7 pm, February 7, 2017, Zenshin Restaurant, SouthPoint Hotel and Casino
This event was organized by the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Nevada addressing concerns of senior health care, with industry representatives as resource persons. This was a round table discussion targeted for those in the home health, hospice, adult day care, private home assistance staffing, memory care, physical therapy services and allied services. and to learn more about the business, its opportunities and challenges from leading industry insiders.
Our food and venue sponsor was courtesy of Chef Terence Fong of Zenshin Asian Restaurant, SouthPoint Hotel, with a special feature by Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits, Wine and Sake Tasting by Luis de Santos, Master Sommelier. TheNational Anthem of both the Philippines and the USA was beautifully rendered by Breanna de Santos. The event was made possible with the full assistance of Emely Bitanga of Nevada Adult Care and Mary Taylor of Altus Hospice.
SPEAKERS LINE UP:
Dennis Silva
Dennis Silva is the Director of Operations at Omni Care Hospice apart from being an independent hospice consultant. He acquired his Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing at the Saint Xavier University at the Greater Chicago area. Apart from his specialization in hospice care, Dennis cares about the following causes: Arts and Culture, Children welfare, Disaster and Humanitarian Relief and Social Services among others. Dennis, eventually joined the Chamber and was elected Vice President for Membership from 2019-2021.
Christopher Vito
Chris Vito earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Physics from the University of Arizona and a Master degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of La Verne . With over 30 years of healthcare experience, his healthcare knowledge ranges from clinical experience in the operating room, the operation and licensure of hospitals, to orchestrating the design, development and financing of brand new hospitals and healthcare organizations. In 2001, Mr. Vito was recruited by HEALTHSOUTH to manage the design, construction, development and operation of their newest hospital in the City of Henderson. In 2003, Mr. Vito was awarded Business Person of the Year for the fastest growing city in the United States, the City of Henderson. In 2004, Mr. Vito developed Nevada Adult Day Healthcare Centers (NADHC) – the first adult day healthcare model in the State of Nevada. NADHC is now the largest adult day care in Nevada . He continues to be President to this day. In 2010, Mr. Vito was awarded the State of Nevada Business Person of the Year and was invited to meet the President at the White House. He is extremely passionate about the delivery of healthcare.
Michael S. Rantissi, Jr.
Michael S. Rantissi, Jr. received his Masters in Occupational Therapy in 2001 and continued on for a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2002. Dr. Rantissi specializes in spinal and extremity manipulation. In 2003, he obtained his Manual Therapy Certification from the same university. He has been a member of The American Occupational Therapy Association and American Physical Therapy Association since 2000. In 2005, he became a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy.
Mary Taylor
Mary has been involved in the field of nursing for over 20 years. She has a very diverse background that includes Pediatric Oncology, Long Term Acute Care, Skilled Nurse Facilities, Case Management and Hospice. She is active in the community focusing on healthcare and education improvement. She enjoys a good debate that challenges the status quo and is always available to help anyway she can. Mary has raised her 5 children here in Las Vegas area. Mary Taylor, Registered Nurse Executive Director, Altus Hospice.
Gregory Cowper
Gregory Cowper is the Director for Business Development of Montevista Hospital/ Red Rock Behavioral Hospital. Montevista Hospital has been the leader in behavioral health care for the greater Las Vegas area for almost 30 years. Montevista Hospital is a 162-bed state-of-the-art mental health facility built specifically with the patients needs in mind. It is dedicated to providing quality behavioral health care to promote growth and structure for patients and families throughout Southern Nevada. The facility, located in the rugged, beautiful Las Vegas valley, is centrally located additionaly servicing the areas of southern Utah, northern Arizona and southern California.
Esmeraldo Garcia
Esmeraldo Garcia is an Engineering graduate from the Philippines who decided to move to this country 30 years ago. He began a carreer as procurement buyer and ultimately became a hospital administrator for the New York City Health and Hospital Corporation, a position he held for 18 Years. Esmeraldo, together with his family finally moved here in Vegas 12 years ago. In 2005, he started applying for the medicare program which is crucial to the Home Health company he is operating now.
Rudy Rubacalba
Ruby Robacalba is the Customer Relations Director of Pacifica Senior Living San Martin, an assisted living and memory care community located in southwest Las Vegas—in a new development adjacent to the St. Rose, San Martin Hospital. Pacifica Senior Living caters to both assisted and independent senior living.
