Welcome to the Texas Assisted Living Association (TALA)

The Texas Assisted Living Association (TALA) is member driven non-profit dedicated to advancing the Assisted Living industry primarily through advocacy, education, and workforce development. To learn more, go to about TALA.

Workforce Development Summit

TALABook: A Professional Book Club Featuring #tala2025 Keynote Speaker Pete Smith

Join TALA 2025 Keynote Speaker Pete Smith for this TALABook event featuring his book Dare to Matter: Choosing an Unstick and Unapologetic Life of Significance. Pete reveals the findings of his self-described "obsession" with what it takes to live a life of significance. Interviewing and studying the lives of those who are making a difference in the word today - including stories from people you may or may not know - and sharing lessons learned from his own near-death experience, Smith answers the question that burns deep within us all: how will I know I mattered? Purchase and read the book on your own or just join for some insightful conversation with Pete. Register now!

TALAHour Friday June 27th with Renovia

A virtual event covering how to execute a seamless repainting process with minimal disruption to residents and staff. It will explore aspects of planning such as the scope of work, phasing to minimize community disruption, safety considerations, resident and staff communication, design and aesthetics, choosing the right contractor, and post-project completion details for longevity. Scan the QR code or click here to register now!

Out and About with TALA

See what TALA has been up to recently on behalf of Texas Assisted Living.

TALA held the first meeting of Operation Serving Seniors and presented to a class of National Guard men and women at the Rankin Armory in Houston. Operation Serving Seniors aims to attract service members, veterans, and their families to a career in Assisted Living.

TALA's recent in-person AL Manager course had a full house. Course participant Kim raved that it was "an awesome educational experience!" Thank you to host community The Landing at Augusta Woods in Spring for having us and for providing lunch.

TALA’s President & CEO Diana Martinez pictured with TALA
Board President Greg Roderick, President& CEO, Frontier Senior Living.

2024 TALA Heroes represent the pinnacle of service and care in Texas Assisted Living. It is the highlight of the Annual Conference and Industry Expo to honor these peer-nominated heroes.

TALA’s VP of Public Policy Carmen Tilton testifies before the HHSC Executive Counsel.

TALA’s VP of Public Policy Carmen Tilton and President & CEO Diana Martinez in front of the National Capitol at Argentum’s Public Policy Institute.

TALA’s VP of Public Policy Carmen Tilton and President & CEO Diana Martinez with Peggy White from Accushield at Argentum’s Public Policy Institute.

TALA President & CEO Diana Martinez pictured with presidents and leaders of other state associations at Argentum’s Senior Living Executive Conference.

TALA’s President & CEO Diana Martinez and TALA Board Member Kendal Nelson from Sagora Senior Living.

The Texas contingent at Argentum’s Public Policy Institute. Pictured l-r: Rich Kortum (KARE), Kendal Nelson (TALA Board Member, Sagora Senior Living), TALA’s Carmen and Diana, Joe Walter (Lifewell Senior Living) and Tana Gall (Merrill Gardens).

TALA President & CEO Diana Martinez pictured with President & CEO of LeadingAge Colorado Laura Landwirth and CALA President & CEO Sally Michael at Argentum’s Senior Living Executive Conference.

TALA’s Workforce Development Advisor Rose Saenz and President & CEO Diana Martinez attend a session at Argentum’s Senior Living Executive Conference.

TALA President & CEO Diana Martinez speaks on a panel at Argentum’s Senior Living Executive Conference with pictured l-r: Sally Michael CALA President & CEO, Melissa Holland President & CEO of Oklahoma Senior Living Association, and Sharla Aloisio, President & CEO, Mississippi-Louisiana Assisted Living Association.

TALA’s President & CEO Diana Martinez with
Atria CEO Holly Belter-Chesser at Argentum’s Senior Living Executive Conference.

TALA's VP of Public Policy Carmen Tilton, Emergency Management Operations Coordinator for Special Populations for Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council (SETRAC) Fidel Calvill, and TALA President & CEO Diana Martinez met with SETRAC leadership to discuss Hurricane Beryl response and strategies moving forward for improving communication and coordination. TALA looks forward to building upon this partnership, which will be very beneficial to TALA members.

As of summer 2024, TALA has moved to a new office location more central within Austin.

TALA's VP of Public Policy Carmen Tilton attends the Quality in Long-Term Care Conference, put on annually by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, the regulating body for Texas Assisted Living.

TALA participates in an Energy Innovation Forum "Safeguarding Texans: Securing the Grid from Extreme Weather & Cyber Attacks" hosted by Powerhouse Texas, a group dedicated to creating a more resilient and sustainable energy future for Texas.

TALA's VP of Public Policy Carmen Tilton is at the Texas Capitol many times a month - if not weekly - even before the Texas Legislature is in session. As the 2025 89th session approaches - starting January 14, 2025 - she'll be there even more speaking up about the importance of Texas Assisted Living.

TALA's VP of Public Policy Carmen Tilton participates in an Austin Energy Plan 2035 workshop on energy reliability and resiliency, including how duration of power outages impacts potentially vulnerable populations.

TALA attends a stakeholder discussion for Austin Energy's Generation Plan 2035, a guiding document for the future of Austin Energy. TALA was invited because of our lead at the Texas Capitol regarding the impact of electricity reliability and rates on senior living communities.

TALA President and CEO Diana Martinez attends the Argentum Women in Leadership Fall Forum for women in senior living leadership positions. The forum included motivational speakers, best practice sharing, addressing industry challenges, and tackling personal and professional obstacles. Diana participated both as a Texas leader and an Argentum board member.

At TALA's most recent AL Manager course in September, attendees work together in groups to brainstorm approaches to different situations. Thank you to all that attended and thank you to host community The Haven & Laurels in Stone Oak, in San Antonio.