Overview

We hope you can join us for our first “Managing for Impact: 2-Day Health Center Manager Training (In-Person)” with April Lewis!  This is an intense and interactive 2-day training that will take place on April 2-3, 2026, at The Henry Center located in Lansing, MI.

Please note:  We welcome out-of-state health centers to join us as well!!

Day 1: Building Strong Foundations for Effective People Management
Time: 9:00 a.m. | 5:00 p.m.

This in-person training will provide managers with the essential skills to lead inclusive, high performing teams. Participants will deepen their understanding of people management principles by beginning with self-awareness, examining their identities and management styles, and how these influence team interactions. Managers will gain practical tools to build trust and authentic connections within diverse teams, and learn strategies to cultivate a sense of belonging in which all team members feel valued and empowered. The session then guides participants in leading with clarity and purpose by crafting a vision aligned with organizational strategic goals. Managers will explore practical methods for communicating this vision effectively, ensuring team buy-in, and engagement. Additionally, participants will learn best practices for establishing consistent communication through group and one-on-one interactions, creating environments where feedback is encouraged and difficult conversations are approached constructively. The session emphasizes building safe and brave
spaces that empower team members to reflect, learn from mistakes, and contribute to continuous improvement.

Learning Outcomes. Participants will be able to: 

• Explore self-awareness, including understanding one’s identity, dominant management styles, and the implications of managing diverse teams.
• Build trust, connection, and a sense of belonging within their teams.
• Visualize team success in alignment with organizational goals and communicate that vision effectively.
• Develop collaborative and supportive goal-setting processes.
• Establish regular communication cadences in group and one-on-one settings.
• Build a culture of feedback and engage in difficult conversations constructively.
• Create safe and brave spaces for reflection and growth.

Day 2: Developing People and Navigating Complexity
Time: 9:00 a.m. | 4:00 p.m.

This segment focuses on fostering team growth while equipping managers to handle the complex challenges inherent in FQHC environments. Participants will explore how to provide meaningful opportunities that empower team members to contribute in impactful ways and practice delivering consistent, timely feedback that balances support with accountability. Managers will learn to define personalized development plans addressing both short-term goals and long-term career growth, ensuring each team member can visualize organizational advancement. The segment also combines essential hiring practices to help managers attract, select, and onboard top candidates effectively and compliantly. Participants will learn advanced interviewing techniques, including behavioral questioning and open-ended probing, to reveal candidates’ skills, values, and alignment with the FQHC environment, as well as strategies for creating welcoming onboarding experiences that promote retention from day one. Finally, managers will gain insights into managing complex communication challenges, guiding teams through change, and resolving conflicts effectively. They will learn to recognize and adapt to diverse communication styles, fostering mutual understanding and respect. Day 2 introduces tools for addressing high-conflict situations with tact and professionalism, emphasizing de-escalation and collaborative problem-solving. Particularly relevant to FQHCs facing constant regulatory, operational, and community-driven changes, managers will learn strategies to support and reassure their teams during transitions.

Learning Outcomes. Participants will be able to:

• Provide team members with opportunities to grow and contribute in new, impactful ways.
• Deliver consistent, timely feedback that includes both support and accountability.
• Develop team members individually, focusing on short-term growth and long-term career development
• Use techniques to ensure job descriptions and interviews attract and identify the best candidates.
• Welcome new employees and set them up for success.
• Identify and adapt to diverse communication styles using empathy and flexibility.
• Develop conflict resolution techniques, prioritizing de-escalation and mutually beneficial solutions
• Lead teams through change by offering clear guidance and providing emotional and practical support.

Trainer | April Lewis, President and CEO of the A. Lewis Academy, Inc

April Lewis is a woman on a mission to improve the employee experience and develop leaders in organizations. As the President and CEO of the A. Lewis Academy, Inc., a coaching and consulting firm, she uses her extensive training and leadership background to transform organizations from the inside out through proven workplace wellness strategies. Her guiding principle is “Human first, Employee second.”

April’s passion for teaching professionals how to work well has led her to become a keynote speaker and consultant for Fortune 100 companies, organizations, and education institutions across the nation. She served as the Interim Chief Operating Officer of a healthcare system based in Maryland. Despite all of her accomplishments, April remains grounded and passionate about stress-free living. She is also a best-selling author and lover of tacos.

She served as a combat veteran in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Bright Star in Egypt. Her credentials include being a Certified D.I.S.C Facilitator, Certified Health Coach, Certified Executive Coach, and Certified Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner. April Lewis has truly earned the title of “Leadership and Wellbeing Energizer” and her approach to transformation is a reminder to always put people first.

Exhibitor and Sponsorship Opportunities – April 2-3, 2026

This training will have sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities available to showcase your organization. Space is very limited.

Set-up date/time: April 2, 2026 | between 8:00 – 9:00 am
Tear down date/time: April 3, 2026 | by 4:00 p.m.

Any questions on exhibiting or sponsoring can be sent to Barb Lincoln at [email protected].

Location

The Henry Center
3535 Forest Road
Lansing, MI 48910
Directions

Hotel accommodations

Candlewood Suites
3545 Forest Road
Lansing, MI 48910
Phone: 517-351-8181
Check-in: 3 pm | Check-out: 11 am

Hotel Rates:

• $104, plus tax – Studio suites

If you need to make a hotel reservation, we have a block of rooms reserved at the Candlewood Suites Hotel that is connected to The Henry Center. Reservations can be made by calling the hotel directly at 517-351-8181. Let them know you are attending the MPCA Manager Training. The discounted rates are available until March 11, 2026.

Registration Fee

• $500 | MPCA member organization only
• $575 | Non-member organizations

**Registration Fee Waiver Available

One of MPCA’s driving principles is collaboration, including bringing together member organizations to encourage sharing and learning. We establish registration costs for events to be as cost-effective as possible, but are always happy to waive a registration fee to support a member organization’s ability to participate in our events. We truly believe our events and the learning experiences member organizations have when they participate are better when we have as many people and perspectives participating as possible; please don’t hesitate to reach out to Amber DesGranges at [email protected] if cost is a barrier to participating in this event to request a registration fee waiver.

Questions?

Any questions regarding your registration can be sent to Barb Lincoln at [email protected]. Questions on agenda content can be directed to Anne Scott at a[email protected].