03/30/2026

The Road Ahead: Regulatory Shifts Impacting Ohio RCFs

Speaker: Melissa Shanmugam

Title: The Road Ahead: Regulatory Shifts Impacting Ohio RCFs

Bio: Melissa Shanmugam is the Executive Director of the Ohio Assisted Living Association. She has a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a minor in Nursing Management from Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Melissa has a National Wound Care Certification from the nationally accredited Wound Care Institute, as well as a certification in Executive Assisted Living. She also holds the Train-the-Trainer Certification as an instructor for the DD Certified Medication Aide training.

Melissa has been working in the nursing industry since 2004 in the Greater Columbus area. Her background includes: surgical nursing, skilled nursing, behavioral health with adolescents, and the geriatric population. Melissa has worked in the Assisted Living industry since 2014 in roles such as Nursing Director and Operations Director.

Previously, Melissa worked with agencies supporting the DD population as the Director of Nursing and Operations Manager with Absolute Care.

 

Co-Speaker: Tina Higgins

Title: The Road Ahead: Regulatory Shifts Impacting Ohio RCFs

Bio: Tina Higgins is the Director of Regulatory and Compliance at OALA. Tina is a seasoned operations and sales leader with over 25 years of experience in senior housing, property management, and national account management. She has a proven history of driving operational excellence and ensuring regulatory compliance across Assisted Living, memory care, and independent living communities.

Known for her strong leadership, financial acumen, and commitment to mentoring others, Tina consistently delivers results that enhance both resident satisfaction and business performance.

Tina attended Southern State Community College in 1984 and graduated as an LPN.