LMTAAA receives national recognition at 2026 USAging conference 

The Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging was honored for its workforce development efforts at the 2026 USAging annual conference in San Diego.

The 2026 achievement award marks the Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging's (LMTAAA) sixth USAging honor since 2022.  

The agency, which serves older adults, adults living with disabilities and family caregivers in Lewis, Mason and Thurston counties, was recognized with a 2026 achievement award for its “Skip Level Meetings” initiative.  

The program, led by Case Management Director Emily MacFarland, was designed to strengthen connections between leadership and frontline staff.  

“'Skip Level Meetings' are a way to slow down and show appreciation,” said MacFarland of the program. “These conversations create a safe space to learn things that might not filter through normal reporting lines. They help reveal what people are carrying so needs are spotted early and responded to with care.” 

LMTAAA Executive Director Nicole Kiddoo, who was reelected to the USAging Board of Directors and now serves as the board’s secretary, said the national role allows her to bring rural Pacific Northwest perspectives to federal and sector-level conversations.  

Kiddoo has served on the USAging board in alternate roles since 2019. It is her first full-seat term representing Idaho, Oregon and Washington. 

“My proudest work has been on the USAging Public Policy and Grassroots Committee,” Kiddoo said. “As we work to set national priorities, I remember the conversations we have in rural homes, farmers markets, and community events back home. I’m honored to make sure those voices are heard when it comes to shaping policies that affect us all.” 

In addition to receiving the award, LMTAAA shared practical programming and workforce development strategies through four conference presentations: 

• Food is Medicine: The Aging Network, Nutrition and Health — presented by Kiddoo with Amy Shepps (Abbott), Bob Blancato and Laura Borth (Defeat Malnutrition Today). 

• Beyond Books: Libraries as Powerful Partners in Supporting Older Adults — presented by Donna Feddern (LMTAAA) and Valerie Aubertin (LMTAAA). 

• Elevating Managers: Two Proven Models for Building Competence and Confidence — presented by Kyle Sanchez (LMTAAA) alongside MaDena DuChemin and Stephanie Hudgins of Bay Aging. 

• Demystifying Long-Term Care — presented by Kyle Sanchez. 

LMTAAA Chief Programs and Services Donna Feddern said the conference theme, “Answers on Aging,” reflected the agency’s focus on practical, transferable solutions.  

“How do we reach people, support staff, and make things easier to understand? Our sessions shared approaches people could see themselves bringing back to their own communities,” she said. 

USAging’s 2026 conference was held July 18-21 in San Diego and drew more than 1,400 attendees from aging services organizations across the county.