WSIA

Catch up on past online programs and earn continuing education credits on demand with our archived webcasts.

Empowering Better Outcomes in Vocational Rehabilitation

Join professionals from across Washington State and beyond for the Return to Work Summit 2025 — a half-day virtual event focused on innovation, strategy, and emerging tools in vocational rehabilitation and return-to-work (RTW) services. Whether you're a vocational counselor, claims manager, employer, or healthcare provider, this summit will provide cutting-edge updates and practical guidance to elevate your work.

Why Attend?

• Gain Expertise: Understand the latest trends and techniques in RTW strategies.
• Network with Professionals: Connect virtually with industry experts, peers, and potential collaborators.
• Practical Insights: Leave with actionable knowledge and tools to improve RTW outcomes for injured workers.

Event Agenda

Skill Enhancement Training (SET): What You Need to Know

Presenter: Cory Turner, CRC, Vocational Connections, Inc.

Kick off the summit with an in-depth look at Skill Enhancement Training (SET) – a growing tool in the RTW toolkit. This session will demystify SET, explore real-world applications, and help you understand how to use it to support better outcomes for injured workers.

PTSD Project Updates

Presenter: Dr. Jennifer Jutte, PhD, ABPP, MPH, Assistant Medical Director, Psychology, Department of Labor & Industries

Mental health matters in vocational rehabilitation. Dr. Jennifer Jutte will present critical updates on PTSD-related projects, research, and policy developments impacting RTW strategies in Washington State.

What's New and/or Brewing for RTW and Voc?

Presenter: Cory Turner, CRC, Vocational Connections, Inc.

Wrap up the summit with a forward-looking session examining what's new—and what's brewing—in return-to-work and vocational rehab. Cory Turner brings expert insight into legislative updates, emerging trends, and innovations that will shape the field in 2025 and beyond.

Member Pricing:
$99 for the on-demand recording

• WWCP - 3 credits
• Department of L&I - 3 claims management credits (Expires 9/8/2027)
• CDMS - 3 credits (Expires 9/6/26)
• CRC - 3 credits
• SHRM - 3 credits

Concussion and Post-Concussion Disorder: Understanding Workers with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)
Karleen Swerztauber, MD, MPH

Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) can have complex and lasting effects on workers, impacting their recovery, return to work, and overall well-being. This session delves into the nuances of concussion and post-concussion disorder, exploring symptoms, treatment approaches, and strategies for effective case management. Gain insights into the challenges workers face, the role of early intervention, and best practices for supporting recovery while navigating claim complexities. Whether you're a claims professional, provider, or employer, this session will equip you with the knowledge to manage mTBI cases with confidence and care.

Promoting Mental Well-Being and Safety in the Workplace
Lee Pyfrom, Director of Safety, MacDonald-Miller

A healthy workforce is a safer, more productive workforce. This session explores the critical connection between mental well-being and workplace safety, providing practical strategies to foster a supportive environment. Learn how to recognize signs of stress and mental health challenges, implement proactive interventions, and create a culture that prioritizes psychological safety. From leadership approaches to employee resources, discover actionable steps to enhance well-being, reduce risks, and improve overall workplace outcomes.

Effective Strategies and Tools for Recovery and Resolution
Michelle Jensen, Eastside Vocational Services, Inc.

This session explores key tools that go beyond the basics—leveraging treatment as a recovery aid, utilizing proactive diagnostics, engaging early vocational rehabilitation counselors (VRCs) or nurse case managers (NCMs), integrating behavioral health interventions, and conducting strategic record reviews. Learn how to effectively implement these impactful measures to keep cases progressing while managing costs and limiting exposure.

From BHI Sessions to Psych Referrals: Effective Management Strategies for Navigating the Transition
Jon Manthos, RN, Bock Consulting

Seamlessly transitioning patients from Behavioral Health Integration (BHI) sessions to psychological referrals can be challenging. This session provides a comprehensive roadmap for ensuring continuity of care, optimizing patient outcomes, and effectively managing the referral process.

Member Pricing:
$99 for the on-demand recording

• WWCP - 4 credits
• Department of L&I - 3 claims management and 1 safety credit (Expires 3/18/2027)
• CDMS - 4 credits (Expires 3/19/2026)
• CCMC - 4 credits (Expires 3/19/2026)

Penalties Galore
Lucia Wampler, Claims Examiner, Sedgwick
Lindsay Landstrom, Attorney, Kell Alterman & Runstein

Does the thought of penalties from LNI keep you up at night? Join our expert panel to discuss strategies to avoid penalties. Lucia Wampler and Lindsay Landstrom will lead this discussion and give you the tools to best avoid penalties.

Stuck Claims
Kyle Shields, Technical Standards and Compliance Advisor, Sedgwick

Have claims that are stuck and going nowhere? Join Kyle Shields to discuss strategies for getting claims moving to resolution. Kyle will discuss real life examples of what has worked and how to implement these strategies at your workplace.

Aging Worker and Effects in Worker's Comp System
Dr. Matthew Winterton

Presented by an experienced orthopedic surgeon, this informative session will explore the effects of an aging workforce on the workers' compensation system. As workers age, they face unique musculoskeletal challenges that can lead to higher rates of injury, longer recovery times, and increased healthcare costs.

AI in the New Frontier
Lloyd Brooks, Owner, Brookswright Solutions
Sanjeev Batta, Gardiant

What’s all the hype about AI and how can it make the life of a claims adjuster better? Lloyd Brooks and Sanjeev will show how this new technology can assist the claims professionals to become more efficient and effective at work. Be part of the future.

Member Pricing:
$99 for the on-demand recording

• WWCP - 4 credits
• Department of L&I - 4 credits (Expires 2/4/2027)
• CDMS - 4 credits (Expires 2/5/2026)
• CCMC - 4 credits (Expires 2/5/2026)

How Leveraging Technology to Produce Objective Data Leads to Better Outcomes for Musculoskeletal Injuries
Craig Deneau, Vice President of Payer Partnerships, FIGUR8
Josh Williams, Senior Director, Clinical Solutions and Strategic Partnerships, FIGUR8
Colleen Medlin, Vice President of Workers’ Compensation, PRN Physical Therapy

Does the thought of PT on a WC claim make you think of treatment without end and without objective improvement? Join us to learn about bringing objectivity to the realm of PT. Figur8 will show how technology can yield objective and functional data that can lead to shorter claim duration and better final outcomes for injured workers. The Boston Red Sox and other high-profile organizations have adapted FIgur8’s methods.

"Train" to Age, Cuz it ain't Easy
Brian Ferris, M.D., Centerline Surgical Consulting

Inflammatory processes in the human body can cause multiple complications and greatly impact WC claims. Dr. Brian Ferris (Examworks) will give a comprehensive understanding of inflammation in the body and consequences of inflammation on disability. Attendees will come away with deeper knowledge of this complex process and how to better manage claims impacted by inflammation.

Expert Panel: Strategies to Reduce Disability Durations
Jenny Haykin, Leave & Accommodations Program Manager, Puget Sound Energy
Lynnda Dee English, BA, CEOE, AOEAS, Vocational/Ergonomics Consultant, Solutions Northwest, Inc.
Claims Manager - TBA

How can you bend the curve and limit workplace disability? Join our expert panel to discuss strategies for limiting disability duration. The panel will discuss real life examples of what has worked and how to implement these strategies at your workplace.

Member Pricing:
$99 for the on-demand recording

• WWCP - 4 credits
• CDMS - 4 credits (Expires 9/19/25)
• CCMC - 4 credits (Expires 9/19/25)

Join us for an insightful summit dedicated to the critical topic of helping injured workers successfully return to work (RTW) when their original employer is unable to accommodate their needs. This event is designed for employers, third-party administrators (TPAs), vocational rehabilitation counselors (VRCs), and other stakeholders involved in the RTW process. We will explore innovative strategies and best practices to ensure that injured workers can transition smoothly into new roles and employers, maximizing their potential and minimizing litigation risks.

Injured Worker Unable to RTW with Employer of Injury? What Next?

Presenter: Cory Turner, CRC, Vocational Connections, Inc.

Kick off the summit by exploring the critical steps and considerations when an injured worker cannot return to their original employer. Cory Turner will discuss strategies for creating effective RTW plans that align with the worker's skills and aspirations, ensuring a smooth transition to new employment opportunities.

HB 2127 - The Benefits It Can Provide to Support Actual Return to Employment Outcomes

Presenter: Cory Turner, CRC, Vocational Connections, Inc., and Julie Busch, MS, CDMS, Strategic Consulting Services, Inc.

Dive into the details of HB 2127 and how it can facilitate better RTW outcomes. This presentation will highlight the key provisions of the legislation and how the new law might be leveraged to support injured workers in their journey back to employment as well as some key components of the legislation to be on the lookout for.

Behavioral Health Support in Return to Work Efforts

Presenters: Dr. Gregory Dorris

Conclude the summit with a comprehensive look at the role of behavioral health in RTW efforts. Dr. Dorris will share insights on the importance of addressing mental health and well-being as part of the RTW process, offering practical strategies to support injured workers in overcoming psychological barriers to reemployment.

Member Pricing:
$99 for the on-demand recording

WSIA will award 4 continuing education credit hours for the Washington Workers' Compensation Professional (WWCP) recertification. The following additional professional development credentials will be available to attendees:

• L&I CEU - 3 credits (Expires 7/16/26)
• CDMS - 3 credits (Expires 7/17/25)

This half-day Seminar will be held virtually to help the busy workers' comp professional better maximize your day. Safety, Ergonomics and AI in Claims Management are on the focus of this new program. Here’s the details on the seminar sessions:

• Safety: Lee Pyfrom from MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions will discuss How to Create a Culture of Safety. Lee will leverage his years of experience to detail to create work environments that decrease and lessen the severity of WC claims.
  
• Ergonomics : Michelle Jensen and Debbie Allemand of Eastside Vocational will present Preventing the Unnecessary: A Spotlight on WC Disability Ergonomics. Michelle and Debbie will discuss both real world case studies of managing ergonomics in the prevention of WC claims and the impact of the new ergonomics law the Legislature passed this year.
  
• AI in Claims: Gia Sawko of Gradient AI will share AI Superpowers: How AI is Empowering Claims Managers. Gia will spotlight how the emerging AI technology will help claims staff outsource the mundane tasks to AI and spend more time on the challenges of professional claims management.

Member Pricing:
$99 for the on-demand recording

• WWCP - 4 credits
• Dept L&I - 4 credits (Expires 9/13/25)

This year's RTW Summit will emphasize the need to have a strong team approach in RTW. WSIA has assembled a real-life team with Legal, Claims, Vocational, Medical and the Employer all sharing how to build a solid team approach to effective RTW.

Co-Facilitated by Cory Turner, Vocational Connections Inc. & Julie Busch, Strategic Consulting Services

Panel of Experts:

Amalia Diaz (Workers’ Compensation Manager - Washington Fruit & Produce)
Mareli Drakes (Certified Claim Adjuster - Eberle Vivian/Helmsman)
Annabel Cobane (CDMS - Advanced Vocational Solutions)
Cari Remington (ARNP - Worker Care Clinic)
Michael Godfrey (Partner, SBH Legal)

The panel will discuss how the “return-to-work” process is handled from beginning-to-end, starting from how employer’s create processes and outcome goals prior to ever receiving a claim from an injured worker to how the various stakeholders work together to bring a worker back to work even when there are permanent restrictions. After each person talks about their role in the return-to-work process, the panel will go over hypothetical scenarios and talk about what they would be doing in their capacity at various points during the scenario.

Member Pricing:
$99 for the on-demand recording

• WWCP - 3 credits

Mental health issues continue to dominate the news in our post-Covid work world. For this year’s Spring Seminar, WSIA has put together a cohort of experts representing Washington employers, mental health providers and defense attorneys to help claims adjusters manage this ever-changing environment.

Member Pricing:
$99 for the on-demand recording

• WWCP - 4 credits

Let's face it, the pandemic has been tough on everyone and the impact to work and mental health has been a subject of constant discussion. The workplace has had many notable examples of grace, accommodation, and compassion amongst employers and employees, while at the same time outbreaks of violence and rattled nerves have also grabbed headlines. What can we do to help our injured, healthy, and “silently struggling” workers get through this weird storm, and what are the implications of workplace mental health right now for risk management and workers' compensation?

Member Pricing:
$199 for the on-demand recording

• WWCP - 4 credits

It is an interesting year in that the phrase "Return to Work" is both a workers' compensation concept as well as one of the hottest general employment law/safety/HR themes right now. As an industry designed to support injured workers in their recovery and return to work, we now find ourselves looking at vocational recovery, the new workplace, protecting workers' mental health, and the late stages of the pandemic through a new lens of personal perspective. We'll work through all of this at our 5th Annual RTW Summit!

Member Pricing:
$99 for the on-demand recording

• WWCP - 3 credits
  

This conference kicks off WSIA's golden anniversary year, where we'll celebrate 50 years of community, learning, and impact. While we still have to gather virtually - hopefully just this last time - we've arranged a day and a half of cutting-edge content for professionals across all sectors of the workers' comp and safety industry. We'll spend some time celebrating how far we've come. But our focus is squarely on the future.

Click here to view the agenda.

Pricing:

WSIA Members - $249

Continuing Education Credits:

• WWCP - 9.5 credits

The last year has certainly redefined, in ways no one could have fully predicted, aspects of medical benefit management in workers' compensation. For our Spring Conference, which typically has a medical benefits focus, we are assembling a team of providers and employers voices to share insights on the latest trends and topics.

Member Pricing:
$199 for the on-demand recording

Continuing Education Credits. The entire conference event was awarded these credits as follows: 

• WWCP, 6