Meridian Symposium Information
What Matters to Me: Shared Decisions in Health & Healing
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Check-In: 1:30 – 2:00 PM | Program: 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Join us for an afternoon of meaningful conversation with 麻豆传媒AV healthcare students, right here in Meridian.
Parking & Getting There
White Cloud Auditorium
West Ada School District Training Center
1303 E. Central Drive, Meridian
Free parking is available in front of the entrance.
Meridian Parking Map
Accessibility
- The event space can accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility devices.
- Event entrance: No stairs; direct access to the White Cloud Auditorium in the West Ada Training Center.
- Seating includes chairs without armrests, and tables have space for wheelchairs and walkers.
- Questions about accessibility? Contact us — we're happy to help you plan ahead.
Meet Our Keynote Speaker, Dr. Michelle Christopher
Dr. Michelle Christopher is a Palliative Medicine physician currently practicing in Boise, Idaho. She is dedicated to improving health equity and clinical outcomes through patient-centered care and medical education. Her work focuses on shared decision-making and supporting patients and families as they live with serious illness.
Meridian Panelist
Marissa Click
Chaplain St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center
Marissa is the palliative care chaplain at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center. She has also worked in hospice for the past 10 years. Marissa holds a Bachelor of Arts in photography with a minor in religious studies, a Bachelor of Science in psychology, and a Master of Divinity with an emphasis in theology. She is a board-certified chaplain through the Association of Professional Chaplains and a Level II Certified Reiki practitioner. In her spare time, Marissa enjoys playing board gamesand getting shredded at the gym.
Joshua Reams
Lawyer. The Elder Law Group of Ahrens DeAngeli Law Group LLP
Joshua C.P. Reams is a Partner with The Elder Law Group of Ahrens DeAngeli Law Group LLP. Joshua’s practice is focused on estate planning, asset preservation and long-term care planning for seniors. He received his B.A. degree, magna cum laude, from Northwest Nazarene University and his J.D. degree, summa cum laude, from Willamette University College of Law, where he graduated as Class Valedictorian.
Joshua is an accredited attorney with the Veterans Administration as well as a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the Oregon State Bar, Idaho Bar Association, and currently serves on multiple community boards, including as the Chair of the Board for the Greater Idaho Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Joshua’s practice focuses on elder law and closely related practice areas, including Medicaid planning, elder-focused estate planning, veterans’ benefits, and incapacity planning.
Karen Kouba‑McIver
Social Worker, Aging Strong, Jannus Inc.
Karen Kouba鈥慚cIver is a social worker and program leader with more than a decade of experience supporting aging adults, caregivers, and veteran communities. She specializes in gerontology, dementia鈥慽nclusive programming, and caregiver education, with a strong commitment to enhancing dignity, independence, and quality of life for older adults and their families.
Karen currently serves as a Caregiver Team Lead with Aging Strong Programs of Jannus, where she facilitates evidence鈥慴ased caregiver workshops, develops Memory Café programs, trains volunteers for programs and delivers innovative Improv for Caregivers sessions that strengthen communication and reduce stress.
Known for her collaborative approach and ability to build trust across diverse populations, Karen brings deep expertise in resource navigation, program development, and interdisciplinary teamwork. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Boise State University, with additional training in gerontology, cognitive health, and dementia鈥慺ocused communication techniques.
Fred Turner
Healthy Ager
Fred and Jan Turner celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary in June. Both graduated from Montana State University. They have two children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. They are actively involved in community organizations through Senior organizations and Hospital Auxiliaries.
Jan Turner
Healthy Ager
Fred and Jan Turner celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary in June. Both graduated from Montana State University. They have two children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. They are actively involved in community organizations through Senior organizations and Hospital Auxiliaries.
Rebecca Mueller
LCSW, Boise Veteran's Administration