Empowered to Thrive – 25th Annual C.A.L.M. Caregiver Conference

Join us for a day of inspiration, connection, and support at the "Empowered to Thrive" - 25th Annual C.A.L.M. (Caregivers Are Learning More) Caregiver Conference!
This free, in-person event is dedicated to empowering and uplifting family caregivers through expert-led presentations, interactive wellness activities, and access to Resource Fair featuring home care providers, healthcare and insurance resources, elder law and financial planning support, aging and dementia services, and local caregiving assistance organizations.

The conference will be held in person, with select sessions available virtually. Please note that only a limited portion of the program will be accessible online, and registration is required to participate.

🗓 Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
📍 Location: USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology (In-Person Event)
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Free Admission | Free Parking (Registration Required)
Includes Complimentary Lunch, Entertainment, and Resource Fair Access

🧠 Keynote Presentation (In-Person & Live-Streamed)
"Caring for the Mind: Empowering Caregivers in Supporting Brain Health"
Presented by a leading Cedars-Sinai physician, this session offers expert guidance on promoting brain health while navigating the emotional and mental demands of caregiving.

🎵 Interactive Session: (In-Person & Live-Streamed)
"Carrying the Invisible Load: Building Resilience Through Music and Mindful Caregiving"
Engage in an uplifting experience that blends music, mindfulness, and resilience-building techniques tailored for caregivers.

🍽 Complimentary Lunch & Live Guitar Entertainment (In-Person)
Enjoy a free meal and soothing musical performance during our midday break.

📚 Resource Fair (In-Person)
Connect with local vendors and organizations offering services in home care providers, healthcare and insurance resources, elder law and financial planning support, aging and dementia services, and local caregiving assistance organizations.

1. Let’s Heal and Connect
Explore this culturally responsive program designed for older adults and caregivers. Learn behavioral health strategies from a licensed therapist and get a taste of digital literacy training from a certified coach during a live demo.

2. Dance for Creativity, Connection, and Joy
Led by Michelle Kolb, this therapeutic movement session will help you reconnect with your body, boost your energy, and experience joy through group choreography and music.

3. From Respite to Resources: Connecting with Local Caregiver Support Programs
Learn about critical programs and services including Independence at Home (IAH) Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP), In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), and CalAIM and to help support you and your loved ones.

4. Art Therapy Experience: Creative Expression for Caregiver Renewal
Unwind with the support of a trained art therapist through gentle, accessible creative activities like drawing, collage, and coloring. No experience needed—just come as you are and let the creativity guide your restoration.

5. "Si te ríes, gozas" (Spanish-language Theater Performance)
Esta obra teatral celebra la fortaleza y dedicación de las personas cuidadoras a través del humor y la reflexión. Creada en colaboración con el Departamento de Salud Mental del Condado de Los Ángeles y Community Partners, la obra ofrece un espacio para la conexión, el alivio emocional y la sanación, recordando a los cuidadores la importancia de cuidar también de su propio bienestar.

Take a break in our calming retreat space designed just for caregivers. Enjoy soft lighting, comfortable seating, gentle sounds, and aromatherapy to help you recharge at your own pace.

Cap off your day with a special screening of two short films focused on aging and caregiving, followed by a live panel discussion with experts and caregivers sharing their insights and stories.

Registration is required to attend and to access free parking (license plate registration included with sign-up).
Space is limited—reserve your spot today!

Info: Check-in and light refreshments will be provided.

Info: In this insightful keynote, Dr. Mitzi Gonzales will explore practical and evidence-based strategies caregivers can use to support brain health—for both themselves and those they care for. The presentation will focus on four key areas: Maximizing attention and focus, Managing stress, Enhancing social connectedness, and Employing strategies associated with brain health.

Info: In this interactive session, Mental Health Specialist and Music Psychotherapist Stacie Aamon Yeldell will guide caregivers in exploring the impact of the invisible load while introducing practical strategies to strengthen resilience and prevent burnout. Through a restorative music therapy experience, participants will have the opportunity to release stress, reconnect with their inner resources, and tap into the healing power of creativity.

Info: Resource Fair is open throughout the conference.

Info: Enjoy a free lunch with musical entertainment by guitarist Alfredo Cáceres.

Info: This interactive workshop introduces Let’s Heal and Connect, a program designed to support the mental and emotional well-being of older adults and caregivers. Combining culturally responsive mental health education with digital literacy training, the program features two core components: behavioral health strategies led by a licensed therapist to reduce social isolation, and practical technology lessons taught by a certified digital coach. Participants will gain an overview of the full series and observe a live demonstration of a sample class.

Info: Learn about critical programs and services including Independence at Home (IAH) Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP), In-Home Supportive Services (DPSS-IHSS), and CalAIM to help support you and your loved ones.

Info: Michelle Kolb will lead us through a joyful, therapeutic movement session to connect with our bodies and fellow participants. We will tap into our creativity by choreographing a dance together in real time and learn some simple moves to a lively song. The goal is to highlight the power of music and dance to rejuvenate our mind, body, and soul.     

Info: Caregivers will have the opportunity to engage in a restorative art therapy experience, guided by a trained art therapist. Through simple, accessible creative activities—such as drawing, coloring, or collage—participants can explore their emotions, release stress, and reconnect with their inner resilience in a supportive, judgment-free space. No artistic background is required; the focus is on self-expression and relaxation rather than skill. This experience provides caregivers with a calming alternative to traditional breakout sessions, offering moments of quiet reflection, creativity, and renewal.

Info: Esta obra teatral celebra la fortaleza y dedicación de las personas cuidadoras a través del humor y la reflexión. Creada en colaboración con el Departamento de Salud Mental del Condado de Los Ángeles y Community Partners, la obra ofrece un espacio para la conexión, el alivio emocional y la sanación, recordando a los cuidadores la importancia de cuidar también de su propio bienestar.

Info: As we wrap up a day filled with learning, connection, and inspiration, we invite you to stay for a special Caregiver Film Festival immediately following the afternoon workshops. This curated selection of short films highlights the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of family caregivers. Through powerful storytelling, these films offer moments of reflection, empathy, and hope—reminding us that caregiving is both a journey and a profound act of love. We encourage you to stay, unwind, and enjoy this meaningful close to the conference. No RSVP is needed—just bring your heart and your presence.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

USC Family Caregiver Support Center, 3715 McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, United States