Business Details
Advocating for Senior Living Excellence in Texas
The Texas Assisted Living Association (TALA) has been a dedicated advocate for the assisted living industry in Texas for over two decades. Our organization focuses on advancing the sector through comprehensive advocacy efforts, educational programs, and workforce development initiatives. We represent the interests of assisted living communities before policymakers to ensure fair and consistent regulations that support high-quality care. Our educational offerings include state-mandated training for new assisted living managers, leadership development courses, and specialized dementia care programs. TALA also hosts an annual conference and industry expo, providing professionals with opportunities to earn continuing education credits, network, and explore innovative solutions. With a deep understanding of Texas-specific regulations and a commitment to improving resident well-being, we empower our members to deliver compassionate, personalized care.Our team combines decades of industry experience with a proactive approach to addressing labor challenges and enhancing operational excellence. Through partnerships and community engagement, we promote assisted living as a cost-effective, dignified option for seniors. Our work extends to public policy advocacy, emergency preparedness support, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders in the senior living sector. By maintaining rigorous professional standards and prioritizing transparency, we build trust with members, regulators, and the communities we serve. This long-standing dedication to the industry positions TALA as a trusted authority on assisted living in Texas.
Services
Advocacy
Education Programs
Workforce Development
Annual Conference
Dementia Training
Highlights and features
- We advocate for fair regulations impacting Texas assisted living communities.
- Our state-approved 24-hour manager training meets Texas HHSC requirements.
- We host Texas's largest annual senior living industry conference and expo.
- Our workforce development programs address staffing challenges in senior care.
- We provide specialized dementia care education aligned with new regulations.
Services
Advocacy
TALA advocates for assisted living communities before Texas policymakers to ensure fair regulations and consistent standards. We represent members' interests at the state capitol and with regulatory agencies. Our advocacy efforts focus on maintaining quality care while addressing operational challenges faced by senior living providers.
Education Programs
We provide state-approved training for new assisted living managers, including 24-hour certification courses with both virtual and in-person options. Our programs cover Texas regulations, administrative best practices, and specialized dementia care training required by recent legislation.
Workforce Development
TALA develops tools to address staffing challenges and enhance professionalism in senior care. Our initiatives include workforce recruitment strategies, employee retention programs, and leadership development series for emerging professionals in the assisted living industry.
Annual Conference
Our annual April conference features continuing education opportunities, leadership workshops, and networking events. The three-day expo connects professionals with industry partners, showcases innovative solutions, and includes sessions on clinical care, operations, and technology advancements.
Dementia Training
Specialized dementia care programs meet regulatory requirements for both Alzheimer's certified and non-certified units. Training covers best practices for caregivers, understanding dementia progression, and implementing person-centered care approaches to improve resident quality of life.
People
Diana Martinez
President & CEO
Diana Martinez leads TALA's strategic initiatives, representing Texas assisted living providers at the state and national levels. With extensive senior living experience, she advocates for policy reforms and oversees educational programming.
Carmen Tilton
Vice President of Public Policy
Carmen Tilton directs legislative affairs, working with Texas HHSC and the state legislature on long-term care policies. Her expertise includes regulatory compliance and behavioral health programs impacting senior living communities.
Rose M. Saenz
Workforce Development Advisor
Rose Saenz develops workforce solutions with 20+ years in senior living operations. She leads initiatives addressing staffing challenges and consults on community development and care practices that prioritize resident dignity.
Helen Hunsinger
Director of Communications
Helen Hunsinger manages TALA's outreach efforts, ensuring effective communication with members, regulators, and industry partners. She coordinates media relations and internal communications for the association.
Anthony Ormsbee-Hale
Senior Vice President, Strategic Operations
Anthony Ormsbee-Hale contributes industry expertise as a senior living operations professional. He co-founded TALA's Young Professionals Network and serves on multiple industry committees addressing human resources and workforce development.
Questions
What membership benefits does TALA offer?
TALA members receive regulatory advocacy support, discounted training programs, networking opportunities, and access to industry resources.
Are TALA's courses approved by Texas HHSC?
Yes, our 24-hour manager training meets Texas Health and Human Services Commission requirements for new assisted living managers.
Does TALA provide dementia care training?
We offer specialized dementia education programs aligned with recent regulatory requirements for senior care professionals.
When is TALA's annual conference?
The 2026 TALA Conference and Industry Expo will be held April 8-10 at the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock, Texas.
