The Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging (LMTAAA) joined peers on the national stage at USAging’s 2026 conference, where leaders received a workforce development award and delivered four presentations.
This marks the fifth straight year of honors from USAging, the national association of Area Agencies on Aging, according to a statement from LMTAAA.
Serving Lewis, Mason and Thurston counties, LMTAAA helps older adults, adults living with disability, and the friends and family who care for them. The national recognition affirms its commitment to building and sustaining support, for its team and the people they assist, LMTAAA stated in a news release.
“USAging’s 2026 conference theme, Answers on Aging, fit our presentations because each focused on practical ideas for challenges all organizations face,” Chief of Programs and Services Donna Feddern said in the release. “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.”
During the conference, LMTAAA’s Case Management Director Emily MacFarland earned an award for Skip Level Meetings, an effort to connect with frontline staff with more intention.
“Skip Level Meetings are a way to slow down and show appreciation,” MacFarland said. “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.”
Additionally, LMTAAA Executive Director Nicole Kiddoo marked her reelection to the USAging Board of Directors at the conference. Serving as a board alternate since 2019, this is her third term in a row and her first in a full seat. Kiddoo now serves as the board’s secretary. Terms span three years in length. Kiddoo will continue to represent the states of Idaho, Oregon and Washington in this new role.
“My proudest work has been on the USAging Public Policy and Grassroots Committee,” Kiddoo stated. “It lets me champion the realities of our corner of the Northwest. 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.”
Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging brought four areas of its work to a national audience through the following sessions:
• Food is Medicine: The Aging Network, Nutrition and Health: Presented by LMTAAA Executive Director Nicole Kiddoo in partnership with Amy Shepps of Abbott as well as Bob Blancato and Laura Borth of Defeat Malnutrition Today
• Beyond Books: Libraries as Powerful Partners in Supporting Older Adults: Presented by LMTAAA Chief of Programs and Services Donna Feddern with LMTAAA Community Supports Director Valerie Aubertin
• Elevating Managers: Two Proven Models for Building Competence and Confidence: Presented by LMTAAA Planning Director Kyle Sanchez in partnership with MaDena DuChemin and Stephanie Hudgins of Bay Aging
• Demystifying Long-Term Care: Presented by Planning Director Kyle Sanchez
With its newest honor, LMTAAA has now won six USAging awards:
• 2026: Achievement Award for meetings that foster open communication
• 2025: Innovation Award for long-term care education
• 2025: Achievement Award for community storytelling on social media
• 2024: Workforce Development Award for leadership training
• 2023: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award for professional development
• 2022: Innovation Award for establishment of leadership academy
USAging’s 2026 conference was held July 18-21 in San Diego. The event draws more than 1,400 people each year.
