance. As a Trauma-Informed Care Specialist, she has devoted her career to supporting both children and adults grappling with complex mental health challenges. Currently, she serves at Nonotuck Resource Associates Inc., where she provides compassionate care to individuals with autism spectrum disorders, psychiatric issues, and acquired brain injuries. With a background in neurolinguistics and brain-stimulated wellness techniques, Serah integrates science and spirituality into her practice. Her approach equips people with the tools to reclaim their voices, overcome trauma, and rebuild their lives purposefully. She is also the founder of Limitless Success and Wellness, LLC, which intends to promote empowerment and wellness in underserved communities, reflecting her roots in the Kenyan community and her global perspective. Serah is focused on creating practical resources such as workbooks and journals, alongside multimedia offerings like podcasts and video series. Her vision is to make healing accessible and community-driven, especially for those often excluded from traditional mental health discussions.
Health Communication Scholar & Social Change Advocate
Dr. Mary-Magdalene Ngum Chumbow is a passionate storyteller and advocate who is dedicated to creating meaningful change and addressing social disparities. Anchored by her identity as a mother and driven by a deep commitment to advocacy, Dr. Chumbow leverages her extensive academic background and over a decade of communications experience to tackle global issues, including health, gender-based violence, and community empowerment. Her academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. in Media Arts and Studies from Ohio University, specializing in Health Communication and Communication for Social Change. Her groundbreaking dissertation, "Breaking the Silence: Exploring the Narratives of Survivors of Female Genital Cutting in Kenya," exemplifies her commitment to amplifying historically underrepresented voices and driving systemic change through research. Dr. Chumbow also holds a master's degree in communication and development and a Graduate Certificate in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, both from Ohio University, further solidifying her ability in communication for social transformation. Beyond her academic achievements, Dr. Chumbow is deeply engaged in her community. As a member and Community Outreach Coordinator for the Association of Cameroonians in Colorado, she passionately advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her earlier leadership roles with organizations like the International Student Union and the African Student Union at Ohio University underscore her commitment to fostering vibrant, inclusive communities. While her professional life is demanding, Dr. Chumbow's most cherished role is that of a mother to her teenage son, a high school sophomore and avid basketball player. She is his biggest supporter, both on and off the court, whether cheering him on at games, sharing culinary adventures in the kitchen, or exploring the world together. Dr. Chumbow's unwavering passion for storytelling and advocacy, rooted in her identity as a mother and global citizen, fuels her mission to create a more equitable world. Through her research, professional work, and community involvement, she continues to be a powerful voice for change.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Massachusetts & Florida
Annie Layden is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Massachusetts and Florida. She has earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Florida State University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Justice Studies from the University of New Hampshire. Ms. Layden currently serves as a Military Behavioral Health Social Worker for the Center for Deployment Psychology, and is an adjunct faculty member at the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, MD and Anna Maria College in Paxton, MA. For over 10 years, Ms. Layden has provided counseling services to a diverse range of client populations in military, government, hospital, and outpatient settings, and in private practice. Her subject matter expertise is in trauma, advocacy, suicide prevention, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, grief and loss, mental health disorders, and building resiliency. For the last 7 years, she has facilitated the training and education of clinical providers and advocates. She is passionate about leading interactive learning and creating safe spaces for others to grow personally and professionally. In her spare time, she volunteers in the Central Massachusetts community, coaches a youth soccer team, practices yoga, enjoys time with family, art and traveling.
Adriana Vaccaro is an award-winning entrepreneur, organizational culture strategist, and best selling author dedicated to transforming the way we work by centering people, purpose, and performance. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Adriana’s journey reflects resilience, vision, and a deep commitment to building workplaces where humanity and strategy coexist. With over 15 years of experience across human resources, organizational development, and process improvement, Adriana helps organizations align people practices with business goals. Her work bridges behavioral science, data, and culture change, guiding leaders through complex transformations that elevate trust, collaboration, and inclusion. She is the Founder and CEO of Culture Redesigned, a consulting firm that partners with mission driven organizations to build cultures of belonging and innovation. Under her leadership, the firm has delivered measurable results across sectors, strengthening executive teams, improving employee engagement, and increasing organizational effectiveness through data-informed culture strategies. Adriana is also the author of Culture-Minded: Six Tools to Transform Organizational Culture and Empower Humanity, an Amazon best-seller blending research, practical tools, and real world case studies. Known for her warmth, clarity, and ability to connect across cultures, Adriana is frequently invited to speak on leadership, organizational transformation, and human-centered workplace design. Her sessions inspire reflection while equipping leaders with tools they can apply immediately.