All events will be held at The Westin Denver Downtown.
The 2025 National Conference will feature some new and exciting additions, including special breakout sessions and seminars on Tuesday, April 8, for our corporate partners and conference sponsors.
Please note that the Schedule at a Glance is designed to provide an overview of our event. While we strive to maintain accuracy, minor updates may occur to ensure the best experience for all attendees.
5:30 - 6:30 PM
Early Bird Check-in (near the Front Desk in the Main Lobby)
6:30 PM
Informal Group Dinner Meet-Up / Admin Dinner (meet in the Main Lobby)
11:00 - 12:30pm
Conference Registration (EP Ensley Foyer)
12:30 – 1:30 PM
2025 KCOA National Conference Kick-off Luncheon (EP Ensley Foyer)
Host:
Jennifer Wolf, KCOA National Board President
Buffet lunch served
Introduction of the states
Introduction of the Class of 2025 KCOA National Ambassadors
General Session I - “Support Needs for Our Students and Their Families”- Part I - Panel Discussion (EP Ensley)
Panelists:
Greg Gilbert, EVP, Chief Reimbursement and Government Relations Officer, Concentra; President, Kids’ Chance of Texas
Calvin Langmade, Psy.D., FABFE, DABPS, Fellow, American Board of Forensic Examiners Diplomate, American Board of Psychological Specialties, Clinical Psychologist, Kids’ Chance of Wisconsin Board Member
Annie White, Daughter of Fallen Deputy Constable Caleb Rule, (Former Multi-Year Kids’ Chance of TX Scholarship Recipient), Kids’ Chance of TX Ambassador
Derek Johnson, Field Engineer at VEIT, (Former Multi-Year Kids' Chance of WI Scholarship Recipient), Kids' Chance of Wisconsin Board Member
Moderator:
Chelsie Springstead, Attorney and Shareholder, Lindner & Marsack S.C.; President Elect, Kids’ Chance of Wisconsin
~~~~3:00–3:15 PM: Snack Break (EP Ensley) ~~~~
1:30 – 3:00 PM
3:15 – 4:00 PM
“Support Needs for Our Students and Their Families” - Part II - Q & A with States Organizations (EP Ensley)
4:00 – 4:45 PM
General Session II - 2025 KCOA National Ambassador Panel Discussion (EP Ensley)
Moderator:
Jennifer Wolf, President and CEO Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Insurers Association, Inc.
Panelists:
Class of 2025 National Student Ambassadors
Anna Richard - Kids’ Chance of Pennsylvania
Kevin Moody - Kids’ Chance of Massachusetts
Annie White - Kids’ Chance of Texas
KCOA National Conference Welcome Reception (EP Ensley Foyer)
5:30 – 7:00 PM
7:30 - 8:00 AM
Registration (EP Ensley Foyer)
8:00 - 8:45 AM
General Session Breakfast with Tabletop Discussions (EP Ensley)
8:45 – 10:15 AM
General Session III – “How to Tell Your Story to Attract Donors, Participants, and the Community” (EP Ensley)
Speakers:
Cindy Skalicky, Owner & Lead Message Strategist, On Point Communications
Jennifer Logue, Director of Communications, Kids Chance of America
~~~~10:15–10:30 AM: Snack Break (EP Ensley Foyer) ~~~~
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Council of State Organizations Full Delegate Meeting (EP Ensley)
Hosts:
Allison Scardino, KCOA National Board Member, Council of State Organizations Chair, President, Kids’ Chance of Wisconsin
Liz Crum, Past President and Current Board member, Kids’ Chance of Pennsylvania, Council of State Organizations Co-Chair
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Kids’ Chance of America Board of Directors Meeting (Board Room)
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Founders’ Luncheon
Remarks by Robert M. Clyatt, Founder, Kids’ Chance of America
1:00 - 1:45 PM
Group Photo & State Photo Opportunity (Lower Level, Grand Staircase)
Group photo will be taken at 1:30 PM
1:45 - 4:00 PM
Educational Breakouts (State Organization and Corporate Tracks): 1:45pm to 4:00pm
1:45 - 2:45 PM
State Organization Educational Track, Session I: “Pathways to Success for State Organizations” (Molly Brown)
Presenters:
James Shay, President & CEO of American Contractors Insurance Group, KCOA National Board Member
Debbie Mason, Kids’ Chance of America Chief Operations Officer
1:45 - 2:45 PM
Corporate Partners Educational Track, Session I: “How to Maximize Your Investment with KCOA” (Blake)
Panelists:
Kevin Turner, Chief Growth Officer, Paradigm
Andrea Mills, Chief Client Officer, Ametros
Jim Kenney, Vice President Business Development Medical Management & Accident & Health, Broadspire
Moderator:
Kathy Fisher, Director of External Relations with the Workers Compensation Research Institute
Kids’ Chance of America Representatives:
Jennifer Malenky, Kids’ Chance of America Development Director
Jennifer Logue, Kids’ Chance of America Communications Director
~~~~ 2:45–3:00 PM: Snack Break (Molly Brown & Blake)~~~~
3:00 - 4:00 PM
State Organization Educational Track, Session II: “Expanding Funding Opportunities” (Molly Brown)
Panelists:
Rob Alcock, AIC, WCLA, Complex Claim Supervisor, Eastern Alliance Insurance Group; President, Kids’ Chance of Pennsylvania
Leah Teitz, President, Kids’ Chance of Montana
Lynda Stettler, Director of Program Business, Argus West Investigative Services, Treasurer, Kids’ Chance of California
Moderator:
Allison Scardino, MBA, Executive Vice President-US Sales, Dane Street; President, Kids’ Chance of Wisconsin
3:00 - 4:00 PM
Corporate Partners Education Track, Session II: “Elevate Your Executive Presence” (Blake)
Presenter:
Cindy Skalicky, Owner & Lead Message Strategist, On Point Communications
4:15–5:00 PM
Advanced Admin Forum Networking Event (Blake)
6:00–6:45 PM
President’s Reception (EP Ensley Foyer)
State Photo Opportunity
6:45 PM
Kids’ Chance of American Awards Dinner (EP Ensley)
7:30 – 8:30 AM
KCOA Presidents’ Circle Breakfast (Welton)
8:00 - 9:00 AM
General Session Breakfast with Tabletop Discussions (EP Ensley)
8:30–8:45 AM
Kids’ Chance of Colorado Student Spotlight - Daniela’s Story (EP Ensley)
Speaker:
Daniela Zamarripa Valadez, Student, University of Northern Colorado, 2023-24 Dean's List of Academic Distinction, majoring in Public Health - Human Services
9:00 – 10:30 AM
Kids’ Chance of America Annual Meeting (EP Ensley)
Host:
Jennifer Wolf, KCOA National Board President
~~~~ 10:30 AM: Working Snack Break (EP Ensley) ~~~~
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
General Session IV - Closing with Impact: A Motivational Speaker You Won’t Forget! (EP Ensley)
Speaker:
Ken Miller, CFRE, President, Denali FSP Fundraising & Grant Consultants
11:15 AM–12:15 PM
General Session V - State Organization Regional Collaboration Session (EP Ensley)
12:15–12:30 PM
Closing Remarks - Jennifer Wolf, KCOA Board National President (EP Ensley)
12:30 PM
Box Lunch; Networking & Socializing (EP Ensley)
12:45–1:45 PM
Kids’ Chance of America Staff Office Hours (EP Ensley)
Some Highlights
Monday: Kids’ Chance of America welcomes you to Denver!
Start the conference with the State Delegate Welcome Luncheon, featuring the always-anticipated Introduction of States. All state organizations are encouraged to proudly showcase their best swag! A panel discussion focusing on the support needs of students and their families will follow the luncheon. The day will conclude with our traditional Welcome Reception.
Tuesday: Connect with the Kids’ Chance Community
Begin the day with table-top conversations, followed by a presentation on branding and attracting donors. The Founder’s Luncheon will honor KCOA’s founder, Robert M. Clyatt. The day will conclude with the President’s Reception, followed by the National Conference Dinner and Awards Presentation.
Wednesday: Students are our Mission - Experience the Power of the Kids’ Chance Community
The final day features the Annual Meeting, where we will celebrate the achievements of states that have reached new milestones. The conference will conclude with an inspirational speaker, followed by self-directed activities. Box lunches will be available to grab and go. Make sure you cross the conference finish line!
Kids’ Chance state organizations are encouraged to send at least one, if not two, representatives to the National Conference. There is no charge for registration*. We also extend an invitation to the rest of the Kids’ Chance community, including our national partners and their teams, our conference sponsors, workers’ compensation industry members, and anyone else who supports our mission.
*Attendees who are not currently serving as state representatives or volunteers are asked to pay a registration fee of $250 to help defray the costs of participation.
The dress code for all conference events is business casual.