All attendees are welcome to join us for a networking reception at Le Méridien Arlington hotel, 1121 19th Street North Arlington, Virginia, USA, 22209.
8:30 AM - 08:40 AM
Opening remarks
8:40 AM - 9:10 AM
State of the Union - Presented by The Braff Group
9:15 AM - 9:45 AM
Outcomes, Oversight and Opportunity: The New Autism Equation
TRACK A: Outcomes, Leverage and the Art of Payer Negotiations
By Rick Loewenstein CEO | TeamGame Advisors, Michael Quinn CEO and President | Autism Support Now, Darren Sush Head of Autism and Psychology | Evernoth, a Cigna Corporation
Where
30th Floor
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
TRACK B: What 2025 Has Taught Us About Autism M&A – And What to Expect in 2026
By Dino Eliopoulos Executive Chairman | Behavioral Innovations, Vikram Gupta Managing Director, Healthcare Investment Banking | BMO Capital Markets, Logan Pitts Vice President | Shore Capital Partners
Where
29th Floor
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
TRACK C: Beyond the Checklist: Innovation in Autism Assessment, Care and Support
By Cheryl Klaiman Director of Clinical Research Operations | Marcus Autism Center, Kathleen Stengal Executive in Residence | Avesi Partners
This session explores cutting-edge approaches to autism assessment and support that move beyond traditional standardized methods to embrace more personalized, comprehensive, and innovative practices. Participants will learn about emerging tools, methodologies, and care frameworks that better recognize the diverse needs and strengths of autistic individuals across different life stages and contexts.
Where
29th Floor
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Lunch & Networking
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
TRACK A: Panel Coming Soon
Where
30th Floor
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
TRACK B: Panel Coming Soon
Where
29th Floor
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
TRACK C: Panel Coming Soon
Where
29th Floor
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
TRACK A: A Guide to Scaling with Quality
By Pat Heath Vice President | Renovus, Brittany Rader President, Clinical Services | Behavioral Framework
A Guide to Scaling with Quality" offers practical tips for growing an ABA organization without losing focus on what matters most – quality care. This presentation covers simple ways to strengthen operations, support teams, and stay organized while expanding services.
Where
30th Floor
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
TRACK B: Payer-Provider Partnerships Defining the Value-Based Landscape in Autism
By Briana Duffy Market President | Carelon Behavioral Health, Nick James Chief Development Officer | Autism Care Partners
Where
29th Floor
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
TRACK C: The Payer Effect: How Reimbursement Shapes Autism M&A and Investment
By Dan Beuerlein Managing Director | Brentwood Capital Advisors, Scott Semmel Senior Vice President of Payor Relations | Acorn, Jason Slocum Managing Director, Sustainable Investing | Goldman Sachs Alternatives
Reimbursement dynamics are increasingly influencing valuations, deal structures and growth strategies in autism services. This session will explore how payer trends are shaping the current M&A landscape and what investors and operators should anticipate moving forward.
Where
29th Floor
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
Networking Break
2:45 PM - 3:15 PM
TRACK A: Panel Coming Soon
Where
30th Floor
2:45 PM - 3:15 PM
TRACK B: Panel Coming Soon
Where
29th Floor
2:45 PM - 3:15 PM
TRACK C: Panel Coming Soon
Where
29th Floor
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM
TRACK A: Investing in the Next Era of Autism Care
By Emily Durfee Director of Corporate Venture Capital | Healthworx, Mike Suiters CEO & Co-Founder | Positive Development
The autism therapy industry has been dominated by applied behavior analysis. As the industry faces an ever-increasing mismatch between outcomes, costs and provider supply, more and more people are seeking alternatives to tried and true mainstays. The panel will address the business aspects of autism therapy businesses that do not include ABA.
Where
30th Floor
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM
TRACK B: Leadership Mindset Shifts: From Clinician to CEO
By Solandy Forte Founder and CEO | Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting, Molly Ola Pinney Founder and CEO | Global Autism Project
Join Molly Ola Pinney, founder of the Global Autism Project and co-founder of ABA Business Coach, for a raw and revealing conversation with one of her clients who has made the bold leap from clinician to CEO. Together, they unpack the mindset shifts, identity struggles, and breakthroughs that come with stepping out of the therapy room and into the boardroom. This is more than a success story – it’s a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to lead a thriving business without losing your soul in the process.
Where
29th Floor
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM
TRACK C: Partners in Progress: Empowering Parents as Active Collaborators in Autism Care and Services
By Kathryn DiVittorio Founding Director | DiVittorio Center for Autism, Ian Santus COO | Akoya Behavioral Health
This session focuses on transforming the traditional parent-professional dynamic by positioning parents as equal partners and essential collaborators in their child's autism care journey. Participants will explore strategies for meaningful parent engagement, shared decision-making, and empowering families to actively contribute their expertise and insights to improve outcomes and service delivery.
