Products and Resources Catalog

  Emotional eating is a struggle that many of us have faced, particularly when feeling isolated, anxious, bored, empty, frustrated, or even excited. Access resources from this presentation by clicking DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Do you ever feel guilty for eating?   Do you ever feel anxious around food?   Do you ever feel a sense of a loss of control or impulsivity around food? Do you ever judge yourself for what you eat? Do you use food to cope, distract, or numb out?   Do you fear eating certain foods or label certain foods as good/bad?   Do you feel like you’re on a rollercoaster with your eating?   Do you feel like there is no way to trust your intuition and your body to guide your eating?   Do you have difficulty identifying your body’s hunger, fullness, and satiety cues?     If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’re in luck! We are offering an introduction to emotional eating on April 6, 2023, followed by a 4-week emotional eating program starting on April 13th, 2023.     Emotional eating is a struggle that many of us have faced, particularly when feeling isolated, anxious, bored, empty, frustrated, or even excited. Join Laura MacLachlan, registered psychotherapist, for an introduction to emotional eating.     This introduction will offer participants the knowledge and practical strategies needed to understand and conquer emotional eating and make peace with food. Laura will briefly demonstrate how participants can learn to change their relationship with food and how to listen to their bodies.     This introductory training is for anyone interested in learning more about emotional eating and the impact it can have on a person, personally and/or professionally. Participants will also have a chance to briefly review the curriculum for the ongoing 4-week course on emotional eating, that is being offered following the introductory training.     For more information and to register for the 4-week course, please visit: https://mhttcnetwork.org/centers/content/mountain-plains-mhttc  Trainer Laura MacLachlan, Psychotherapist, BSc., MCP, RP Laura MacLachlan is a registered psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.    She uses evidence-based interventions drawing from cognitive behaviour therapy, mindfulness, and intuitive eating, while liaising with other care providers to ensure a holistic approach to intervention.     She is passionate about working with individuals and families affected by mood and anxiety disorders, emotional eating, and relationship difficulties. In her work with clients who struggle with emotional eating, recovery involves addressing the many issues that contribute to it, such as shame, relationship problems, perfectionism, and past traumas.    When meeting first-time clients, Laura says, “I’m confident that together we can work to help equip you with the necessary tools to help you face and overcome the challenges you are facing. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or emotional eating, it is important that you know you don’t have to be alone in this journey.”  

  In this webinar, participants learned to leverage data to identify injustice and advance equity in school mental health, with a focus on groups experiencing marginalization. Event Description To access the slide deck and any other resources, please click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Schools are promising natural settings for service provision in the domain of youth mental health. Historically and contemporarily, schools are also frequently sites where societal inequities and oppression are replicated and perpetuated. With proper stewardship, data-based decision making within school contexts can advance equity in access and outcomes for youth. In this webinar, participants learned to leverage data to identify injustice and advance equity in school mental health, with a focus on groups experiencing marginalization. Specifically, tangible strategies to identifying disproportionality in access and outcomes will be shared. Participants had an opportunity to learn ways to tailor equitable data-based decision making to their settings and to communicate effectively about aligning mental health systems with socially just practices. Trainer Miranda Zahn, PhD, NCSP Miranda Zahn, PhD, NCSP, is an Assistant Professor of School Psychology at the University of South Dakota. She conducts research, training, and technical assistance in school-based mental health services. Specifically, Miranda focuses on social justice and the role of teachers in school supports for youth mental health. In addition, Miranda is a school psychologist and school mental health provider at Nebraska’s Educational Service Unit #1, where she provides direct services to youth as well as training and systems consultation.  

  Fostering culturally-responsive and safe school environments is critical to the success of students. Please review the following free resources to learn more about this topic.  Event Description To access the slide deck from this presentation, click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Join Casey Dupart as she leads a discussion on how to create inclusive, culturally responsive environments that foster diversity and promote collaboration.  Trainer Casey Dupart Casey Dupart is an accomplished K12 Administrator, School Psychologist, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Behavior Analyst (BCBA)  who has built a versatile career across K12 environments.  She has supported students across various settings living in Italy, Maryland, Texas, North Carolina, Utah, and Hawai’i. 

  This training will discuss the circular impact that mental health and substance abuse have on each other.  Event Description To access the slide deck used in this presentation, please click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording This 90-minute presentation provides in-depth information surrounding adolescent co-occurring disorders, including the presence and interaction of mental illness and substance use disorders. Attendees were taught how to recognize signs of these conditions and behavioral presentation, as well as the circular impact that mental health and substance abuse have on each other and various intervention strategies. Time was spent reviewing a case study to apply learning from this presentation to a real case. Learning Objectives Learn the signs and symptoms of common adolescent substance use disorders, including vaping, and mental health conditions  Identify risk and protective factors for mental illness, substance use, and co-occurring conditions  Discuss the circular impact that mental health and substance abuse have on each other  Learn behavioral identifiers for these conditions and discuss ways to increase protective factors  Trainer Emily Althoff, LPCC, LMAC Emily Althoff is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Licensed Master Addiction Counselor in North Dakota and the owner of Althoff Therapy Services PLLC. She holds a Master of Science degree in Counseling and a Master of Public Administration from University of Mary. She has worked with youth and families for over ten years. Emily has found her passion in working through caregivers to improve the lives of the youth she serves.  As a mother herself and having experienced substance abuse and mental illness within her family, Emily believes in providing the quality of service to her clients that she would want for her own family. Her personal self-care activities include playing at the park with her kids, lounging on the patio with her husband, cooking a super high-calorie breakfast, or binge-watching reality TV. 

  With the demands on educators and school staff reaching all-time-highs, burnout and demoralization are very real concerns. Learn more about it with the information from this webinar. Event Description To access resources from this training, please click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording This webinar enabled educators and school leaders to distinguish between burnout and demoralization. These distinctions are important in order to recognize the specific causes of teacher distress and to identify effective remedies. Drawing on her original research and the literature on educator wellbeing, Professor Santoro offered strategies individuals, communities, school leaders, and policy makers can utilize in supporting educators in their work. This training addressed the importance of mental health of educators.  Trainer Doris Santoro, EdD, BA Professor Santoro is a philosopher of education who conducts empirical research to study and theorize about the moral and ethical sources of teacher dissatisfaction and resistance. She is a teacher educator for pre-service and experienced practitioners, and examines how norms and values are communicated in professional communities. Professor Santoro is a Senior Associate Editor for the American Journal of Education.

  This is a part of our ongoing Workshop Wednesday learning series. You can find other Workshop Wednesday sessions by clicking here.  Event Description To access resources from this presentation, please click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Primary Care is often referred to as the de facto mental health system in the United States because most patients who are treated for a mental health disorder are treated there and not in a psychiatric facility. Co-occurring disorders, which include the existence of a mental health disorder and a substance use or alcohol use disorder, are very common and will be seen quite often in a primary care setting. This training discusses strategies for treating co-occurring disorders in primary care using an integrated behavioral health team approach. Trainer Robin Landwehr Robin is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) who holds a Master of Science degree in mental health counseling from Capella University, and a Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree from Arizona State University. She currently serves as the Integrated Care Director at a Federally Qualified Health Center, and has a small private practice.  During her career, Robin has been fortunate enough to be involved in numerous writing projects and trainings, practiced as part of a collaborative care team, and provided clinical supervision. Her experience as a clinical counselor includes assisting individuals struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, health behaviors, substance abuse, and other issues. She is a certified instructor in the Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) and Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) suicide prevention programs.

  We joined with NASHIA for this exciting two-part series on peer support best practices for those working and living with people who have a TBI. This is part of our ongoing Workshop Wednesday series.  Series Description  Join the Mountain Plains Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) and the National Association of State Head Injury Administrators (NASHIA) for this exciting two-part series on Peer Support best practices for providers and individuals working and living with people who have a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).     When experiencing a life-changing event such as a brain injury, peer support can be a key factor in moving through the recovery process. Individuals who have successfully navigated a similar journey can have an incredible impact on others who are struggling. Peer support can expand successful outcomes into the community and help with emotional, social, academic, and vocational success.     These presentations on best practices approach for providing brain injury-informed peer support will provide attendees with the following:     Session 1: Workshop Wednesday, 2/22/2023  • Background on the merits of brain injury-informed peer support.   • An overview of brain injury-specific peer support models.   To access resources from this presentation, please click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording   Session 2: Wednesday, 3/01/2023    • Strategies for integrating brain injury-informed practices into existing behavioral health peer support.   • Resources and tools To access resources from this presentation, please click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Trainers Judy Dettmer, Director of Strategic Partnerships, National Association of State Head Injury Administrators Click here to read Judy's bio.    Anastasia Edmonston, MS, CRC, Trainer and Consultant, National Association of State Head Injury Administrators Click here to read Anastasia's bio. 

  See each session below to access any resources available from this series.   Event Description This six-session training series provides education on the fundamentals of trauma and how it emerges within our public schools.  It will provide tools and perspectives on the complexities of becoming a trauma-informed school environment and will explore the logistical components of implementing best-practices on a systems-level for trauma-informed supports and protocols.    Sessions:   1. The Fundamentals of Trauma (1/9/23) To access the slide deck from this session, click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording 2. Embracing the Paradigm Shift (1/23/23)  To access the slide deck from this session, click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording 3. Key Elements of Trauma-Informed School Environments (1/30/23)  To access the slide deck from this session, click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Becoming a Trauma-Informed School Logistics Part 1 (2/6/23)  To access the slide deck from this session, click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Becoming a Trauma-Informed School: Logistics Part 2 (2/13/23)  To access the slide deck from this session, click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Developing Relevant Metrics for Measuring Progress in School-Based Trauma-Informed Practices (2/20/23)  To access the slide deck from this session, click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Learning Objectives Learn what Trauma is, what it looks like, and how to respond in a supportive way  Learning the key components of what it means to be “Trauma-Informed” within a host environment focused on academics  Identify logistical and operational elements of implementation of a trauma-informed approach to supporting public education  Developing relevant metrics for measuring progress and success in School-Based Trauma-Informed practices.  Trainer Tamera Ford, LCSW Tamera J. Ford, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) holds 15+ years of experience providing mental health therapy and case management in a multitude of settings; residential treatment, school-based health centers, outpatient mental health, primary health care, and early intervention (Head Start children and families ages 0-5).  In addition to her training in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) and Synergetic Play Therapy™, Tamera has advanced standing as a student of Peter Levine’s Somatic Experiencing® approach for trauma resolution and currently provides trauma therapy in her private practice located in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.  Formerly a teacher (K-12) and more recently a Lean Process Improvement Practitioner, Tamera's passion is in offering support and guidance to individuals, groups and organizations personally and professionally.

  Going to school each day for students, staff, and faculty is not how it used to be. With school violence increasing, being trauma-informed is crucial. To access the slide deck used in this presentation, please click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Event Description Paint the picture of what hardening of schools is looking like, school active shooter drills, metal detectors, clear back packs, school security officers etc. How do we soften the hardening? We do this by training our teachers and adults in schools to understand trauma-informed approaches, social-emotional learning, restorative practices, and culturally competent practices. This research talk will discuss two decades of research on bullying and other forms of youth violence. Meta-analytic results will be highlighted to demonstrate efficacy of school-based programs and their components. Innovative efforts to address bullying, sexual violence, and school violence will also be highlighted. These innovative efforts involve developing apps for students to communicate both emotional and physical safety concerns, youth-led student campaigns to address mental health issues and school climate concerns, and professional development training programs for school police officers. Trainer Dorothy Espelage, PhD Dorothy L. Espelage, Ph.D., is the William C. Friday Distinguished Professor of Education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Espelage’s research focuses on translating empirical findings into prevention and intervention programming. She is the recipient of the APA Lifetime Achievement Award in Prevention Science & the 2016 APA Award for Distinguished Contributions to Research in Public Policy, and is a Fellow of APS, APA, and AERA. She is an elected member of the National Academy of Education. She has authored over 300 peer-reviewed articles, 80 book chapters on bullying, homophobic teasing, sexual harassment, dating violence, & gang violence.   https://ed.unc.edu/people/dorothy-espelage/   Twitter: DrDotEspelage 

  Bipolar affective disorder can be a monumental thing to learn to cope with. During this one-time training, learn how certain tools and practices can help. Event Description Bipolar affective disorder is often misdiagnosed, adding to the burden on individuals, families and society.  This presentation will include criteria for diagnosis, common differential diagnoses, as well as medication and non-medication therapies.  A common screening tool will also be reviewed.    To view the slide deck from this presentation, please click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording   Trainer Andrew McLean, M.D.  Dr. McLean is Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He obtained his medical degree from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine, completed a psychiatry residency at the University of Wisconsin and an M.P.H. degree from the University of Minnesota. He has been recognized as a UND School of Medicine Distinguished Alumnus, has received the American Psychiatric Association Bruno Lima award for outstanding contributions to Disaster Psychiatry, and has been conferred with numerous teaching excellence awards. Dr. McLean previously was the Medical Director of the ND Department of Human Services. He has served on numerous clinical, administrative and regulatory boards including medical licensing and professional health programs. He has lectured internationally on pertinent behavioral and public health issues. Dr. McLean has a particular interest in collaborative models of care. He also is interested in individual and community resilience.  

  For individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, technology can provide greater independence and increased choice. Series Description Technology is a tool that we all use to navigate our schedules and homes and allows us access to information- this is not innovative – it is a way of life that many people take for granted. For others, such as people living with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities it can be a vehicle that can provide greater independence and increased choice. This new series of 6 bi-weekly micro- trainings will focus on how existing technology can be used to help providers working with this community balance their workload more effectively while creating solutions for people living with IDD. This is a hands-on training that will demonstrate how to teach individuals living with IDD how to use mainstream technology to support individualized needs. Participants are encouraged to bring real-life examples of current needs (including their current technology).  The dates and topics for the training are as follows:    October 6, 2022 –  Managing Users – Individual User Solutions  To access slide deck, click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording October 20, 2022 – Accessibility Options using an Android Smartphone  To access slide deck, click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording November 10, 2022 – Accessibility Options using an iPhone Smartphone To access slide deck, click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording January 5, 2023 – Around the House – Part 1  Slide deck coming soon! CLICK HERE to view the recording January 19, 2023 – Around the House – Part 2  Slide deck coming soon! CLICK HERE to view the recording Trainer Laurie Dale, Consultant, Personal Technology Solutions Ms. Dale is a nationally recognized speaker and consultant with over 30 years of experience on how-to-use technology to support and empower persons with disabilities.  Her company, Personal Technology Solutions, provides support for initiatives and projects to improve access to technologies for persons with disabilities including hands-on training. 

  This 4-part learning series goes over cultural formulation within different categories and offers strategies to implement.  Session 1: The Value of Person-Centered Cultural Assessment in Clinical Practice (November 10, 2022)  This presentation will describe the role of culture in the experience of and presentation of mental health problems by individuals seeking care and in assessments and treatments offered by providers. The value of a person-centered cultural assessment will be presented, focusing on cultural concepts of distress, social determinants of mental health, and treatment planning and engagement. The Cultural Formulation Interview will be introduced, a standardized method for person-centered assessment that appeared in DSM-5.    Roberto Lewis-Fernadez, MD  Roberto Lewis-Fernández MD is a Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Columbia University; at New York State Psychiatric Institute, he is Director of the NYS Center of Excellence for Cultural Competence, Director of the Hispanic Treatment Program, and Research Area Leader for Anxiety, Mood, Eating, and Related Disorders. His research develops culturally congruent interventions and instruments to enhance patient engagement, reduce misdiagnosis, and help overcome disparities in the care of underserved cultural groups. He led the development of the DSM-5 Cultural Formulation Interview, a standardized cultural assessment protocol, and was the Principal Investigator (PI) of its international field trial. He has been PI or co-Investigator of 27 National Institutes of Health-funded studies and other research, and published over 225 articles, chapters, and books on culture-related topics in mental health. He is immediate past president of the World Association of Cultural Psychiatry, president-elect of the American Psychopathological Association, chair of the Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry Cultural Committee, and chair of the DSM Review Committee for Internalizing Disorders.  He was chair of the DSM-5-TR Culture-Related Issues Review Committee as well as co-chair of the DSM-5-TR Work Group on Ethnoracial Equity and Inclusion and the ICD-11 Working Group on Culture-Related Issues.   To access resources from this session, click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Session 2: Personalized Cultural Assessment through the Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) (November 17, 2022)  This presentation introduces clinicians from all professional backgrounds to the concept of person-centered care and how the Cultural Formulation Interview can help them completed a personalized cultural assessment. It defines person-centered care. It goes through the underlying theories of the CFI to show how a person-centered assessment avoids stereotyping patients or assuming that group traits are valid for the person in front of us. It closes by showing how information elicited through the CFI can be used to personalize diagnostic assessment and treatment planning.    Neil Krishan Aggarwal  Dr. Neil Krishan Aggarwal is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Columbia University and Research Psychiatrist at the New York State Psychiatric Institute. He has been a consultant to the DSM-5 Cross-Cultural Issues Subgroup for over a decade and managed the international field trial for the CFI that took place in 6 countries and enrolled 75 clinicians with 321 patients. His work on the CFI has been funded through the American Psychiatric Association, National Institute of Mental Health, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.   To access resources from this session, click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Session 3: Cultural and Linguistic Considerations in Person-Centered Care in Rural and Indigenous Latino Communities (December 8th, 2022)    Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola, MD, PhD To access resources from this session, click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Session 4: Cultural Formulation Interviews in American Indian Communities (December 15, 2022) This presentation will provide attendees information to help contextualize assessment and diagnosis in American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities in a way that honors and respects the culture of AI/AN populations.   Maria Brave Heart Dr. Brave Heart, Hunkpapa and Oglala Lakota, is Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Director of Native American and Disparities Research in the University of New Mexico's Division of Community Behavioral Health. Previously, Brave Heart was on the faculty at Columbia University School of Social Work and was a research team member with the Hispanic Treatment Program of New York State Psychiatric Institute/Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. She was also on faculty at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work. Dr. Brave Heart has dedicated her research and work to address historical trauma and multicultural, diversity, equity and racial issues; specifically, how systemic racism impacts mental health in American Indian (AI) communities.     Deidre Yellowhair Dr. Yellowhair, Diné/Navajo (she/her/hers) is currently a Clinical Psychology Post-Doctoral Fellow at the University of New Mexico (UNM) with a clinical rotation in the Pueblo of San Felipe. Dr. Yellowhair also serves as the Project Director for the TRIBES Grant through the Department of Community Behavioral Health at UNM. Dr. Yellowhair graduated from Western Michigan University with a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and completed her pre-doctoral training at UNM. She also received her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University and bachelor degrees in Psychology and English from Fort Lewis College. Originally from Arizona, she has dedicated her research and studies to addressing historical trauma and multicultural, diversity, equity and racial issues. Her current focus is further training and being mentored in how systemic racism impacts mental health in American Indian (AI) communities and learning how to intervene with grants, advocacy and policy.    To access resources from this session, click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording

  What if, when struggling, your instinct was to motivate and encourage yourself rather than blame and criticize? To access resources from this session, click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Event Description We can all be our harshest critics sometimes, so, in this workshop, Christina Ruggerio, RP, our Mindful Monday trainer, will introduce participants to one of their lesser-known motivators: self-compassion.    Participants will learn how developing a strong sense of self-compassion will benefit them and deepen their resilience during challenging moments. In addition to a brief lecture/discussion, participants will have the opportunity to engage in experiential exercises that will help them start engaging with and building their own skill of self-compassion immediately.    Join us for this valuable Workshop Wednesday training and give yourself the gift of a regular practice of self-compassion this holiday season.  By the end of this workshop participants will:    Understand what self-compassion is as well as the benefits of practicing it regularly.    Recognize when their inner critic is present, and consciously shift into a response of self-compassion.    Take away exercises to practice outside of the workshop and build on the skill of self-compassion.      This workshop is draws from information and research done by the founder of self-compassion practice, Kristin Neff. Trainer Christina Ruggerio, RP

  Anxiety can be present in all of us, but, for some, it can be a daunting hurdle to overcome each and every day. Event Description Access resources used in this presentation by clicking DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders appear to be increasing.  This presentation will review the commonalities and differences between “anxiety” and “anxiety disorders,” and provide an overview of evidence-based practices related to diagnosis and treatment.  Trainer Andrew McLean Dr. McLean is Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He obtained his medical degree from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine, completed a psychiatry residency at the University of Wisconsin and an M.P.H. degree from the University of Minnesota. He has been recognized as a UND School of Medicine Distinguished Alumnus, has received the American Psychiatric Association Bruno Lima award for outstanding contributions to Disaster Psychiatry, and has been conferred with numerous teaching excellence awards. Dr. McLean previously was the Medical Director of the ND Department of Human Services. He has served on numerous clinical, administrative and regulatory boards including medical licensing and professional health programs. He has lectured internationally on pertinent behavioral and public health issues. Dr. McLean has a particular interest in collaborative models of care. He also is interested in individual and community resilience.

  This was the October session of our ongoing Workshop Wednesday series.  To access the slide deck used in this presentation, click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Event Description This training will provide participants with information on domestic violence dynamics and the intersection of behavioral health. The trainer will walk through tactics used in domestic violence relationships that are also often both warnings signs and barriers to leaving the abusive relationship. Additionally, the impact from this type of relationship on one’s mental health and the trauma that may linger will also be briefly discussed. Upon completion of the training, providers will be able to identify warnings signs of domestic violence, list ways to support survivors, and uncover community resources. Trainer Brittany Love, M.A. Brittany oversees a program that reaches more than 7,500 youth, adults, and professionals annually as director of prevention and education for the Community Violence Intervention Center (CVIC) in Grand Forks, N.D. She coordinates implementation of evidence-based violence prevention and healthy relationship education in 16 Grand Forks County schools and at the University of North Dakota, the state’s flagship university, as well as the Green Dot bystander intervention program. In addition, she and her team provide trainings to professionals on domestic/sexual violence, childhood exposure to violence and trauma-informed practices that are based on latest research and best practice. Brittany has presented locally and nationally about CVIC’s program success and the importance of prevention education in the organization’s initiative to end violence in two generations. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree in sociology from the University of North Dakota and has eight years of experience in the social justice field as a presenter/educator.

  This series helps participants to practice mindfulness-based exercises, led by a facilitator. Event Description This series will expand on the evidence-based practices that have been introduced in prior series. Participants will have the opportunity to review and practice mindfulness-based exercises, led by a facilitator. Each month will feature a mindfulness theme with supportive practices. Participants can register for and attend any number of sessions. The same link will be used for all sessions.  Week 1- Meditation for Monkey-Mind To access slide deck, please click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Week 2- Breathing & Visualization Techniques 1 To access slide deck, please click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Week 3- Breathing & Visualization Techniques 2 To access slide deck, please click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Week 4- Creative Mindfulness Through Art 1 To access slide deck, please click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Week 5- Creative Mindfulness Through Art 2 To access slide deck, please click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Week 6- Somatic Experiences 1 To access slide deck, please click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Week 7- Somatic Experiences 2 To access slide deck, please click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Week 8- Self-Compassion To access slide deck, please click DOWNLOAD above Recording coming soon! Trainer Christina Ruggerio, Masters of Counseling Psychology, Registered Psychoterapist

  Many believe that technology can help address the behavioral health workforce crisis. Learn how by viewing these resources.  This is the November session from our ongoing Workshop Wednesday series. To access slide deck, click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Event Description During COVID-19, many providers found themselves forced to use technology to be able to meet their client’s needs while addressing the pandemic’s unique restrictions.    Many organizations, including the American Medical Association (AMA), now believe that technology can help address the behavioral health workforce crisis.    Technology has opened a new frontier in mental health support and data collection. Mobile devices like cell phones, smartphones, and tablets are giving the public, providers, doctors, and researchers new ways to access help, monitor progress, and increase understanding of mental well-being.    Join us for November’s Workshop Wednesday as Laurie Dale, a nationally known technology expert, working in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities, explains how to utilize off-the-shelf technology to affordably support direct care staff and people with disabilities. This presentation will focus on how small to mid-size agencies can take advantage of off-the-shelf technology to assist management in developing efficient strategies that support staff with routine duties and their remote support interactions.  Trainer Laurie Dale, Consultant, Personal Technology Solutions Ms. Dale is a nationally recognized speaker and consultant with over 30 years of experience in how-to-use technology to support and empower persons with disabilities.  Her company, Personal Technology Solutions, provides support for initiatives and projects to improve access to technologies for persons with disabilities including hands-on training. 

  The Healing Our Protectors: Building Resilience Among Tribal Law Enforcement Officers Through Cultural Interventions toolkit can be accessed by clicking here.  Access resources from this presentation by clicking DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Event Description Healing Our Protectors: Building Resilience Among Tribal Law Enforcement Officers Through Cultural Interventions is a resource intended to assist behavioral health providers in gaining a greater understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among law enforcement officer, especially those working in and with tribal communities. It provides suggestions for a culturally responsive approach to treatment using the medicine wheel and offers concrete exercises. It is also a tool for law enforcement supervisors and administrators who wish to gain a greater understanding of the unique needs of Indigenous law enforcement officers who are dealing with a host of job-related challenges and stressors.   Trainer LaVonne Fox, PhD, OTR/L LaVonne Fox, PhD, OTR/L- She currently is employed at the Turtle Mountain Community College in Belcourt, ND and recently accepted the position of Vice President of Academic Affairs. LaVonne was born and raised on the Turtle Mountain Chippewa reservation. She has considerable experience researching Indigenous Youth programs for positive mental health and wellness connected to identity. She is currently developing a Master in Education Program that focuses on decolonization/deconstructing the educational system and embedding indigenous values and beliefs. was an associate professor at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND, in the Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine and Health Sciences for 26 years until December 31, 2019.  

  What is cyberbullying and how is it impacting the mental health of members of your community? To view the resources used in this presentation, click DOWNLOAD above Click here to view the recording Event Description Cyberbullying - intentional harm to a target using digital technologies - is a world-wide problem that has both immediate and long-term psychosocial consequences for perpetrators, targets, and witnesses. This presentation will consider what motivates some persons to engage in cyberbullying, what makes it so harmful, and what schools can do to prevent this behavior and intervene when it occurs. The way this phenomenon impacts rural schools will be emphasized. Trainer Sheri Bauman, Ph.D. Dr. Sheri Bauman is a professor emerita of counseling at the University of Arizona.  She earned her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from New Mexico State University in 1999. Before then, she worked in K-12 schools for 30 years, as a teacher and school counselor. In those roles she was passionate about student well-being and worked to support students who struggled academically, personally or socially. Dr. Bauman conducts research on peer victimization including bullying, cyberbullying, is currently co-PI on a funded project to study the effects of teacher practices on peer victimization and defending behaviors. She is a frequent presenter on these topics at local, state, national, and international conferences. She is the sole author/editor or first author of six books, third author of another book, has over 65 publications in peer-reviewed journals, 32 book chapters, three training dvds, and numerous publications in non-scholarly outlets. She is the former editor of the Journal for Specialists in Group Work and has co-edited three special issues related to bullying and cyberbullying. Dr. Bauman is currently on the editorial board of two scholarly journals. She was honored with the Eminent Career Award from the Association for Specialists in Group Work in 2018.  She has been the recipient of two research grants from the National Science Foundation. She is on the board of trustees of DitchtheLabel.org, an anti-bullying charity based in the UK, and serves as their research consultant.

  Depression can affect anyone, anywhere, and at any time. This presentation will determine effective strategies to assess for depression and how to move forward from that point.  To access the slide deck for this presentation, please click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Event Description This presentation will provide an introduction to the assessment and treatment of depression. It will include general information about depression and associated diagnoses, common signs and symptoms across the lifespan, and tools to help providers with assessment and risk management. The presentation will also outline current treatment options for depression, including review of brief interventions and skills that can be taught to patients.   Trainer Lauren Hoffman, Psy.D. Lauren Hoffman, Psy.D., is an assistant professor of medical psychology in the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and clinical psychologist at the Columbia University Clinic for Anxiety and Related Disorders (CUCARD). Dr. Hoffman specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, and depressive disorders in children, adolescents, and young adults. Her research has examined parent-child agreement on treatment goals, the relationship between bullying and emotional distress, and the development of novel technology, such as virtual reality, to improve access to care for young adults with anxiety.     Dr. Hoffman received her B.A. with honors in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. She received her doctorate in clinical psychology from the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology at Rutgers University. Dr. Hoffman completed her predoctoral clinical internship at NYU Child Study Center/Bellevue Hospital Center, where she worked in outpatient, emergency department, partial hospital, and inpatient settings.

  Series Description This series of four 60-minute interactive workshops is designed to support educators and mental health professionals recognize and redress patterns of bias and inequity in their institutions, their peer networks, and themselves.  Implicit bias refers to the attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner (Kirwan Institute). While our brains rely on implicit processes to move efficiently throughout the world, when biases are formed through inaccurate information (such as stereotypes and outcomes of systemic oppression), these biases can be harmful barriers to establishing equal opportunities and a sense of belonging for every student. We cannot take lightly the role of implicit bias in our schools. Even among students with high standardized test scores, Black students are less likely to be assigned to gifted services in both math and reading, a pattern that persists when controlling for other background factors. Furthermore, Black children are 40% more likely to be referred for special education services than their White peers (Gordon 2017). The model minority stereotype for Asian American students leads to treatment of them as “foreigners” regardless of their upbringing, lack of support when they might need it because of assumptions around high-achievement, and marginalization leading to higher rates of depression and anxiety (Lee, 2015). According to the U.S. Department of Education, in 2017, Hispanic students represented 25% of the total school population in the US but accounted for 23% of referrals to law enforcement, Black students represented 16% of the population yet accounted for 25% of referrals to law enforcement, and this disproportionality is perhaps most punctuated by Native students who comprised 1% of the population but were referred to law enforcement at double that amount. This begins a chain reaction pushing kids into the school-to-prison pipeline, impacting their lives well beyond high school. Thus we see example after example where implicit biases, though harbored deep inside our subconscious, have the power to cause a great deal of harm to communities who are already disenfranchised.  Fortunately, there are many educators clamoring to address this issue in themselves, their peers, and their organizations, and there is a lot of evidence that implicit biases can be unlearned gradually through debiasing techniques (Staats & Patton, 2013). This learning series is designed for anyone working in the education field, and will cover the conceptual foundations of implicit bias as well as turnkey strategies for participants to unpack the layers in which we are affected by bias and the outcomes of systemic oppression, how these factors can cause us to unintentionally act in ways that contradict our values of inclusion, how to recognize and mitigate these biases in ourselves, and how to redress biases we identify in others or within our organizations.     Session 1: Role of Bias in Education Disparities (October 5, 2022) Access the slide deck by clicking DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording   Session 2: Recognizing and Redressing Implicit Bias (October 12, 2022) Access the slide deck by clicking DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording   Session 3: Impact Over Intention: Addressing Microaggressions in School (October 19, 2022) Access the slide deck by clicking DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording   Session 4: From Theory to Praxis: Exploring Real World Scenarios (October 26, 2022)  Access the slide deck by clicking DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording   Learning Objectives ● Enhance awareness of identity, culture, beliefs, and biases  ● Understand the relationship of systemic inequity, implicit bias, microaggressions, and  impact on students and families  ● Develop a plan to combat implicit bias, and systemic inequity in my school and community  ● Identify practical, turnkey strategies to implement beyond the session  Trainer Rana Razzaque Dr. Rana Razzaque’s commitment to improving opportunity, access, and inclusion for all children has driven her educational and professional journey. This commitment has deepened over time due to her own lived experiences and the continuous learning she seeks out on a variety of topics related to equity and inclusion, the persistent disparities for marginalized communities, and the deep need to build understanding and empathy through courageous conversations with people from multiple perspectives. Rana was born in Bangladesh, raised in Maryland, spent her adolescence in Texas, and spent a couple of years in Arizona before moving to Denver in 2011. In the warmer months, you might find Rana hiking with her husband Rob and her dog Eeyore. She also loves reading (especially fiction and poetry), trying out new recipes to cook, going to concerts, boxing, and indoor rock climbing (even though she is afraid of heights).     Rana received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in English Literature from the University of Texas at Austin and Arizona State University, respectively, and focused her thesis research on the impact of literary influence on colonizing South Asia in the 17th century. In 2017, she earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Denver and focused her dissertation research on how mindfulness influences the culturally responsive practices of educators. Rana has served as Social Emotional Learning Partner in Denver Public Schools, Program Development Coordinator with Sources of Strength, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist at Jeffco Public Schools, and is now the Director of Opportunity, Access, and Inclusion at Englewood Schools in Colorado. Her work intersects culturally responsive and sustaining practices with social-emotional learning and transformative educational leadership. Rana’s mission is to ensure that youth and educators have an intentional focus on honoring diverse cultures and identities, utilizing challenges as opportunities to build resilience, and holistically supporting themselves and others to equitably reach their highest potential. 

  This presentation provides an introduction to the assessment and treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Access slide deck used during this presentation by clicking DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Event Description It will include general information about the diagnosis, common symptoms that parents may raise during office visits, and tools to help providers with diagnosis. The session will also outline the current gold-standard treatment options, with particular focus on the behavioral strategies that are effective in treating symptoms of ADHD. Trainer Andrea Temkin-Yu, Psy.D. Andrea Temkin-Yu, Psy.D., is an Attending Psychologist and Assistant Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine. She is a licensed psychologist with expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety, depression, attention-deficit, and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and related conditions. She offers individual and group therapy for children, teens, and young adults. She is a certified therapist in Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and offers therapy and groups for parents of youth exhibiting mood or behavioral difficulties. Dr. Temkin-Yu is a member of the Youth Anxiety Center at Weill Cornell Medicine where she participates in clinical care and research focused on youth and young adult populations. Her research has centered on ways to improve accessibility of services provided to parents and families, as well as the use of evidence-based practices across disorders.

  Bullying is now recognized as a significant issue for youths, schools, and communities.  To access the slide deck used in this presentation, click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Event Description This webinar will describe the forms of bullying (physical, verbal, relational, and cyber) and the factors that contribute to it. Participants will learn about the short- and long-term impact of bullying on the mental health of perpetrators, targets, and bystanders. The webinar will also identify protective factors that can prevent bullying and buffer youths from its adverse impact.   Trainer Amanda Nickerson, Ph.D., NCSP       Amanda Nickerson, Ph.D., NCSP, is a professor of school psychology and director of the Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention at the University at Buffalo, the State University of New York. Her research focuses on school crisis prevention and intervention (with an emphasis on school violence and bullying), and the critical role of family, peers, and schools in preventing violence and building social-emotional strengths of youth.

  A free, three-part series addressing suicide prevention, response, postvention, and safety planning.  Responding to mental health crises and the risk of suicide in a school setting presents unique challenges and considerations for mental health practitioners, educators, and parents. Suicidal thoughts do not discriminate and can affect anyone. Suicide rates have been continuously rising since 2007 and are now ranked as the 10th leading cause of death in 2017 for all age ranges and ranked second among youth ages 10-24 (Ivey-Stephenson et al., 2020). During this free, three-part series, we will address suicide prevention awareness; school-appropriate response and screening referral practices for youth experiencing suicidal ideation and/or intent; postvention as well as supports and safety planning after the child returns to school.     Session 1: Suicidal Awareness in the School Setting (September 12, 2022)  Access the slide deck by clicking DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording   Session 2: School-Appropriate Response and Screening Practices (September 19, 2022)  Access the slide deck by clicking DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording   Session 3: School Supports, Safety Planning (September 26, 2022)  Access the slide deck by clicking DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Trainer Erin Briley, M.S., NCSP                   Erin Briley is the School Mental Health Coordinator for the Mountain Plains Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network (MHTTC) and a Technical Assistant Associate for WICHE’s Behavioral Health Program.  As the school mental health lead, her work focuses on providing intensive technical assistance, resources, and training school staff to support school-based mental health. As a Technical Assistant Associate, her work is primarily focused on assisting in creating and implementing Psychology Internship Consortiums in rural western states. Ms. Briley has over 20 years of experience working in the schools, serving primarily as a school psychologist for school districts in California, Hawaii, and Colorado while providing direct and indirect supports for children ages 3 through 22 of all developmental levels. Ms. Briley has also served temporarily as a special education and a School Based Behavioral Health program administrator and trained and supervised paraprofessionals providing individualized supports to children with special needs. Ms. Briley has extensive experience with psycho-educational evaluations, classroom, and individual behavioral management, conducting Functional Behavioral Assessments, creating Behavioral Support Plans, special education legal mandates, and rights related to IDEA and Section 504, and learning needs accommodations to support. Ms. Briley earned her Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Studies at Colorado State University, her Master’s in Counseling/School Psychology and a Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis at California State University Los Angeles and is working on her PhD (ABD) in Clinical Psychology; she is also a Nationally Certified School Psychologist.